View Full Version : Calling you computer guys
I am beginning to think its time for a new computer. I was using a Macbook air but for my new work Macs do not cut it. (Everyone in the industry uses PCs). I am currently using a laptop I had towards my end of college about 4 years ago and its been good. I didn't use it much so it was pretty much new when i broke it back out, but its showing signs of age.
i am looking to get something new. Id likes to stay under $500. I really just use it for adobe (Viewing and converting PDFs) Microsoft office, Viewing Maps on website etc. I don't need anything crazy. I am not a gamer etc
I would like
8GB Ram
SSD but would take a HDD.
15" Screen
HDMI out for my monitor
What would be a good option?
Check out Microcenter's clearance and open box deals. What you've described is fairly basic. You don't need something whiz bang.
A 4 year old computer, if decent when new, shouldn't require replacement based on your needs... it's probably just software mucking up the performance. You could also easily max out its RAM for next to nothing (crucial.com is a good cheap option).
http://www.microcenter.com/product/475348/Pavilion_x360_Convertible_m3-u103dx_133_2-in-1_Laptop_Computer_Refurbished_-_Gold_and_Silver?ob=1
There's a refurb w/ your requirements under $500.
Another option would be to clone HDD to an SSD and keep on trucking. Then you'd only be out the cost of the SSD instead of a new machine.
A 4 year old computer, if decent when new, shouldn't require replacement based on your needs... it's probably just software mucking up the performance. You could also easily max out its RAM for next to nothing (crucial.com is a good cheap option).
This ones pretty basic, i think 2gb ram and not sure on HDD size. I would agree with you though. I was quoted $350 to put Microsoft 10 on it and upgrade the HDD for that price id rather get something new
Check out Microcenter's clearance and open box deals. What you've described is fairly basic. You don't need something whiz bang.
I wouldn't get another open box machine from Microcenter. We got one for my wife and the WiFi antenna was non-functional. Upon return, they simply slapped a new sticker on top of the price sticker that was on it. The pricing was already 6 stickers thick.
I would bet the antenna was just disconnected, but opening the case voids warranty.
I wouldn't get another open box machine from Microcenter. We got one for my wife and the WiFi antenna was non-functional. Upon return, they simply slapped a new sticker on top of the price sticker that was on it. The pricing was already 6 stickers thick.
I would bet the antenna was just disconnected, but opening the case voids warranty.
Did you try turning it off and then on again? :D
But in all seriousness, having dealt with Dell's warranty process, I'm more disposed to just fix things myself. I understand if someone is not comfortable with such an option.
Did you try turning it off and then on again? :D
But in all seriousness, having dealt with Dell's warranty process, I'm more disposed to just fix things myself. I understand if someone is not comfortable with such an option.
I have the means to do so, just would rather spend another $50 bucks or whatever for a new, unmolested machine. I didn't want to break the seal, just to find a bad WiFi card or something and be SOL.
The WiFi would work, but only if you were sitting within 5ft of the router.
Might look t this since I can get it for around 450. Smaller than i wanted, but with my Monitor shouldn't be a huge problem
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-yoga-710-2-in-1-11-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-128gb-solid-state-drive-silver/5579843.p?skuId=5579843
Delfuego
09-01-2017, 10:17
Don't go cheap. Just spend the dough.
Consider that MS Office + Adobe Acrobat will cost $300-$400 by itself staying under $500 ain't gonna happen. The work laptops we deploy generally run $1200-$1500 with software and 3 year warranty.
Don't shoot the messenger. Things cost what they cost. If you get a good machine you should get 3-5 years of trouble-free operation.
Send me a PM if you want some assistance.
Windows laptops are CHEAP brand new. Go look at the Dell website and there are a boat load of them at or under $500. Check out the 3000 or 5000 series Dell Laptops. A bare bones version of that laptop will run well for most of what everyone uses them for. If you need more RAM or HD space it will be cheaper to order upgrades elsewhere and do it yourself.
I got my Wife a 3000 Series Dell laptop a little while ago and replaced the HD with an SSD and that thing is a rocket for what it is. It takes less than 10 seconds to boot and never lags in performance while using it. This setup only set me back $230 for the laptop and $50 for an 120GB SSD. I opted to leave the RAM at 2GB to see how it would function before upgrading and after the SSD swap there was no need to upgrade the RAM. You can reuse the standard Hard drive as an external hard drive for additional storage space if you want. External HD enclosures are only like $15 at Microcenter. if you want to convert the "Stock" hard drive into an external one.
