Help with new laptop - budget around $1000

neil100 on 13/04/2023 - 07:44

Hi all

I’ve been out of the loop for quite some time with regards laptops so am looking for help.

I have a budget of around $1000 and am looking for at least the following

  • At least 15” screen
  • Minimum 16GB RAM
  • Good keyboard
  • At least 500gb SSD
  • Decent quality of build

Not really gaming, just really for documentation, browsing and some other mapping / GIS software.
Weight isn’t too important either.

Thank you
Neil

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • boomramada on 13/04/2023 - 08:01

    Found anything you like around that price?

    • neil100 on 13/04/2023 - 09:12

      Had seen this at HN, but I hate using HN!
      https://www.harveynorman.com.au/acer-aspire-7-15-6-inch-i5-1…

      • Sinnerator on 14/04/2023 - 08:33

        Acer Aspire is bottom of the barrel quality. You also have an old weak dedicated gpu in that draining battery life. The victus 3050 for $999 is similar build quality but much better gpu.
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/768429
        Just be aware keyboards and touchpads on these will make you commit sepuku after a few months.
        I have an acer swift 1 and I have already unalived myself 3 times in the 15 months I have owned it.

        Have you considered refurb and upgrading ram if necessary? Gen8 i5 can be bought $300 to $400, sometimes already with 16gb.

        • neil100 on 14/04/2023 - 19:22

          Thanks Sinnerator

          Would consider refurb but would like a decent build quality even if it means sacrificing specs as long as they are upgradeable which I am happy to do.

  • raisinberry777 on 13/04/2023 - 08:52

    Thinkpad E15 Gen 4 $929 on Lenovo Edu store for Ryzen 5 5625 / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD:

    https://www.lenovo.com/au/edu/en/p/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpade/thinkpad-e15-gen-4-(15-inch-amd)/len101t0023?groupId=education

    • neil100 on 13/04/2023 - 09:15

      Thanks - That prompts me to sign up - is it worth it?
      Currently have an older Lenovo and am not that happy with the build quality (keys broken wtc)

      • rumblytangara on 13/04/2023 - 12:27

        Currently have an older Lenovo and am not that happy with the build quality (keys broken wtc)

        Is the older Lenovo a Thinkpad or another series? At least some of the Thinkpads have a rep for good quality + 3 year warranty (X and T series) whereas the E series is regarded as a bit more meh for build quality. Not sure if they also run 3 year warranties. I'm not sure that any modern laptop has what I would call a 'good' keyboard, but these ones are… less bad than average.

        I've had old X series machines last over a decade in crazy bad environments.

        We've had a couple of Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga machines which have been okay but nothing special.

        • neil100 on 14/04/2023 - 20:46

          Thanks for your input!

  • xaykogeki on 13/04/2023 - 09:20

    JB Hifi is having some sort of computer clearance and a few HPs are within or a bit over your budget. Maybe ask some perks coupon as well from the other threads.

  • GregRust on 13/04/2023 - 09:23
    +1

    It doesn't fit any of your criteria except for good keyboard and build quality, but for documents and browsing the M1 MacBook Air is hard to beat (though a little over $1000). Fast, lightweight and superb battery life.

    • jackary on 13/04/2023 - 12:42
      +1

      I don’t know why you got downvoted, it’s a good suggestion. Have a + from me

    • neil100 on 13/04/2023 - 12:52

      Thanks, is there much of a learning curve going from a windows background to MacOS?

      • raisinberry777 on 13/04/2023 - 13:04
        +1

        It's easy to make the transition for general use - but check if the mapping / GIS software you want to use is compatible with MacOS.

        • neil100 on 14/04/2023 - 08:19

          Ok thanks!

      • GregRust on 13/04/2023 - 13:27

        As others have said, for general internet browsing, MS Office applications, emails etc, it's basically the same as using Windows. But also as already mentioned by others, make sure your Mapping/GIS software of choice is compatible with MacOS first.

        • neil100 on 14/04/2023 - 08:19

          Good point, yes i’ll check

      • admira on 13/04/2023 - 14:42

        The keyboard for me took some getting used to - so accustomed to ctrl-c, ctrl-v, win+l etc etc - figuring out what key combo for mac does the same thing took some adjusting to.

        • GregRust on 13/04/2023 - 17:44

          I actually prefer using CMD instead of CTRL for copying, pasting etc. Other commands took a little longer to memorise.

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