Table of Contents
Note:
We no longer offer new computers and laptops for sale. However, we are more than happy to recommend specifications to look for or a specific laptop recommendation.
Basic Recommended Specs
Recommended LAPTOP Brands:
No brand is more or less reliable than others. These are the typical Brands we work with.
- Dell
- HP
- Lenovo
- ASUS
Strongly Recommended Specifications:
- Processor: Intel "Core i5" / "Core 5" or greater. Optional: AMD Ryzen 5 or greater.
- Memory: 8GB RAM or more
- Storage: 500GB SSD Storage or more. ( Check your capacity needs! )
- 250 GB is possible if less than 10k pictures, no videos, no gaming.
- 1T is required if you have 50k+ pictures, videos, gaming.
Options to consider:
- Screen
- Size - We recommend 15" or greater.
- Screen Type - "Gloss" or "Matte". Strongly recommend Matte.
- TouchScreen - Does it respond to touch?
- Tablet Mode - A display that can rotate all the way around, like an iPad tablet.
- Keyboard
- Keypad - Strongly recommend a numeric keypad to the right of the keyboard
- Color - Strongly recommend dark keys with white lettering.
- Backlit - Keyboard lights up for use in low light conditions.
- Look and Feel - How does it look in bright, overhead lighting?
- Battery Capacity:
- Does the battery need to last more than 4 hours?
- Manufacturers will claim 8+ hours of battery life. Nonsense.
- If you will be away from power, battery life might need to be considered.
- Connections
- USB Ports - How many old style USB ports. USB hubs can be used if needed.
- SD Card Slot - Some laptops offer a slot to read camera cards.
- External Monitor - Most laptops have an external connector to attach a second monitor.
- Docking Station - If 2 or more monitors are needed, a docking station will be required.
Applies to all laptops:
- Camera and Microphone are typically included in all laptops.
- DVD's are no longer offered in laptops. External drives are available.
Detailed Recommended Specs
No matter the brand, these are the specification we recommend when purchasing any brand of laptop or computer
- Intel i5 or greater. Intel offers i3, i5, i7, or i9 processors. i5 is a happy medium for nearly everyone. An i3 is acceptable for light duty work, minimal browser tabs open at any given time, etc.
- 8GB RAM or greater. You can get by with 4GB of RAM for basic use, but 8GB is recommended.
- 500 GB SSD ( Solid State Drive ) or greater. 500 GB is preferred, but most people without many pictures, video, etc can get by with 250 GB. The storage device ( AKA "Hard Drive" ) must be a solid state drive (SSD). Most computers and laptop comes with SSD's, not the old style, mechanical, spinning drive.
- Click Here for more information.
Minimal Recommendations
An Intel i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 250 GB SSD storage drive (hard drive) is acceptable in some cases:
- You will not be loading thousands of pictures, videos, and games.
- You will not expect full, 4k videos to play back smoothly.
- You will not be running many programs at once OR running more than a few browser tabs open at any given time.
These recommendations can be used as a starting point in your search for a new laptop or desktop. We can help you order an exact computer or laptop online if you wish. It would be purchased directly by you using your credit card and shipped to your location.
If required, we offer new computer setup and data transfer services. This involves settting up the new laptop and, if necessary, copying data, programs, and settings from an old laptop or computer.
We have no association, affiliation or representation with any computer manufacturer. The computer is not being purchased through Sauve's Computer. We do not receive any type of commision or payment from any manufacturer. We are free to recommend any brand without bias.
We are more than happy to service and support the product going forward.
Additonal Laptop Considerations
Apart from the basic, "must haves" listed above, these are things to think about.
- Screen size: We recommend 15" screens or larger, unless portability or maximum battery life is required.
- Touch Screen: Most people don't use the touchscreen. However, it may be helpful for some.
- Tablet Mode: The screen flips around to be more like a tablet. Most people do not use this feature.
- Battery capacity: Most brands claim 6 hours or more of battery life. It's debatable. Some models offer more.
- Keyboard Item 1: A keyboard with a numeric keypad on the right side is nice for number entry.
- Keyboard Item 2: Backlit keyboards might be nice if typing in low-light conditions.
- Keyboard Item 3: Poor vision requires dark keys with bright, bold, white lettering on the keytops.
- CD\DVD drive: Not available on newer model laptops. There are external drives available that connect via USB.
- Camera Card: Some laptops come with a full size SD slot, micro, or no slot at all. There are external readers.
- USB ports: Prefer at least two older style USB ports plus one newer style (USB C).
- External Video Connection: Prefer a full size HDMI port but it may come with a mini-HDMI.
- Multiple Monitors: Nearly all laptops can attach ONE external monitor. More than that requires specific features.
- Docking Station: If you are attaching your laptop to multiple screens and other devices, a station is recommended.
More Information
Lets talk quality
We are extremely disappointed in the build quality in nearly ALL laptops. Specifically, the display hinge mounting points. The hinges themselves do not break, but the location where they screw into the plastic is very weak. This is entirely due to poor design, trying to make the laptop as lightweight and thin as possible.
It's been going on for years now and so far is not getting any better.
Because of this, if there is an extended warranty available that covers "no fault" breakage, not just software or electronics failure, I recommend purchasing it. The only extended warranty that we know of that covers no fault breakage is Dell. However, others may have a plan that covers everything, including accidental breakage. It must cover accidental breakage. The hinge mounts break all by themselves, but the companies always blame the user.
Update 1/21/2024
- The Dell and ASUS laptops seem to have improved their quality in this matter.
- Lenovo has not had this issue to any great degree.
- HP is the biggest offender. I'm not convinced they have improved their quality in this regard.
- Other brands are hit or miss.
Our current recommended brand list in order:
- Dell
- ASUS
- Lenovo
- HP
As always, your results may vary. If you Google "I hate ______ laptops", you will get countless results for ALL brands.
Lets talk screens
Our recommendation is 15.6". Dell is showing 16" screens that are still a nice size. It's a compromise between a big screen, physical size, and battery life. Most eyes can see text on a 15" screen. Resolution on a 15" can also be lowered to enlarge text without a lot of it disappearing off the edge of the screen.
Touch screens mean just that, you press the screen like you are clicking a mouse. Most people, even if their laptop has touch screen capabilities, still use the keyboard, touchpad and/or an external mouse. We have found that those with physical issues may be able to point at the screen better than using a mouse.
Tablet mode refers to the ability of the laptop to rotate the screen all the way around to the underside of the laptop and use it like a tablet. Dell calls their models "2 in 1", HP has their "Spectre" line. Very few people use laptops in tablet mode, instead opting for a dedicated tablet. We have found the hinges on those types of laptops don't hold up very well.
Lets talk keyboards, touchpads, and external mice
We had one scenario where a customer could not see the keytop lettering because the keys were silver and the font was thin and white. He needed more contrast. Ever since then I strongly recommend darker colored keyboards and white lettering.
15" screens and larger can typically accomodate a numeric keypad on the right side of the keyboard because the overall width of the laptop is wide enough. This can make number entry much easier.
Touchpads are hated by most people. Because of that a wireless mouse is often used like a desktop mouse. However, if you take the time, a modern laptop typically comes with nice touchpad to the point of being tolerable. Two finger scroll, press and hold, and "tap to click" make touchpads more usable.
Backlit keyboards simply light up the keyboard for low light use. Nothing more complex than that.
CD/DVD Drives
The DVD/CD drive is becoming rare. If necessary, an external drive that connects to a USB port can used. Fewer people need a DVD/CD drive.
