Laptop Deals Master Thread

[AsherO]

My family currently uses one laptop, and I'm looking to get a second one for myself. This may be obvious, but is there any reason to spend more than a couple hundered on a laptop that I need for microsoft office products and casual browsing? Will a top of the line model last longer or have any real benefit for my needs? I can afford to spend around 1000 but not sure if I would be thrwoing the money away on a processor I wouldnt use.

There’s money spent on a quality build that will have it last longer. The rest of the price difference will make for marginally faster running for the apps you mentioned and features you might not need (better screen, better WiFi, fingerprint reader, backlit keyboard, better connectors, etc)

[mevinyavin]

My family currently uses one laptop, and I'm looking to get a second one for myself. This may be obvious, but is there any reason to spend more than a couple hundered on a laptop that I need for microsoft office products and casual browsing? Will a top of the line model last longer or have any real benefit for my needs? I can afford to spend around 1000 but not sure if I would be thrwoing the money away on a processor I wouldnt use.

This computer, for example, would be your starting point: https://www.microcenter.com/product/669386/lenovo-ideapad-3-14itl05-14-laptop-computer-platinum-grey
It costs $180 but is significantly better than most $180 computers.
Pros: Cheap / sufficient processing power for FAST use of basic office apps and basic browsing (ie without twenty tabs open) / RAM is upgradeable if you do want to have those tabs open
Cons: Plastic build / older wifi / mundane battery life / not future proof (see below)
Life expectancy according to consumer reports: 3-5 years.

After that comes the list of things that you can get with spending more money. For the sake of clarity I will repeat @AsherO 's pointers and elaborate on a few.
- Metal build, theoretically better protected from bangs and scrapes, but also against things like the twenty-thousandth time you open the laptop. Note that even if the computer lasts longer, it may not last as long as the extra amount you spent on it (ie, you can get a tank of a computer for 3.5X the price, but it will not last 3.5X longer)
- A larger screen, and / or a better screen, and / or a brighter screen
- Better battery life
- A lighter weight
- A more portable option (such as a 13" computer) will almost always cost more
- A number pad on the keyboard, or an ASUS laptop that has a number pad option on the touchpad
- Faster wifi, mobile sim slots, fingerprint readers, the ports you want ...
- Touch screens or 2-in-1 (I personally do not recommend these for reasons expressed elsewhere)
- For future proofing, better specs
-- A better processor may be better at running the internet or some random office app that suddenly becomes indispensable (lookin' at YOU, Zoom) but today is not required
-- More RAM, for sure, but that is upgradeable even if you can't do it yourself
-- More storage on the SSD (I would say a faster SSD but that is helpful only in niche situations and not worth worrying about IMHO)
-- A better graphics controller, and/or a significantly better processor, should only be considered if you may be learning some skill that requires it, or if you want to also game a AAA game on it

Note that combining several maalos will cost more than merely one. For example, in the $400 range, you can find i5s, metal builds, larger screens, and better battery life. However, if you want a larger screen AND better battery life you may need to spend more. If you want a 17" screen that is lightish and with excellent battery life, for instance, you will need an LG Gram 17 which costs at least $1000. Drop the battery life and gain 1.5lbs (for a total of 4.5lbs, which is not bad at all for that weight), and you can find one for $450.
Also note that even if a Latitude or Thinkpad lasts ten years and is still chugging away, the specs inside it are nevertheless ten years old. Personally, I would prefer buying a cheaper computer and replacing it in half the time. The tanks are still worth it if being used in an environment that is dangerous to the computer, and you therefore cannot take care of it like you should.

[MoYS]

Thanks so much for laying it all out. It seems like I would be just fine with a lower priced one and if my needs change in a few years I would upgrade even if I had a more expensive one.

[mevinyavin]

@thaber The Zenbook 14X with i7 is on sale for $700 at Best Buy. Decent price. For sure the cheapest you will find an OLED with this kind of battery life (formerly the domain only of GalaxyBook Pros but they've gotten worse recently).
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-zenbook-14x-14-5-2-8k-oled-touch-laptop-intel-evo-platform-i7-13700h-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-inkwell-gray/6543526.p?skuId=6543526

[maxamex932]

I currently use the Surface Laptop 3 (10th Gen i7, 16Gb RAM/256GB SSD) and am looking for a new laptop.

I came across this laptop for $899.99 - LG gram 16" Intel Evo Platform TouchScreen Laptop - 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P - 2560 x 1600 Windows:
https://www.costco.com/lg-gram-16%22-intel-evo-platform-touchscreen-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i7-1360p---2560-x-1600---windows-11.product.4000213360.html

Is this a good deal? Will i like this LG laptop coming from the surface laptop?

[mevinyavin]

I currently use the Surface Laptop 3 (10th Gen i7, 16Gb RAM/256GB SSD) and am looking for a new laptop.

I came across this laptop for $899.99 - LG gram 16" Intel Evo Platform TouchScreen Laptop - 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P - 2560 x 1600 Windows:
https://www.costco.com/lg-gram-16%22-intel-evo-platform-touchscreen-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i7-1360p---2560-x-1600---windows-11.product.4000213360.html

Is this a good deal? Will i like this LG laptop coming from the surface laptop?

I don't have any reviews for the 13th gen version on hand yet.
Users I know from the 12th gen loved the weight (or lack thereof) and the superb battery (and 13th gen should be better), but the material, which is officially a "magnesium alloy," feels and looks like some kind of weird plastic. (Perhaps visit a store and take a look at one.) The price is great.

