Recommend me a laptop

[Toilet Duck]

Afternoon all,

I know next to nothing about laptops. I need to buy one primarily to work with a Syvecs ECU on my car so I can view data logs, view faults etc. I will also use it for internet browsing and probably word/excel type stuff. I'm assuming it doesn't need to be some top of the line laptop.

I would be grateful for any recommendations. Budget is flexible, I don't really want to spend anymore than necessary, but at the same time I don't want to buy something that is mega low spec and only just about manages to do what I need, if that makes sense. Ideally it will have a bit of headroom in case my scope of use increases. I have no interest in using it for gaming or anything like that.

It needs an ethernet port to connect to the Syvecs ECU via ethernet cable.

Any help much appreciated.

[Mr Pointy]

Are you open to buying second hand?

[Toilet Duck]

Mr Pointy said:

Are you open to buying second hand?

I'm not sure to be honest. The thing is, I know nothing about laptops so if I go second hand I have no idea what I'm looking at. I could be buying a complete pile of crap and be clueless.

[OutInTheShed]

I'd suggest buying a make you've heard of, like HP, Dell, ...
Then you can get spares, or worst case, get a few quid for it when it breaks!

For a lower end, basic laptop, 8GB RAM is adequate, 4 is not really enough for Windows 11 IMHO.

Ethernet ports are often missing, but you can get a USB to Ethernet adaptor for under a tenner.

One thing you might want o look at is the trackpad or whatever input device, some laptops don't have proper 'mouse buttons', which means I personally virtually have to use a separate mouse, which is OK on a desk, not so much on your lap or on the driveway.

[snuffy]

I have two of these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0DBM4RSWB

For the money, they are good value. Amazingly, i paid £130 less for one on;y 2 months ago.

Obviously, you will be recommended an Apple product or a Chromebook shortly.

[dan98]

Probably good to have something on the rugged side - a couple of years old would be a fraction of the cost.
My choice would be for something on this list, according to budget.
Tough machines with plenty of power for straightforward use, Windows 11 gives better future-proofing:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=T490+i7&i=compute...

[Mr Pointy]

More Lenovo T series options here:

https://www.pcrenewed.co.uk/refurbished-laptops/hi...
https://www.pcrenewed.co.uk/refurbished-laptops/hi...

Look for an 8th generation processor with Windows 11, at least 256Gb SSD & preferably 16Gb of RAM. Screens can be 14" (more compact) or 15.6" (easier to read) but make sure they are at least 1920 Full HD as a lot of Lenovos can come with 1388x768 screens which are to be avoided. Second hand PCs are great value & you'll be a bit less precious about using it in a garage. A year's warranty gives a bit of comfort but my view is to keep the cost down & just treat them almost as disposable items.

[silentbrown]

snuffy said:

I have two of these:
Obviously, you will be recommended an Apple product or a Chromebook shortly.

Syvecs software is PC only, though?

+1 for Lenovo/Dell options.

[snuffy]

silentbrown said:

Syvecs software is PC only, though?

+1 for Lenovo/Dell options.

I'd failed to spot the requirement for an ethernet port. So forgot my option then.

I've had 2 Dells, I should have never have bought the second one; they are utter ste, guaranteed to fall to bits.

Leveno are fine however.

[Toilet Duck]

Thanks all, much appreciated.

I'll have a look through those links etc

Thanks again for the help

[Mr Pointy]

Toilet Duck said:

Thanks all, much appreciated.

I'll have a look through those links etc

Thanks again for the help

Just be a bit careful of Amazon stuff - some of the reviews are not too good. The alternative is ebay where there are a number of used equipment resellers.

[wyson]

Not sure how rugged you need it, but on youtube videos where there is pit lane action / on the fly diagnostics, they seem to use Toughbooks and other ruggedised laptops that will take being dropped on the floor, spanner dropped on the keyboard etc.