Laptop Recommendation for Mostly Work Please

Kronky on 06/10/2021 - 09:21
Last edited 06/10/2021 - 09:22

Hi guys

I'm useless with computer specs now days. I want to buy my wife a laptop for work but have no idea what to get. It will be predominantly for work purposes (Zoom, Chrome, some music as well, Word, Excel), but I also would like to occasionally play some older games on there (nothing fancy at all). I was lookng at some Zenbooks around $1400, but not sure if I need they are worth it, or if I need to spend that much

Any suggestions please? Preferably something on the eBay sales? Ideally a 14 inch? I'd probably buy a docking station for it too

Thanks heaps

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • geekcohen on 06/10/2021 - 09:48
    +2

    https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/lenovo-ide…

    Bought one of these for a staff member at work and like it. Similar requirements for you and no issues.

    Probably going to get another one for another staff member too.

    • scrambledeggs on 06/10/2021 - 10:07

      This has integrated graphics and will be able to play only the most basic or 20+ year old games.

      • geekcohen on 06/10/2021 - 10:08

        True. Kronky might need to be a bit more specific on what games they intend to play on it.

      • scrimshaw on 06/10/2021 - 10:10

        There are Ryzen APU versions of Lenovo Flex for around the same price, usually directly from Lenovo au. Vega graphics should be able to handle some modern games (just don't expect 60+ FPS)

        Would recommend checking Lenovo Store page then check out store deals or subscribe to get notified if any deals are posted.

      • FireRunner on 06/10/2021 - 11:48

        Intel Iris XE graphics are actually pretty decent.
        You can get ~30fps low 720p performance on pretty recent titles which is amazing for integrated graphics imo
        See the video here for some game benchmarks

  • Kronky on 06/10/2021 - 10:29
    +1

    Thanks guys. I’m talking like Diablo 3 and Starcraft 2. Old classics ;) so nothing sighing the last few years :)

    • alexlim2000 on 06/10/2021 - 12:37
      +2

      Is size and weight an issue? A discrete graphics card adds weight due to the need for better cooling, and a bigger battery.

      Diablo 3 and Starcraft 2 do need the power of a discrete graphics card to be playable. - see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmKJITex6gU for how D3 plays with onboard graphics.

      If weight is an issue - If you can stretch your budget - a Dell XP13, with Discrete graphics (even the MX250) will be better than integrated.

      If weight/size isnt an issue - Dell Inspiron 15 Plus Laptop, with a 3050, and extra ram should have you sorted out and at a decent price ~ 1800 for 3050 and 16gb ram. This combo should be relatively future proof for office apps and light gaming.

      • Kronky on 06/10/2021 - 13:45

        Thanks Alex. Will check them out

  • avoidfullprice on 06/10/2021 - 10:34
    +1

    Ideally a 14 inch…

    I also would like to occasionally play some older games…

    Find out how she will use the laptop during work hours, and how you intend to use it for recreation

    If she will use it mostly on a desk, then make sure she is comfortable with a 14 inch keyboard. Of note is the numpad and the letters are combined. If she uses excel lot, this will be a pain. USB keyboard and mouse may help, but need more desk space. If she will be using it during commute on train (in the future) then 14 inch is a good compromise.

    If you will mostly play games on your lap, then check exhaust fan location. You don't want hot air blown onto your groin, whether you are a dude or chick. A laptop cooling pad might help, but I find an older zenbook model slide off my cooling pad easily, because it was too light and so didn't grip on my pad properly.

    Lastly, if she will use the laptop more often than you, then get a bigger screen for her is my suggestion. 1920p on 14 inch is great for graphics, but I need to run on 125% font scaling to do Word editing properly.

    Edit: there was a laptop deal not so long ago I commented that on that would be a good. Could not find the link!

    • Kronky on 06/10/2021 - 11:37

      Thanks Neutral. Though a laptop, the large majority of the time the unit will be setup at a docking station with keyboard, mouse and monitor. The reason I'm leaning towards smaller is that she is concerned about weight. Thanks again!

  • CrispyChrispy on 06/10/2021 - 10:37
    +1

    Any laptop above $600 or so will handle work tasks fine, like what you said; Word, Chrome, Zoom, etc. You don't need to get an expensive $1400 one, though if you have the budget, go for them. Future-proof the laptop, you get what you pay for when you buy cheap laptops.

    • Kronky on 06/10/2021 - 11:38
      +3

      Thanks Crispy. Ideal would be around the $1000 mark. She asked why don't I just buy one of those $400 laptops and I kind of figured you get what you pay for!

  • iamherenow on 06/10/2021 - 12:47

    I got one of these.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/637014

    Very happy with it, and sounds like it would meet your needs. Don't know anything about docking stations as don't use one. I wouldnt say it's super light. I have another laptop similar size that's much lighter. But battery performance is much better on the lenovo, which I value.

    • Kronky on 06/10/2021 - 12:56

      Yeah looks pretty good. Shame I missed the sale! Will keep an eye out thanks

      • iamherenow on 06/10/2021 - 13:05

        Yeah ok, just looked and the base model is now 1449$… Didnt realise the price varies that much.

  • andresampras on 06/10/2021 - 15:46

    Get wifey to check if she can salary sacrifice through work - tax free woo!

    • Kronky on 06/10/2021 - 16:24

      Would be nice but no :(
      The fact her work doesn’t even supply a laptop is sad lol
      I’ll just have to claim it as a deduction on my tax

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