Hard Wearing Lightweight Laptop around $1,000

seanbaussie on 04/02/2015 - 21:44
Last edited 04/02/2015 - 21:44

I've got a friend who needs to replace her laptop in the next month. She

  • travels a fair bit internationally, including to out of the way places, and not always to clean/soft locations (so needs something sturdy & longer lasting)
  • isn't particularly computer savvy (so needs a Windows machine - not a mac, and probably not something that needs a separate bluetooth keyboard or the like)
  • isn't young (so needs something light, but equally not with a tiny screen - I'd say 12+" if possible)

She's got a budget of $1,000-$1,500, might be able to stretch a bit more.

Suggestions?

Computing

Comments

  • pax on 04/02/2015 - 22:01

    Is she after a ruggedised or semi-ruggedised laptop?

    http://www.ruggedpcreview.com/3_notebooks_dell_e6430_atg.htm… is a bit over $1500

    What are her priorities otherwise? Dust protection plugs for connectors? Water repellent feature? Drop protection?

    • seanbaussie on 04/02/2015 - 22:22

      Semi rugged would be more than enough, and the weight of the model listed could be an issue - I know there is a trade off between weight & toughness but keen to get an idea of what's out there so thanks for that.
      Essentially she wants something that's not going to fall apart just because it doesn't fly first class & might get bumped around as it goes from place to place, different voltages/standards of heat,cold, dampness etc. won't be out in the wild so much.

  • iridiumstem on 04/02/2015 - 22:43
    +2

    If you don't mind Lenovo, Lenovo Thinkpad X series probably suite your needs. Thinkpad X series basically are their portable laptop series with 12 inch screen. However, Lenovo is known to be one of the worst companies there are in terms of service. Also, many people say that Lenovo ruined ThinkPad series. Anyways, Lenovo outlet, if you are interested.

    Usually going for a business laptop line would guarantee something sturdy, They are usually more expensive, but they are built with sturdyness in mind (unlike some laptops). I had a HP business laptop once and it was alright. I cannot vouch for how it is now, since it was when Windows Vista first came out. However, as far as I remember, the laptop was fairly sturdy. Dell business laptop lines, I've heard, are decent as well. Dell outlet often has laptops on sale. Latitude line is their business laptop line.

    Second hand business laptops usually are a decent choice, in terms of cost, if you don't mind getting your hands on 2nd hand laptops.

    I currently use a Surface Pro 1 and I can recommend it. However, it might be slightly small for your friend (10 inch) and it might feel slightly gimmicky for your friend (Detachable keyboard). Surface Pro lines are alright, if you don't mind gimmicky-ness of the laptop/tablet hybrid. But, then again, if she goes out to outdoor places… I am not sure whether they are sturdy enough for your friend.

    Even if you don't like Mac OS, even in terms of the hardware, Macbook Air is a decent choice as well. Install Windows via Bootcamp and it's basically a decent laptop with a decent hardware. Though, I don't know whether it will be sturdy enough for your friend's need.

    Also, check international warranties… The last thing you want is your computer breaking down without being able to fix it during the entire trip.

    • cheapy on 05/02/2015 - 06:00

      Thinkpad for sure, but you don't need to shell out that much for an X Series.

      Also buy second hand. Also buy T Series from 430, or before. They still have the solid keyboards.

    • npc on 05/02/2015 - 09:10

      Thinkpad X or T (430s) series will definitely suit the needs. They are a bit expensive, but extremely well built. Basically the only weak part is conventional HDD.

      My X220 bought in 2010 and still going strong, only battery is not as good as it used to be.

      • cheapy on 07/02/2015 - 05:19

        The hinge is the 2nd weak part id argue. My first T Series (T400) has a busted hinge.

        Fortunately theres a billion tutorials on how to fix them. They are all generally very easy to fix, and replace most parts.

    • mrmarkau67 on 05/02/2015 - 11:59

      I can vouch for Dell Latitude - but the new ones with great battery life are pretty expensive.

      But there are some good ones at the Dell outlet right now.

      http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/product…

  • Davo1111 on 04/02/2015 - 23:09

    Buy an elcheapo laptop and put in an SSD. Something with lots of bulgy plastic that can snap before the computer does

    • scrimshaw on 05/02/2015 - 18:20

      Bad hinges on a lot of El cheap ones though, and keyboards/touchpad can be really shitty as well.

      The best I've experienced so far on a cheap laptop was the Lenovo e320 and even that machine had an infuriating to use touchpad, but everything else on it was ok.

      Don't get me started on some of the entry level Acer aspire and Toshiba though…

  • djones145 on 05/02/2015 - 09:18

    what will she be doning on the comp?
    just internet, Skype? general use?
    like davo1111, prolly best get an elcheapo one
    will she be backpacking? developing countries?
    prolly not the best idea to carry a 1k-1.5k laptop!

    something cheap, light is good!
    you from Adelaide or Sydney?
    if Sydney, head to msy

  • mrmarkau67 on 05/02/2015 - 11:56

    Macbook Air, 13", with Windows installed.

    Tough, amazing battery life, very fast, light. Its very popular, so you can also buy aftermarket cases that make it less prone to shock, dust and water.

    • ethereal88 on 05/02/2015 - 15:31
      -2

      Overpriced slow Apple trash? Spot on! You can even use it as a frisbee which is all its good for!

  • dfr on 05/02/2015 - 18:51
    +1

    Some people are calling the new Dell XPS 13 a 'Macbook Air' killer. It has a 13" screen but is much smaller and lighter than a typical 13" laptop so very portable. I think the entry level is under $1500. If she's travelling internationally soon she can also save on GST I think.

    http://www.dell.com/au/p/xps-13-9343-laptop/pd#secondaryCont…

    • mrmarkau67 on 06/02/2015 - 11:33

      That looks pretty tasty. It fixes the worst feature of the Air - its screen with its massive bezel and mediocre resolution.

      I wonder if it will be as durable as a Macbook Air.

  • MasterScythe on 06/02/2015 - 11:53

    I have a Gigabyte R9 which is well built, cheap, and powerful.
    The P34g has an IPS screen too.

    But really, it sounds like she needs a macbook AIR with bootcamp windows.
    http://store.apple.com/au/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbo…

  • dfr on 07/02/2015 - 09:59

    I believe Mac's with bootcamp windows have really poor drivers for the trackpad? That ruins one of it's best features.

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