Laptop vs Mac vs....

Rufty1

Hello, I currently have a Dell Latitude that I use for work and also personal use. It's as slow as a slow thing and I need to buy one of my own for personal use. But I have to say I am overwhelmed by the choice. I have a flexible budget and want to 'future proof' my purchase for the next 3-5 years if possible.
I would need it for email, spreadsheets, word, internet searching & watching the odd programme (eg Iplayer). I won't need it for gaming. The speed of my current one drives me nuts, so that is important.
I have heard bad things about Windows 8, but good things about the Mac (although they are v expensive). Also unsure about a touch screen. Is there anything else I should consider? I know that's a broad scope but I'd appreciate your advice. Many thanks!!

macman

Absolutely any modern laptop will do all those tasks with room to spare.
You don't have to use W8, plenty of refurbs are available with W7.
I can't see the point of W8 unless you have a touchscreen, but that's just a personal view.
A Mac will cost you about twice as much but will hold it's value much better than a Windows machine.
PS: all your Dell probably needs is a clean install or Factory Restore and it will run like new.

Coffeekup

These days when you buy a laptop there full of bloat ware (apps/stuff you don't need i.e. nero coffee bar) more so on windows 8.1 laptops I've noticed which can be infuriating. So buying a reconditioned Windows 7 laptop is a worth a look into.
First things first whats your budget?
Screen size, weight or any other preferences?

As said Macs hold value better but you pay a premium which IMO is not worth it although they look good.

As this is a Money saving forum - i would recommend Libre office - a free download of the same stuff you buy from Microsoft, Word/excel/power point etc. It's just as easy to use and if you don't or never delve deep into Microsoft's software/functions. Just remember to save your files in ODF format so they can open on any software like Google spread sheets or Microsoft spread sheets.

Alternatively depending how confident you feel with computer software and from a financial point of view, you can give your laptop a lease of life for another couple of years buy installing Ubuntu or Lubuntu or Linus mint.

also with Windows 9 looming if you do feel comfortable installing Lubuntu etc, and spend your pennies in a few weeks time you can have a what appears to be a a nice new operating system.

Rufty1

macman wrote: »

Absolutely any modern laptop will do all those tasks with room to spare.
You don't have to use W8, plenty of refurbs are available with W7.
I can't see the point of W8 unless you have a touchscreen, but that's just a personal view.
A Mac will cost you about twice as much but will hold it's value much better than a Windows machine.
PS: all your Dell probably needs is a clean install or Factory Restore and it will run like new.

Thank you. Because it's owned by work, I can't remove a lot of those things as the admin is controlled, but sure you are right.

Moneymaker

I always buy my Macs second-hand. Usually at least 2 years old (but budget for a new HDD if older).

InsideInsurance

Rufty1 wrote: »

Thank you. Because it's owned by work, I can't remove a lot of those things as the admin is controlled, but sure you are right.

If it has slowed down then take it back to IT and get them to reimage it.

As others have said, even a basic machine can do what you want without problems. Buy a mid range machine and it'll be quicker and is highly unlikely that you'd NEED to replace it in 3-5 years. If its a windoz machine then there are probably a few extra maintenance things you need to do to keep the OS running well

Macs are great, I have three ranging from 4.5 to 2 years old and none are close to being replaced. Historically I'd be changing a windoz machine every 2 years but I did use to play games a little bit more than I do now (but only a little). You pay a lot for miniaturization and build with them. Look at similarly compact windows machines and their prices are comparable. The thing is that Apple just dont do the entry level bulky/ plastic case offerings which makes them appear very expensive. Is it worth it? Only you can decide that.

Rufty1

Thanks all. With Libre Office, how easy is it to use with all my existing windows files (excel, word, ppt)? Would I have to convert everyone of the files I'd need?
Plus anything to look out for with my mp3 files?
I have been recommended the HP 15-g094sa 15.6" - any views please?
Finally (thanks for your patience)...how about security for my new machine?
Thanks everyone?

Handsome90

Can you ask your IT department whether they are willing to change the HD with a SSD and add more RAM? You would definitely see an immediate boost in speed if you do those 2 things.

It doesn't look like you'll need a new laptop (unless you want one) as your old laptop should suffice for the tasks that you mentioned in your first post.

Rufty1

Work/IT won't do anything about my current machine. I have my photos and music on it at the mo, but I shouldn't really and they are not backed up. Hence the need to get my own machine. I think they have a discount scheme with Dell, so I'll check those out, thanks,

Any thoughts on security for my new one?

GwylimT

It depends what you want really, I have a seven year old mac (almost eight) it has never had any problems, of course it doesn't have the same spec as modern machines, so I have changed both the size of the hard drive and ram, with this and the latest operating system it's quite nippy.

When I got it it was just shy of £900 so very expensive, but it is doing very well, I dropped it down the stairs once which yes did leave a rather large dent on the case but no other ill effects.

I also have a 2008 MacBook (the white case one) it did develop a fault with the screen, it was replaced the same in an apple store, it was eight weeks outside it's two year warranty. I have also updated the ram on this which cost me £50.

There are a range of security options you can use, you could try avg free. Personally I don't use an antivirus and as personal computers used at work have to be scanned on a weekly basis if used for work I know I have never had a virus as I'm careful about where I visit what I download etc.