Computer nerds, give me some advice.

[BlueC]

Guys, I had a sudden major systems failure on my one and only work computer. A friend who works in a local schools IT department is trying to get things going for me, but he just told me I might need to start shopping. I'm not very educated on computer lingo, hardware and/or system stuff. My current setup is a Dell Latitude 36XX (laptop) with 8 gb RAM, 500 gb memory (not SSD), intel i7 processor and some kind of dual antenna setup (IDK, prepackaged). I've been happy with this machine over the last 7-8 years, and I expect my next machine to last a similar amount of time, so I'll probably go back with a similar unit. Other than the very basics of more RAM is better, an SSD is better and higher i# is better, I really don't know much about hardware or software. If anyone can give me a basic rundown, or point me somewhere, I'd appreciate it.

What I can tell you is that I run windows, my work software (unknown load), multiple browsers and tabs open, and I usually have a podcast or 'tube video playing. I run 2 additional screens, 3 total. Any suggestions for what I should look for? The few things I know I want are a matte screen and more than 500 gb memory since my digital files seem to be getting larger every year, and I'd like to keep it under $1,500 if reasonable.

I've been using laptops because I need some mobility. If there is some kind of setup where I could have a main stationary unit in the office and a durable large tablet let me know. I know that exist, but it might not be financially sensible for me. Again, I'm not up on this stuff. Pretend I'm a boomer.

 

[DuckNut]

You obviously have some level of trust in this IT dude...why not let him shop for you?

 

[Apparition]

higher i# is better

Not always, depends on the generation. Latest generation then the higher the number is better.

 

[BlueC]

You obviously have some level of trust in this IT dude...why not let him shop for you?

I'll at least be soliciting his advice too, and maybe a discount through the school system. He is an actual friend helping me out on the side, so I'm trying to not lean on him too much. That, and I feel like I should be more informed in my business decisions.

 

[BlueC]

Not always, depends on the generation. Latest generation then the higher the number is better.

Anything to expand on there? I assume the latest gen will be better long term.

 

[Apparition]

Anything to expand on there? I assume the latest gen will be better long term.

Yes, the newest will be better.

Here's the specs for the last computer I bought. I don't follow much on them anymore, I just use them. Seems to work well.

Envision S13 SFF PC - Intel 24-core i9-14900K, 96GB DDR5 5600MHz RAM, 10TB HDD + 2TB NVME SSD, WiFi 6, Windows 11 Pro, 10 USB, HDMI + DP, RJ45, KB + Mouse, Business Desktop Computer w/Accessories​

 

[BlueC]

I don't follow much on them anymore, I just use them. Seems to work well.

That's where I'm at. I really have no interest in electronics, but it's necessary for work.

 

[Zorba]

Buy a COMMERCIAL grade laptop from Lenovo, HP, or Dell. That means you generally won't find them at Best Buy or Mall*Wart. Dell Lattitude series is their mid-range commercial grade model - I just bought my wife one. The $400 consumer grade crap in the big box stores are just that: Crap.

The other thing is: If you need a laptop, buy a laptop. But if you do NOT need a laptop, buy a desktop. Cheaper for the same specs, more expandibility, and better reliability.

 

[BlueC]

Dell Lattitude series is their mid-range commercial grade model

I've had 3 Latitudes so far, they've all been good for me, so I'll most likely go back to one, just don't know what specs to focus on or why.

If you need a laptop, buy a laptop. But if you do NOT need a laptop, buy a desktop.

I do and I don't. Rarely do I take my computer out for in-field work, but I do have to take it when I go on "vacation". I've heard of guys in my field utilizing tablets in the field which somehow sync-up when they get back to their office, but I've never dug into that. They may be running different software and/or have more resources than I do if they work for a firm. One to two man operation here.

 

[Apparition]

I've had 3 Latitudes so far, they've all been good for me, so I'll most likely go back to one, just don't know what specs to focus on or why.

I bought a refurbished dell latitude on amazon for $150 a while back to be used as my tuning and dash programing laptop for the LS jeep. Great laptop for the money.

