Solved Shopping Laptops w/win11, what's popular?

Goldengirl52 · May 9, 2022

Hi All,
Wanting to buy a laptop and I'm ready to try Windows 11. I scrolled around but didn't see a "review" type thread but may have missed it. Also, I like to play puzzle-type games but not the multi-player games so I want good graphics. I play The Room series, and now trying out House of DaVinci and it is such a dark screened game, I can't get my PC monitor bright enough in some parts of the game.

Long story short, I just want a laptop, at least 15", the best specs I can buy, which will be under 1000, but I could go up to 1200. I'd love to hear from some folks that have a laptop they love, and can give me some ideas. I've seen a few of the googled "Best laptops" search results, but like to hear some personal experience, or what you would buy if you were in the market

Thank you in advance for any help/feedback :)

glasskuter · May 9, 2022

Welcome to the forum. I can't suggest any particular laptop because I don't use them, but there are quite a few here who have recently purchased new ones so someone will chime in. For the way you describe your computer usage, I will give you my opinion on certain specs though. SSD of course, at least 16 gb ram is way better than the normal 8 gb the low budget laptops seem to have. IMO the sweet spot for cpu in laptops so you're able to manage the heat they generate is Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. Of couse the i7 and Ryzen 7 are a tad faster, but they can run hot. You should be able to get a good laptop if you have a $1000 budget.

Many laptops these days come with dual graphics. The first GPU is an integrated GPU that is usually provided for normal computer usage, which does not need heavy graphical processing. The second GPU is usually a dedicated GPU that is automatically activated when heavy graphics come into play. Switchable graphics allows a low power consumption integrated GPU and high performance dedicated GPU to be combined so you have the ability to switch between them, sacrificing either performance or battery life as per your requirements. However, Laptops with dual graphics cost more.

Goldengirl52 · May 9, 2022

glasskuter said:
Welcome to the forum. I can't suggest any particular laptop because I don't use them, but there are quite a few here who have recently purchased new ones so someone will chime in. For the way you describe your computer usage, I will give you my opinion on certain specs though. SSD of course, at least 16 gb ram is way better than the normal 8 gb the low budget laptops seem to have. IMO the sweet spot for cpu in laptops so you're able to manage the heat they generate is Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. Of couse the i7 and Ryzen 7 are a tad faster, but they can run hot. You should be able to get a good laptop if you have a $1000 budget.

Many laptops these days come with dual graphics. The first GPU is an integrated GPU that is usually provided for normal computer usage, which does not need heavy graphical processing. The second GPU is usually a dedicated GPU that is automatically activated when heavy graphics come into play. Switchable graphics allows a low power consumption integrated GPU and high performance dedicated GPU to be combined so you have the ability to switch between them, sacrificing either performance or battery life as per your requirements. However, Laptops with dual graphics cost more.

Thank you much! I appreciate your reply, especially about the dual GPU! But all info will be helpful

FrancoDT · May 9, 2022

Goldengirl52 said:
Long story short, I just want a laptop, at least 15", the best specs I can buy, which will be under 1000, but I could go up to 1200. I'd love to hear from some folks that have a laptop they love, and can give me some ideas. I've seen a few of the googled "Best laptops" search results, but like to hear some personal experience, or what you would buy if you were in the market

You may want to check out the new MS Surface 4 Laptops in the 15" size. I have a Surface Laptop 3 (13.5", i7CPU and 16GB RAM) as my mobile PC and love it. Sleek, lightweight and good performance though top specs will get pricy.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 review: Perfect for students on the go

The Surface Laptop 4 is a lightweight machine with a beautiful design that packs a performance punch, but has shortfalls like a lack of ports.

www.livescience.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YWZTCMD/ref=asc_df_B08YWZTCMD1652079600000?tag=georiot-us-default-20&ascsubtag=livescience-us-3719054188950604000-20&geniuslink=true&th=1

Ed Tittel · May 9, 2022

You might want to check out some of the notebook/laptop review sites to see what they recommend. I've had good luck with NotebookCheck.net myself, where you'll find the following potentially informative and possibly helpful lists:

HTH,
--Ed--

Goldengirl52 · May 9, 2022

FrancoDT said:
You may want to check out the new MS Surface 4 Laptops in the 15" size. I have a Surface Laptop 3 (13.5", i7CPU and 16GB RAM) as my mobile PC and love it. Sleek, lightweight and good performance though top specs will get pricy.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 review: Perfect for students on the go

The Surface Laptop 4 is a lightweight machine with a beautiful design that packs a performance punch, but has shortfalls like a lack of ports.

www.livescience.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YWZTCMD/ref=asc_df_B08YWZTCMD1652079600000?tag=georiot-us-default-20&ascsubtag=livescience-us-3719054188950604000-20&geniuslink=true&th=1

That sounds familiar, but I'll look again to make sure I viewed them! Thank you Franco!!

