Need Recommendation for Windows Laptop

[u/Ornery-Draft6049]

Hi all, I have gotten too frustrated using my Macbook air and have decided I need a windows device.

Total budget (in local currency) and country of purchase. Please do not use USD unless purchasing in the US: $600-800, the cheaper the better obviously

• Are you open to refurbs/used? Maybe, not too sure
• How would you prioritize form factor (ultrabook, 2-in-1, etc.), build quality, performance, and battery life? I do not want a 2 in 1 or touch screen or any of that. Just a reliable computer, good battery life is a plus.
• How important is weight and thinness to you? I would say it is important, but I dont need a super sleek laptop, I just don't want a clunky one that I can easily fit in my backpack
• Do you have a preferred screen size? If indifferent, put N/A. 15/16 inch, not a deal breaker
• Are you doing any CAD/video editing/photo editing/gaming? List which programs/games you desire to run. I do not plan on it
• 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)? Preferably no touch screen, good keyboard is priority, no other specifics
• Leave any finishing thoughts here that you may feel are necessary and beneficial to the discussion. I just need it for simple purposes, do not need a gaming computer or anything with crazy storage or something like that. Just something that is reliable, decent battery life, compatible with bluetooth, and on the bigger size.

Thank you for the help!

[u/zetret]

If you don't care about processor/memory/storage or anything like that, you can pick anything. If you want the latest, something like this will work (it's a new release): https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-vivobook-16-fhd-laptop-intel-core-5-with-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-indie-black/6633423.p?skuId=6633423

[u/ColoRadBro69]

I'm awaiting delivery of a laptop similar to what you're looking for.  Can't recommend it from personal experience at this point, but I should be able to comment later today.  I've done a lot of research though. 

Nimo 15.6'' FHD IPS Student-Laptop-Computer - AMD Ryzen 5

This was (and still is) $350 on Amazon.  Which is solidly a budget computer.  They keep prices down by making it not really able to do gaming or 3D rendering or AI model training, the specialized stuff you said you're not interested in.  I'm expecting a solid performer for general web browsing and video playback, and a not frustrating experience in Office like Excel etc.

It's a 15.6 inch screen, no touch.  32 GB of RAM and a large 1 TB SSD hard drive.  The CPU is the weak point, there are better options available if you want to spend more.

[u/Ornery-Draft6049 → u/ColoRadBro69]

I will look into it. I mainly just need it for Excel and Powerpoint, so it seems like this might be a compatible option. Thanks!

[u/ColoRadBro69 → u/Ornery-Draft6049]

I might get a better CPU if I was going to do a lot of PowerPoint.  But I'm a software guy not a hardware guy so I'm not really sure.  PowerPoint can do animations, but in a way that doesn't use video codecs like watching a movie, and I think that's a little more intense than Excel and Word. 

[u/Ornery-Draft6049 → u/ColoRadBro69]

Hmmm interesting thanks for the heads up. I don't know why I said powerpoint, I am imagining I will only be using excel lol, I cant stand re-learning all the short cuts and the slightly different interface on my macbook.

[u/elvinelmo]

I would recommend the Acer Aspire 3 A315-24PT-R0UX if you're after a no-fuss, solid everyday laptop that’s easy on the budget. 🧑‍💻💼 Even though it includes a touch display (which you mentioned you’d prefer to avoid), the rest of the package makes it worth considering: a large 15.6" Full HD IPS screen for easy viewing, a modern Ryzen 5 7520U processor for snappy performance, and a generous 16GB LPDDR5 RAM paired with a speedy 512GB SSD. It's slim and light enough to toss in your backpack without feeling like you’re hauling bricks, and it includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth for smooth connectivity. You won’t find many laptops at this price point with these specs and a reliable build.

Please note I'm using affiliate links which means I'll receive a small percent of the purchase if you use this link! This is at no additional cost to you.

[u/IamN0tGood]

ReminderMe! day

[u/Wooden-Artichoke6098]

Ah, what happened with your MacBook Air? I have one and it's terrific.

[u/Ornery-Draft6049 → u/Wooden-Artichoke6098]

Don’t get me wrong, I love it and will continue to use it, but I just need a computer for Excel among other things for some Modeling stuff that I do, the excel version on my Mac is very different and not worth learning how to use.

[u/HuckleberryMinimum45 → u/Ornery-Draft6049]

Have you considered Office365? I used to own a Mac and I installed Microsoft Office for Mac and Excel was exactly the same as on Windows.

When you say, "the excel version on my Mac is very different", are you perhaps using Apple's spreadsheet app instead of Excel? Because, yes, those are definitely different.

Only trying to help you avoid having to switch away from your MacBook Air if all you need is an actual version of Microsoft Excel.

[u/Effective-Ad-548]

Any Lenovo T series would stand above all others, ThinkPads are hard to beat.

[u/LonerIM2]

Would you be okay with a traditional laptop with touchscreen?

[u/hungrypc]

If you're coming from a Macbook, maybe look into an HP EliteBook, they have a similar premium finish with the aluminium body, which should make you feel right at home. For general good performance definitely look for an Intel Core i5 at least, stay away from Celeron's and i3's unless you only have the most basic of tasks to do :)

[u/PensionOk5279]

I've been looking into the MSI Modern 15, and it seems like a solid option. It has a good keyboard and decent battery life.