I need guidance purchasing a new laptop...


  1. gfr
    Posts : 60
    Windows 10 21H1 (OS Build 19043.1526)
       #1

    I need guidance purchasing a new laptop...


    I need to purchase a new or used laptop with Windows 10 installed.

    I think I want to buy a laptop that had Windows 10 Professional initially installed rather than upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7.

    I really do not have any "extra" money... How much computer (laptop) do I need to buy?

    Thanks!

    gfr92y

    Here is a description of my max usage at any one given time:
    • MS Word - 2 or 3 small-to-moderate size documents
    • MS Excel - 2 or 3 small-to-moderate size workbooks
    • MS Outlook - 3 GB .pst file
    • Mathematica 10 (Light usage)
    • Chrome - 8 open Websites
    • MS Media Player
    • Paintshop Pro - 10 Large files
    • NordVPN
    • Kaspersky AV
    • Teamviewer
    • Dragon Naturally Speaking Individual Professional 14


    I do not:
    • Game
    • Watch or edit HD Videos
    • Host websites, servers or FTP sites
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,572
    win10 home
       #2

    Rule 1 applies.
    Caveat emptor {buyer beware}
    No one hers can give a second hand guarantee.
      My Computer


  3. gfr
    Posts : 60
    Windows 10 21H1 (OS Build 19043.1526)
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Sorry. My question was unclear... I am hoping to get some idea on the amount of RAM, Processing Power, and any other key performance specs that I need, at a minimum.

    Thanks!

    gfr92y
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 581
    win 10
       #4

    what is your price your willing to spend on a laptop that would help what to look for?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 7,871
    Windows 11 Pro 64 bit
       #5

    Choose the best spec for your budget. Note PCs from a professional range e.g. HP ProBook, Dell Latitude are built to a higher standard, have better warranty support and come with Windows 10 Pro. Steer clear of bonded PCs which are impossible for the average user to upgrade and fix. I recently chose a HP ProBook 450 G6 for £650 but that may be above your budget. The spec is Intel i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 15.6" IPS display, Windows 10 Pro.
      My Computers


  6. gfr
    Posts : 60
    Windows 10 21H1 (OS Build 19043.1526)
    Thread Starter
       #6

    My budget is the least I need to spend.

    Your pc specs match my son's recommendation, except he did not distinguish between bonded and not bonded.

    I have identified an HP Pavilion for $625 that meets your specs, but I suppose it is bonded given the price.

    Thanks !

    gfr92y
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 5,478
    2004
       #7

    Practically any PC made in the last decade will do. If your requirement really is that it was initially released with Windows 10 you want something released July 2015 or later.

    You want 4GB (ideally 8GB) and an SSD would be nice. 128GB is plenty for Windows and the files you describe and if not you can buy a 500GB SSD from Amazon for $50 or so.

    I'd go for a second hand ThinkPad as they are pretty robust and I've always had good luck with them.

    I've no idea know what US resellers are good but blackmarket.com has a 2016 T460 with 16GB RAM and 128GB SSD for $399 with 12 month warranty and you can certainly do better than that with a bit of research.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 7,871
    Windows 11 Pro 64 bit
       #8

    gfr92y said:
    My budget is the least I need to spend.

    Your pc specs match my son's recommendation, except he did not distinguish between bonded and not bonded.

    I have identified an HP Pavilion for $625 that meets your specs, but I suppose it is bonded given the price.

    Thanks !

    gfr92y
    The ultra thin ones tend to be bonded. Find the manual and check you can remove the back. The HP ProBook is from HP's professional range.
      My Computers


  9. gfr
    Posts : 60
    Windows 10 21H1 (OS Build 19043.1526)
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Thanks!
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:40.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums