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Microsoft Surface Laptop i5/128GB/4GB $879.20 Delivered @ Microsoft eBay

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Microsoft Surface Laptop i5/128GB/4GB $879.20 Delivered @ Microsoft eBay
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eug on 19/08/2018 - 10:33 ebay.com.au (6735 clicks)
Last edited 19/08/2018 - 12:23 by 1 other user
PSURFACE20

Great price for a very well-built laptop. It's basically this deal again.

Yes, you can get higher-spec'ed laptops for less. But they won't have the same quality touchscreen - the Surface Laptop's 2256x1504 screen is beautiful. Build quality is excellent, and the warranty should still be two years. Warranty service with Microsoft is excellent too.

This will suit anyone who needs a laptop for simple tasks, e.g. MS Office, browsing the web, watching Netflix/YouTube etc. Yes, 4GB of RAM is sufficient for that.

If you're a power user who opens 23 Chrome tabs and 10 Office docs at the same time, you'll want to get a higher-spec laptop.

Original PSURFACE20 deal

Computing 13.5inch Computer Laptop Microsoft

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  • [Deactivated] on 19/08/2018 - 19:53

    why even get i5 with only 4gb ram

    • Joey Jo Jo on 19/08/2018 - 21:01

      Because some people are not intelligent

    • netsurfer on 19/08/2018 - 21:54

      Because this has a 7th gen i5 U series CPU. Essentially, it performs like an i3 class CPU (if you compared it to the non-ultra low power series). Thus, realistically, it is kinda an i3 laptop with 4GB RAM. Once you look at its real / true speed, that combination does make sense for some people.

      The 8th gen i5 U series CPU is a class above. But 7th gen or below, those U series CPUs are hyped up (good marketing from Intel). To be fair though, all these thin and light laptops generally use U series CPUs. Intel have been cheating for quite some time. As AMD become more competitive, Intel start to put in some real effort.

      • eug on 19/08/2018 - 22:46

        Thus, realistically, it is kinda an i3 laptop with 4GB RAM.

        That's an unrealistic comparison as you won't find an ultraportable laptop with a desktop CPU. Just about all ultraportable laptops will be using a U series CPU.

        The 8th gen i5 U series CPU is a class above.

        Absolutely. But prior to the 8th gen CPUs, everybody could still get work done just fine. :)

        • netsurfer on 19/08/2018 - 23:20

          It is not unrealistic. It is the fact. There is nothing wrong comparing the speed of these to a bulkier laptop. I am not the one using marketing trick to sell these U series at a higher price for years. Intel was. The truth hurts, but Intel does this all the time when they have no competition.

          Also, don't assume I am implying true i3 CPU speed is no good. It's fine if your usage involve single core or dual core. All I am saying is that when you consider its TRUE SPEED, even 4GB RAM is a sensible configuration. True i3 speed is plenty for a lot of people. When I am not doing serious work, I use my i3 desktop or an ultrabook with 7th gen U series i5 CPU. No point wasting electricity.

        • eug on 19/08/2018 - 23:39

          @netsurfer:
          You said:

          Because this has a 7th gen i5 U series CPU. Essentially, it performs like an i3 class CPU (if you compared it to the non-ultra low power series). Thus, realistically, it is kinda an i3 laptop with 4GB RAM.

          You specifically said this laptop, saying this laptop performs like an i3 laptop.

          But all ultraportable i5 laptops (of the same generation) use pretty much the same CPU. So CPU-wise, this laptop has similar processing power to any other ultraportable i5 laptop.

          And yes, all ultraportable laptops are not as fast as full-sized laptops that use higher-powered CPUs. But that's like saying realistically, a fullsized i7 laptop running a 45W TDP processor is kinda like a mere i5 desktop. Of course the bigger, bulkier device will be more powerful, but people who choose a smaller lighter device typically do so because they want a smaller, lighter device.

        • netsurfer on 19/08/2018 - 23:48

          @eug: Do you have to consistently taking my sentences out of context? Why are you missing my core point? Here it is again:

          Once you considered its TRUE SPEED, even 4GB RAM config does make sense. To me, a "true" i5 should have 8GB RAM minimum. This one isn't so 4GB is fine.

          It's one thing for Intel to trick people to accept these as i5 (and there is no doubt ultrabook makers have ZERO issue with that).

          Listen, I HAVE devices which use the same EXACT CPU, I just refuse to lie to myself that it is a true i5 - but my point is actually: this item is fine and even 4GB is fine.

          If it makes you feel any better, 2017 13 inch Macbook Pro is in the same boat. The 2017 13 inch Macbook Pro doesn't feel like a proper i5, more like an i3. Same goes for intel NUCs. ANY device using these U series CPUs (7th gen or lower) are all in the same situation. Obviously, the 8th gen ones are different. It is 2018 now.

        • netsurfer on 20/08/2018 - 00:13

          @eug:

          You specifically said this laptop, saying this laptop performs like an i3 laptop.

          I also wrote: To be fair though, all these thin and light laptops generally use U series CPUs. Therefore, I am not picking on this laptop.

