Calling you computer guys

[Gunner]

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?

[CS1983]

Check out Microcenter's clearance and open box deals. What you've described is fairly basic. You don't need something whiz bang.

[Sawin]

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).

[CS1983]

http://www.microcenter.com/product/4...nd_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.

[Gunner]

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

[00tec]

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.

[CS1983]

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?

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.

[00tec]

Did you try turning it off and then on again?

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.

[Gunner]

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-...?skuId=5579843

[Delfuego]

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.