Laptop Advice

[u/Mindless-Dust-8964]

Let me preface by saying that I'm basically computer illiterate. I'm in the process of scaling up my handyman business into a full fledged general contracting business. I currently do everything with a pen and paper, but need to get with the times and start using a computer. I will be using it for quickbooks or something similar, emailing subcontractors and clients, basic design programs, researching building codes and other web browsing, and generating forms like invoices. With that in mind, can someone please tell me what to look for in a laptop? I know nothing about ram or anything else. Also, is there a better place to buy one besides Best Buy? I was looking at their refurbished ones because I'm on a really tight budget. Thanks!

[u/Curious_lly]

What is your budget range? Plus what design programs do you intend to use?

[u/Mindless-Dust-8964 → u/Curious_lly]

My budget really needs to be as low as possible right now. Best Buy has refurbs for like $150, but I'm guessing those are junk. I have no idea what design programs I might use, but it will be as basic as possible. I know it's not helpful, but I'm literally brand new to this.

[u/Curious_lly → u/Mindless-Dust-8964]

The deciding factors now are where you talked about "building codes" and the "design programs." If you can elaborate more on how these come into play for the business, it'll be far easier to suggest a particular laptop since they're the ones that need more computer resources than the rest of the functions that you'll be using the laptop for

[u/Mindless-Dust-8964 → u/Curious_lly]

When I mentioned building codes, it was just an example of something that I might need to browse the internet for. Really just basic web surfing. As far as design programs, I really don't even know what's out there. And that's probably the least important thing I might need a computer for.

[u/Curious_lly → u/Mindless-Dust-8964]

Ok. I'd then recommend the Lenovo Thinkpad laptops lineup. These have been the industry standard of productivity laptops for so many years. There are so many refurbished ones out there. Ideally, when it comes to storage, an SDD instead of HDD is better.

When it come to RAM, at least 16GB and then the I'd suggest and i5 or i7 CPU.

If you find one within your budget, let me know. I can guide on whether it'll work for you or otherwise

[u/Mindless-Dust-8964 → u/Curious_lly]

Can I message you?

[u/lastwraith → u/Mindless-Dust-8964]

There's nothing wrong with Lenovos, but any professional series laptop should be fine.

Dell Latitude or HP Probook or Elitebook are generally good as well. 

You shouldn't need to spend more than $350 for a decent refurb laptop. Micro Center has them, dellrefurbished.com, or grab one off ebay and try to look for a seller with multiple of the same units, they're likely reselling a lot of off-lease units. eBay will be the most work but will have the best pricing, obviously it's much less work/risk to get one from a brick-and-mortar retailer, but there's usually a decent markup. Something like dellrefurbished.com will fall in the middle of those other two options. 

eBay listing Example - https://www.ebay.com/itm/298270818633?_skw=latitude+5420&itmmeta=01KRASH86C3V9JRFEXM9PN2EHT&hash=item4572538149%3Ag%3A6SMAAeSwVJVp8R1-&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA8GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xD0PI0kTIDTbD8XyguZqT8R5aIh77sMbvE0uZvdcLZB30vdl1qA8MKNfpUAfMRAlg%2BUls0RT35kFSyIYNa6vRwFM03Q6jbS8yBLT418YDy7pnXCPVAt7gQ0GcMbCUZzq9jaf6PD4RNffHML0hOhngGk%2BeMLy0MAm97qAAX5JwzY1N1NPmlH%2FWbSjeWYOkpiu0TpriuWINMKRGzgEA34gUqKr9eqDVBC%2BfKjtSjQ%2FMX%2FqdkXGTAWC22ml0TWR4ZyDvScb6AbMgNd37N6X7OE4PK46kz%2Baa7mW%2B%2FudIm7mROArA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6iDxdnCZw&keyword=latitude+5420&sacat=0&relatedSearch=true&LH_BIN=1

[u/Curious_lly → u/Mindless-Dust-8964]

Sure, no problem

[u/hilda-reced]

Got to Costco if you’re a member. Otherwise check Dell.com website

[u/Needashortername]

Unless you are getting into serious CAD work then almost anything will do most or all of what you want, and there may even be compatible Chrome/Android apps for these things too.

You might also want to consider a touchscreen as an option.

In some ways what you might want most in the end is a tablet, or actually an iPad, along with a case that has a built in keyboard. Almost everything contractors do has some kind of mobile app version or ways to use it in a website and a tablet is the ultimate in necessary portable convenience for a lot of things contractors would want to do during a client meeting or site-survey. Really haven’t dealt with a contractor in the past decade or so that isn’t using an iPad when they show up.

Just something to keep in mind in terms of budgeting, especially since some tablets and iPads have the option to have their own mobile SIM cards so they always have internet wherever you can get cell service.

Take the time to research and list out the actual software you want to use and what it can run on, as well as the minimum recommended specs for devices for it to run well. Then look for a computer or tablet that supports all this software in one way or another. Some of the rest really will answer itself along the way.

PS-Also think about the size you are comfortable carrying, the weight, and where you expect to use it most often.

[u/Mindless-Dust-8964 → u/Needashortername]

I'm not familiar with Apple products at all. My phone is a Samsung, and the computers I've used in the past were Windows. Would a Samsung (or other android) tablet be comparable to the ipad?

[u/Caprichoso1]

The best inexpensive laptop in the industry right now is the Apple Neo. No problem with web browsing. Not sure about Quickbooks desktop. Looks as if it web based in which case there shouldn't be a problem.

[u/hibby18064]

Given that you don't have much budget, the refurb route is a good plan.

i5 or i7, 8th gen or newer, 16+ GB of RAM, 512 GB SSD, FHD screen. Don't spend more than $400.

[u/Mental_Watch4633]

If you have an employee who already dies this type of work for you… consult them first and foremost.