Clueless! Help Me Buy a Laptop! - Budget $1,400

Mrs King on 30/06/2025 - 19:34
Last edited 30/06/2025 - 20:19 by 1 other user

I have absolutely NO idea when it comes to laptop specs these days- but decided to maybe order something tonight to take advantage of EOFY and a tax deduction.

I am looking for a laptop that I can use to browse internet, watch a movie or stream video when travelling, use Microsoft Word/Excel and can start finally organising my huge photo collection.

I want lots of memory as we have 4 kids and no doubt they will save stuff on there too. And something quick! No lag please!

I use an iPhone, hubby uses a Samsung phone…. So also something that I can easily use with both devices also.

Not really gamers, so no need for anything g flash in that regard. But hoping for something with specs that will future proof the device for at least 3-4 years.

We are both technologically backwards, so anything that is easy to use and easy to fix if there is a problem would also be great. Budget is about $1400. Happy for anything at a big box store, Amazon, Costco. Etc.

Please help me work out whether this is possible to do before midnight!

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • oscargamer on 30/06/2025 - 19:55
    +1

    Huge photo album?…..Using an external drive with a backup elsewhere?

    Connect via wifi round the house?

    Amazon isn't a big box store

    • AustriaBargain on 30/06/2025 - 20:16
      +1

      Well I kind of is, but you can't go into the warehouse and pick what you want. Would be cool if you could though.

  • [Deactivated] on 30/06/2025 - 20:06

    ThinkPad T series, you can find a good refurbished grade A or B on ebay
    https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_nkw=thinkpad+t&_sacat=0&…

  • John Barosa on 30/06/2025 - 21:02
    +2

    Macbook Air M4. Upgrade the storage to 512, use AOC store. It is 1775 tho, but worth it imo

    Below average but still good screen(only LCD) for the price. But has the best battery life, is the most futureproof, is the most powerful and has great compatiblity with iPhone

    Download KDE Connect, on the samsung and Mac.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 01/07/2025 - 11:00

      Thanks for the Tip on KDE, I'll check it out. I use a Macbook, have 4 ipads, and a Galaxy Flip.

  • CrispyChrispy on 30/06/2025 - 21:34

    Is the laptop gonna be stationary most of the time or used frequently on the go? Is it being hooked up to an external monitor? Are you wanting to store your photos locally on the laptop itself or elsewhere?

  • GordonD on 01/07/2025 - 09:04
    +2

    The good news is that if you don't know what the right one to buy is, you won't know if you bought the right one. So, unlike most OzBargainers you'll be happy with what you bought. Because you'll be happy with whatever you bought.

  • oscargamer on 01/07/2025 - 10:30

    Too late now

  • Appletree on 01/07/2025 - 12:21

    If performance isn't a huge concern I'd say the best thing you could do is buy one with an OLED screen if you're watching movies. Has good viewing angles no matter where you are and looks miles better than any LCD.
    If you are wanting additional storage, most laptops only have a single drive you'd be much better off buying a large portable hard drive.

    This one looks like pretty great, with a 16" screen currently over $600 off for $1539
    https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/laptops-&-notebooks/lapt…

    This is within your price range, but smaller screen for $1399
    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/msi-venture-a14-ai-14-2-8…

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