Don't go cheap. Just spend the dough.
Consider that MS Office + Adobe Acrobat will cost $300-$400 by itself staying under $500 ain't gonna happen. The work laptops we deploy generally run $1200-$1500 with software and 3 year warranty.
Don't shoot the messenger. Things cost what they cost. If you get a good machine you should get 3-5 years of trouble-free operation.
Send me a PM if you want some assistance.
I feel ya.
I already have the newest version office I can load and Adobe subscription. Those expenses are taken care of. I just need a cumputer
I go cheap and plan on replacing. I don't game either and my media stuff is at home.
Earlier this year bought two HP ProBooks from Woot (refurbs). i5, 8GB, 128GB SSD, Win 10 Pro x64, for around $500. Added Office365 and spare battery direct from HP.
They have even better deals now (don't know about HDMI)...
https://computers.woot.com/offers/hp-elitebook-folio-g1-notebook-128gb-2?ref=w_cnt_lnd_cat_pc_2_35
My "dev" machine is at home and I can't upgrade (for now). It has a lot more software, storage. So I just needed something cheap, light, and fast for field work.
You just don't get good lifespan out of laptops. Batteries stop holding their charges, stuff gets broken, etc...
I go cheap and plan on replacing. I don't game either and my media stuff is at home.
Earlier this year bought two HP ProBooks from Woot (refurbs). i5, 8GB, 128GB SSD, Win 10 Pro x64, for around $500. Added Office365 and spare battery direct from HP.
They have even better deals now (don't know about HDMI)...
https://computers.woot.com/offers/hp-elitebook-folio-g1-notebook-128gb-2?ref=w_cnt_lnd_cat_pc_2_35
My "dev" machine is at home and I can't upgrade (for now). It has a lot more software, storage. So I just needed something cheap, light, and fast for field work.
You just don't get good lifespan out of laptops. Batteries stop holding their charges, stuff gets broken, etc...
Seems like with use they crap out around 5 years no matter what you spend. I just cant justify spending a lot on a computer even though I use it to make a living,
BushMasterBoy
09-01-2017, 11:00
Dell Factory Refurbished $245....or find a nice Precision Work station on Ebay, either a Precision 4500, 4600 , or 4700 with a quad core.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Latitude-E6430-14-0-Laptop-i7-3540M-3-00GHz-4GB-320GB-Win-7-Pro-70509-/382189502410?hash=item58fc44ffca
Great-Kazoo
09-01-2017, 11:30
http://www.microcenter.com/product/475348/Pavilion_x360_Convertible_m3-u103dx_133_2-in-1_Laptop_Computer_Refurbished_-_Gold_and_Silver?ob=1
There's a refurb w/ your requirements under $500.
Another option would be to clone HDD to an SSD and keep on trucking. Then you'd only be out the cost of the SSD instead of a new machine.
I'd buy from wally world , it's cheaper and same (or close to) requirements
https://www.walmart.com/ip/HP-15-ay039wm-15-6-Silver-Fusion-Laptop-Windows-10-Intel-Core-i3-6100U-Processor-8GB-Memory-1TB-Hard-Drive/51397788
Seems like with use they crap out around 5 years no matter what you spend. I just cant justify spending a lot on a computer even though I use it to make a living,
Refurb cost as much if not more than some new ones.
I didn't see refurb on this on. Also WM has been moving last years models for $50 - 150 less than the latest & greatest unit.
Seems like with use they crap out around 5 years no matter what you spend. I just cant justify spending a lot on a computer even though I use it to make a living,
I have the same mindset. I'm on my laptop ~30 hours a week and on the dev machine another 40 or so. I use it a lot and just don't see the point of spending that much.
Years ago I tried to combine my home and work needs with a nice Sony laptop. Spent nearly $3K. Really nice machine but never got $3K of value out of it. Hated leaving the house with it (heavy and expensive). Won't make that mistake again.
If this laptop dies, I'm back up in no time for another $500 deductible expense.
Not a SSD but might a good option also
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i3-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-black/5835852.p?skuId=5835852
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I generally look for one of the older Dell Latitude two spindle machines. My current is a D830 that I found on Craigslist for $100. I maxed the RAM and put a 250 GB SSD into it then loaded Linux. Runs like a champ and I don't worry about it dying on me. I can easily pull the RAM and reuse the SSD on another machine. I have a few standard SATA drives I can swap into it. One drive has WinXP and another has Win10, while I have a smaller drive with Puppy Linux on it. Shut the machine down, pull the drive and push the new drive, turn back on. The SSD boots very quickly compared to standard drives. Puppy boots and loads into RAM so it is very quick but a bit minimalist for anything other than web surfing.
