Time for a Windows 11 computer -- what to get?

[Paula Sims]

Hello all,
I guess it's time to take the Windows 11 plunge.

I am 60 yo and have built my own computers since I was 20. Yes, the box, the chips, the hard drives -- I always knew what "plug and pray" really meant: plug it in, pray it works! 😀

That said, I think it's time to drop the desktop and go for a laptop. I no longer need all the bells and whistles but need power/memory for:

1. Internet (DU of course, but lots of YouTube)
2. Graphics for mostly a crafting business, but some basic Interior Desiging
3. MS Office using Word, Excel, PowerPoint
4. Email
5. Need camera (still interviewing for a new jobs) and bluetooth.
6. DVD reader/writer
7. USB connections
8. Connection for a 27" monitor, wired keyboard and mouse
9. I have no clue what memory speed, CPU, video, or sizes of dr8lives to get. Frankly, that no longer interests me the way it once did. I don't want too much, but a bit more than enough.

Of course, I just want the basic software and as little bloatware as possible. Finally, I need to move old files to the new system. (No, I don't trust cloud security).

I was thinking of going to a chain called MicroCenter, have them recommend a laptop, and have them set it up and move old files. Thoughts? I'd orefer to stay away from ordering from HP or Dell online. I plan on keeping it until it can no longer support Windows 11 or 12.

You have always provided great, basic information and could use it now.

Thank you

Paula

[msongs]

1. got a dell with win 11. took a few hours with youtube vids to purge all the junk, garbage, and spying

now it does what an OS is supposed to do, run your software lol. microsoft puts an add right dead center of the screen when it starts. thats a major drag even thou its not intrusive.

[amerikat]

2. I don't see any new laptops with DVD.

You'll have to get one that plugs into USB.

[LearnedHand]

3. You'll want a dedicated graphics card

Acer makes some sweet machines and I think you can still order them with dedicated graphics cards. HP has some sweet higher-end machines at hp.com. Don’t just go out and pick up a crap machine at Best Buy. Also, don’t get anything below the Intel i5 chip. The i3 or less is not up to the tasks you outlined. I can’t speak to modern AMD chips, but I had a computer with them quite a while back and they ran much hotter than intel chips. Don’t stress about hard drive size. It’s super easy to add an external hard drive or store your files in the cloud.

Here’s something else to consider. If you use the number pad, be sure to verify the laptop (if that’s what you’re considering) has one. The ultra slim models often don’t have them.

[Tarzanrock]

4. I've used Lenovo Thinkpads for years without any problems.

Here is a link to their website: https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/d/deals/laptops/?sortBy=Recommended
If you set up a business account with Lenovo -- they may finance the computer purchase. Also, B&H Camera in New York sells Lenovo computers. If you open a B&H PayBoo credit account, B&H will pay the sales tax on the computer purchase.
B&H link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/
Lenovo and B&H constantly have sales so take your time -- talk to their experts who are available by phone and by "chat" -- you will get it all figured out and then just wait for the best price.

[NBachers]

9. I just had a Lenovo mini-desktop set up for me; I'm extremely happy with it & endorse Lenovo.

It was finally time to say goodbye to my great big 2012 (with upgrades) PC clone box. I was surprised and a little suspicious of the book-sized new computer, but it has plenty of connecting slots and has brought me into the present age. I love it.

Edit to add: I walked into a long-standing big local computer establishment and was underwhelmed with the attention, response, and lack of discussion I received when I tried to talk with people. I then looked locally for people who service & repair systems. I'm quite happy with the personalized service and care I received.

[CentralMass]

5. Do you you use any specfic software for your design work, and whatare you burning to DVD ?

[monospaceo

[LearnedHand]

6. And if you do go to MicroCenter, be sure they don't steer you to underpowered crap machines

If they smell “non-techy” on you, they can turn into what The Register calls BOFH (bastard operator from hell). I’d say the specs for what you need are:

Intel i5 or i7 processor
Dedicated consumer-level graphics cards (NVIDIA and AMD Radeon are two popular makers)
16GB RAM
500GB hard drive — make SURE it’s a solid state drive, not an old “spindle” drive
Windows 11 Pro if you can find it. If not you can self upgrade to windows 11 pro for $100

[Eugene]

7. Running Windows 11 on a budget laptop since late 2022.

The budget laptop is a two-year old Acer Aspire
with Windows 11, purchased at MicroCenter.
It came with a (now-dated still adequate)
Intel i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM,and a 512GB m.2 SSD.

Most recent CPUs are adequate, but watch out
for CPU type (traditional Intel/AMD x86 versus
the new-fangled ARM chips). While nearly
everyone supports the more established x86,
software for ARM PC's is still in the roll-out phase.
If you want to run the software you already have,
stick with AMD or Intel.

You'll want to seriously consider at least 16GB of RAM.
The latest feature-updated Windows 11 is a memory hog
that now maxes out the 8GB on my laptop (upgrading soon).
Also, the new AI-enabled PC specification says 16GB minimum.

RAM type: If you have to upgrade, you will have to see
what kind of SODIMMs are onboard. The types and speeds
keep changing all the time.

Optical drive: Most new laptops come without one.
An external drive USB is an option.

Ethernet: Some ultra-slim laptops don't have built-in ethernet.
In that case, external again. You can never have too many
high-speed USB ports.

Graphics: Any modern laptop should be adequate,
unless you are seriously into gaming or video editing.

Most modern laptops will come with the basic webcam,
Bluetooth, etc. My budget laptop's only weak spot
is the speakers. I got Bluetooth speakers for that.

EDIT: P.S. You will need a USB hub for all the
wired devices. Some 5/6/7-in-one hubs also
come with video and ethernet ports.

[CentralMass]

8. A link to The best laptops for graphic designers: Expert tested

https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-laptop-for-graphic-design/

[Americanme]

10. I bought an Alexander pc

I'm not a big gamer, but I love this computer. Bought one for me, my wife, and 2 of my kids. Lifetime warranty, veteran owned, made in USA. Didn't pay any more than for the Dells and HPs I used to get at BestBuy, and this is a much better product. https://alexanderpcs.com/