Looking to get a new Laptop PC, looking for advice, opinions, help

Deex2 · Dec 9, 2024

bobkn said:
According to Dell, its RAM is not upgradeable.

XPS 16 9640 Owner's Manual | Dell US

Maybe having 16GB was why it was returned.

Dell could sell you a 64GB machine, though.

The RTX 4050 is the lowest end nVidia 4000 series GPU. Still better than an integrated GPU.

Thank you. OMG my brain is spinning, with all these different components, doodads, ram this ram that and things im trying to remember. I know im not going to get a power horse of a laptop I just hope to find one that will have longevity, like my current one. I think from my reading and wanting to edit photos and some home videos... that a discrete gpu is the way to go, if possible, but determining which laptop (probably Dell or HP) and one that i can afford is the problem. Ive read RTX is good, but you are saying other wise?

Deex2 · Dec 9, 2024

mickey52 said:
stay with Dell I had to upgrade from my older Dell laptop. Today storage is a must hard drive and RAM is a must Win 11 needs 12 ram. I bought a new one this past August here it is
Device name DESKTOP-AGKHGMI
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 7 155H 3.80 GHz
Installed RAM 16.0 GB (15.5 GB usable)
Device ID A006EABF-0486-4122-89EF-ECD120A72DB8
Product ID 00342-21224-95251-AAOEM
System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
Pen and touch Pen and touch support with 10 touch points

I am impressed really FAST launches quickly battery is 10 to 12 hours charges with in 45 minutes lasts for a long time. Upgradable ram. Kept watching best buy website got it a good price. I highly recommend

Thanks for sharing the info above, I have a desk top, but i'm needing help with looking for a laptop

Deex2 · Dec 9, 2024

TraderGary said:
With all due respect, this has not been my experience. This is my 6th Dell XPS laptop in the past couple of decades. I'm 100% mobile and take my XPS laptop in and out of my backpack daily, I've never had a cracked screen or sent an XPS in for repairs. The build quality of XPS laptops is legendary. That's why I keep coming back.

@TraderGary Since you love Dell, which is the make of my current laptop and desktop, what do you think of this system specs and components? Another great and helpful responder on here feels the RTX that is used is on the lower end.Looks at the specs on this laptop, if you are familiar with the different components as I'm not, tell me what you think goid/bad. https://www.bestbuy.com/product/del...-platinum/6575148/openbox?condition=excellent I don't general consider Open Boxed items but maybe???

andrew129260 · Dec 9, 2024

The reality of it is, is that laptops are not very upgradable. If you don't use or need the laptop part much, I would consider a desktop. A desktop can be easily updated with more ram, storage and a faster gpu as time goes on.

If you absolutely need a laptop and refuse to have a desktop, I know the dell G series that I have was able to upgrade the ram and storage as well as the battery. Nothing was soldered on. However, its true that many laptops follow this practice. Most dell models I have touched are upgradeable. Read reviews for laptops they usually will indicate somewhere if the ram or something is able to be upgraded.

I think you should buy for your needs in the future, not your needs now. That way upgrades are less of a problem. This makes the soldered on ram and storage less of an issue if you plan ahead.

As I have said, this is something you are going to have to decide. It is your choice.

In my personal opinion, I like AMD processors for laptops due to their low temps, high performance, and low power draw / better battery for the money. They are an incredible value imho. Anything ryzen 7 or up will be good for you for anything you buy new for quite a long time.

I recommended a system with 32GB ram for longevity, even though you do not need that now at all. 16GB ram is fine. Others might disagree.

I recommended a 512GB ssd at the minimum, but only you know what data amount you need.

A computer is a very personal choice, what ports do you need, what side do you prefer the ports on etc.

Read reviews and make a decision. There is no best choice. You will get opinions from everyone forever. Only you can decide.

Deex2 said:
Thank you. OMG my brain is spinning, with all these different components, doodads, ram this ram that and things im trying to remember. I know im not going to get a power horse of a laptop I just hope to find one that will have longevity, like my current one

Nothing can be guaranteed. But the one you linked does seem it would suit you well for quite some time. I think you will be fine with pretty much anything. Your not a high end user or a gamer. I think any decent computer will last you a long while.

Deex2 · Dec 9, 2024

andrew129260 said:
The reality of it is, is that laptops are not very upgradable. If you don't use or need the laptop part much, I would consider a desktop. A desktop can be easily updated with more ram, storage and a faster gpu as time goes on.

