How to choose a new laptop?

smssms

I am a competent and experienced computer user, and in the market for a new laptop.
I have no particular affinity to any manufacturer, processor type, etc and will probably put Linux on it and use that most of the time.
My main priority is that I want something that will be as 'future-proof' as can get for <£1,000 (I know, not a money saving issue!) i.e. goof build quality and high spec (now) and am happy to go refurbished or good used.

So here is my question - how do you choose one? There are just too many laptops out there with too many options! I just can't get started narrowing it down.

Other things I would like in no particular order include:

• USB 3.0 port(s)
• Low noise (keys and fans)
• Illuminated keyboard
• Good touchpad (i.e. not like my Vaio with integrated pad/buttons)
• Good speakers

I_have_spoken

By their nature laptop can't be 'future proofed' as you can't swap CPU and cards.

If you are looking for something robust then business grade Lenovo or HP Elitebook

samsmoot

How many times do I have to say, 'LENOVO!'. Not sure what they have on offer right now but I'd start there. Sound on the two in use is superb and reliability is never a question. These are £300 machines and were an absolute bargain. They are low noise, touchpads work well.

Cisco001

There is no future proof for PC hardware as they change so fast.
For £1000, you can go for Apple Macbook, which retain its value if you sell it.

Or you can get customize barebone laptop like Clevo, which is easier to upgrade.

Or just get £400 laptop and change it every 3 year, although this is not good for environment.

BTW, Do you play game or video editing?

smssms

samsmoot wrote: »

How many times do I have to say, 'LENOVO!'. Not sure what they have on offer right now but I'd start there. Sound on the two in use is superb and reliability is never a question. These are £300 machines and were an absolute bargain. They are low noise, touchpads work well.

My first ever computer was an IBM Thinkpad - I could get quite nostalgic as they are still pretty big chunky lumps of black plastic.

smssms

Cisco001 wrote: »

There is no future proof for PC hardware as they change so fast.
For £1000, you can go for Apple Macbook, which retain its value if you sell it.

Or you can get customize barebone laptop like Clevo, which is easier to upgrade.

Or just get £400 laptop and change it every 3 year, although this is not good for environment.

BTW, Do you play game or video editing?

You make some good points.

I do not do gaming, editing, 3D, etc at the moment, but I'd quite like a lot of processor 'overhead' so that if I want to play with some high demand software later on the laptop should be able to cope ok.

Cisco001

smssms wrote: »

You make some good points.

I do not do gaming, editing, 3D, etc at the moment, but I'd quite like a lot of processor 'overhead' so that if I want to play with some high demand software later on the laptop should be able to cope ok.

If you don't do gaming/ video editing, dedicated GPU not necessary.
So what you need to look for is would be 4th gen i5/ i7 CPU. 4 -8GB RAM.

If you go for customize laptop, consider Hybrid drive or SSD as primary drive with HDD for secondary. Also get 1920 x 1080 IPS panel if you can afford

closed

Buy a cheap one, or use the one you have already, future proofing is futile and expensive. Processors have had plenty of spare capacity for a long long time.

smssms

Well, it is narrowing a bit, but I am still absolutely overwhelmed by the amount of choice.

Some I have looked at are:

- Lenovo (Thinkpad) Edge E540 - i7 quad core 4th gen for under £700.
- Dell Latitude E7400 looks similar to above (but 2 core?).
- PCspecialst/Clevo can put together 4th gen core i7 with an IPS screen, illuminated keyboard and 500GB hybrid drive for under £800.

I hate to buy stuff without doing the research and knowing I got what I wanted at a good price, but there is just too much to research!!! Grrrr!!!

Cisco001

smssms wrote: »

Well, it is narrowing a bit, but I am still absolutely overwhelmed by the amount of choice.

Some I have looked at are:

- Lenovo (Thinkpad) Edge E540 - i7 quad core 4th gen for under £700.
- Dell Latitude E7400 looks similar to above (but 2 core?).
- PCspecialst/Clevo can put together 4th gen core i7 with an IPS screen, illuminated keyboard and 500GB hybrid drive for under £800.

I hate to buy stuff without doing the research and knowing I got what I wanted at a good price, but there is just too much to research!!! Grrrr!!!

Go to notebookcheck.net
Enter the model you are looking, they usually have review their.