New Laptop Suggestions

[Bumbles8]

Hello mustachians,

The time has come for me to get a new laptop.  My old laptop won’t turn on anymore and I have been borrowing a super slow one from a friend.

I am currently starting a side business that requires an upgrade.  Unfortunately, I am computer illiterate and would like some suggestions on what to buy (and maybe where to buy it from).

What I need from this laptop:
    Quickly surf internet and email
    Video chat and call (I can add on additional mic/video if that would be better quality)
    Microsoft Office (word, PowerPoint, excel)
    Portable
    Easy to connect to different projector systems (this will be carried around for presentations)

What I would like:
     As close to a full sized keyboard
     Longevity

My issue is I find all the ‘computer stats’ overwhelming.  RAM, solid state drive, etc.  And there seem to be a million options that all look the same.

I don’t need the cheapest option out there, I’d rather pay extra and it last a while.  But I also don’t need top of the line.  I just want a solid value with good dependability.

What are your suggestions?  Thank you for your time
   

[OtherJen]

I definitely recommend a solid-state drive for a laptop. It’s sturdier in a portable device.

My husband has last year’s model of this Lenovo IdeaPad: https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/ideapad/ideapad-500-series/Lenovo-IdeaPad-S540-15IWL/p/88IPS501191

It’s a sturdy, solid device and he’s happy with it. It looks like even the base model would have everything you need.

[Tuskalusa]

I’m a big fan of the Lenovo ThinkPad. Solid PC. Good for business use. A 15” pc should give you a full keyboard.

I’d also recommend buying a PC with an Intel chip. The components tend to be slightly better on the Intel based PCs.

[thedigitalone]

I would look into the Microsoft Surface lineup, they have great hardware specs for the price and are reliable.  If you want to save some $ buy one a generation back, they are surprisingly affordable.

[Sibley]

OP, just so you know, you've called out the computer geeks, which is good and bad. Just be aware that's what you've done.

You're going to get lots of "must have a solid state drive". There are pros and cons to these, and for my personal uses, they're not worth it. They do cost more. If you're rough on your laptops, then yes they might be a good idea.

Based on your list, what you want is:
-Windows 10
-Built in camera/mic
-Office suite
-USB ports
-HDMI port

Pretty much any laptop will have these, none of these are crazy. If there's a specific port that you need for projection that isn't USB or HDMI, that might be more unusual.

Then you need to decide what kind you want. A traditional laptop? Or one that is 2-in-1, that can be a laptop or function as a tablet? Your preference. Look at pictures online to see the keyboard setup.

This will help you sort through all the options out there, just a bit.

[alsoknownasDean]

Have a look at the Dell Outlet, there's often decent deals there.

With specifications, you don't have to go crazy, but again don't go too cheap. I'd disagree with Sibley, a solid state drive is worth it. 8GB of RAM is plenty, and you don't need the fastest processor out there (i5 is plenty).

Something like this is probably ample (assuming you're US based), although I personally didn't like the look of the 5000 series Inspirons:

https://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/Online/SecondaryInventorySearch.aspx?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh&sign=PXhcOSHtr1T4IOw%2fPR7UdRvIOryFTqhRSmQrZrhRsW%2b%2fOgGTNQxd37jLudqNSd6P292HyswisHXZXRF34kBRQfQgKqJwlAxgNbVVLD1Py9PfJ1%2bV9iA3%2fI3JdKElz9CAmMUUhBxRhUXXeiVgfXfPwVtv6rE2HJrFE7ofovOW9Uz2KaNpvT99%2bvsn6muuk0OZ900Gr%2fQ6Kk0%3d

Or one of these:

https://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/Online/SecondaryInventorySearch.aspx?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh&sign=PXhcOSHtr1T4IOw%2fPR7UdRvIOryFTqhRSmQrZrhRsW%2b%2fOgGTNQxd37jLudqNSd6P292HyswisHXZXRF34kBRQbnXVaR5nYvtFCVdCmTuATb6g0ggtQBh8wEXUi6eKxs5twlO1qO4XzIDKPneFPtw5YUN3tInGMQ0VFSdStS%2bA%2bilZoS%2fw9hPjYR4kP61yuiNrtkftUube7M%3d

A previous-gen Dell XPS with similar specs is about $750.

Plenty of other brands out there too, and you don't have to go refurbished.

What size laptop are you after? One with a 15" screen, or something smaller?

[MrThatsDifferent]

I do everything off my tablet (iPad). You’d only need a portable keyboard. Or surface pro as mentioned. Your needs don’t seem that complex and you’ll be surprised at the ease of use and functionality. I find laptops cumbersome now. I can access all MS software, connect to projectors, or even to HDMI for Netflix.

Otherwise, go for the thinnest MacBook, those machines are great.

[Aggie1999]

Walmart has two Ryzen 14" lightweight laptops under the "Motile" name that are good values. They were $200 for the Ryzen 3 version and $300 for the Ryzen 5 version. Sadly the price has went up to $280 and $400, respectively. If you want to wait you might monitor Slickdeals to see if they go back down. Even at the current prices they are good deals.

I have the Ryzen 5 version. Amazing little laptop for non-gaming needs. Best thing about it is ultra portable and light.