If you absolutely need a laptop and refuse to have a desktop, I know the dell G series that I have was able to upgrade the ram and storage as well as the battery. Nothing was soldered on. However, its true that many laptops follow this practice. Most dell models I have touched are upgradeable. Read reviews for laptops they usually will indicate somewhere if the ram or something is able to be upgraded.

I think you should buy for your needs in the future, not your needs now. That way upgrades are less of a problem. This makes the soldered on ram and storage less of an issue if you plan ahead.

As I have said, this is something you are going to have to decide. It is your choice.

In my personal opinion, I like AMD processors for laptops due to their low temps, high performance, and low power draw / better battery for the money. They are an incredible value imho. Anything ryzen 7 or up will be good for you for anything you buy new for quite a long time.

I recommended a system with 32GB ram for longevity, even though you do not need that now at all. 16GB ram is fine. Others might disagree.

I recommended a 512GB ssd at the minimum, but only you know what data amount you need.

A computer is a very personal choice, what ports do you need, what side do you prefer the ports on etc.

Read reviews and make a decision. There is no best choice. You will get opinions from everyone forever. Only you can decide.

Nothing can be guaranteed. But the one you linked does seem it would suit you well for quite some time. I think you will be fine with pretty much anything. Your not a high end user or a gamer. I think any decent computer will last you a long while.

andrew129260 Thank you great info above and your honest opinion does matter. How you spelled it out above, listing details specifics as recommendations (right or wrong) for me to reference is what really helps me. Also as i have previously stated I already have a Desktop and am looking to replace my 8 year old still functioning, but slowly, laptop.

TraderGary · Dec 9, 2024

Deex2 said:
@TraderGary Since you love Dell, which is the make of my current laptop and desktop, what do you think of this system specs and components? Another great and helpful responder on here feels the RTX that is used is on the lower end.Looks at the specs on this laptop, if you are familiar with the different components as I'm not, tell me what you think goid/bad. https://www.bestbuy.com/product/del...-platinum/6575148/openbox?condition=excellent I don't general consider Open Boxed items but maybe???

Be sure and check out the Dell Outlet. I would buy directly from Dell rather than BestBuy. Think warranty and support!

Refurbished & Overstock Laptops, PCs, Monitors: Dell Outlet | Dell USA | Dell USA

Refurbished laptops, desktop gaming computers, monitors, docks & servers on the cheap from Dell Outlet. READY TO SHIP laptops for sale. Up to 30% savings.

www.dell.com

TraderGary · Dec 9, 2024

@Deex2, The computer you see in "My Computer" below was purchased from Dell Outlet 4 months ago. It's perfect in every detail as if I bought it new. The new price was $3,449 USD. I paid $2,349. That's a saving of $1,100 and I have a new premium warranty and premium support from Dell.

Deex2 · Dec 9, 2024

TraderGary said:
@Deex2, The computer you see in "My Computer" below was purchased from Dell Outlet 4 months ago. It's perfect in every detail as if I bought it new. The new price was $3,449 USD. I paid $2,349. That's a saving of $1,100 and I have a new premium warranty and premium support from Dell.

Was your recent laptop "new" or refurbished from the outlet? I've looked at the Outlet but will look again, I don't think I saw any, within my price range with discrete graphics cards. I'd prefer to buy directly from the Manufacturer, as i have in the past, but it is my understanding the same warranty applies even if you buy it from Best Buy and places like that, I might be wrong.

andrew129260 · Dec 9, 2024

Deex2 said:
Was your recent laptop "new" or refurbished from the outlet? I've looked at the Outlet but will look again, I don't think I saw any, within my price range with discrete graphics cards. I'd prefer to buy directly from the Manufacturer, as i have in the past, but it is my understanding the same warranty applies even if you buy it from Best Buy and places like that, I might be wrong.

Just check the boxes on the site like I did here.

Here is a link with the options checked:

https://outlet.us.dell.com/GDOOnline/Online/InventorySearch?c=us&l=en&cs=28&s=dfb&buid=11&brandid=2801&pFilter=eyJNZW1vcnkiOlsiNzMwMDYiXSwiU3RvcmFnZUNhcGFjaXR5IjpbIjc0MDAxIiwiNzQwMDAiXSwiR3JhcGhpY3MiOlsiNDc2MDEzIiwiNDc2MDEyIiwiNDc2MDEwIiwiNTAwMTEiXX0%3D

Or you could just buy my laptop haha. I just built a desktop. Yes I am serious. Let me know (it's in my specs) Its in perfect condition. I baby it :ROFLMAO:

TraderGary · Dec 9, 2024

@Deex2, It was refurbished "Like New". I added a 3 year premium warranty and a Dell backpack. I had an added coupon, so be sure to check for that.

