Solved Wrong info, wrong laptop, wrong OS!


lettersquash

Member
Local time
5:37 PM
Posts
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OS
Windows 11 Pro
I'm not sure if I should post this here, so my apologies if not, and please move to a more appropriate area.

It's a bit of a moan, but I'd appreciate any thoughts on what to do from here.

Wrong Info and Laptop?
I think I'm going to have to return the laptop I just got about a week ago from CeX in Harrogate. It's a Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5/Ryzen 3 4300U/4GB Ram/128GB SSD/14"/Windows 11. I particularly needed a convertible (flex, yoga, 360-flipping type) for use on my piano music stand and because I'm developing an app based on music notation, the market for which will include a lot of tablet and convertible users.

I went in to the shop specially because I was confused by all the different spec on the website, and the guy in the shop suggested this one. I said I was dubious about the 4 gig memory, having had to upgrade my last one to 8 GB to run Windows 7, but presumably I can add another 4 in a second slot? "Yeah, or replace the 4 with an 8," was his reply. No problem then. Except you can't. I now discover (I think) it's soldered in, so can't be added to. I saw someone say this on a video review just after I bought it, but hoped it was a different version for another market, but the Lenovo site detected the machine and says it has zero memory slots.

With my usual number of Firefox tabs open it's at about 85%. I could limit the tabs (I usually get to about 100), but it doesn't bode well for video editing (which I also told the guy about in the shop).

Thankfully, CeX are good about full refunds, and I probably need to take it back. It's a big dent in my confidence in the place. This guy seemed experienced, intervening in my dealings with another lad who was fairly new and showing how to look for the sort of spec I had asked about! The fact he was wearing a wooly hat indoors probably should have been a clue.

Wrong OS?
Anyhoo, making this thread slightly more appropriate, I'm regretting going for 11 now as well. I did a quick check online and found a pile of articles saying Windows 11 improved on 10 quite a lot, faster, leaner, better UI, got rid of Cortana and a few other irritations. Since I bought the laptop, of course, I've found all the moans and groans, but also had the experience of trying to use it. I mean, if I was 100% happy with the laptop, I'd manage, it's not a deal-breaker, it's just as you'd expect from the experience of Windows since 1995 - every new release is worse than the last.

My current machine is Win 7, and I'm reluctant to move on, although the lack of official support hasn't affected me one bit so far, but the chassis is falling apart and I've repaired it several times. I'm wondering how long Win 8, or other versions, might be supported (and if I care). I particularly hate the increasing dependence on MS services, an account and their selling of your data to provide you with ads, etc., and I've only set up a local account thanks to earlier help here.

Any advice would be most appreciated on a good machine to get (laptop-tablet with touch screen) instead, and what OS you prefer (if that's allowed on elevenforums!). Or maybe you've a favourite supplier of refurbished machines to suggest? I'd like to buy from CeX again, or at least get a refurbished machine, rather than buying new (it slows down the environmentally unfriendly production of new machines a bit, I suppose), and they have Windows 8 machines, as well as 10 and a few 11s.

I'm not too clear on how much the speed of a machine depends on the memory and how much on the CPU - the guy in the shop was comparing CPUs and suggested a recent one, but it's going to be slowed by the 4GB memory. And I see some of them with 16 GB memory, which might suit me even if the CPU is slower? It's not for anything like gaming, so it doesn't need blistering graphics display, but video editing and then saving is pretty demanding. I know SSD is much faster for the read-write operations.

Thanks for reading!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad L390 Yoga
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8565U
    Motherboard
    20NT0019UK
    Memory
    8 GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14"
    Hard Drives
    500 GB SSD
I'm not sure if I should post this here, so my apologies if not, and please move to a more appropriate area.

It's a bit of a moan, but I'd appreciate any thoughts on what to do from here.

Wrong Info and Laptop?
I think I'm going to have to return the laptop I just got about a week ago from CeX in Harrogate. It's a Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5/Ryzen 3 4300U/4GB Ram/128GB SSD/14"/Windows 11. I particularly needed a convertible (flex, yoga, 360-flipping type) for use on my piano music stand and because I'm developing an app based on music notation, the market for which will include a lot of tablet and convertible users.

I went in to the shop specially because I was confused by all the different spec on the website, and the guy in the shop suggested this one. I said I was dubious about the 4 gig memory, having had to upgrade my last one to 8 GB to run Windows 7, but presumably I can add another 4 in a second slot? "Yeah, or replace the 4 with an 8," was his reply. No problem then. Except you can't. I now discover (I think) it's soldered in, so can't be added to. I saw someone say this on a video review just after I bought it, but hoped it was a different version for another market, but the Lenovo site detected the machine and says it has zero memory slots.

