I bought the HP Beats Special Edition in November 2015. I admit that it wasn't very expensive, maybe around $425 or so. Maybe 4-6 months after I got it, one of the USB ports stopped working. It was still under warranty but that would've entailed sending it to HP for repair and they said they might have to wipe the hard drive and I would lose it for 2-4 weeks. All that to replace a USB drive.

For maybe the past 8 months or so, it will randomly shut down. No warnings, it just shuts down and starts back up. Doesn't seem to be overheating as I have an external fan under the laptop cooling it.

This has led me to believe that fixing it probably isn't worth it.

I'm hesitant to buy another HP product because of this experience. Is that justified?

What suggestions would you guys have for a new laptop? My requirements and usage:

-no more than $750 or so
-school/work use
-e-mail and web surfing
-no video editing
-no gaming
-need at least 2 USB ports, would prefer 3 as I use wireless keyboard/mouse/cooling pad
-need HDMI for my monitor
-no Mac

Which laptops would you recommend and where should I look? I've looked at Best Buy and the choices are somewhat overwhelming. Not sure if that's the best place to shop for a laptop, either.

Deal is no longer available - tech is like that, you have to act fast. Back to $950 on Dell.com


I would strongly recommend this one:

https://slickdeals.net/f/11651...eals-rebate-free-s-h

$750 from Dell, there’s an extra $100 card if you jump some hoops. Well worth it at $750.

3 USB ports, 1 USB-C port (useful for the future), a solid state drive + a huge hard drive. I know you said “no gaming”, but as a bonus it has a great graphics card for gaming/video editing/CAD/design whatever.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: reloader-1,

I seem to recall previous advice here on SigForum to go to Dell.com and look for the "deals" tab and look for the Business Class laptops, refurb is good. Stay away from the consumer grade.

I'm not a computer geek but I just took a quick look and it seems there are good ones in your price range.

Good luck to you.

Maybe I'm just in a rut but I always go to Dell for my laptops. I look at HP and I do appreciate their laptops with the numeric keypad. Dell doesn't seem to understand that.

For USB ports, you're not tied to needing 2 USB ports. You can just get a USB hub. That would give you more options.

If you have Sam's Club or Costco, I would go there and start from the $750 range which will give you a lot already. I think that's the high end for those two stores. People willing to pay more will go direct so they can customize.

One other thing you need to decide on is screen size. I use 15.6" but with your requirements, you can even go to a smaller size.

You can also decide whether you want a 1TB hard drive which seems the standard or go with a smaller but faster SSD in the 500GB or 250 GB range.

I'm sold on paying for the extended premium support service from Dell. But then again, my last laptop a year ago cost $1,600 so it was worth protecting my investment. I think if you can last 3 years on a $500 laptop, it's good. Three years is enough time to get better technology for another $500.

Good luck.

I get a new HP every 2 years at work and they have been very good. Before the last 2 HPs, I had a dell, which had issues and a Lenovo. I would recommend HP based on my last 6 work computers.

My last Macbook Pro lasted 8 years. My Mac desktop is an 06, I'll replace it after Christmas because it won't take next years Turbotax software. Buy quality, cry once.

Edmond --

You said "no Mac," but you might want to rethink that, as there are several ways to run Windows on a Mac, plus you would have the ability to use Mac software if you choose to do that. The best of both worlds!

If you want to see a Mac running Windows, and experiment with it a little, you are always welcome to stop by the hangar and try my computer. Just give me a heads-up via text or email, as I am not necessarily there every day.

quote:

Originally posted by Edmond:
I bought the HP Beats Special Edition in November 2015. I admit that it wasn't very expensive, maybe around $425 or so. Maybe 4-6 months after I got it, one of the USB ports stopped working. It was still under warranty but that would've entailed sending it to HP for repair and they said they might have to wipe the hard drive and I would lose it for 2-4 weeks. All that to replace a USB drive.

For maybe the past 8 months or so, it will randomly shut down. No warnings, it just shuts down and starts back up. Doesn't seem to be overheating as I have an external fan under the laptop cooling it.

This has led me to believe that fixing it probably isn't worth it.

Here are two thoughts for you.

1) Can you send them the machine without your HD or that will void your warranty?

2) USB not working could be either a short circuit with the port (a cracked contact) or a power issue. IMO not related to the HD contents in any possible way.

I suggest you use an air compressor both to the air intake and out take of your laptop. The random shutdowns might be temperarure related and your extra fans could be adding extra dirt instead of removing it.

0-0

Lenovo's website has an outlet store section. The inventory changes daily, sometimes hourly.

I buy the ones that are configured for business use, have lots of memory, big hard drive, etc. Speaking of hard drive, get a dual drive.

The operating system and other important stuff is on the solid state drive and works much quicker, the other files are on the regular hard drive and it's much larger to keep the cost down.

These are more serviceable and have good support. Replacing many things can be done by a user with limited technical skills following youtube videos and parts bought online.

All of mine in the last 20 years have lasted me 5-10 years. Don't buy too cheap, it costs you much more in the long run.

Got my latest refurb Dell laptop from Newegg. Try there...they usually have pretty good deals.

I got a new Dell last year and I absolutely hate it because the mouse pad is way too big. You cannot type without hitting it and destroying what you have typed. At least I cannot as I have a large set of hands.
Other than the stupid big mouse pad it is ok.

quote:

Originally posted by Aquabird:
I got a new Dell last year and I absolutely hate it because the mouse pad is way too big. You cannot type without hitting it and destroying what you have typed. At least I cannot as I have a large set of hands.
Other than the stupid big mouse pad it is ok.

There’s a setting to ignore that, look for “palm rejection”.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
Edmond --

You said "no Mac," but you might want to rethink that, as there are several ways to run Windows on a Mac, plus you would have the ability to use Mac software if you choose to do that. The best of both worlds!

If you want to see a Mac running Windows, and experiment with it a little, you are always welcome to stop by the hangar and try my computer. Just give me a heads-up via text or email, as I am not necessarily there every day.

I have no doubt that the Mac is a great system. But the learning curve and seeing Mac students at school have interface issues are secondary reasons why I've ruled them out. The primary reason is that it seems Macs are really expensive.

What do you guys think of this one?

http://deals.dell.com/productdetail/133w

quote:

Originally posted by Edmond:
What do you guys think of this one?

http://deals.dell.com/productdetail/133w

No- You want an SSD Not a 1TB 5400 rpm Hard Drive.

quote:

Originally posted by braillediver:
No- You want an SSD Not a 1TB 5400 rpm Hard Drive.

That's how little I know about computers. I know that SSD is solid state drive while the RPM one is the "old" style that spins.

In terms of practical every day use, what's the difference?

SSD:

• Better performance
  
• Uses less power - battery runtime
  
• No moving parts
  

You can get quality 250gb SSD for $80.

quote:

Originally posted by Edmond:

quote:

Originally posted by braillediver:
No- You want an SSD Not a 1TB 5400 rpm Hard Drive.

That's how little I know about computers. I know that SSD is solid state drive while the RPM one is the "old" style that spins.

In terms of practical every day use, what's the difference?

Specs look fine...the only thing that I'd think about is if you're going to be carrying it around because this one is a bit hefty @ 4.85lbs.

quote:

Originally posted by Edmond:
What do you guys think of this one?

http://deals.dell.com/productdetail/133w

You say Laptop but have a wired mouse and keyboard?

Do you use it as a laptop and take it with you? Or is it a laptop on the desk?

Dump the USB mouse / keyboard and get Bluetooth.

How about this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073...011_rv_t1_B0792SMNVX