Budget laptop, ideally under £500

Nervalslobster

My last laptop was a MacBook, which experienced the oh-too-common motherboard of doom failure. That was several years ago, and since then I’ve relied on my phone and iPad and still do in the main. 

However, in my retirement I’ve become secretary of a couple of groups, and am struggling to do the admin on my iPad. I don’t want to spend a fortune (so another MacBook is definitely out of the question!), but would consider paying up to £500, possibly a bit more, for something reliable that will last me a good few years. I don’t need anything fancy. I don’t do gaming, don’t need masses of storage, just need something that will have Word, excel etc. I’m not bothered about super lightweight as I won’t be taking it out and about. 

I’d be grateful for any suggestions!

Cisco001

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Laptop AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 4650U 8GB RAM 256GB SSD 14" FHD IPS £333

Dell Inspiron 15 15.6" FHD 120Hz Ryzen 5 5500U 8GB (upgradeable) 256 SSD Laptop - w.code £284.05

Used 

Lenovo X13 Gen3/i5-1235U/16GB Ram/256GB SSD/13"/W10/B CEX £380

I assume thinkpad would be more reliable...

gefnew

Dell Inspiron 15 15.6" FHD 120Hz Ryzen 5 5500U, 8GB, 512GB SSD Laptop - W/Code | hotukdeals

Bonhomie

gefnew said:

Dell Inspiron 15 15.6" FHD 120Hz Ryzen 5 5500U, 8GB, 512GB SSD Laptop - W/Code | hotukdeals

Is there an echo in here?

Desmond_Hume

What aspects of the admin are you struggling with on the iPad?  I ask because getting a keyboard and mouse setup for the iPad would essentially turn it into a laptop.  Wouldn’t cost £500 either. 

Cisco001

Desmond_Hume said:

What aspects of the admin are you struggling with on the iPad?  I ask because getting a keyboard and mouse setup for the iPad would essentially turn it into a laptop.  Wouldn’t cost £500 either. 

OP said he/ she is retired. May be ipad just too small?

Musa999

Considering your requirements and budget, you have several good options for a reliable laptop that can handle basic administrative tasks. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Acer Aspire 5:

   • A budget-friendly option with a good balance of performance.
   • Comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, which is suitable for everyday tasks.
   • Typically has sufficient RAM for basic productivity (8GB or more).
   • Provides a decent display and keyboard.
   • You can find configurations within your budget.

2. HP Pavilion x360:

   • A 2-in-1 laptop that can also be used as a tablet.
   • Offers good build quality and a touchscreen display.
   • Comes with an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor, suitable for your needs.
   • Adequate RAM for basic tasks and multitasking.
   • The ability to flip the screen can be convenient for different tasks.

3. Dell Inspiron 14:

   • Dell's Inspiron series offers reliable performance.
   • Look for configurations with an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor.
   • Comes with a comfortable keyboard and a decent display.
   • Well within your budget for mid-range configurations.

4. Lenovo IdeaPad 5:

   • Lenovo laptops are known for their durability.
   • Comes with AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors.
   • Usually has a good selection of ports for connectivity.
   • Offers a balance between performance and affordability.

Before making a purchase, consider checking for deals or discounts that might be available. Additionally, ensure that the laptop you choose meets the system requirements for the software you'll be using, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

When possible, try to test the keyboard and display in person to ensure they meet your preferences. Keep in mind that prices can vary based on location and availability, so it's a good idea to check multiple retailers for the best deal.