Just back from leave and my laptop is still on it so I need to get another…
I work from a desktop at home but need a replacement to see clients and take when travelling and need it sooner rather than later.
My tech support (adult son) is away so need some guidance if anyone has seen a deal they think is good value ?
Thanks !
Microsoft Surface Pro CoPilot+ PC 12" Snapdragon X Plus 8 core/16GB/256GB
ThinkPad
and never ever buy a brand new laptop/computer or car.
I also recommend a Lenovo Thinkpad, but specifically, a proper Thinkpad from either the T Series or P-Series.
The general recommendation would be a T14 Gen 2 or Gen 3. The reason for this is the high-er repairability potential on the customer side. Other Thinkpads such as the T14s or P14s can have higher difficulties replacing some components, such as the keyboard, as you must replace the entire top portion of the keyboard as it's one piece, which would require removing all interior components including the motherboard to my knowledge.
Don't purchase a Thinkpad or laptop from the most recent or previous generation. The price will be inflated. 2 Generations old is the sweet spot
You could go X1Carbon, but that's a particular use case. It's a very durable type writer and lacks a few more handy functions. It's also not very repairable, at least at the consumer level; however, it makes up for it with premium build quality and very light weight
Coming from someone who really doesn't like Apple products, but M4 Macbook Air is probably your best bet for around that price. Base spec now has 16GB RAM, which was previously my biggest gripe with it, and $1487 on AOC Apple Store, so not far off your budget. You can probably wait for a sale and it might even be cheaper. If you're okay with getting a previous generation M3 version, you can get it for $1200 (e.g. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/905105), but I do think the M4 is a good upgrade.
I really wish there were comparable Windows laptops, as I have a strong distaste for macOS (it's just an incredibly unintuitive OS lacking some core features that Windows does so much better, and requires so many paid apps to replicate standard Windows functionality). However, my 14" M4 MBP just has better hardware than anything on the Windows side - great display, fantastic performance from the M4 chip, battery life can last over 2 days of full-time work use without a charge, quiet, looks professional, well-built…etc.
Unless you really need Windows, I don't think there are comparable x86-64 laptops at the moment, and Snapdragon is still behind Apple silicon in terms of performance. Again, coming from someone who really prefers Windows.
Went from Intel/Windows to Macbook Air M3
If you're just using it for web/office, it's fantastic. Silent, great battery life,
For $200 savings, I'd get the M3 over the M4 now the M3 has 16gb standard.
I'd get the M4 if I needed dual external display
@p1ama I too prefer Windows. Heard Mac is better for performance and battery. For display, between M4 MBP vs OLED windows laptop, which one do you think is better?
Take it off then…