Laptop with Backlit Keyboard - Budget $600

Zuelly on 19/04/2025 - 12:24
Last edited 19/04/2025 - 14:32 by 1 other user

Hello all, I am asking for friend of mine who is looking for a laptop.

He is a mechanic and will use in mines, so one of the only requirements he had was for it have a backlit keyboard. Given the use, I think going something a bit bulkier would also be better, not one of these thin bezel ones (Again, could be very wrong in what I am saying)

I was looking around something like this from Cashies and then budgeting for a replacement battery. (Which I can do myself). Also, can upgrade RAM / SSD if required. Understanding the ins and outs of laptops is a bit out of my depth, but I assume a lot of the time you trade performance for battery life… I'd like to try and find a good balance of both.

Will just be used for basic browsing / document viewing, and also light schematic software, but has to be Windows.

Would love to hear the crowd's thoughts.

Thanks!

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • CrispyChrispy on 19/04/2025 - 12:43

    AMD Athlon 😭

    Not sure about the refurb ThinkPads that are posted here often, but most of the refurb HP Elitebooks also posted here do have backlit keyboards.

    Eg. https://bufferstock.com.au/product/hp-elitebook-830-g5-lapto… - this is just the first result I saw, can probably find a better deal

    • Zuelly on 19/04/2025 - 12:49

      Thanks for the quick response.
      I am going to go with if they don't have it on the listing, they are backlit…

      As for a result, also just saw this https://bufferstock.com.au/product/dell-latitude-7420-laptop… on there… Seems comparatively better for price to performance..

      I don't really know how to rank all the stuff out there lol… cpubenchmark..?

      • scrimshaw on 19/04/2025 - 13:58
        +2

        Will just be used for basic browsing / document viewing, and also light schematic software, but has to be Windows.

        All modern laptop quad or 6-core CPU's made in the last 5 yrs will be okay with this type of usage, the only ones that will really struggle are the ones that are from the Pentium / Celeron or Athlon product line.

        Aust Computer traders has some Intel 10th Generation Thinkpads for $399.
        https://www.australiancomputertraders.com.au/laptop-computer…?

        • Zuelly on 19/04/2025 - 15:10

          I see, thank you.

          I have looked at Aus Comp Traders before, BUT, the backlit keyboard was my issue… I can’t see much about it in their listings

          • scrimshaw on 19/04/2025 - 16:52
            +2

            @Zuelly: if the seller reveals the serial number of the laptop itself, you can check the exact configuration of the machine (including the keyboard) as well as warranty status by yourself at Lenovo's support site by inputting its serial number.

            https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/au/en/warranty-lookup#/

            To see what parts were used to make the laptop, click 'Parts' and then click 'as built'. Then look at the keyboard type that was used.

            You can also order additional parts for the device using the link above, including a replacement keyboard or battery if needed

            you can also ask the seller for a photo of the laptop. On Lenovo Thinkpads, the spacebar on the laptop will have a light symbol printed on it, if the keyboard is backlit.

            • Zuelly on 19/04/2025 - 18:15

              @scrimshaw: Perfect.

              Thanks for the detailed answer, I think I’ll give them a call next week :)

  • BoltThrower on 19/04/2025 - 13:28
    +1

    How much dust, moisture, fumes, and rough handling is this laptop going to be subjected to?
    It may be worth looking into a "rugged laptop"

    • Zuelly on 19/04/2025 - 13:28
      +1

      From what I have gathered, not enough to take that step, but enough that you don’t want these tiny ones.

  • brendanm on 19/04/2025 - 18:39
    +2

    "Refurb" ThinkPad off eBay is always the answer. I have a couple of thinkpads and a Panasonic toughbook for similar useage.

    • Zuelly on 19/04/2025 - 19:09

      Thanks for the suggestion.

      Do you know the best way to refine my search to only include with backlit keyboard.
      When I search it’s either replacement keyboards or laptops without it.

      Last thing I want is to purchase and it not have it.

      • brendanm on 19/04/2025 - 22:53

        No idea sorry, I think I probably checked manually inside the listings.

  • MT2010 on 19/04/2025 - 20:46

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/256805479103?_trkparms=amclksrc%… with touch screen and backlit keyboard for x360 models

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