Deex2 · Dec 9, 2024

TraderGary said:
@Deex2, It was refurbished "Like New". I added a 3 year premium warranty and a Dell backpack. I had an added coupon, so be sure to check for that.

@TraderGary Thank you I know how to search and check boxes.... but thank you. So the link you sent me with the boxes already checked, are those discrete graphics....??

andrew129260 · Dec 9, 2024

Deex2 said:
@TraderGary Thank you I know how to search and check boxes.... but thank you. So the link you sent me with the boxes already checked, are those discrete graphics....??

yes dedicated gpu with its own vram not shared with the system.

Deex2 · Dec 9, 2024

andrew129260 said:
yes dedicated gpu with its own vram not shared with the system.

So you didn't say, did you buy NEW, Scratch/dent or refurbished???? I'm always leery about buying refurbished for some reason

andrew129260 · Dec 9, 2024

Deex2 said:
So you didn't say, did you buy NEW, Scratch/dent or refurbished???? I'm always leery about buying refurbished for some reason

I have bought multiple used or refurbs before with no issues.

The one in my specs that I am selling was new. New does sometimes have a longer warranty, but in my experience anything that will go wrong will happens in the first 6 months or a year. And the refurbs cover 1 year typically.

Deex2 · Dec 9, 2024

andrew129260 said:
I have bought multiple used or refurbs before with no issues.

The one in my specs that I am selling was new.

You know now that i look at the graphic cards you checked, someone else said on this thread... that the RTX 40?? are the low end possibly not very good

andrew129260 · Dec 9, 2024

Deex2 said:
You know now that i look at the graphic cards you checked, someone else said on this thread... that the RTX 40?? are the low end possibly not very good

the rtx 40 series are insanely good haha not sure where you heard that. You don't need anything close to that. The rtx 3050 I have in my laptop is insane overkill for you. The 40 series is even better than that. The 50 isnt even out yet.

Laptop GPUs are less powerful then their desktop counterparts, but you dont need anything like this.

Deex2 · Dec 9, 2024

andrew129260 said:
the rtx 40 series are insanely good haha not sure where you heard that. You don't need anything close to that. The rtx 3050 I have in my laptop is insane overkill for you. The 40 series is even better than that. The 50 isnt even out yet.

Laptop GPUs are less powerful then their desktop counterparts, but you dont need anything like this.

@andrew129260 You asked were I got that info, I pasted it below, from another responder/poster. Its just their opinion, perhaps I miss understood

bobkn said:
According to Dell, its RAM is not upgradeable.

XPS 16 9640 Owner's Manual | Dell US
Maybe having 16GB was why it was returned.

Dell could sell you a 64GB machine, though.

The RTX 4050 is the lowest end nVidia 4000 series GPU. Still better than an integrated GPU

andrew129260 · Dec 9, 2024

bobkn said:
The RTX 4050 is the lowest end nVidia 4000 series GPU. Still better than an integrated GPU.

If this is the quote your talking about they are not saying its bad, just saying its on the lower end of a really high end gpu line. But its still so much overkill for your needs. You're buying a lamborghini when the most your going to do is the speed of a toyota.

You had at most per your old machine a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M. So anything you get now that's dedicated wise will blow that out of the water and then some.

Whatever you pick or go with, I hope you enjoy. Peace

TraderGary · Dec 9, 2024

Deex2 said:
So you didn't say, did you buy NEW, Scratch/dent or refurbished???? I'm always leery about buying refurbished for some reason

With Dell Outlet you are buying directly from Dell and there is absolutely nothing to worry about. I always check the box "Like New" and that's what I get. Not a mark, scratch, or even a fingerprint on it when I get it! And it will come with a new premium warranty just as if you bought new.

If for any reason you are not fully satisfied, you can return for a full refund within 30 days and Dell even pays the return shipping.

bobkn · Dec 9, 2024

andrew129260 said:
If this is the quote your talking about they are not saying its bad, just saying its on the lower end of a really high end gpu line. But its still so much overkill for your needs. You're buying a lamborghini when the most your going to do is the speed of a toyota.

(snip)

Depending on what sort of video editing "Deex2" intends, a GPU with lots of VRAM could be desirable.

However, if the old laptop has been adequate, a powerful discrete GPU may be excessive. And expensive.

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