Hello, can someone please advise me on laptops. I think it's time to get a new one for me. :(
Budget: 55k
@monteskw What would you suggest?
My needs are for mostly, reading and writing.
Also want something durable.
@Lawandemotions DM preferences. the kind of applications you run.... do you carry it with you for travel.... do you have kids at home.... do you play games.. do you care about looks... :)
@Lawandemotions Dell Inspiron works for me. It's sturdy with a wide screen and a comfortably sized keyboard for lots of typing. Within budget with all the latest OS, processor & everything. If you're looking for portability, a smaller laptop with equivalent configuration is usually priced higher.
@Lawandemotions Add more on how you are planning to use the laptop. I mean apart from general tasks like browsing, accessing media, etc., what special work you would do with your computer?

Answering this question will help others to recommend laptops that fits for your workflow and use case. And remember, no matter what laptop you purchase, do install a GNU/Linux operating system in it and enjoy the freedom of Computing. Don't buy computers with Windows installed.
@prashere
Mostly just writing and reading and watching movies maybe. Nothing more.
@prashere
I just spoke to a friend who told me about Linux installed computers. But I'm kind of a complete computer dummy, and was told it will be like really hard for me to figure out how to use linux.
@Lawandemotions @prashere It depends on the person. I would definitely suggest trying Linux one day, and at the very least using open source programs like LibreOffice and VLC for your tasks on Windows
@jookia I have 0 knowledge in tech. Linux is mostly used by techies and gamers. I'm neither. Also I will struggle to get all the software uploaded. Ofcourse I hear it is the best option to get a computer with good security, which I would prefer.
@Lawandemotions I mean, you're on Mastodon so I'd say you're already in that 'tech' bubble. You can download and try different Linuxes without installing them on any laptop, and even run it alongside Windows where you choose which to use when you turn your computer on. You could even run it in a virtual machine on Windows like VirtualBox to try it. There's a lot of options and a lot of people willing to hand-hold you through it if you ever want to try it. (key words: if, try)
@Lawandemotions For a computer with good security you generally want something running an OS with updates, like Windows 10 or Linux or macOS.
@Lawandemotions @jookia it's a stereotype. I've personally helped out non tech. friends move onto ubuntu/mint and they are happy users. A weeks time at max and you'll be fine and happy.
@bull500 @jookia
Okay what would you suggest I get then?
@Lawandemotions @jookia I'd start off with ubuntu, great distro, easy to use and helpful community.
Just read about it and watch youtube Vids for more info.
If you move onto get installed feel free to reach out. Will help 😊
@Lawandemotions @jookia if you want to immediately try it out get grab a 64bit iso file for ubuntu and use a tool like Lili to make Bootable USB. Once you do that restart and and let ubuntu os run from a USB stick(change boot order from hard disk to USB in bios)
@Lawandemotions @bull500 Most laptops will run Linux just fine for your tasks. You should prioritize getting one that will run Windows 10 or something like that in case you don't like Linux. As for actual Linux flavor, if you ask 10 people you'll get a different answer each. Linux Mint is what I usually suggest
@jookia @bull500
What kind of hardware should I buy?
@Lawandemotions @bull500 In Australia I usually go for refurbished Dell or ThinkPad laptops as you can get them fairly cheap compared to buying a new one. I'm not sure what the situation is like in India
@jookia @bull500
Can you expand on what you mean by refurbished dell laptops?
@Lawandemotions @bull500 In Australia (a rich country I think) businesses usually buy laptops in bulk, but when it's time to upgrade they sell those laptops off. Some companies tidy them up and re-sell them for a lower price since they're older and used, but in acceptable condition. Two popular brands businesses buy from are Dell and Lenovo so you often see these re-sold. HP are good too. https://www.refurbix.in/ might be good to start
Refurbished Laptop India starting at just Rs. 9990 only

Seller and Manufacturing refurbished laptop India. Affordable and cheap laptops with certified refurbished laptop in India. Get best price. Hp, Dell, compaq

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@Lawandemotions @jookia dell and Lenovo are more linux friendly than other manufacturers. I'm kinda upset with dell(2012->2013) cause of paint peeling 😕 from metal body and low quality plastics. They might have changed now. Have used Lenovo in past and it only showed problems after 6-7 years.
@Lawandemotions @jookia This is what I am contesting. It is not only for Techies or gamers or Geeks. It has already become a thing for everyday people. Android is a special distro of GNU/Linux. So do distros like Elementary, Debian, Ubuntu, LinuxMint, etc.
@Lawandemotions definitely not. GNU/Linux have become more and more user friendly. One of our fundamental activity in Free Software movement is to introduce someone to a GNU/Linux distribution like Debian, Ubuntu, Elementary, etc., I recommend you to checkout @elementary

A lot of people who start using GNU/Linux would never think of going back to using Windows. Do give a try.

If you can use Android phones, then modern GNU/Linux distros are so easy to use as well.
@prashere @elementary
Okay suggest a laptop based on this then, I'll check it out and let you know if I need more information. Thanks 🌺
@Lawandemotions @prashere I'd suggest getting a refurbished business laptop, like a ThinkPad T420 or something. Not that good for games, but good for those tasks.
@Lawandemotions This isn't the best time to get a laptop. The best time is from June to August when companies have back to school offers, the second best time is around Diwali. You can even get 3 year accidental warranty around those periods for almost negligible price. I'd suggest wait till atleast new year for some offers. Don't buy now. What are the specifications of your current laptop?
@Lawandemotions Don't buy Lenovo even if hardware specifications are very good. The hardware design and quality is very poor in lenovo laptops. Keyboard, touch pad, USB ports all create problems.
@anupverma
What should I buy then? What would you suggest?
My core needs are - reading, writing, researching, movies, editing audio/video.. bas
@anupverma this is true of some Lenovos, but the ThinkPad X and T lines are in fact very high quality. I won't buy anything else myself. @Lawandemotions
@emacsomancer @Lawandemotions I was talking about Ideapad which are around 50k. If any thinkpad (like the one whose pic is attached) is within range, it can be a good option.
@anupverma If you can find a second-hand X-series (or T- or W-series, though I prefer the smaller size of the X-series), those can be really excellent values. And, especially the older models, they're easily upgradeable (change the drive, RAM, screen), and they're very durable.

@Lawandemotions
@Lawandemotions get a Dell Inspiron(If you live in Chennai check out my store) if not buy it online configure it and get linux out of the box.