We're now using these ones at work

 

http://store.hp.com/UKStore/Merch/Product.aspx?id=H5G74ET&opt=ABU&sel=NTB

 

I've set up 14 of them so far with only one having an issue (keyboard was DOA).

 

All work with now issues and being Probooks, they've also got the docking option (which we use, you might not). 

SSD is  different sort of hard drive. No moving parts just chips.

 

Less space but much faster. Usually an option on laptops or only available on high end ones despite the prices being pretty low.

 

Just remember to check that it's a proper SSD and not an eMMC storage - basically an inbuilt SD card and much slower than a proper SSD. Often found in the cheapest laptops/netbooks (and in most smartphones) and sometimes described by the vendors as SSD storage.

 

Brands: I guess that all producers are cutting corners and that quality may deteriorate. My personal experience of Dell computers, both desktops and laptops, both at home and at work over more than 15 years, is that they are both reliable and durable.

 

My latest purchase is a Lenovo U330p with a 128GB SSD, 8GB RAM and Intel i5 processor, bought in December for under £400. Early days yet, but so far it has been troublefree.

 

If you often use CDs/DVDs you may want an inbuilt DVD player/burner. That was laptop standard just a few years ago but not necessarily today, and having to fiddle with an external DVD unit can be a nuisance.

Edited 10 March, 201610 yr by swedishskoda

I was going to suggest a decent HP or Lenovo.  Haven't seen dells in a while, though they used to be solid.

I'd personally avoid toshiba's due to bitter experience with awful quality finish and suspect build quality.

But, as with all consumer electronics, YMMV.

I wouldn't  entertain a Macbook unless you're willing to lock into a software ecosystem that is not totally interchangeable with the rest of the world - Pages can read MS Word, but not vice versa.....

If you're mad enough,boot camping it is an option (guess who?), but then hikes the price more as you need to buy Windows, Office etc on top.

.

 

My latest purchase is a Lenovo U330p with a 128GB SSD, 8GB RAM and Intel i5 processor, bought in December for under £400. Early days yet, but so far it has been troublefree.

 

^ bloody good price for that, SSD and an i5, that'll be a very slick machine.

Went with the HP in my link in the end. Should do the job hahahaha.

Thanks for the advice guys.

Went with the HP in my link in the end. Should do the job hahahaha.

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

Yes, seems to be able to cope with most tasks. Maybe a bit heavy (5.5 lbs) but if that adds to robustness it might be a good thing. Good luck.

Yes, seems to be able to cope with most tasks. Maybe a bit heavy (5.5 lbs) but if that adds to robustness it might be a good thing. Good luck.

 

All these years of gym training will finally come in useful lol.