 

[tworley]

My current work computer is a refurb dell latitude 5420. Similar set up--three screens, multiple browser tabs open, music playing, pages and pages of pdfs and multiple pdf tabs open along with excel or word and always outlook and Teams. Works great.

 

[tr21triton]

I bought a refurbished dell latitude on amazon for $150 a while back to be used as my tuning and dash programing laptop for the LS jeep. Great laptop for the money.

the last 2 I bought were refurbished 17" Dell laptops ($300) on EBAY and have served me very well.

 

[Zorba]

I've had 3 Latitudes so far, they've all been good for me, so I'll most likely go back to one, just don't know what specs to focus on or why.



I do and I don't. Rarely do I take my computer out for in-field work, but I do have to take it when I go on "vacation". I've heard of guys in my field utilizing tablets in the field which somehow sync-up when they get back to their office, but I've never dug into that. They may be running different software and/or have more resources than I do if they work for a firm. One to two man operation here.

Another option is a laptop with a docking station. That gives you the option of attaching multiple/larger monitors, keyboards, etc - and being able to "eject" the laptop and carry it away without having to unplug a bunch of crap - said crap stays plugged into the dock.

 

[Apparition]

Another option is a laptop with a docking station. That gives you the option of attaching multiple/larger monitors, keyboards, etc - and being able to "eject" the laptop and carry it away without having to unplug a bunch of crap - said crap stays plugged into the dock.

Actual docking stations are old school. Now you have a hub with a usb c cord to the laptop.

 

[tr21triton]

Actual docking stations are old school. Now you have a hub with a usb c cord to the laptop.

View attachment 590355
View attachment 590356

that kinda looks about the size of my cell phone !

 

[Zorba]

I've had 3 Latitudes so far, they've all been good for me, so I'll most likely go back to one, just don't know what specs to focus on or why.

I'm now 8 years out of date, so I can't help you too much there. When I retired, there was no such thing as an i9 processor for instance - now there is. I'm doing the "thought study" for my next system, this 2011 Mac mini starts bogging down on video editing, something I wasn't doing in 2011. I'll probably get a "mini-PC" with an i9, at least 32 gigs or RAM, a couple of TB of hard drive, and definitely Linux OS. Definitely support for 3 monitors natively - I'm currently running one of my monitors off of a USB dongle which is only so-so. Figuratively speaking, this old Mac is running WOT with black smoke pouring out of the stacks on a Makarov video I'm editing right now!

I have a bias for HP systems, but there's nothing whatsoever wrong with a Dell or Lenovo (as long as they're not consumer crap). I bought the Lattitude because they pre-installed the Linux on it and guaranteed everything would work out of the box. While I'm a geek and can troubleshoot and fix things like this on my own, I'm also 64, retired, and tired - I just want the fucking thing to work. I even bought the 5 year service plan - something I *never* do - because it was for my wife and I don't want the hassle.

 

[Zorba]

Actual docking stations are old school. Now you have a hub with a usb c cord to the laptop.

View attachment 590355
View attachment 590356

See? I'm way outta date. That seems mo' bettah!

 

[BlueC]

My current work computer is a refurb dell latitude 5420. Similar set up--three screens, multiple browser tabs open, music playing, pages and pages of pdfs and multiple pdf tabs open along with excel or word and always outlook and Teams. Works great.

Do you know the basic specs?

 

[tworley]

Do you know the basic specs?

Don't ask me what any of it means.

 

[red02tj]

Just got something similar for my FIL. Best advice so far is from @Zorba in getting a business grade laptop and as a “typical” office worker, especially since you’ve been using the same one for 7-8 years already, almost anything the business line will be good. If you want a specific recommendation,

This and add the 3yr onsite warranty.
https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-probook-460-16-inch-g11-notebook-pc-p-a3rg0ua-aba-1


The other key consideration is screen size, I opt for smaller since I’m mostly at my office setup, others who live on the road may want the larger screen at the expense of the size and weight.

PS nerd pic of my office attached for verification.