Goldengirl52 · May 9, 2022

So far this a.m., I'm liking the one below. It's a 17.6" but I don't carry my laptop anywhere unless I go on the "rare" trip for a couple of days. I initially wanted one like this because I'd bought a very similar one and ended up sending it to my sister because she "needed" it worse than I did. I've got a pretty good desktop, but want something comfy on my lap. I use the little TV tray that's a perfect size for anything up to 17 inch. I can kick back in my recliner and use it instead of sitting up at my desk just to use the PC

Here's the one I think I'll get, feedback welcome:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QTQ65HD?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Ed Tittel · May 9, 2022

If you can afford the extra $200, and you want this unit -- I've used many HP laptops over the years, some of which have been great, others not so much -- go ahead and get the 32GB RAM and 1 TB SSD. It's not a big price increase for a double the RAM and storage. Good luck, and have fun.
--Ed--

The-Hive · May 9, 2022

I am over the moon with My Alienware, never had any problems with it (other than ones I create myself)

FrancoDT · May 9, 2022

The-Hive said:
I am over the moon with My Alienware, never had any problems with it (other than ones I create myself)

Same here with my Alienware 17" m17 R3 but mine is basically a desktop replacement for me as it's to big and heavy to use as a mobile lol. Also Alienwares are high spec gaming machines with high prices to match and I still find the Dell/Alienware software to be pretty buggy.

Goldengirl52 · May 9, 2022

The-Hive said:
I am over the moon with My Alienware, never had any problems with it (other than ones I create myself)

I did see that one, really stood out

Glad you love yours, and ditto on "other than ones I create myself' LOL! Knock on wood, so far I haven't got a PC/laptop I didn't like. Only the Chromebook 3 I have, but even it has it's uses, especially when I've caused one of those "created myself" issues

teeter · May 9, 2022

I would prefer ordering from a mfg factory website, as warranties and help are assured. Also, in some cases you can customize depending on model selection.

The one you have chosen, ships from Galaxy Express. Are they an HP authorized retailer? Warranty issue? If something goes wrong?

Just my thoughts buying from 3rd party. Price looks good, is it a refurbished item? I don't think I would want them to open it up for your designated RAM selection. Galaxy Express sells all kinds of things.

Good luck with wherever you decide to purchase.

The-Hive · May 9, 2022

Goldengirl52 said:
I did see that one, really stood out Glad you love yours, and ditto on "other than ones I create myself' LOL! Knock on wood, so far I haven't got a PC/laptop I didn't like. Only the Chromebook 3 I have, but even it has it's uses, especially when I've caused one of those "created myself" issues

A lot of people knock certain makes/machines but if you notice the way they are used, upgraded through many different OS, full of hacks and tweaks and cleaned so many times they have deleted needed files or restored back and lost things that way. mine has been updated through windows update from 10 to 11 and a few tweaks, cleaned and backup regularly

The-Hive · May 9, 2022

FrancoDT said:
Same here with my Alienware 17" m17 R3 but mine is basically a desktop replacement for me as it's to big and heavy to use as a mobile lol. Also Alienwares are high spec gaming machines with high prices to match and I still find the Dell/Alienware software to be pretty buggy.

Mine is a Laptop, it's the Area 51M R2 and it's spot on see system one specs

FrancoDT · May 9, 2022

teeter said:
would prefer ordering from a mfg factory website, as warranties and help are assured. Also, in some cases you can customize depending on model selection.

Agree for expensive gaming machines. I did that with my Alienware for that reason and since I wanted to pick and choose every option. I ordered my little Surface Laptop from Amazon though and never had a problem with it.

FrancoDT · May 9, 2022

The-Hive said:
Mine is a Laptop, it's the Area 51M R2 and it's spot on see system one specs

Yeah it's a nice machine, I looked at the 51 also. I just find a 17" to large to lug around as a mobile PC for me personally though some don't mind it. I got mine cause the large 4K screen makes it a compact desktop machine for me that doesn't take up a lot of space and has plenty of power. It also looks cool lol.

teeter · May 9, 2022

HP's website has several day to day type i5 and 7' machines, that can be customized for every day use, rather in expensively. Some sales going on right now. Just saying.

The-Hive · May 9, 2022

@FrancoDT I use mine as a desktop, as you say it's very heavy and needs 2 wackin' great power supplies

obelix · May 9, 2022

When buying a laptop, the most important thing is what it will be used for office, games or something else. Take a look and study the configuration of the laptop itself 1. that it has an m2 NVME disk of approximately 250 GB 2. that it has another disk at least 1TB HDD or SSD, 3. the processor is important INTEL or AMD, 4. memory 8GB DDR4 expandable up to 16GB (more is better). Prices for such models range from $ 800 to $ 1,300

Winuser · May 9, 2022

If you live anywhere near a Micro Center check out their PowerSpec desktops or their refurbished laptops. I have alaways been satisfied with the price and quality they offer.

Solved Shopping Laptops w/win11, what's popular?

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