Need advice on SSD laptop options

[Megatron96]

So my laptop is dying. battery died a few weeks ago, and now it seems the fan is inop, so it runs for a couple three hours then locks up and shuts itself down.

Before things slide even further downhill, I figure I need to get a replacement, so I can at least transfer my data from one to the other. I have some options in mind, but I'm no computer guy, so I thought I'd ask CP if they had any recent experiences that might be helpful.

Looking for a laptop, at least a 14" screen (my eyes ain't so good), SSD because I'm now addicted to the speed. I don't play games, so don't need to have anything geared that way necessarily. But I do need it for work-related stuff, so the speed is helpful. Under $1,000. Under $700 would be ideal.



A couple option I'm going to look at are:

ASUS Vivobook 15

Lenovo FLex 5

Dell Inspiron 3000



Also, need a color printer, decently reliable, not expensive.

Thx in advance for any help.

[vonBobo]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

My wife is all Samsung and has been for years. She loves them. Coming from Apple I wanted more "Android" native - to me Samsung is like when you used to buy an HP laptop and they replaced all the native apps with 50GBs of bloatware. So I went with the Google Pixel since it pairs perfectly with my Chromebook.

This. Exactly.

I was an early Samsung user when their software footprint was a bit smaller on the phone but their hardware was unrivaled.
I finally got fed up with Samsung when they were loading their own crap version on top of every Google feature.. two log ins, two emails, two AI apps, two calendars, etc. And then the phone had a physical button that would only launch the Samsung assistant. The button was in a prime spot and got hit all the time which then would launch the assistant that I then had to close... And Samsung wouldn't allow the owner of the phone to remap the button assignment. Insane. The extremely expensive phone was put in its box and tossed into a closet as an emergency phone and eventually given to someone in need.

Now I roll Pixel and and am extremely happy. The person I gave the Samsung to? They roll Pixel now too.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by vonBobo

This. Exactly.

I was an early Samsung user when their software footprint was a bit smaller on the phone but their hardware was unrivaled.
I finally got fed up with Samsung when they were loading their own crap version on top of every Google feature.. two log ins, two emails, two AI apps, two calendars, etc. And then the phone had a physical button that would only launch the Samsung assistant. The button was in a prime spot and got hit all the time which then would launch the assistant that I then had to close... And Samsung wouldn't allow the owner of the phone to remap the button assignment. Insane. The extremely expensive phone was put in its box and tossed into a closet as an emergency phone and eventually given to someone in need.

Now I roll Pixel and and am extremely happy. The person I gave the Samsung to? They roll Pixel now too.

Yep, that is exactly what I was talking about. Shes constantly dealing with Bixby and Gemini fighting each other.

[vonBobo]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Did anybody talk about your need for a printer yet?

Here's a PSA:

Do not buy a cheap inkjet printer.

If you print a lot, the cost of ink will destroy you.

If you don't print a lot, the cartridges will dry up and the cost of ink will destroy you.

A decent laser printer will run you $300 vs. $50 but it will pay for itself in 12-18 months using toner vs. ink.

We abandoned inkjets about 6 years ago and we've saved so much money since switching to laser.

This is exactly what to expect with inkjet. The manufacturer sells the printers at a loss knowing they are going to make up for it over and over again buying proprietary cartridges. You are almost better off throwing away the printer and buying a new one every time you need new ink. Seriously, take some time to Google the issues.

The initial cost of laser is hard to justify at the register but you will be way more satisfied in the long run.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by vonBobo

This is exactly what to expect with inkjet. The manufacturer sells the printers at a loss knowing they are going to make up for it over and over again buying proprietary cartridges. You are almost better off throwing away the printer and buying a new one every time you need new ink. Seriously, take some time to Google the issues.

The initial cost of laser is hard to justify at the register but you will be way more satisfied in the long run.

Exactly.

[R8RFAN]

ecotank printers are easily the best value

[crispystl]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Did anybody talk about your need for a printer yet?

Here's a PSA:

Do not buy a cheap inkjet printer.

If you print a lot, the cost of ink will destroy you.

If you don't print a lot, the cartridges will dry up and the cost of ink will destroy you.

A decent laser printer will run you $300 vs. $50 but it will pay for itself in 12-18 months using toner vs. ink.

We abandoned inkjets about 6 years ago and we've saved so much money since switching to laser.

I've used Brother laser printers for years for all the shit I sell online (which is a lot of small stuff and tons of shipping labels/packing slips) They're absolutely rock solid. I can't endorse a product more than I do those. I told my cousin and my parents about them and they've both been using them with no issue for over five years.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by crispystl

I've used Brother laser printers for years for all the shit I sell online (which is a lot of small stuff and tons of shipping labels/packing slips) They're absolutely rock solid. I can't endorse a product more than I do those. I told my cousin and my parents about them and they've both been using them with no issue for over five years.

Yep. Our Brother is the best printer we've ever owned. It's almost 6 years old now. When the last time you had an inkjet printer for 6 years?

[booger]

What did you end up getting Megatron?

[Woogieman]

I bought 2 "well-speced" HP Pro Books from Micro Center, and those are tanks (FAR less plastic). I'm not a gamer or developer, so mostly just a surfer, but I highly recommend...durable, no issues at all.

[booger]

I’m looking MacBook Pro and possibly a Lenovo to specifically run windows 10 or 11 for use with OEM vehicle software for diagnostic and programming/reprogramming. (Not compatible with Mac) Thought about on of those Panasonic toughbooks. Just need to figure which specific models of Lenovo are the best to buy refurbished. So I don’t buy one where the guts are good but the case won’t fall apart.

[Bl00dyBizkitz]

Aww dang. I work at a local IT place quoting and selling laptops everyday. Wish I was paying attention, could've helped out with this.

[scho63]

Originally Posted by booger

I’m looking MacBook Pro and possibly a Lenovo to specifically run windows 10 or 11 for use with OEM vehicle software for diagnostic and programming/reprogramming. (Not compatible with Mac) Thought about on of those Panasonic toughbooks. Just need to figure which specific models of Lenovo are the best to buy refurbished. So I don’t buy one where the guts are good but the case won’t fall apart.

Windows 10 is dead. Don't use it. All support ending soon and I have to buy new personal computer as no upgrade path to 11 on my older Dell. My newer Dell I use solely for work.

[Bl00dyBizkitz]

Originally Posted by scho63

Windows 10 is dead. Don't use it. All support ending soon and I have to buy new personal computer as no upgrade path to 11 on my older Dell. My newer Dell I use solely for work.

Yeah.

It's not "dead", but Windows won't be rolling out any security updates for it starting in October. So if you're getting a new device now, you should get something Windows 11 compatible.

[booger]

Right now my only laptop is a really old Lenovo G50-45 that I run Linux on. For the automotive stuff I borrowed a laptop with windows 11 from a friend and all the ac delco and GM software worked well with the windows 11 so I know that will work. Didn’t know that info about windows 10 so I will avoid that. Thanks guys!

[ChiefsHawk]

Not a laptop but I ordered a desktop off ebay(highly rated seller) and it came busted up. Basically nothing salvageable besides the 4080 gpu. Took it to a shop which they said its fixable you should be good. So I ordered parts and put everything together. Come to find out the guy says the gpu is toast and im basically at budget....without a gpu