I currently own an HP 14cf1062st laptop I purchased from Staples back in 2019 for about $500. I have a desktop I use for most of my main computing work, so this is really just a "backup" and "travel" laptop I use when I travel or just want to do some work while on the sofa watching football.

I also have a set-up in a vacation home where I bring it and hook it to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse via a USB hub.

This HP laptop has been fairly reliable, but it is definitely a bit "lacking" in the performance tier (which I knew when we purchased). It has: RAM: 8GB Ram; DRIVE: 256GB SSD; CPU: Intel Core i5-8265U ; Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 processor. Display: 14-inch diagonal HD (1366 x 768)

It has been fairly reliable, but definitely "struggles' under Windows 11 and Office 365 due to the low RAM and slower processor. Screen size of 14" diag. is fine for my needs (I have a larger monitor when using as a "desktop"), although would be willing to go maybe to 15" diag., but not much bigger to keep compact for travel. Also, the Wireless seems to sometimes struggle and is often slow (its probably an older Wifi card since its a 2019 machine).

Here is what I am looking for:
Nice quality laptop to run Windows 11 (Home version is fine) and Office 365.
Stick with a 14" to 15" screen, high-resolution screen.
NOT Touch Screen (don't use it, and find it distracting/annoying)
32 GB RAM
1TB SSD
Faster CPU and better graphics processing
Needs to be fairly light and thin (current HP is about 3 lbs I think)
Good battery
Improved Wifi speed/capabilities
Must Have: RJ45 connector for hardwiring my home network cable and HDMI Port, plus a few extra USBA and USBC ports, including one that can be wired to a hub that can both power the laptop and also drive a keyboard and monitor.

Price: Would like to keep under $1,000 if possible.

I only use this for basic web browsing and Microsoft Office Apps.
No Gaming, high-end graphics, or heavy-duty programming or heavy AI use at all
Just want a nice, fast, dependable Windows Laptop that is light and compact and reliable for "home use". This is NOT a corporate machine, so don't need any advanced management features.

The HP has worked well, but I am open to looking at other main brands such as Dell, Lenovo, or ASUS.

Hoping to narrow down and then look for a good deal on Cyber Day later this year.

Thanks for the help.

Michael

Hi, I'm considering buying an asus vivobook 16 F1607AA-MB034W. I was looking for this pc because mi budget is not so high (~800€) and the CPU (Intel core ultra 5) seems to be good for the price. I know that probably they sacrifice some construction quality and 16 gb ram are the minimum today but it seems one of the best option for my budget. Someone who tried it can share some informations? I haven't find so many reviews online and I was curious. I'll use the laptop mainly for university, some medium gameplay (I like strategic games like paradox, rimworld and sometimes ksp, but I'm attached to play at low graphics and sacrifice it) and some cybersecurity activities that I do as a hobby (like CTF). What fo you think? Thank you very much.

Hello,

My current laptop (Macbook Air 2019) has entered its last few months (maybe weeks) of life, and I am looking to find my next step.

In the last few years, I have been thinking of moving to Linux but I need to find a computer that will hold its course, and I read online that some computers can be better / worse than others.

Unfortunately, all computers compatible for Linux that I have found online are extremely expensive, and even the new Macbook comes out as cheaper. I wouldn't mind if its around the same price or even slightly more expensive, but a 2 grand computer is definitely out of my range. Thing is, I use my computer for graphic design work among other things, and therefore I need it to have a minimum of power.

Does anyone have any laptop model that they recommend? Ideally the general size / dimensions as a Macbook Air.

Location: Switzerland
Budget: up to ~1.300 CHF (1.5k usd, 1.4K eur)

Thank you!

I got a very good deal on the 255H processor The only downside is the 52tw battery but I got 32 GB ram, and ms office for free.

Battery I can manage.

My concern is 40 npu in amd 350, 450 or panther lake processor which is not there in arrow lake processer.

Am I falling behind, I don't use any local ai today but I don't know about after 6 months ( my wife my 3 year child might use ai) I might have to use ai. ***Then I will miss 40-50 npu***

This is my big investment I will keep it for the next 7 years.