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Question

Assistance w/ Purchasing a Laptop

Feb 17, 2016 7:27PM PST

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for a laptop. My knowledge of computers dropped about 5 years ago, so I'm not up on the new tech.

My use of this laptop will be solely for the purposes of writing (Word), web browsing and streaming Netflix.

I am looking for a centered keyboard (no number pad), a hdmi port, a 13" - 16" ips screen (or really good tn panel...if that exists), and, if possible, full hd. The kicker is, I'd rather not spend more than $500, the lesser the better. But if something really warrants extra $, I'd love to hear about it.

I have heard of chromebooks but as a writer I am skeptical of Google Docs and intellectual property, etc.

Any help, advice or links you can provide are greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

- G

Discussion is locked

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Answer
I can't find a laptop picker that answers this one.
Feb 17, 2016 8:40PM PST

In this case I suggest a trip to a big box store and see what sub 500 dollar units you like. Then back to this forum with those models and see if there are reviews on CNET and Notebookcheck.

Finally, you didn't specify a country.

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Re:
Feb 18, 2016 3:33AM PST

Thank you. And yes, forgot location. I'm in the U.S..

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None of those seem to be IPS panels.
Feb 18, 2016 11:22AM PST

This is why I think they are stuck with shopping around the stores to see if the displays look OK.

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Ok, I see the IPS panel kills the price.
Feb 18, 2016 5:07PM PST

Thank you Buckeye.

So, I do understand now that an IPS panel would be greedy for the price. I had hungry eyes.

Is it in my price range if I go to a regular screen but go WOH an had screen. Realistically I won't be watching anything from the side, so viewing angles don't matter.

Also, what is the lowest level processor you would recommend, aka 'never get a celeron' or what not.

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"With an hd screen"
Feb 18, 2016 5:07PM PST

Misspelled.

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Answer
Now that we are out of the IPS jungle. Try
Feb 18, 2016 5:36PM PST
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Ooh, that's nice looking
Feb 19, 2016 5:51AM PST

I noticed that the $550 model has a Core i3, not i5. Is there much of a difference between these processors?

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You can compare that at CPUBOSS.com
Feb 19, 2016 9:47AM PST

But from my ventures, the i5 6th gen will win.

Plus it's the same price!

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Same price?
Feb 19, 2016 10:12AM PST

The website shows a 100 dollar difference, unless I'm just blind

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When I posted
Feb 19, 2016 10:30AM PST