          If you want to cut out my other sentences just to have an argument with me, then there is nothing I can do about it.

        • eug on 20/08/2018 - 23:19

          @netsurfer:

          Do you have to consistently taking my sentences out of context?

          I think the problem is that we are talking about different things here. In any case we've clarified it already so I'll just leave it at that. :)

  • Stoffel on 19/08/2018 - 22:18
    +4

    I bought this exact model a few months ago when it was advertised here. Great laptop for what I need. I travel regularly and it's super portable, battery lasts forever. I use it for browsing, Netflix and a bit of word processing and it works a treat. Probably wouldn't handle much more than that but it's all I need.

    • R00D on 20/08/2018 - 09:29
      +1

      Seriously, what else would people buy such a device for anyway? It’s not a powerhouse, that’s not it’s purpose. It’s a step up from a tablet, more or less the same but in laptop form. Most people turn this type of device over every 2 years or so too. I don’t get it.
      The fact that so many people seem insulted by the existence of a sub-1k 4GB laptop, have clearly no interest in buying it but feel the need to bag it on here? Signs of their own inadequacies.

  • kale chips suck on 20/08/2018 - 00:49

    https://www.consumerreports.org/laptop-computers/microsoft-s…

    I've owned one for four years.

    8gb version. I7. Pro 3. Windows 8.1 No issue with RAM. Wouldn't buy again as it aged so poorly - which, from Consumer Reports data, isn't uncommon.

    • eug on 20/08/2018 - 22:50
      +1

      Nah you didn't, because this laptop was only launched in June 2017. They took what they learned from earlier devices like yours and built this, so thanks for your contribution to building a better computer. :)

      • kale chips suck on 21/08/2018 - 04:25

        … and yet, consumer reports haven't seen reason to restore their "recommended" status.

        Odd that.

        • eug on 21/08/2018 - 10:15

          You can't really do a long term reliability test on a product that hasn't been out for a long time. Perhaps once they've actually been out for two years, we will get actual reliability scores rather than predicted reliability scores.

          Do note the problems with relying on predictions and projected figures. If MS had problems with early batches which get fixed later on, that will not be reflected in the ratings as people would base their scores on the earlier batches. My Surface Book was from the first batch and I definitely had issues with it. It got replaced a few months later and it has been working flawlessly since. If I had to give a reliability rating based on my early model, I definitely would not recommend it at all. But based on my second unit, I have no qualms recommending it. I know quite a few people with Surface Books, Pros (SP4 onwards - SP3 was just average), and Laptops and none of them have complaints.

        • eug on 28/09/2018 - 09:56

          … and yet, consumer reports haven't seen reason to restore their "recommended" status.

          Well that didn't take long.

          • kale chips suck on 28/09/2018 - 12:29

            @eug: Excellent. They're back to average.

            • eug on 28/09/2018 - 12:33

              @kale chips suck: What, now Consumer Report's "Recommended" status is suddenly worthless? :)

              • kale chips suck on 28/09/2018 - 14:35

                @eug: "Microsoft’s reliability is now on par with most other laptop brands,” allowing its products to be recommended, says Martin Lachter, senior research associate at Consumer Reports"

                • eug on 28/09/2018 - 14:48

                  @kale chips suck:

                  Wouldn't buy again as it aged so poorly - which, from Consumer Reports data, isn't uncommon.
                  … and yet, consumer reports haven't seen reason to restore their "recommended" status.

                  Consumer Reports now does not back your opinion. Suddenly their recommendation is irrelevant and just points to an average product?

                  You had a problem with your one laptop.

                  The most respected consumer testing organization in the US recommends it. Countless people here and on other forums, have had no issues with theirs.

                  But you're still adamant that all Surface products are just average based on your one laptop?

                  You're perfectly entitled to your opinion. If you strongly believe that your one laptop is representative of all Surface laptops on the market, then go ahead and believe it. I don't need to change your mind. Have a nice weekend. :)

                  • kale chips suck on 28/09/2018 - 16:02

                    @eug:

                    Consumer Reports now does not back your opinion. Suddenly their recommendation is irrelevant and just points to an average product?

                    CR actually said, as already mentioned: "Microsoft’s reliability is now on par with most other laptop brands,” allowing its products to be recommended, says Martin Lachter, senior research associate at Consumer Reports".

                    Key phrase "on par with". Meaning, "the same". Meaning "average".

                    You had a problem with your one laptop.

                    I mentioned one. I know of several more. And, not sure if you know this, but they were on the Consumer Reports "Not recommended" list? Crazy, huh?

                    The most respected consumer testing organization in the US recommends it. Countless people here and on other forums, have had no issues with theirs.

                    Actually, they still have the Surface Go as Not Recommended. Facts can be awkward, no? Others are on the recommended list, yes. It's a significant improvement from before. But, as I might have mentioned, only to average. Also, countless? Hyperbole, perhaps?

                    But you're still adamant that all Surface products are just average based on your one laptop?