Laptops are a 3 to 5 year product. Taken care of, most of them will last longer but even a well loved machine will feel slow if you keep loading new software. Size, weight, and function are how I judge a laptop. My D830 is on the large size, but I have started using my Kindle more for travel. I often leave the laptop in a secured office or hotel room rather than carry it around. If I'm worried about security, I can just pull the drive and put it into my portfolio that I carry between appointments.
I hope you find something that works for you.
Delfuego
09-01-2017, 12:52
I just cant justify spending a lot on a computer even though I use it to make a living, :) It's a tool for work. Don't skimp on tools. You need work tools to be 100%.
You might get lucky on a cheap computer, or you will turn into this guy [Bang]
I will never let any of my customers go cheap. Learn that lesson years ago.
jerrymrc
09-01-2017, 14:04
Microcenter no longer has the laptop I bought in dec but it was $350. It came with 4Gb ram that I upgraded and a 1Tb HD that was slow as hell. Put a 250Gb SSD in it and another 4Gb of ram and it screams. I5 7200 and everything that I could want in a Laptop. After the upgrades I have $450 in it and love it for what it is. The lighted KB is a +. Acer. Not a metal case but I was impressed.
The older the system you get, the sooner you will not get feature updates for Windows 10.
If you travel with it, something thinner and lighter might be worth it to you. If it just sits on a desk, size shouldn't matter.
Just say "NO" to Lenovo. HP or Dell are your best bet. If you're using the built-in display most of the time, get an IPS panel, aka Ultra Wide Viewing Angle (UWVA). The cheaper twisted nematic (TN) panels appear washed out and I get eye fatigue using them for any significant time. 8-16GB RAM is preferred. Even Office alone can be resource intensive. An i5 is fine, but you won't be happy with an i3. Friends don't let friends buy i3. In this day and age, avoid any spindle drive for your primary OS. The quality of spinning drives seems to be at an all-time low. SSDs are cheap enough that they're the way to go, since the slowest component in the system will limit performance, and the disk is usually the slowest component. SSDs also don't experience breakage from movement. Make sure to leave yourself some extra capacity for growth since software packages get bigger with time, not smaller.
If you have a dependency on Windows 7, the OS goes End of Life January 14, 2020. However, the hardware to support it will not be available as of July 2018. 7th Gen processors and newer are Windows 10 only.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-2-in-1-13-3-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-256gb-solid-state-drive-silver/5822970.p?skuId=5822970
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Grant H.
09-06-2017, 10:40
I would go grab one of these, as just a good basic computer.
http://www.microcenter.com/product/479942/EliteDesk_800_G1_Desktop_Computer_Off_Lease_Refurb ished
They don't have the one I just picked up 4 of, but they were i7, 16gb of ram, 1tb HDD, and a discrete graphics card with windows 10 pro for $580. 2 of them are already running as servers for our company, one is my personal desktop machine in my office, and the other is a backup for the servers.
It may not matter to you, but Win10Pro is required for remote desktop features.
ETA: Doh, didn't see that you still wanted a laptop.
Delfuego knows his stuff. I got a few "cleaned" PCs off him and they are still running great.
Don't go cheap. Just spend the dough.
Consider that MS Office + Adobe Acrobat will cost $300-$400 by itself staying under $500 ain't gonna happen. The work laptops we deploy generally run $1200-$1500 with software and 3 year warranty.
Don't shoot the messenger. Things cost what they cost. If you get a good machine you should get 3-5 years of trouble-free operation.
Send me a PM if you want some assistance.
I would go grab one of these, as just a good basic computer.
http://www.microcenter.com/product/479942/EliteDesk_800_G1_Desktop_Computer_Off_Lease_Refurb ished
They don't have the one I just picked up 4 of, but they were i7, 16gb of ram, 1tb HDD, and a discrete graphics card with windows 10 pro for $580. 2 of them are already running as servers for our company, one is my personal desktop machine in my office, and the other is a backup for the servers.
It may not matter to you, but Win10Pro is required for remote desktop features.
ETA: Doh, didn't see that you still wanted a laptop.Yeah desk top is not an option has to be a laptop
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