With my usual number of Firefox tabs open it's at about 85%. I could limit the tabs (I usually get to about 100), but it doesn't bode well for video editing (which I also told the guy about in the shop).

Thankfully, CeX are good about full refunds, and I probably need to take it back. It's a big dent in my confidence in the place. This guy seemed experienced, intervening in my dealings with another lad who was fairly new and showing how to look for the sort of spec I had asked about! The fact he was wearing a wooly hat indoors probably should have been a clue.

Wrong OS?
Anyhoo, making this thread slightly more appropriate, I'm regretting going for 11 now as well. I did a quick check online and found a pile of articles saying Windows 11 improved on 10 quite a lot, faster, leaner, better UI, got rid of Cortana and a few other irritations. Since I bought the laptop, of course, I've found all the moans and groans, but also had the experience of trying to use it. I mean, if I was 100% happy with the laptop, I'd manage, it's not a deal-breaker, it's just as you'd expect from the experience of Windows since 1995 - every new release is worse than the last.

My current machine is Win 7, and I'm reluctant to move on, although the lack of official support hasn't affected me one bit so far, but the chassis is falling apart and I've repaired it several times. I'm wondering how long Win 8, or other versions, might be supported (and if I care). I particularly hate the increasing dependence on MS services, an account and their selling of your data to provide you with ads, etc., and I've only set up a local account thanks to earlier help here.

Any advice would be most appreciated on a good machine to get (laptop-tablet with touch screen) instead, and what OS you prefer (if that's allowed on elevenforums!). Or maybe you've a favourite supplier of refurbished machines to suggest? I'd like to buy from CeX again, or at least get a refurbished machine, rather than buying new (it slows down the environmentally unfriendly production of new machines a bit, I suppose), and they have Windows 8 machines, as well as 10 and a few 11s.

I'm not too clear on how much the speed of a machine depends on the memory and how much on the CPU - the guy in the shop was comparing CPUs and suggested a recent one, but it's going to be slowed by the 4GB memory. And I see some of them with 16 GB memory, which might suit me even if the CPU is slower? It's not for anything like gaming, so it doesn't need blistering graphics display, but video editing and then saving is pretty demanding. I know SSD is much faster for the read-write operations.

Thanks for reading!
One thing ALWAYS to be aware of -- why should ANY self respecting laptop be sold in C21 with only 4GB RAM --totally bonkers. 8GB is the bare minimum - and these days 16GB or even 32GB should be seen as the acceptable minimum. A load of Mobile phones these days have 16GB RAM !!!. or a lot more.

My advice -- just return it -- and just peruse these Forums for advice on laptops there's a lot of sensible advice here. Also you need to "quantify" what exactly you need the laptop for as well as this will influence choice significantly.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows XP,7,10,11 Linux Arch Linux
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    2 X Intel i7
Thanks, jimbo - yeah, that was a bit dumb of me. It was partly the fact that there were quite a lot with just 4GB, and also I'd been influenced by the reviews of W11 saying it was much leaner - probably from people taking back-handers!

Yeah, I'll return it and take more time thinking what I need and doing more research. I can keep this old box limping along a bit longer, hopefully...!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad L390 Yoga
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8565U
    Motherboard
    20NT0019UK
    Memory
    8 GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14"
    Hard Drives
    500 GB SSD
@lettersquash


Newegg.com is a great place to window shop. They have great navigation and sorting.

I see Newegg is now in the UK as well...





 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦22631.3374 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
I would take it back to Cex and get a refund. Then I would wonder into Currys and see what they have. Remember atleast 8 gig memory
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self build
    CPU
    3900x
    Motherboard
    Asus 570 plus
    Memory
    32
    Graphics Card(s)
    Rtx 2070
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    samsung 4k 28"
    Screen Resolution
    1900x1080
    Hard Drives
    2 x 1 gb nvme
    PSU
    Corsair 650w
    Case
    midi tower
    Cooling
    Watercooled
    Keyboard
    rgb wireless
    Mouse
    wireless logitech
    Internet Speed
    50m
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink
    CPU
    Amd ryzen 5 5600H (Cezanne)
    Motherboard
    beelink
    Memory
    32 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    Vega
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    samsung 4k
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 x 1tb nvme
    PSU
    12v
    Case
    mini pc
    Cooling
    air
    Mouse
    wireless logitech
    Keyboard
    rgb wireless
    Internet Speed
    50m
    Browser
    edge
    Antivirus
    windows defender

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦22631.3374 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
Hi

This is gunna sound silly mate, but i bought this 2nd hand laptop im using now from Cash converters, its not even a year old for 2/3rds of price
specs as in system.... in your case i'd definately opt for a bigger SSD/Nvme drive
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    w7/10/11ip
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    hp probook 450 g8
    CPU
    i5 11th gen
@lettersquash

This is just to give you an idea of what's out there...