                    I'm seeing a theme. You struggle with facts. Where there's a void, you just fill it with whatever suits your narrative. Again, CR (noted by yourself as being the "most respected consumer testing organization in the US") took the significant step of putting Surface on the Not Recommended list. Not me. CR. Based on thousands of user reports. That's not "my one laptop" but thousands and I'm not "adamant" I'm simply disagreeing with you. Which you, clearly, have a problem with.

                    You're perfectly entitled to your opinion.

                    Thanks, I appreciate your permission to not agree with you, very generous.

                    I don't need to change your mind.

                    Finally, common ground. Who knew it was possible. I agree that you don't need to change my mind. It's actually OK for someone to have an opinion that doesn't agree with yours - though to be honest, it's something of a pain to convey that to you.

                    If you strongly believe that your one laptop is representative of all Surface laptops on the market, then go ahead and believe it.

                    Again, you misrepresent my position. Nice. Infantile and boring and not actually advancing your position at all, but whatever.

                    Have a nice weekend. :)

                    You too! :-))

                    • eug on 28/09/2018 - 16:54

                      @kale chips suck: Funny how defensive you get when your quoted source changes their decision. :)

                      • kale chips suck on 30/09/2018 - 00:35

                        @eug:

                        I'm seeing a theme. You struggle with facts. Where there's a void, you just fill it with whatever suits your narrative.

  • Xiaomi on 20/08/2018 - 07:47

    Mate, they have 4GB ram in phones… An entire laptop with 4gb these days is ridiculous

  • Jhonka on 20/08/2018 - 09:12

    These things are expensive to fix. I would encourage people to get extended warranties and backup to cloud services.

  • bunnikins on 20/08/2018 - 13:50

    Wish they had a special on the 256GB/8GB version

  • NeoBeum on 20/08/2018 - 14:07

    without any modifications, Windows 10 Home will use just under 3.5GB RAM

    • eug on 20/08/2018 - 22:52

      As I mentioned in another post, modern operating systems are designed to use up as much RAM as possible with cached data. It is a waste of resources to leave such high-speed temporary storage sitting there empty and unused.

      Check out this article.

  • jjj123 on 20/08/2018 - 15:03

    which version of i5?

  • potatoislife on 21/08/2018 - 09:48

    guys, i am really torn between this and surface go (8gb) as a gift to my wife. Surface go has 8gb model but will cost at least $990 with cheapest keyboard option and has inferior processor too. whereas surface laptop seems like a really nice device but that 4gb ram .. i don't know. She has been using mba 2014 model with 4gb RAM. In my usage, it doesn't seem that bad as the comments here make of it.

    • eug on 21/08/2018 - 10:14

      What will she be doing on it?

      • potatoislife on 21/08/2018 - 10:19

        ms word and a lot of chrome tabs.

        • eug on 21/08/2018 - 10:54
          +1

          That sounds like the typical kind of usage I see at work. With workloads like that, I really don't think the amount of RAM would be a problem. In fact nearly all the computers at work have 4GB of RAM, with the higher-spec ones only going to people whom I know have heavier workloads.

          I haven't used the Surface Go since it isn't out yet, but I'm quite certain with those workloads, an i5 Surface Laptop with 4GB of RAM will feel noticeably more responsive than a Surface Go with a Pentium Gold 4415Y processor and 8GB RAM. The Laptop screen is larger and higher-res too, and it'll be easier to balance on a lap or uneven surface compared to a tablet with a keyboard cover.

        • potatoislife on 21/08/2018 - 11:42

          She uses way too many tabs on chrome than a typical browser usage. But, i see your point, its a premium device and more comfortable. I'll probably go with this one.

  • wjb on 22/08/2018 - 00:12

    Can I use a 3rd party display dock via USB? Or must I get a surface dock to connect monitor keyboard and mouse?

    • Fillanator on 22/08/2018 - 15:42

      Theres a display port but you would need a dongle for ddisplay to hdmi/vga etc.

  • Fredbass on 22/08/2018 - 18:43
    +3

    Went to Harvey Norman lunch time today and they had this model on display. Luckily it was connected to the wifi and I could run some tests.
    Opened microsoft edge and started 20 different tabs. Including youtube in three playing 4k video. Also opened word, excel and outlook.
    Went back to edge and started switching between tabs. Computer was very responsive. No lags at all.
    System monitor never went above 3.2GB the whole time I was using it.
    Construction is awesome. It looks better than the other MACs there and WAY better than the Dells and HPs.
    Went back to the office and bought it straight away. $879 is a bargain. Dont forget cash rewards.

    • magic8ballgag on 23/08/2018 - 08:13

      Nah nah nah, 4GB of RAM simply isn't enough because the number four is only like the forth number in the whole sequence of numbers! /s

  • wjb on 24/08/2018 - 18:29

    Package arrived in mail but it doesn't come with a tax invoice.

    • Al123 on 24/08/2018 - 22:20
      Tax invoice in you emailbox :)

      Total price including GST: AU$1099.00
      (GST: AU$99.91)

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