My work has the funding to buy me a laptop since the one I use now is 7 years old, ever-dead battery, and sounds like it's going to take off to outer space whenever I run an application that requires any processing power.
I'm a bit out of touch with modern computer specs and what to look for since the last time I bought a laptop was 2019. When it comes to tech, I'm not big on change for the sake of change, so bells & whistles don't appeal to me much. I just want something that will get the job done efficiently and not crash on me.
My work hasn't given me a budget--I'm pretty sure there is no "upper limit" but I want to keep the ask reasonable, so I'll say under 1500 right now. If anything is on the edge I am sure it could be considered!
My needs/non-negotiables
- Photography -- storage -- processing using Adobe lightroom
- GIS -- storage, download, processing of large files, multiple GB per file at times.
- Preferably not Apple. I have always used PCs for personal work and prefer them, plus don't want to learn a new OS if I don't have to.
- No built-in AI functions, or able to opt out of all AI. I would rather use dial up and a dell dinosaur than be forced to use a feature I don't want.
- 15" screen minimum, Current is 17" and I like that size a lot.
Preferences
- Touch screen/fully articulating screen ideal for art/graphics work. I currently have an HP Envy which has served me very well.
- SD card slot; as many actual USB ports/headphone jack/HDMI as possible. I know it can be hard to get these days but I appreciate not needing a bunch of adapters.
- Enough processing power to run say, youtube and GIS or GIS and lightroom at the same time without a crash occurring.
Thank you for recommendations! I really appreciate any and all help.
- Are you open to refurbs/used? Yes
- How would you prioritize form factor (ultrabook, 2-in-1, etc.), build quality, performance, and battery life? Moderately high, however current laptop does not have any battery life so any life at all is an improvement
- How important is weight and thinness to you? as long as it's portable, I'll carry it.
- Do you have a preferred screen size? If indifferent, put N/A. 17"
- Are you doing any CAD/video editing/photo editing/gaming? List which programs/games you desire to run. Adobe lightroom
- If you're gaming, do you have certain games you want to play? At what settings and FPS do you want? N/A
- Any specific requirements such as good keyboard, reliable build quality, touch-screen, finger-print reader, optical drive or good input devices (keyboard/touchpad)? good keyboard and touchscreen, touchpad ideal as well
- Leave any finishing thoughts here that you may feel are necessary and beneficial to the discussion. all other thoughts above.