Thanks. That reminds me of what I forgot to say - I'm looking to spend about £350 max (this Flex was £240), which is also why I'm buying s/h. I went to the UK site and put in a few other specs and the cheapest was £435, but it might have even higher spec than I'd probably need. HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 Intel Core i5 7th Gen 7300U (2.60GHz) 8GB Memory 256 GB SSD Intel HD Graphics 620 13.3" Touchscreen 1920 x 1080 Convertible Grade A 2-in-1 Laptop Windows 10 Pro 64-bit

I guess all this gear talk should be in another section of the forum, or are ppl pretty cool about all that round here?

Any thoughts on earlier Windows versions?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad L390 Yoga
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8565U
    Motherboard
    20NT0019UK
    Memory
    8 GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14"
    Hard Drives
    500 GB SSD
Thanks. That reminds me of what I forgot to say - I'm looking to spend about £350 max (this Flex was £240), which is also why I'm buying s/h. I went to the UK site and put in a few other specs and the cheapest was £435, but it might have even higher spec than I'd probably need. HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 Intel Core i5 7th Gen 7300U (2.60GHz) 8GB Memory 256 GB SSD Intel HD Graphics 620 13.3" Touchscreen 1920 x 1080 Convertible Grade A 2-in-1 Laptop Windows 10 Pro 64-bit

I guess all this gear talk should be in another section of the forum, or are ppl pretty cool about all that round here?

Any thoughts on earlier Windows versions?


You're in General Support. That's the right section. :-)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦22631.3374 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
Thanks. That reminds me of what I forgot to say - I'm looking to spend about £350 max (this Flex was £240), which is also why I'm buying s/h. I went to the UK site and put in a few other specs and the cheapest was £435, but it might have even higher spec than I'd probably need. HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 Intel Core i5 7th Gen 7300U (2.60GHz) 8GB Memory 256 GB SSD Intel HD Graphics 620 13.3" Touchscreen 1920 x 1080 Convertible Grade A 2-in-1 Laptop Windows 10 Pro 64-bit

I guess all this gear talk should be in another section of the forum, or are ppl pretty cool about all that round here?

Any thoughts on earlier Windows versions?
The only earlier version I'd recommend would be Windows 10, which will be supported by Microsoft until October 2025. I'd further recommend an SSD drive and at least 8 GB RAM, preferably 12 to 16 GB.

Of course I know nothing about brands on your side of the pond, but do remember that you should get the best you can afford for the job you're performing.

BTW, the Intel Core i5 7th Gen doesn't qualify for Windows 11. Not to say it won't take it if you do a clean install, but you're not guaranteed that updates will continue . . . And, eventually, Windows 11 will probably be your only option. Just sayin'.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 23H2 22631.2861
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy TE01-1xxx
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-10700 CPU @ 2.90GHz 2.90 GHz
    Motherboard
    16.0GB Dual-Channel Unknown @ 1463MHz (21-21-21-47)
    Memory
    16384 MBytes
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Monitor 1 - Acer 27" Monitor 2 - Acer 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    WDC PC SN530 SDBPNPZ-512G-1006 (SSD)
    Seagate ST1000DM003-1SB102
    Seagate BUP Slim SCSI Disk Device (SSD)
    PSU
    HP
    Case
    HP
    Cooling
    Standard
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Mouse
    Logitech M705
    Internet Speed
    500 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's all Folks!
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 (10th gen) 10700
    Motherboard
    Intel
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Built-in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 27" & Samsung 24"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x
    Hard Drives
    SSD (512 GB)
    HDD (1 TB)
    Seagate
    PSU
    Intel i7 10th Generation
    Case
    HP
    Cooling
    HP/Intel?
    Mouse
    Logitech M705
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Internet Speed
    50 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox 90.2
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Headphone/Microphone Combo
    SuperSpeed USB Type-A (4 on front)
    HP 3-in-One Card Readr
    SuperSpeed USB Type-C
    DVD Writer
I noticed one of the attachments about an ACER having 32GB storage, having experienced that on an 11.6" Dell Inspiron with some later versions of Win10 not having sufficient room to keep Upgrading and updates to those I'm staying away from 32GB drives, minimum for Win10 and Win11 when shopping should be at least 64GB. My little one has been running Linux Mint 20 very nicely on that 32GB and still has over 10GB free space. And it does have the fold-back screen and touch.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 2TB WDC HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
I think I'm going to have to return the laptop I just got about a week ago from CeX .... Thankfully, CeX are good about full refunds, and I probably need to take it back.
I'm sorry to hear that the machine doesn't meet your requirements....
I'm wondering how long Win 8, or other versions, might be supported (and if I care).
Windows 8.1 will reach end of Extended Support on January 10, 2023. (source)
Microsoft will continue to support at least one Windows 10 release until October 14, 2025. (source)
maybe you've a favourite supplier of refurbished machines to suggest? I'd like to buy from CeX again, or at least get a refurbished machine, rather than buying new...
I'm with you on this, and to be honest I cannot remember the last time (if ever) that I bought a new machine. I now have quite a collection of laptops, the latest two additions being less than a year old when purchased, my System One and System Three (in 'other info') in My Computers below. My 'supplier of choice' is Cash Converters.

