Need new laptop.....going insane trying to decide.

[TheoneandonlyMrK]

Regardless im of the opinion that one Made to flip should have better hinges and the one i suggest is below $800

 

[Space Lynx]

I'm just listing the 1800$ price because most of the thin-n-lite laptops run about that for 8th grade Intel and usb-C. And 16gb of RAM. This laptop is expected to last another 5-6 years.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/surface-pro-6/8zcnc665slq5?activetab=pivotverviewtab

surface pro 6 is 8th gen. comes out october 16th. no nvidia. $799

 

[king of swag187]

Again, get a GL702, RX 580 and a Ryzen CPU

 

[Space Lynx]

Again, get a GL702, RX 580 and a Ryzen CPU

he just said he doesn't game on the laptop, why carry around a bulky beast loud fan of a machine when he could just preorder the surface pro 6 which is 8th gen and comes out in a week... fresh battery, fresh everything, and slim/gorgeous screen

 

[lexluthermiester]

It's not an illusion. I DO NOT tolerate Nvidia in my laptop. So drop it and please stop suggesting Nvidia chips.

The reason you're getting some chop about NVidia is that Linux support for Linux is very good. Not perfect but very good. I've been running Linux on NVidia based GPU's for many years and have only once had a problem, which was swiftly solved. You are really shooting yourself in the foot by excluding options that use NVidia's GPU's.

 

[king of swag187]

he just said he doesn't game on the laptop, why carry around a bulky beast loud fan of a machine when he could just preorder the surface pro 6 which is 8th gen and comes out in a week... fresh battery, fresh everything, and slim/gorgeous screen

Lol bulky hah

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

Again, get a GL702, RX 580 and a Ryzen CPU

Dude, the battery life on that thing is under 2 hours.

The reason you're getting some chop about NVidia is that Linux support for Linux is very good. Not perfect but very good. I've been running Linux on NVidia based GPU's for many years and have only once had a problem, which was swiftly solved. You are really shooting yourself in the foot by excluding options that use NVidia's GPU's.

I had a hell of a time getting my 1080 to work under Linux. I keep my kernel up to date. Every kernel update i have to reinstall the drivers. If I go Intel or AMD, the drivers are built into the kernel. I only bought a GTX 1080 because the Vega56 cost more than I was willing to spend at the time.

 

[newtekie1]

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16834234873

That would be my recommendation. It seems to check off most of what you want spec wise, it is only 8GB, but it is very easily upgradable just by removing a few screws and popping the bottom cover off. I've done it, and it is a 15 minute job. It has the 128GB M.2 SSD, and if you want better battery life, take the 1TB HDD out when you are upgrading the memory, drop a bigger 2.5" SSD in it if you need more storage space but still want better battery life. Of just grab a bigger M.2 drive, your budget certainly allows for that.

The main thing, and what I like about it, is it has an aluminium cover and aluminium wrist rest, so it is more durable than some of the other all plastic laptops out there.

The only thing up in the air for me is the Wireless and Bluetooth working with Linux. I do know it uses a Realtek chipset for WiFi and Bluetooth, and I believe Realtek has pretty decent Linux support, but I'm not sure the exact one used in this laptop.

The only other thing I have to say about it is turn off the keyboard backlight! The client that I worked on this for brought it to me originally because they had bought it(from Best Buy) and wanted me to upgrade the RAM before they even started using it. They brought it back asking for me to remove the memory, because they had brought it back to Best Buy because the battery was only lasting about 2 hours. Best Buy told them that the extra memory was sucking down the battery, "because memory uses the most power out of everything else in the laptop". Nope, I showed them how to turn off the keybaord backlight, and they reported back to me that the battery was now lasting 4-5 hours. For whatever reason, the keyboard backlight on these machines(and other ASUS laptops in my experience) really just kills the battery.

I can understand that. But, I don't want to sacrifice battery too much. I need decently long life. Say 5+ hrs

Modern gaming laptops don't really sacrifice battery life if you aren't gaming, they completely disable the dedicated GPU when you aren't playing games. But no point in paying for something you aren't going to use. I'm just saying as an FYI.

I use laptops in the field also. Never broken one. All I'm saying with that is make a delivered effort to be more careful.

Me too, I carry a laptop with my every day. Never broken the connector, but I don't leave it plugged in either, it runs on battery, the charger is in my car, and I plug it in to recharge between clients. I very rarely actually charge the laptop while I'm working.

 

[Norton]

The Dell Latitude 14 Rugged ticks a lot of the boxes in what you're looking for...
- built for field use
- available with Linux direct from Dell
- dedicated Radeon graphics option
etc...
https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/cty/pdp/spd/latitude-14-5414-laptop/xctol541414us

 

[Arjai]

My 1800 dollar pick

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

The Dell Latitude 14 Rugged ticks a lot of the boxes in what you're looking for...
- built for field use
- available with Linux direct from Dell
- dedicated Radeon graphics option
etc...
https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/cty/pdp/spd/latitude-14-5414-laptop/xctol541414us

My 1800 dollar pick

Both of you suggested the same laptop which is very much over priced for such an out of date laptop. It does not need to be a "Rugged" laptop. It should be something thinner and lighter. Doesnt have to be an ultrabook. It could be an inch or so thick sort of thing. I was thinking more of a metal chassis.

