Mini Laptop / Netbook....

oHUTCHYo

oHUTCHYo

oHUTCHYo

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I own a powerful laptop which is my main PC, however I'm considering picking up a mini laptop for messing about with whilst laid on the sofa. Currently I use an iPad Pro which, whilst great for watching catchup TV and movies in bed, sometimes limits me in how I use it otherwise.

Can anyone suggest something that meets the following criteria;

  • Not Apple. Windows please.
  • Budget, let's say <£500
  • Needs to be able to run Mixmeister Fusion software (I make myself mixes for the gym)
  • Good build quality
  • Good resolution screen
  • Touch screen, bonus but not dealbreaker
  • Footprint of something like an ipad air or ipad pro (something I can lay on the couch with)

Thanks :)
 
oHUTCHYo said:
Hold the press; maybe I should sell the ipad pro and consider a MS Surface 4?
Click to expand...

Maybe you should have considered a Surface Pro 4 in the first place :p

I would say a compact windows system is a better option than having an iPad Pro and a small lower spec laptop for light use especially if you already own another laptop. The good thing is apple products tend to hold their value so well so you won't be too much out of pocket if you do sell it.

I was considering getting a Surface 4 myself but I wanted it to replace my ageing 17 inch laptop, not sit along side it. It just doesn't have a big enough screen or the grunt if i ever wanted to install a few games but it sounds like it could be ideal for you as you don't need it for that. There are various places you can play with one in the flesh so its worth having at one this weekend if you get time. I think you might be impressed as it has a gorgeous screen(higher PPI than the iPad) and the keyboard and track pad were a joy to use when I tried it out. The Surface 4 had a few issues which i think have been solved but someone who owns one with the latest updates will have to confirm that. Even with the battery life fixes it wont hold a candle to your iPad pros battery. It does have a pen out of the box which is arguably much better for general use than apples offering but it would fall short if you wanted to use it for art.

Another option is the Dell XPS 13 which is really a lot smaller than 13 inch screen would have you believe due to the small bezel size. This can also be equipped with a high resolution touch screen but battery life will take a hit. It still has good battery life with the screen but its a touch screen laptop, not a tablet so it limits how you can use it. You could even look at something like the Lenovo Yoga 900 which has similar specs to the Surface and the XPS13 but unlike the Dell the screen can bend right over and it can be used as a tablet. Like the two options above it also comes with a very high resolution touch screen. I think this model still comes with £200 cashback if the price is an issue

All of the above devices are around the £1000 range. I can't give any opinions on devices in the £500 price range if you do want to keep your iPad as i never looked into these when looking to 'upgrade'.
 
Tried an SP4 today, I'm smitten. Just wish I had the sense to check these out prior to jumping on the Apple bandwagon.

Anywhoo, iPad Pro sold already on eBay. Good price recovery, shame about damn fees :mad:

Come paydayvI'll get myself an SP4. Still contemplating M3 vs. I5. No fan vs. more power. Likely I5 I think.

Thanks again chaps :)
 
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