[thaber]

@thaber The Zenbook 14X with i7 is on sale for $700 at Best Buy. Decent price. For sure the cheapest you will find an OLED with this kind of battery life (formerly the domain only of GalaxyBook Pros but they've gotten worse recently).
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-zenbook-14x-14-5-2-8k-oled-touch-laptop-intel-evo-platform-i7-13700h-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-inkwell-gray/6543526.p?skuId=6543526

Thank you! Will take a second look when back on the ground, but looks good!

[AsherO]

I don't have any reviews for the 13th gen version on hand yet.
Users I know from the 12th gen loved the weight (or lack thereof) and the superb battery (and 13th gen should be better), but the material, which is officially a "magnesium alloy," feels and looks like some kind of weird plastic. (Perhaps visit a store and take a look at one.) The price is great.

Very happy with my 11th gen LG Gram

[mevinyavin]

Very happy with my 11th gen LG Gram

I'm sure you are. It was much better at what it was designed to do than even the 12th. It would appear that the 13th has come a long way to address the issues of the 12th, but it still is not as good as the 11th when it comes to heat generation and energy efficiency (read: battery life). Although the 12th was more than twice as powerful as the 11th, this was never the reason to buy a Gram...
Agav, I'm not certain the build of the 11th was the same as the 12th. Don't care enough to check, it's academic now.

[mevinyavin]

MSI Modern 14 with Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD.
$510 regular sale price (okay), 10% off (with code on the page) if you pay in installments under Newegg's "Zip" system, which I confess that I know nothing about. Maybe there is a way to convince them to take all the money right away. Either way, if you make the four payments there isn't supposed to be interest.
https://www.newegg.com/classic-black-msi-modern-14-c7m-048us-work-business/p/N82E16834156444?Item=N82E16834156444&SoldByNewegg=1

[mevinyavin]

Dell Inspiron 3535 15.6" with touch screen, Ryzen 5 7530U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD - $330 at Best Buy.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-15-3535-touch-laptop-amd-ryzen-5-amd-radeon-8gb-memory-512gb-ssd-carbon-black/6559387.p?skuId=6559387

[AsherO]

I currently use the Surface Laptop 3 (10th Gen i7, 16Gb RAM/256GB SSD) and am looking for a new laptop.

I came across this laptop for $899.99 - LG gram 16" Intel Evo Platform TouchScreen Laptop - 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P - 2560 x 1600 Windows:
https://www.costco.com/lg-gram-16%22-intel-evo-platform-touchscreen-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i7-1360p---2560-x-1600---windows-11.product.4000213360.html

Is this a good deal? Will i like this LG laptop coming from the surface laptop?

If you’re not using the touchscreen consider this LG Gram instead:
https://www.costco.com/lg-gram-17%22-intel-evo-platform-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i7-1360p---2560-x-1600---windows-11.product.4000153189.html

[MoYS]

Dell Inspiron 3535 15.6" with touch screen, Ryzen 5 7530U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD - $330 at Best Buy.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-15-3535-touch-laptop-amd-ryzen-5-amd-radeon-8gb-memory-512gb-ssd-carbon-black/6559387.p?skuId=6559387

Funny you posted this. Based on your advice earlier I found it on BB and was actually just about to buy it and wanted to check with a mevin. I assume you are recommending it and its a good price? I really wanted a smaller screen but the similar model was this but its much more expensive. Is there a similar model that I should consider that has a smaller screen.
Thanks

[AYHG]

Ideapad 5 (metal case)
12th gen core i5
8GB ram
512 GB
$327 from Lenovo outlet

https://www.lenovo.com/us/outletus/en/p/laptops/ideapad/ideapad-500/ideapad-5i-gen-7-(15-inch-intel)/82sf000lus

Same specs in 14" flex with WUXGA touchscreen for $370
https://www.lenovo.com/us/outletus/en/p/laptops/ideapad/ideapad-flex-series/ideapad-flex-5i-gen-7-(14-inch-intel)/82r7004kus

[MoYS]

Same specs in 14" flex with WUXGA touchscreen for $370
https://www.lenovo.com/us/outletus/en/p/laptops/ideapad/ideapad-flex-series/ideapad-flex-5i-gen-7-(14-inch-intel)/82r7004kus

How does this compare to

Dell Inspiron 3535 15.6" with touch screen, Ryzen 5 7530U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD - $330 at Best Buy.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-15-3535-touch-laptop-amd-ryzen-5-amd-radeon-8gb-memory-512gb-ssd-carbon-black/6559387.p?skuId=6559387

Is it worth the extra $50 (after tax)

[AYHG]

The flex is a 2-in-1 which is an entirely different thing. The hinges are often less durable on 2-in-1s. It has a sharper screen and an aluminum top.

As far as the Dell vs the 15" Lenovo, the Lenovo is more durable (full aluminum build) and has a backlit keyboard, while the Dell includes a touchscreen.

It's a question of your needs and preferences.

[mevinyavin]

Is there a similar model that I should consider that has a smaller screen.
Thanks

Not offhand at that price. And I'm done trawling for this week.
If you are still interested, PM next week when I may have more time.

[yungermanchik]

From the Costco booklet:
https://www.costco.com/hp-14%22-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i3-1315u---1080p---windows-11.product.4000209051.html
is going on sale for $350 next week.

[AYHG]

From the Costco booklet:
https://www.costco.com/hp-14%22-laptop---13th-gen-intel-core-i3-1315u---1080p---windows-11.product.4000209051.html
is going on sale for $350 next week.

The entry level HPs are extremely flimsy. They're made from weak, thin plastic and every part of them flexes. I would say, only get it if you can't spend more and must have the 12 GB of ram.

[AsherO]

The entry level HPs are extremely flimsy. They're made from weak, thin plastic and every part of them flexes. I would say, only get it if you can't spend more and must have the 12 GB of ram.

Virtually anyone who “must have” 12gb of ram should be able to spend more.