 

[Vayra86]

Both of you suggested the same laptop which is very much over priced for such an out of date laptop. It does not need to be a "Rugged" laptop. It should be something thinner and lighter. Doesnt have to be an ultrabook. It could be an inch or so thick sort of thing. I was thinking more of a metal chassis.

Well.. I think you need to realize that laptops haven't exactly become that much more sturdy in the past six years. Quite the opposite. Most of them are too thin, too flimsy and even aluminium bodies are very soft and easy to damage. The emphasis is precisely where you don't need it, to be precise: Windows, Nvidia GPUs, thin and light.

When it comes to build quality you may want to look at a convertible as a primary requirement. They tend to have better hinges and are overall more built like a tablet with a keyboard attached to it. Seems like a good fit for your use case overall and its as much in between 'rugged' and 'flimsy' as it can get.

I've built up a search for you. Dutch site, but awesome for finding stuff:

https://tweakers.net/categorie/496/...rGaiV4Ucu2M7u9gBzZ-smeCVeNWeS_G-jQ7btOhOtwKV8

 

[John Naylor]

As with desktops, the best laptop you can get is the one you have custom built to your specifications. We haven't had anything but custom builts for 10-12 years. You can buy with no OS and install anything you want. One issue you will have though is finding non nVidia options .... while this was doable maybe up to 18 months ago, the lack of sales in this category seems to have most vendors ceasing to offer this option.

Clevo NP3132 / N130WU - $1,150 as configured ($945 base price) before discounts. Go with a 1 TB SSHD instead of SSD / HD Combo and it's $930
https://lpc-digital.com/product/sager-np3132-clevo-n130wu/

13.3" QHD (3200 x 1800) IPS Matte Display
8th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-8550U Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.00 GHz)
Intel® UHD Graphics 620 with Share Memory Architecture
OS = None - Drivers & Utility Software Only
16GB Dual Channel DDR4 2400MHz (PC4 19200) Memory (2 x 8GB)
Samsung® 860 EVO™ M.2 250GB SSD - (OS Drive)
1 TB 7200 RPM SATA 6Gb/s Hard Drive
Intel® Dual Band Ultra Wireless - AC 9560 M.2 + Bluetooth® 5

I'm typing from a Clevo that is 7 years old in use as a CAD workstation, multipurpose box and yes, still game on it during my office hours. BTW< Sager is Clevo's retail arm and you can get either "branding".

 

[Liquid Cool]

Linux huh? I've always had good luck with the HP Probook line running with Ubuntu. Try the HP Probook 645 G4. I'm not sure about the screen(although, my HP 455 had a matte screen), but it seems to tick the rest of your boxes. The Ryzen 7 2700U is running about 800 on Newegg.

An example @ Newegg...

They carry several different varieties.

Best,

Liquid Cool

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

Well.. I think you need to realize that laptops haven't exactly become that much more sturdy in the past six years. Quite the opposite. Most of them are too thin, too flimsy and even aluminium bodies are very soft and easy to damage. The emphasis is precisely where you don't need it, to be precise: Windows, Nvidia GPUs, thin and light.

When it comes to build quality you may want to look at a convertible as a primary requirement. They tend to have better hinges and are overall more built like a tablet with a keyboard attached to it. Seems like a good fit for your use case overall and its as much in between 'rugged' and 'flimsy' as it can get.

I've built up a search for you. Dutch site, but awesome for finding stuff:

https://tweakers.net/categorie/496/...rGaiV4Ucu2M7u9gBzZ-smeCVeNWeS_G-jQ7btOhOtwKV8

Thank you.

Yes, im aware of the issues. It is one reason i was seriously considering the Thinkpad X1 carbon line. They are made of a carbon-fiber reinforced chassis and a magnesium alloy roll-cage.
examples: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=1Z5-004Y-00056
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAAZU6MR2321
The ThinkPad X380 Yoga has you covered. It’s tested against numerous MIL-SPEC requirements and durability tests.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAEYJ7R33162

 

[Frick]

Honestly 1800$ would be an absolute waste on a laptop if it's not for gaming, actually you're not even going to find much in that price range if it's not for gaming and no Nvidia GPU.

There are such things as mobile workstations and rugged computers, and for those $1800 is definitely not a waste, it's even pretty cheap.

Me I can't say much about modern laptops other than that I miss the magnesium alloys used in HPs of old. Much better than aluminium IMO.

I will also echo the "how do you manage to mess it up so badly" crowd. I've worled with laptops in industrial environments and have never managed to damage anything.

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

There are such things as mobile workstations and rugged computers, and for those $1800 is definitely not a waste, it's even pretty cheap.

Me I can't say much about modern laptops other than that I miss the magnesium alloys used in HPs of old. Much better than aluminium IMO.

