New laptop: advice welcome!

James Pacey · 5 Oct 2023 at 09:39

Hi all,

I have a 2016 model MacBook Pro. The time has finally come to change it - and I won't go back to Apple if you paid me!

I'm looking for recommendations for a new Windows laptop please. It is ˀused pretty much predominantly for work purposes but I'd still like something snappy, quick and lightweight. Looking to go to 15 inches and would ideally like something under the £2500 mark.

As I won't really be gaming on it, it doesn't have to be the top of the range - but regardless, something fairly snappy would be good. Been looking at Dell XPS 15 but no idea which one to go for!

Advice welcome.

With thanks,

James

Philtor · 5 Oct 2023 at 10:23

I would recommend the Dell XPS range you have been looking at. Solid machines. Just buy the best you can afford

they are all well specced really so can’t go wrong.

James Pacey · 5 Oct 2023 at 10:34

Philtor said:
I would recommend the Dell XPS range you have been looking at. Solid machines. Just buy the best you can afford they are all well specced really so can’t go wrong.

Thank you. I can't quite work out what the performance difference between the various ranges would be (bearing in mind it's a work machine).

Philtor · 5 Oct 2023 at 13:51

What sort of work will be expected of the laptop?

A lot will come down to the processor being used (CPU) and the amount of memory (RAM) then the display panel type and size etc

Edit: The graphics (GPU) has a big role to play also but you stated you won’t be gaming.

These are all well specced machines so unless you have specific requirements for your work (video editing or animation for example) then any of them will be great!

philstanbridge · 9 Oct 2023 at 05:50

If you do any kind of image manipulation or editing I’d recommend 32GB of ram. Plus an SSD. Surprising how those two things together help

Mesai · 9 Oct 2023 at 07:21

Anything from Lenovo is usually a good bet to. Something like an AMD Thinkpad.

The newer AMD chips are the more efficient option if you can about battery life or fan noise.

FISHGUTS · 9 Oct 2023 at 12:39

Had 2 thinkpads & now 2 xps. The keyboard is better on the lenovo's, but as of late I've always plumped for the XPS as they just seem better all round for the price. Can't fault them tbh.

I have read the i9's can run a bit hot in the XPS.
From what you've mentioned , maybe an xps i7, 4050 RTX, 32gb ram, 1tb SSD, then either the standard screen or upgrade to the touch oled.
Just specced that up at £2,300.
Check out the dell outlet too as they somtimes have the odd bargain.