Table of Contents
Note:
- We have not offered new computers for several years.
- Instead, after some consulation, we were recommending specific brand and model computers.
- However, we have stopped doing that and instead offer recommended specification to look for in any computer.
- We have found there is little difference in reliability and features among desktop brands.
Recommended Specs
No matter the brand, these are the specification you need when purchasing any brand of desktop computer
- Intel i5 or greater. Intel offers i3, i5, i7, or i9 processors. i5 is a happy medium for nearly everyone.
- 8GB RAM or greater. You can get by with 4GB of RAM, but 8GB is recommended.
- 250 GB SSD ( Solid State Drive ). 500 GB is preferred, but most people without many pictures, video, etc can get by with 250 GB. Under no conditions do you get a computer with a conventional, spinning, mechanical hard drive. It must be a solid state drive (SSD)
- Click Here for more information.
Feel free to take these recommendations with you when purchasing at a store or online. We can help you order a computer online using your account and credit card, but be aware that it is not being purchased through Sauve's Computer. We are more than happy to service and support the product, but any warranty claims must be done through the manufacturer, which we can assist with.
We do not receive any type of commision or payment from any computer manufacturer.
Additonal Laptop Considerations
- Screen size: 15" screen or larger, unless portability or maximum battery life is required.
- Touch Screen: Most do not use a touchscreen. However, if dexterity is a problem, might be helpful.
- Tablet Mode: The screen flips around to be more like a tablet. Most people do not use this feature.
- Battery capacity: If you will need many hours of battery life, consider the maximum available.
- Keyboard Item 1: Keyboards 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 keytop.
- CD\DVD drive: Not available on newer model laptops. There are external drives available that connect via USB.
- Camera Card Reader: Prefer a full size SD card reader. There are external USB SD readers available.
- USB ports: Prefer at least one older style USB port plus one newer style (USB C). May not have much choice.
- External Video: Prefer a full size HDMI port but it may come with a mini-HDMI.
- Extended Warranty: laptops are extremely unreliable these days. Warranties must cover physical breakage.
More Information
Lets talk quality
We are extremely disappointed in the build quality of ALL laptops. Specifically, the display hinges 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 as possible, or trying to make the laptop so thin.
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 the covers actual breakage, not just software or electronics failure, I recommend purchasing it. The only extended warranty we have had experience with 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 consumer.
Lets talk screens
Our recommendation is 15". 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 hinge 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 wider. This can make number entry much easier.
Touchpads are hated by most people. Because of that wireless mice are often used like a desktop. However, if you take the time, modern laptop come with nice touchpads 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.