I would say though that you really need to know what you need and are looking for before looking for a suitable used machine. You should also be confident in your ability to clean install Windows on your new purchase. In almost all cases that's what I have done for mine.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Lattitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 Intel Core i5 7th Gen 7300U
That 7th gen i7 is below the minimum requirements for Windows 11. An 8th gen or later Intel processor is required. There is a similar minimum requirement for AMD processors.


There are ways and means of installing Windows 11 on unsupported devices, but I would not recommend it to any but the most technically confident who are aware of the risks. I have installed 11 on a couple of such machines, purely as a test. But for your main machine you should stick to a supported device for running Windows 11, as I do.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Lattitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
Adding to what Bree said, I've purchased 'used' Notebook from TigerDirectB2B, they appeared to be from companies that had been released to refurbishing companies. They were good prices, at least before the COVID era [during which saw nearly doubled prices] and carried 1-year warranties. They also are not minimal machines with Core i5 CPUs, have at least 8GB RAM and 128GB drives.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro RTM x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 2TB WDC HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
Thanks again everyone - much very useful info here - I've just ordered another one! I'm usually very cautious about shopping, but not today. I've gone for this: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 2nd/i7-7600U/16GB/500GB SSD/14" FHD TS/W10/Black/B from CeX (having checked the Flex is within the 14 day money-back time - it's actually just a week). I read and watched some reviews, and was sold on it. I've actually got some old ThinkPads with Linux on 'em, and like the build quality. I've had to splash out another £105, but that's still just within my self-imposed and somewhat arbitrary budget, four times the storage, four times the memory...and one less Windows version. :wink: I just hope it's correctly categorized as "B" - there was one review on it that complained their example was awful, but I've bought a few things there and they've been as expected. Oh no, I'll have to join tenforums instead!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad L390 Yoga
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8565U
    Motherboard
    20NT0019UK
    Memory
    8 GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14"
    Hard Drives
    500 GB SSD
Oh no, I'll have to join tenforums instead!
Yes, with a 7th gen processor you should stick with Win10. Don't worry though, you can expect the same support there. Many of us are Ten Forums members too :wink:
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Lattitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
i7-7600U

Thanks again everyone - much very useful info here - I've just ordered another one! I'm usually very cautious about shopping, but not today. I've gone for this: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 2nd/i7-7600U/16GB/500GB SSD/14" FHD TS/W10/Black/B
If that CPU model is true -i7-7600U, that's an old laptop and not "officially" supported by Windows 11. I know because I have a 2017 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga with said CPU as posted here. I'm currently running Windows 11 insider on it, but again, not "officially" supported by Microsoft.

Perhaps the CPU spec is wrong???
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.3296)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel i9-9900K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Aorus Z390 Xtreme
    Memory
    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinum (3600Mhz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon VII
    Sound Card
    Onboard (ESS Sabre HiFi using Realtek drivers)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NEC PA242w (24 inch)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    5 Samsung SSD drives: 2X 970 NVME (512 & 1TB), 3X EVO SATA (2X 2TB, 1X 1TB)
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova I000 G2 (1000 watt)
    Case
    Cooler Master H500M
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i RGB Platinum
    Keyboard
    Logitech Craft
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    500mb Download. 11mb Upload
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    System used for gaming, photography, music, school.
  • Operating System
    Win 10 Pro 22H2 (build 19045.2130)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel i7-7700K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z270X-GAMING 8
    Memory
    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair Dominator Platinum (3333Mhz)
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Radeon R9 Fury
    Sound Card
    Onboard (Creative Sound Blaster certified ZxRi)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2415 (24 inch)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    3 Samsung SSD drives: 1x 512gig 950 NVMe drive (OS drive), 1 x 512gig 850 Pro, 1x 256gig 840 Pro.
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova 1000 P2 (1000 watt)
    Case
    Phantek Enthoo Luxe
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK 710
    Internet Speed
    100MB
    Browser
    Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    This is my backup system.
I installed 11 on a laptop that meets all the requirements for it, except that it has a Gen6 CPU. (Simple - created the Registry key.)

