Need a new Laptop

[kacyds]

My Windows 7 laptop, that is around 12 years old, needs to be updated.  

I mostly use my laptop for work and browsing the internet.  I definitely need Office because I use Word and Excel often.  Other than that, I dont have much other use for it, since I dont do any gaming on it.

Looking on the internet, Amazon and other sites is mind boggling.  I really dont know how much memory, ram, etc, I really do need.  

Any input, I would really appreciate it.  Thanks

[voneschenbach]

I recommend checking out the Dell website for the small business laptops. They have a bunch of options are not that expensive, last a long time and have various support/extended warranty options. I really like the Latitude series in 15-inch screens. For around $900 plus tax you can get a nice Latitude 3520 that includes an i5, 8GB Ram, 256GB Hard Drive, 1080p (1920x1080) screen with decent speakers. Get Windows 10 if there is a choice between 10 and 11; 11 is like Vista lolz.

I have two older Latitudes and my work has a bunch of older latitudes - they are still working very well 5-7 years later and they only thing that has really changed is that the chips are more power efficient, which isn't an issue since I use mine plugged in 99% of the time.

I would avoid anything from the big box stores except Costco although it's nice to put your hands on something and then shop elsewhere.

[JerryB]

Hi kacyds

I am not sure about a laptop, but if you can use a desktop instead I suggest a good "mom-and-pop" computer store.  You have to check them out  but I found that they are great.  I got about a $700 desktop for $150.  It was custom built to my list of specifications.  Some may even put a laptop together, but that is iffy at best.

Jerry B

[angore]

Laptops today offer very good performance but the weakness has always been connectively (ports). Now, there are docking stations that provide additional usb, video, etc. The laptop provides portability if you need to have a lot information local rather than stored on the cloud. Win 10 is better than Win 7 now (after they made improvements) but have not moved to Win 11.

I have a Lenovo Thinkpad (like the keyboard) with a docking station but I still ran out of USB ports. I use it most of the time with an external keyboard and 3 monitors. I would go for 16GB RAM and 512MB SSD, Yes, a large 15-in display is nice too. USB-C is very versatile with the ability to carry audio, video, and usb data,

[angore]

I will add that there have been several technologies since Win 7 are useful.

Bluetooth - allows you to connect headphones to phones or computer or even car radio system.

USB-C - technology is bidirectional so can charge or power and deliver video/audio, faster data USB 3.0

[angore]

Also, USB-C has allowed standardization of power bricks for laptops. The USB-C standard has definition for power delivery. My work Dell laptop and home Lenovo both use a 65W brick with a USB-C connect and interchangeable. The adapter/cable have chips that define their rated output/input rating to enforce standards. This means a receiving laptop will not accept power from adapter unless it has the correct ID.