Laptop for Downloading

Bobby123 on 31/05/2017 - 10:35
Last edited 31/05/2017 - 10:42

I'm cancelling my order of the EZBook 3 Pro (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/306386) after further looking into the space and upgrades available.

Can anyone recommend a laptop that's primarily going to be used for downloading and transferring files

$400-500 budget (incl. any SSD upgrade)

  • needs 15"6 screen at least
  • needs to be able to fit in SSD
  • needs decent~ processor (i3 upwards?)

  • needs to be able to upgrade RAM

  • not fussed about weight/portability

  • doesn't need a FHD screen or GPU etc
  • doesn't have to have OS

I know a lot of the older laptops (plastic & with HDD's) are coming down in price, but how do I know if I can swap out the HDD and/or DVD drive?

Thanks in advance!

Computing

Comments

  • YLD1 on 31/05/2017 - 10:40

    gumtree?

    you havent told us a budget

    • Bobby123 on 31/05/2017 - 10:43

      updated, sorry. would prefer new as I look after my electronics and plan to keep it (in some form) for a long time.

  • supnigs super skids on 31/05/2017 - 10:50
    +1

    consider a raspberry pi for prawn download needs. no viruses too but downside is you loose that HD scteen

    • Slippery Otter on 31/05/2017 - 11:06

      Just remote into it :)

      I use J-Downloader on mine. I gotta keep clearing out the space as the 32gb sd card fills up quite fast.

      • supnigs super skids on 31/05/2017 - 11:08
        +1

        samba mount it to a nas also helps and hide it under your bed

        • Slippery Otter on 31/05/2017 - 11:18

          Nah.. just when Im on my pc, thats when I clear it out. i dont download too much to care.

        • supnigs super skids on 31/05/2017 - 11:23

          the browser plug in for jdownloader is fantastic

    • Diji1 on 31/05/2017 - 11:28

      I don't think a children's educational tool is what this user is looking for because they want a functional computer that works.

  • scrimshaw on 31/05/2017 - 10:54

    Dell Inspiron 15 from the Dell Outlet. Try looking for DFO-978631RIP $499 or DFO-1BFS0F2IP $459
    http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/product…

    There are loads of stock on it at the moment.

  • Gronk on 31/05/2017 - 12:57

    Raspberry Pi, if you must use Windows then an entry level NUC.

  • Bobby123 on 31/05/2017 - 13:11

    Guy's, i'm definitely after a laptop as it has the screen built in. Already have a Pi for messing about.

    I'm just wondering if I buy one of the older models such as Inspiron 15 (as long as it has a fairly decent CPU), then how easy is it to upgrade to SSD and RAM. Idon;t want to choose one that has a weird fitting for the HDD or has the RAM soldered on etc.

    And ideally, i'd like to utilize the DVD drive-bay as a second storage area after swapping out the primary HDD for SSD.

    • scrimshaw on 31/05/2017 - 13:53

      You just need to be able to read the service manual for instructions on how to remove and disassemble laptops.

      I was an ex Dell tech and find most of their consumer stuff easy to upgrade (8 screws off the back panel and you have easy access to ram, odd and ssd. Optical disk drives are a little trickier but it's usually just one screw holding the drive in). You can do all of this without breaking the warranty.

      If you are a newb then I suggest watching some YouTube videos to start with

      • Bobby123 on 31/05/2017 - 14:32

        Thanks, I've done a few upgrades before but just not from HDD to SSD or DVD Drive to SSD.

    • boomramada on 31/05/2017 - 14:13

      What you try to download? torrents?

      • Bobby123 on 31/05/2017 - 14:34

        Mainly torrents. My current pc struggles (1TB HDD) to keep up with the download speeds and I don't want to saturate my SSD.

        • boomramada on 31/05/2017 - 19:08

          I'm using rp 3 with https://transmissionbt.com/ (web interface) through VPN
          then samba share to Network drive, well you can use USB external HD if required.

          No issues what so ever, low power consumption as well.

          And you can access the entire setup remotely, web or via mobile app.

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