So unfortunately I had to give my laptop to my younger sister cause her laptop broke. Now I'm in the market for a new laptop with a budget up to $1500. Not really gaming that much nowadays - I only play Civilization VI and some C&C Generals but apart from that just using it for normal office and light video editing.
Any recommendations on what to buy? I saw some good refurbished ones from PBTech but still not sure.
Thanks and have a great day :)
Ooof I've always been a Microsoft since the beginning. Is it a big jump to learn Macbooks or Apple in general?
I'd been exclusively Windows for for 30 years until the end of last year when I needed a new laptop. Windows is rapidly turning to shit, and while I'm no fan of the walled garden there really is no beating the Air for value at that price point IMO.
It's not that tough of a switchover, though to be fair I'm still running a Windows desktop so I have access to that environment when I need it/can't be bothered figuring out how to do it on Mac.
No. Go to noels or pbtech and see if you like macos ui.
I can't share any specifics around what to look for atm as currently out of touch - but re refurbished from PB, I would avoid at all costs. I grabbed a grade A one (or whatever their top teir is), and it arrived with scratches, missing rubber pads/feet on the base, and an actual crack around the screen. wtf. Sure I got refunded, but if thats a grade A, I would hate to see what their other ones are. I just ended up grabbing one from Amazon at the time. Anyhow, buyer beware I suppose.
Am sort of keen to follow this thread though - as my wife's laptop is feeling a little less than nimble and your criteria is very similar to hers….
Thanks for your thoughts on the refurbished. My current laptop that I'm about to give was actually a refurbished from PBTech and it somehow stayed strong for 5 years and counting so I thought maybe I'll roll the dice again.
But you're right - buy new always on important things like this.
I just spilt coffee over my hp laptop keyboard. had to buy a wireless keyboard as laptop keyboard doesn't fully work now. computer company that came to check it recommends ASUS laptops as the reliable and top-specced computers. They give them AA++ for useability. Can buy one through Just Laptops (also through them on Trade Me) or go to Price Spy for best prices.Good luck.
MacBook neo
Was windows as well and got a MacBook Air. Not much can compete at that price point and it lasts for ages. It runs cad, raw editing and basic gaming with no issues. Amazing for a portable laptop.
The lack of ports is a bit of a bug bear though.
The m4 chip is so good, I got a Mac mini to replace my PC desktop. For under $1k I couldn’t get a pc that was as fast and stable.
Another vote for Apple. Macbook Air M3 or M4 or even the new Neo - great value, rock solid machines and the Apple OS is not that hard to learn and there are tons of instructional videos to hold yojur hand during the transition. You may want to consider a refurbished from Apple. Same 12 month warranty and the machines are indistinguishable from new. Good luck!
Also look at Apple education store. And occasional cashback deals from Shopback.
If you decide to go with an apple product here are a few options to get it cheaper:
- Apple education store: You can get a MacBook Air 13in M5 for $1999 with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD or a MacBook Neo A18Pro 8GB RAM with either 256GB SSD ($979) or 512GB SSD ($1179).
- Apple certified refurbished: MacBook Air 13in M4 for $1519 but 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Got myself a MacBook Pro M1 there 3.5 years ago and it's still going strong. I've ordered Apple's certified refurbished products a few times and it's been solid.
- Ducttape workshop: third party refurbished store. They have physical stores in Auckland (Newmarket, Ponsonby) you could visit if you're around. I've got an iPhone 4 years ago and a friend had an iPhone and Macbook from them 6-7 years ago and we've had no issue apart from normal battery degradation.
One other thing important to consider, since you say you do some video editing, is storage space. 256GB SSD could be limiting and require you to be tethered to an external disk.
My last 2 laptops I've bought have been from Dell refurbished - however this is in Australia and they don't ship, so you'll need a contact in Australia to ship to, and then send to you.
Both times, I was in the situation where was travelling there anyway so it worked out for me, but it may not work out for you. Or if you have family / friend travelling then they could be your laptop mule.
In any case, they sell their refurbed laptops for at least 50% cheaper than you would have paid for them new.
I just bought my son a macbook neo for school. It was hard to beat with anything windows based for value and it's a really nice little computer with excellent battery life. MacOS so far doesn't seem to be a steep learning curve for him. He uses mostly cloud apps but do consider program compatability. We got on education discount with no proof required.
If you keep an eye on Geekzone you can pick up ex-lease business laptops for pretty cheap. I have got a couple so far. Example link below.
https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=77&topicid=324…
If you can go MacBook air do so. Incredible devices at a great price