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So, I’m looking for a new budget laptop, but I have little knowledge, and even less interest, in the techie side of things beyond “will it work”. I’ve tried reading some of the reviews of “best laptops” and I’m already confused! So can anyone save my sanity, and give me a steer for a laptop that meets the following criteria:
- Windows based (not Mac)
- suitable for word documents, PowerPoint
- good photo storage / editing
- preferably under £500
Not interested in gaming, playing music, or watching films etc. So it doesn’t need to be capable in doing any of these things, and I don’t care what the sound quality is like.
Any straightforward advice appreciated, or a link to an easy to understand objective review. Many thanks in advance 🙂
This should do the job.
May want to see if you can bump the RAM up to 16gb
Most food laptops will come with an SSD. So for photo storage you probably want to look at a NAS and cloud as a backup.
256GB SSD and a cloud file sync subscription such as OneDrive included with Office 365. Look out for a deal on Office / Microsoft 365 as it typically won’t be included with the laptop. See https://www.hotukdeals.com/tag/microsoft-office
With laptops I often find it's the little details that aren't listed that matter. Who needs a faster processor when the track pad has an annoying click to it or there aren't enough usb ports?
Thanks all - not sure how much RAM and SSD would be considered the minimum for a good functioning laptop?
Also - what is NAS?
I know nothing about laptops but a friend recommended getting refurbished and we've had two now from laptopsdirect.co.uk. Only thing I would say is pay attention to stock levels and delivery. I think we had to wait a couple of months for the first one which was ordered during the first lockdown. Wasn't a major concern as it was delivered in time for the kids going back to school and I think communications were good from them. The second was ordered recently and delivered within a few days.
Can you elaborate on what you mean by
– good photo storage / editing
?
Are you Photoshopping tens of thousands of dSLR images, or adding "LOL" to the bottom of an Instagram post? Very different requirements. The former is going to require a good amount of RAM and a decent screen, maybe even an external monitor.
Aside from that, you'd be hard pressed to buy a laptop that doesn't satisfy your other criteria. Something from Cash Converters for £50 would do.
Also, consider backups.