Computer Hope

Other => Reviews and recommendations => Topic started by: capper on September 18, 2019, 09:13:06 AM

Title: Laptop Shopping
Post by: capper on September 18, 2019, 09:13:06 AM
I am currently shopping for a laptop to replace my Acer Switch 12 inch 2 in 1 that had an i3 processor.  It wouldn't boot up one day so I sent it for warranty repair work.  They got back to me with a $397.00 gift to replace it.  Since I paid $752.00 which included a 3-year warranty and taxes, I am not too happy with the value of the card.

Anyway, I am looking to replace it with a 12-13 inch laptop or 2 in 1 with the following: touch screen, SSD, the best processor and the most ram I can get.  I have been looking at refurbished models online.  My big debate is whether to get an i3, an i5 or an i7.  In order to keep the price reasonable, I have to look at 4th, 5th, or 6th generations.  I want speed and multi-tasking capabilities more than anything.  I tend to run a lot of programs simultaneously and do a lot of video work as well.  I need Windows 10 home or pro.  The lighter the better and 13" max in dimension for mobility

Any recommendations?  I would like to keep the price within $700 so that I can use my gift card and only have to pay another $300 or so maximum if possible.

Here are 2 machines I am looking at:

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/12948785

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/13287899

I think both have qualities I am looking for but can't decide which is a better choice or whether I should look elsewhere.  I need to purchase at Best Buy or on their website to redeem my $397 gift card.

THANKS!
Title: Re: Laptop Shopping
Post by: Lisa_maree on September 18, 2019, 08:18:10 PM
HI

I vote for the Lenovo Yoga https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/lenovo-yoga-12-ultrabook-12-5-display-core-i7-5600u-8gb-ddr3-ram-240gb-ssd-win10-pro-refurbished/12948785
Very solid case, good tight hinges, quick to switch windows from laptop to tablet mode, just a really solid unit.
 
The Dell would be my second choice. Both are really good and suitable for what you want to do.
Title: Shopping for New Laptop
Post by: capper on March 02, 2021, 12:00:28 PM
I am currently shopping for a new laptop and I hope I can get some good advice on what to buy.  Right now I have an Acer Aspire E 15.6" Core i5 2.20 GHz, 5th generation with 8GB ram that was purchased in 2015.  I also have a 13" Acer Spin i5 1.6 GHz, 8th generation touch screen with 8GB ram that I bought late in 2019.  I am looking to update the former.
I run a lot of applications (I am a daytrader) and need speed / multitasking as my number priority.  Here are my priorities:

-speed, and more speed with extensive multi-tasking capability
-I want a 15.6" screen so that if I use it on my own without a monitor, it has decent size to it
-Intel i5 or i7 with a minimum of 8GB ram essential
-I want an SSD, storage space not a major issue although 512GB would be better than 256GB 
-PRICE: I do not have a specific budget except that I would like to keep it as low as possible (I don't want to pay over $1,000 with taxes
-Warranty: longer with better service is better without having to pay extra for it
-Brand: I honestly have no preference - although my last 3 laptops have been Acers (likely because I have gotten the best bang for the buck)
-Open box or refurbished would be fine as long as the warranty is sufficient
-I think I have listed everything I can think of other than the fact that I am in Canada and that can be a major factor when purchasing online in terms of price / shipping etc. 
-In other words, a Canadian retailer is important in most cases
 
When I was shopping for last laptop and ended up with my Acer Spin, I was seeking a smaller laptop (under 13" or smaller) with a touch screen.  The fact it had tablet functionality is a bonus.  The fact that I wanted a touch screen definitely limited my options and drove the price up.  This time around, I am looking for a larger laptop (15.6") and a touch screen is not necessary (although I love the function!).  I am hopeful that this will increase my options greatly and also provide me with a lot more choices.  I have considered a desktop but I think that at this point in time, a 15.6" laptop will do the trick.  I am of the mentality that if I can get a really good price on a machine with the specs I am looking for, it is worth it.  By that I mean I would rather pay $500 and get something good than having to pay $1000 just because it's not an open box, a refurbished machine, or has a better name.  The extra $ I don't need to spend could be very useful for other things - even an additional laptop in our home or a monitor.  I have been scouring sites like Amazon, Best Buy, Staples, and Costco, to name a few.  I appreciate any suggestions or links based on my needs. 

THANKS. 
Title: Re: Laptop Shopping
Post by: capper on March 08, 2021, 12:33:06 PM
Hey LM, thanks for your reply and sorry for my s l o w reply!  What do you think of this one:

https://www.thesource.ca/en-ca/computers-tablets/laptops/all-laptops/acer-aspire-a517-52-54ag-17-3%E2%80%9D-laptop-with-intel%C2%AE-i5-1135g7,-512gb-ssd,-12gb-ram-windows-10-home---pure-silver/p/108091547?bid=sPexa3Rar8sw

Title: Re: Laptop Shopping
Post by: Allan on March 08, 2021, 01:57:55 PM
whoa - deja vu :D
Title: Re: Laptop Shopping
Post by: Lisa_maree on March 08, 2021, 07:54:13 PM
Haven't seen that model in the real , the specs look really good and seems good value for money. I feel Acers are ok if you use them like a desktop always in the same place. If you are moving it around often the screen and hinges give out.