Recommendation Find me a good deal on a PC laptop today please!

[editor]

My 8 year old ThinkPad is so reluctant to boot up in a timescale that doesn't seem glacial that I've got to upgrade pronto.

As you probably know, I'm more than happy with my Chromebooks but sadly they don't run the DJ/music production software that I need to use so I'm going to have to splash the cash.

Looking online is doing my head as every laptop seems to come in multiple baffling permutations, so here's my requirements:

• Powerful enough to run the aforementioned software
• Reasonably compact (so probably no bigger than a 13.5" screen)
• Backlit keyboard
• Touchscreen
• Lightweight
• Budget - up to £400, maybe more for something super stylish and powerful

Happy to buy reconditioned/refurbed/used

Help me urban!

 

[MBV]

Currys - LENOVO IdeaPad 3i 14" Laptop - Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, Blue - £399 @ Currys | hotukdeals

www.hotukdeals.com

HUAWEI Matebook D 15 - i3-10110U / 8GB RAM / 256GB SSD £299.99 / Add Bluetooth Mouse for Extra £1.99 Using Code @ Huawei | hotukdeals

www.hotukdeals.com

I think the touchscreen req will limit you at that price point.

 

[editor]

Currys - LENOVO IdeaPad 3i 14" Laptop - Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, Blue - £399 @ Currys | hotukdeals

www.hotukdeals.com

HUAWEI Matebook D 15 - i3-10110U / 8GB RAM / 256GB SSD £299.99 / Add Bluetooth Mouse for Extra £1.99 Using Code @ Huawei | hotukdeals

www.hotukdeals.com

I think the touchscreen req will limit you at that price point.

Yes that's why I'm probably better off looking for s/hand/refurbed.

 

[Aladdin]

HP Pavilion touch screen laptop is nice.
Not sure of the price in the UK but around the €500 mark here.

 

[yield]

My 8 year old ThinkPad is so reluctant to boot up in a timescale that doesn't seem glacial that I've got to upgrade pronto.

As you probably know, I'm more than happy with my Chromebooks but sadly they don't run the DJ/music production software that I need to use so I'm going to have to splash the cash.

Looking online is doing my head as every laptop seems to come in multiple baffling permutations, so here's my requirements:

• Powerful enough to run the aforementioned software
• Reasonably compact (so probably no bigger than a 13.5" screen)
• Backlit keyboard
• Touchscreen
• Lightweight
• Budget - up to £400, maybe more for something super stylish and powerful

Happy to buy reconditioned/refurbed/used

Help me urban!

Ed, what are the system requirements for the DJ/music production software?

Anyway of giving your Thinkpad a new lease of life?

 

[editor]

Ed, what are the system requirements for the DJ/music production software?

Anyway of giving your Thinkpad a new lease of life?

The Thinkpad is fucked. It was built for Windows 7 and is just too old and slow to keep persevering with.

This gives some idea about the system requirements

Best laptop for music production of 2024

The top picks for musician on the go

www.techradar.com

 

[cybershot]

No such thing as a 'good deal' for laptops at the moment, especially if you need in 24 hours. Chip shortages and all that.

heres HUKD list in most recent: Search for "laptop"

 

[yield]

The other thread Recommendation - Best software/hardware for fairly basic DJing?

Cannot find anything close to £400 sorry.

Refurb for £550? https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/ref...12gb-14-inch-touchscre-a1-3y0l5ea/version.asp

£480 not in stock delivery 5-10 days? https://www.hp.com/gb-en/shop/product.aspx?id=30A26EA&opt=ABU&sel=NTB

 

[Puddy_Tat]

I've bought refurbished a couple of times from these people (e-bay store)

they are croydon area (from memory, near the airport) and going and collecting used to be an option - not clear if it is now.

 

[rutabowa]

I've bought refurbished a couple of times from these people (e-bay store)

they are croydon area (from memory, near the airport) and going and collecting used to be an option - not clear if it is now.

I got mine from here too and they were great, came fast too (not sure was 24 hours but not far off)

 

[editor]

The other thread Recommendation - Best software/hardware for fairly basic DJing?

Cannot find anything close to £400 sorry.

Refurb for £550? https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/ref...12gb-14-inch-touchscre-a1-3y0l5ea/version.asp

£480 not in stock delivery 5-10 days? https://www.hp.com/gb-en/shop/product.aspx?id=30A26EA&opt=ABU&sel=NTB

The refurb is out of stock and the other one is too chunky - something around 13.3" is what I'm looking for.
And yes, I need to stop thinking Chromebook prices and raise my budget!

 

[editor]

Bought this for £401 in excellent condition

HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 13.3-inch Core i5-7300U - SSD 256 GB - 8GB



The only downside being that it comes with a US keyboard layout but that's no big deal seeing as I won't be typing much on it.
Bought it from Home | Back Market with 3 day delivery and 30 day refund policy.

 

[hiccup]

It's not a touch screen, but I reckon this would run e.g. Rekordbox ok:

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[hiccup]

Oh, ha, I see I'm too late

 

[editor]

So it arrived today and looks like a very slick bit of kit for the price, Disappointingly it advises me that the processor means it can't be upgraded to Windows 11, but that doesn't really matter, does it?

 

[DaphneM]

So it arrived today and looks like a very slick bit of kit for the price, Disappointingly it advises me that the processor means it can't be upgraded to Windows 11, but that doesn't really matter, does it?

It depends on the software you want to use on it I suppose. If they going Windows 11 only then you are stuck. Probably wont happen though

There is also probably a way to upgrade to Windows 11 and bypass the processor issue.

 

[MBV]

Guide to sort here: The easy way to install Windows 11 on unsupported CPUs

 

[hiccup]

I can't imagine there'd be any huge benefit to upgrading to Windows 11.

 

[editor]

Guide to sort here: The easy way to install Windows 11 on unsupported CPUs

Thanks but I think I'll leave it unless I come across a program in the future that demands I use W11.

As an aside, the process of booting up a new laptop took about 20 times longer on bloody Windows compared to Chromebooks!

 

[cybershot]

I can't imagine there'd be any huge benefit to upgrading to Windows 11.

Other than the fact in 3 years time there will be no more security update being issued for Windows 10. So if you're fine with a machine that is ideally never going to connect to the Internet after May 2025, fill ya boots. Otherwise, find a way to upgrade because your Anti Virus vendors won't be far behind either once Microsoft ditch support.

 

[editor]

Other than the fact in 3 years time there will be no more security update being issued for Windows 10. So if you're fine with a machine that is ideally never going to connect to the Internet after May 2025, fill ya boots. Otherwise, find a way to upgrade because your Anti Virus vendors won't be far behind either once Microsoft ditch support.

I'm almost exclusively going to use it for DJing and home music production so there's no need for it to be connected to the web most of the time.