KindaSpikey wrote:
So, my old laptop has died and I'd like to replace it. I'll admit right here that I'm completely computer illiterate, so any help would be much appreciated. To get started, I really don't have a lot of cash to spend, (perhaps around $500 ish). I realize that's not much for a top of the line machine, so I'm happy to look at used/refurbished, and I already have a few places in mind for getting one. My problem is that I really don't know what specs I should be looking for, such as speed, type of processor, OS, memory, brand, and anything else I may have missed. I really know next to nothing about this subject, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help, all the best, and hope you have a great day!
Ray.
So, my old laptop has died and I'd like to replace... (
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I just looked at Wallyworld.com saw these: I see both Desktop and Laptop models that would work well for most applications, including Post Processing. Many are windows "Home", but most (maybe all) can be switched from "the limitations of the "Home" models to "open" when you initialize the unit. Windows 10 and 11 models, either should be fine for your needs. Couple examples listed this morning, 1 minute search:
HP 17.3" FHD, Intel Core i5-1135G7, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Natural Silver, Windows 11 Home, 17-by4061nr (4.3) 4.3 stars out of 198 reviews, 198 reviews Now $549.00 Was $679.00 $679.00
HP All-in-One Desktop 22", Touch, Ryzen 3 3250U, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, White, Windows 11 Home, 22-df0023w (4.4) 4.4 stars out of 710 reviews 710 reviews $539.00
HP 15.6" Laptop, Intel Core i3-1115G4, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Windows 10 Home, Natural Silver, 15-dy2091wm (4.1) 4.1 stars out of 1524 reviews 1524 reviews $279.00Was $399.00
HP 15.6" Laptop, Intel Pentium Silver N5000, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Windows 10 Home with Office , Scarlet Red, 15-dw0083wm (3.9) 3.9 stars out of 2857 reviews 2857 reviews
$248.00Was $309.00
AND many many others listed. Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy, B&H, Adorama, and others will have deals as well, and July 12-13 is PRIME DAY, may be some specials on Amazon as well.
They also sell "refurbs" of various capability, my current desktop is one of those, bought cheap and been a trooper for 4 yrs, now. My current laptop is a semi-custom ordered HP, ordered from HP during a sale, it rocks. There are a lot of ways to go, direct from mfg. or asny of the discound houses..... Remember the sale prices are generally straight from the manufacturer, as they all set the prices on these things, just like they do with cameras, with the exception of the refurbs/used, those may/may not be manufacturer set prices, depending on who.
You can do a lot with the 4 gig RAM models, multi-tasking and heavy processing of any kind will be slower, so I'd say go for at least 8 GB Ram and up, more recent processor, etc....as others have stated, you can add all the storage you need via external drives. I'd also say go for a FHD - Full HD model at minimum, as the models listed as HD are usually "less than" 1080 (720 to 900) and won't look as "sharp", especially if a larger screen, like a 17". Have fun!!