Microsoft has hinted, darkly, that they may not provide updates for 11 on unsupported hardware. So far, the updates have continued.

I mention that for future reference. 10 will serve you well, and is supposed to be fully supported until October of 2025.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 22631.2861
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Amd Threadripper 7970X
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte TRX50 Aero D
    Memory
    128GB (4 X 32) Kingston DDR5 5200 (RDIMM)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 4090 OC
    Sound Card
    none (USB to speakers), Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 27E1N8900 OLED
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @ 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial T700 2TB M.2 NVME SSD
    WD 4TB Blue SATA SSD
    Seagate 18TB IronWolf Pro
    PSU
    eVGA SuperNOVA 1600 GT
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo XL
    Cooling
    Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 360, with 3 Phanteks T30 fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K120 (wired)
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Internet Speed
    1200 Mbps
  • Operating System
    windows 11 22631.2861
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Intel I9-13900K
    Motherboard
    Asus RoG Strix Z690-E
    Memory
    64GB G.Skill DDR5-6000
    Graphics card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 3090 ti
    Sound Card
    built in Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus PA329C
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850 1TB
    8 TB Seagate Ironwolf
    4TB Seagate Ironwolf
    PSU
    eVGA SuperNOVA 1300 GT
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo
    Cooling
    Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX Liquid CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Keyboard
    Logitech K120 (wired)
i7-7600U


If
that CPU model is true -i7-7600U, that's an old laptop and not "officially" supported by Windows 11. I know because I have a 2017 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga with said CPU as posted here. I'm currently running Windows 11 insider on it, but again, not "officially" supported by Microsoft.

Perhaps the CPU spec is wrong???
But it's W10. Are you thinking of MS forcing everyone to upgrade? I noted Wynona said, "And, eventually, Windows 11 will probably be your only option. Just sayin'." However, I was anxious about Win7 being unsupported, but they're still installing the malicious software removal tool, so with some decent AV it's fine. Surely they can't force people to upgrade to 11 if their machines are going to take a performance hit? If so, it's definitely Linux time.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad L390 Yoga
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8565U
    Motherboard
    20NT0019UK
    Memory
    8 GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14"
    Hard Drives
    500 GB SSD
But it's W10. Are you thinking of MS forcing everyone to upgrade? I noted Wynona said, "And, eventually, Windows 11 will probably be your only option. Just sayin'."
I was merely alerting you of a potential situation. However, you addressed my concern when you said "it's W10" - Point being you know it's an old machine.

As for being "forced to upgrade", I wasn't aware Microsoft was forcing anyone to do anything, and especially on a machine with hardware not officially supported. In short, you won't be "forced" to Windows 11. However, if you want to run Windows 11 on it as I am (insiders) you can. And it requires no registry hacks ;-)

Good luck. And nice machine (y) :)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.3296)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Intel i9-9900K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Aorus Z390 Xtreme
    Memory
    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinum (3600Mhz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon VII
    Sound Card
    Onboard (ESS Sabre HiFi using Realtek drivers)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NEC PA242w (24 inch)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    5 Samsung SSD drives: 2X 970 NVME (512 & 1TB), 3X EVO SATA (2X 2TB, 1X 1TB)
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova I000 G2 (1000 watt)
    Case
    Cooler Master H500M
    Cooling
    Corsair H115i RGB Platinum
    Keyboard
    Logitech Craft
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    500mb Download. 11mb Upload
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    System used for gaming, photography, music, school.
  • Operating System
    Win 10 Pro 22H2 (build 19045.2130)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel i7-7700K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z270X-GAMING 8
    Memory
    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair Dominator Platinum (3333Mhz)
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Radeon R9 Fury
    Sound Card
    Onboard (Creative Sound Blaster certified ZxRi)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2415 (24 inch)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    3 Samsung SSD drives: 1x 512gig 950 NVMe drive (OS drive), 1 x 512gig 850 Pro, 1x 256gig 840 Pro.
    PSU
    EVGA Super Nova 1000 P2 (1000 watt)
    Case
    Phantek Enthoo Luxe
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK 710
    Internet Speed
    100MB
    Browser
    Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
    Other Info
    This is my backup system.

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