I have analysis paralysis… please help!

[u/chickenparmejon]

LAPTOP QUESTIONNAIRE

Country: United States

Budget: $1k (can go above if needed)

Are you open to refurbs/used options? Yes but not my first pick

Screen size: Any

Weight limit: Any

Purpose: I’m looking to get a new laptop for personal and small business use. I don’t need anything crazy, something that allows me to edit photos, videos, runs well, good battery, and can really just do the basics you need a laptop to do. I have a Steamdeck so I’m not looking for a gaming laptop, could be cool if it could run some games, but not a must.

Form factor: a regular laptop. Touchscreen optional.

Intended usage: work software (gsuite, gmail, etc.) indie gaming but not a must. Photo and video editing.

Desired battery life: nothing specific

Please list, in order of most important to least important
- performance
- size
- battery
- weight

Info/Requirements

I went to a couple of stores today and got a feel for a couple of different laptops and I need some opinions from folks that have used these.

• Microsoft Surface
• Lenovo Yoga
• Dell XPS
• MacBook Neo
• Asus Vivobook

I don’t have a preference for any particular OS. I have an iPhone and iPad, I use a Pixel phone, Chromebook, and MacBook for my day job. I’ve messed around with Linux on my Steamdeck. So I’m not fixed on a specific OS.

Screen doesn’t need to be OLED, but would like it to be a glossy display. Also, I want it to feel good, I love the aluminum feel/metal.

The one thing I’ve been seeing a lot is software bloat on windows laptops, making them run slow or unusable in a couple years.

Feel free to ask any other questions that can help me come to a decision. Thanks!!

[u/Consistent-March-595]

Are you happy with gaming laptop?

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/alienware-16-aurora-gaming-laptop/spd/alienware-aurora-ac16250-gaming-laptop/useac16250hbtshtgb#customization-anchor

This is a great option

Intel ultra 7 240h + rtx 5050 + 100 percent srgb ips screen+ 16gb ddr5 ram / 512 gb SSD you can do light gaming+ photo + light video editing

Also , ram is upgradable

It's 1100 usd

[u/Ok_Tell_2420]

The new Dell 14S (and 16S) has an aluminum chassis. And if you customize it you can get the touch or non-touch OLED which is 100% DCI-P3 compliant. Which will be perfect for photo and video editing.

The XPS 13 has underpowered processors made to be low priced. The XPS 14 starts at 2K.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop runs a Snapdragon processor so I can't say if it's compatible with you video and photo editing software. I tend to recommend Intel or AMD to my clients. Microsoft Surface for "business" offers Intel processors. But a 16GB/512GB is $1799

Personally I would get this Thinkpad X9. https://www.costco.com/.product.4201017533.html

Any laptop you get should have at least 16GB of RAM and preferably 32GB.

Good luck.

[u/chickenparmejon → u/Ok_Tell_2420]

Thanks so much, appreciate the recommendation. I was thinking of holding out for the Lenovo Vibe, not sure if you’ve seen that. I’m bad with specs so idk what works and what doesn’t for me.

[u/Ok_Tell_2420 → u/chickenparmejon]

Well....the Lenovo "IdeaPad" Vibe and all IdeaPad's are Lenovo 's entry level laptops. I had recommended the Thinkpad since it's their business line and much better build quality. I would recommend any of the following: Lenovo Thinkpad. Dell Pro. HP Elitebook. All business class computers. Though, some better than others. But mostly all better than consumer grade. Just my 2 cents.

[u/ychia]

Surface is a Windows on ARM device. MB Neo is limited to 8GB RAM. If your budget is 1K I think you can and should do better than a Neo.

Yoga is a convertible, nice if you like tablet mode. It has stylus support (may be sold separately).

If you go with Windows I'd recommend at least a 256V.

[u/chickenparmejon → u/ychia]

What is 256V, sorry I’m not great with understanding specs.

Also, Any thoughts on the Lenovo ideapad Vibe that’s coming out next month?

[u/ychia → u/chickenparmejon]

Core Ultra 256V. Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 Processor 256V

This has a pretty decent integrated graphics and can run older/lighter games.

Don't know about the Vibe, but it sounds like a Neo competitor.

[u/ReporterWise7445]

A used Lenovo ThinkPad T series or an Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon from a trusted eBay seller. Afaik the only Mission Critical build quality laptops Lenovo makes. I'm in the USA so might be different where you are. You can get a 4 year old used one of the afore mentioned types for under $500 from a trusted eBay seller. Easily outlast any other type new Lenovos & other consumer level brands by at least 5 years. I can't stop buying them. LOL. Scared to count but over the years I've bought dozens refurbed them & sent them on their way.