New Laptop

[Beeee]

Morning all,

I plan to buy a new laptop and totally overwhelmed by make, processor etc. so I thought I would ask for some advice.

I think the processor does the work and the speed. The amount of RAM determines how much data the laptop work on at any one time.

Is that correct?

I tend to use my laptop when working from home which requires access to work accounts.
Plus the usual storage of photos, music etc. and internet use.

I would prefer function speed in preference to data storage.

I am looking for a 15inch screen so I can see what I'm doing!

Can anyone suggest which make/model is best, or which type of processor/RAM I should go for?

All help and advice is appreciated

[CrapAtCryptics]

Get the best machine you can afford - an i5 or i7 processor, at least 8gb of Ram, Win 10 Pro, a hard disk of either 500gb or 1 TB. Dont go for Lenovo as they tend to be flimsy and poorly constructed. If you settle on one publish the spec here and we can advise on its quality. If its not to expensive examine the extended warranty options.

[Old_Geezer]

Not quiet as simple as you describe. Data needs storing and if you have a lack of RAM memory then the computer slows as the processor has to waste time moving data to and from the limited memory and the hard drive. As a general rule, adding more RAM memory is the easiest and cheapest way to speed things up. Go for as much as you can afford, after you decide on a brand/model/etc..

[bhg481]

You can always add RAM after you've bought the machine; it doesn't usually invalidate the warranty. It's easy to do.

[RobNorth]

Items often overlooked in favour of more nerdy stuff are the keyboard and screen.....look at the "Which" results, because they tend to do real life trials.

[hc4361]

Unless you are using the laptop for resource hungry games or video editing then you don't need a top end machine.
As you will be using it at home you don't need to consider weight or battery life, which will help keep the price down. It doesn't need to be the thinnest and lightest.

I suggest you go and have a look at a selection in a store to see if there is a particular type of keyboard or screen that you prefer.

Buy from a shop that has good customer service - John Lewis and Amazon (not Amazon Marketplace) are my favourites. Buy online as you have more rights of return if you decide you've made the wrong choice. Pay by credit card for more legal protection, too.

Buy a current pc mag to see what the current specs are the recommded best buys. At least you'll then have an idea of what's available.

I would suggest an i5 processor, 4GB RAM as a minimum and W10 - you don't need the pro version.

[Togo]

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/laptop-buying-guide-550-commercial.html
There is quite a good guide to laptop specs. here Beee. I am quite fond of Hewlett Packard lappies and am now on my second one. You are going to need 1TB hard drive and a dual core processor with the fastest clock speed that you can afford. This speed(in GHz) will be crucial in smooth running and downloading of files and software.
As much memory(RAM) as possible within the budget allowed is also desirable for multi tasking and again high performance. Note that RAM has nothing to do with the ability to store documents or photos and music. This is handled by the hard drive, hence my recommendation to get one with 1TB hard drive. I would also consider getting a solid state SSD or hybrid SSHD hard drive for power consumption and quiet running. This is a nice machine, don't let them flog you add on security options and warranty extensions etc. You do not need bolt on third party security from Norton or Mcaffee with W10. I would also make them upgrade the W10 system to the latest version before buying, or you will have to run it when you get it home.

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/hp-pavilion-15-aw083sa-15-6-laptop-black-10152498-pdt.html

[Beeee]

thanks all for your advice.

Togo suggested the HP Pavilion

apart from the cost, what's the difference between that Pavilion and the Dell Inspiron

http://www.dell.com/uk/p/inspiron-15-5567-laptop/pd?oc=cn55705&model_id=inspiron-15-5567-laptop

Is there really any difference between HP and Dell?

[Togo]

The spec looks almost identical. I recommended HP because I have been happy with both of mine, although I am a careful owner and made Currys throw in a carry bag when I bought the latest one(about 3 years ago). Dell are a perfectly good company but I have never had any dealing with them whilst I have been pleased with HP for after service care etc. and I think that spares are easy to come by for the HP. I fitted a new fan a few months ago and tech advice and know how drawings were easy to obtain. Bee if you are not really teched up I would use a supplier like Currys rather than buying online, that is why I linked you to that site. You would be saving £130, have a face to talk to and somewhere for help during warranty. As I have said do not buy extra security systems, do not subscribe to Know How, and haggle for a carry bag, wireless mouse, and the latest CreatOr's version of windows10 to be installed. Your choice at the end of the day, the Gold finish HP looks quite fetching. :))

[hc4361]

Just want to point out that you can buy from Curry's and most other High St stores online.

[AB Editor]

Do you have a budget?

Higher end Toshibas tend to get good reviews from those I know to have personally purchased them.

If I had oodles of money to splash around, I would pick up one of these: https://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/pdp/productID.5089081600?icid=en_GB_cat_modG_New_SurfaceBk_05042017

[Togo]

Crickey Ed, that is a lovely machine but £2.2k is one heck of a price. Would love one but......I think I will wait for a windfall. :))

[AB Editor]

It is lovely - a little too much though really. If you get a chance to use one (John Lewis usually have one out) it does feel like an exceptional machine.

[Togo]

Funny enough we were planning a trip to Chester later in the week. "She who must be obeyed" will think I am spoiling her when I suggest a trip around the John Lewis store, little knowing that I am going to have a play in the tech dept. :))

[RobNorth]

Tesco are good for tech stuff providing they have the model you want.
Although the range is limited when compared with Currys, the prices are ok and service good - you can try a laptop for a week or two and take it back if you don't like it, as I did last year with a Hewlett Packard when I found it to be inferior to my ancient ThinkPad....

[Togo]

Thing is Rob ThinkPads were a top end bit of kit in the day, and I bet someone paid good money for it. Now they are owned by Lenovo and are not so good. Prices start at about £700 even now and rise to £1450. If the budget allows get the one the Ed flagged up, but you cannot compare it to a £390 machine with any real comparison in terms of value for money.

[HansUrbancka]

@ABEd.... Your recommendation is too costly and the screen is too small for comfortable viewing. Personally I would rather a Desktop PC than a Laptop and, although CrapAtCryptics disapproves of Lenovos, I have a 17.3 inch Lenovo Laptop ( which is mostly used by my wife) and a refurbished Lenovo Tower PC with a 20inch HP Monitor. All sound equipment for home use and at reasonable costs.

Hans

Hans.