I will also echo the "how do you manage to mess it up so badly" crowd. I've worled with laptops in industrial environments and have never managed to damage anything.

Most of the time the damage comes at home and this is over a period of 6 years. it has also been knocked off the desk at work by people not paying attention to what they are doing or where they are going. Or, people trip over the power cord again because they aren't paying attention and try to cross over my desk area without looking whats in front of them and it yanks it off the desk. I have had it fall off my bed and onto a heavy carpet floor all without damaging the laptop.
Also, This laptop only cost me about $350 in 2012 so Id say it is fairly durable. Perhaps part of the issue with the power port and adapter problems is the repeated plugging and unplugging?

Working in a Corporate IT service center as a field technician, I also do inhouse work from time to time and see the laptops coming to us from clients and compared to mine, their's look like a hurricane knocked it about in the dryer. Fucked screens, missing keyboards, cracked motherboard etc.

 

[Deleted member 178884]

My suggestion is the rugged laptop, you will not get a "thin" laptop that will take the damage you imply and it will suffice. A non gaming laptop will almost always be thin - because they don't need bulky cooling solutions, I'm afraid the only laptop that meets your requirements is the Dell Latitude 14 Rugged.
Good luck finding a thin chassis laptop that is built for out in the field use, unless it's built with a titanium chassis.

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

I'm sorry, I'm not getting a rugged laptop with a 6th gen Intel. I'm sticking with a thin and light.

Hopefully the new Google Slate tablet will be affordable and I won't need to take my laptop out into the field.

 

[phill]

An ultra book of some sorts, if you don't need it for gaming go with something cheap that works.

Personally never spent much on a laptop myself as I primarily use desktops but I've a HP thing, it's ok, 1080P, 15" or so screen, meant to be gaming spec something but with 100Mb wired network it's crap in that regard.. Disappointing really.. Still use the HP's at work so any of those would do I'm sure. My budgets normally about £500 for one as I just need the large screen and a 1080P res..

By some of the things you've mentioned I wonder if you'll get a high end setup like it in a laptop style case.. Seems a little more like a desktop system to me..

You mentioned you work in corporate IT, what do you do?

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

An ultra book of some sorts, if you don't need it for gaming go with something cheap that works.

Personally never spent much on a laptop myself as I primarily use desktops but I've a HP thing, it's ok, 1080P, 15" or so screen, meant to be gaming spec something but with 100Mb wired network it's crap in that regard.. Disappointing really.. Still use the HP's at work so any of those would do I'm sure. My budgets normally about £500 for one as I just need the large screen and a 1080P res..

By some of the things you've mentioned I wonder if you'll get a high end setup like it in a laptop style case.. Seems a little more like a desktop system to me..

You mentioned you work in corporate IT, what do you do?

I am a field technician. I mainly work on desktops, laptops, printers, copiers, UPS Backup systems, networking equipment (Routers/Switches) and servers. I also work on assorted banking hardware like check scanners and validators.

I am also kinda aiming for the ultrabook space. I dont like the idea of spending $1800 but I am also finding that most modern ultrabooks have soldered RAM and if I am going to use this for the foreseeable future, I should probably make sure it has at least 16GB if it is soldered. Else, as long as it has the DIMM slots.

 

[John Naylor]

I am kinda amazed that on a tech forum that almost always eschews store bought off the shelf PCs, folks still gravitate to off the shelf lappies when custom built "pick your own parts" options exist eith equivalent pricing, better performance, no bloatware, better cooling and more useful life, I am on my 3rd one since 2003.... used one or 5, 4 and now 6 years.

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

I am kinda amazed that on a tech forum that almost always eschews store bought off the shelf PCs, folks still gravitate to off the shelf lappies when custom built "pick your own parts" options exist eith equivalent pricing, better performance, no bloatware, better cooling and more useful life, I am on my 3rd one since 2003.... used one or 5, 4 and now 6 years.

This for me is mainly because I can spread my payments out over 12 months with 0% APR using my Newegg card.

 

[phill]

I am a field technician. I mainly work on desktops, laptops, printers, copiers, UPS Backup systems, networking equipment (Routers/Switches) and servers. I also work on assorted banking hardware like check scanners and validators.

I am also kinda aiming for the ultrabook space. I dont like the idea of spending $1800 but I am also finding that most modern ultrabooks have soldered RAM and if I am going to use this for the foreseeable future, I should probably make sure it has at least 16GB if it is soldered. Else, as long as it has the DIMM slots.

I guess it does largely depend on the spec of the ultra book in the first place but I would hope that you could get something cheaper than $1800! I would think if there are any options out there for add on's like @John Naylor mentioned that you'd be able to get something further decent.

 

[newtekie1]

I guess it does largely depend on the spec of the ultra book in the first place but I would hope that you could get something cheaper than $1800! I would think if there are any options out there for add on's like @John Naylor mentioned that you'd be able to get something further decent.

I posted a good option above, but it seems it was ignored.