2 almost equal laptops from 2 reputable vendors

[New Wrycuda]

Stay away from Lenovo, they make customization tough. They have special firmware on their disks & some of the other parts. You cannot aways put in a 3rd party disk, etc.

I've had a few laptops over the years, and never needed to repair/upgrade any of them.

I just buy the configuration that I need, use it for a few years, then pass it on to a family member or needy student. I've had several Acer laptops that have worked out well, including a Win10 model that now lives on in Linux guise.

Stick will Dell or HP, you will always be able to get parts/support in the future. Dell is properly the easiest for support, firmware and parts.

Yeah, I've also had a Dell laptop as well as a rather cranky HP.

BTW, I think that HP should have stuck to printers.

I usually have an el cheapo laser printer in the office, and the latest is a very satisfactory HP. -No more Brother nonsense of locking down as the cartridge nears the end. I've had several occasions when I would have been grateful for "just one more page" at slightly lesser quality.

 

[Dick Dastardly]

I run a part datacenter computer part testing lab & fix all the family's computers/laptops.

Stay away from Lenovo, they make customization tough. They have special firmware on their disks & some of the other parts. You cannot aways put in a 3rd part, disk, etc. You should see the server side mess.

Never seen that in all 10 ThinkPads I had and have, unless the BIOS is restricted, which only applies to corporate computers. Not retail.

If Lenovo had restrictions in place for all their customers, it would have been all over the internet. It's not. Lenovo doesn't make laptops with special restrictions, if they did they would have lost market share.

Stick will Dell or HP, you will always be able to get parts/support in the future. Dell is properly the easiest for support, firmware and parts.

OT: We tried MSi and Razer for kid's gaming laptops. It did not work, you cannot use a laptop for 24/7 gaming. ;-) Getting parts (even just fans) was next to impossible, their volume is tiny.

Asus has always made good parts, do not know about their systems.

OK, so Dell, HP and Asus are all good, but you bought MSI and Razer instead and they failed. Dell and Asus also make gaming laptops, what's wrong with those?

PS. Never heard of a gaming laptop being used 24/7 for gaming, but there are ways to reduce the wear on the fans, such as taking off the case bottom and putting the laptop on a cooling pad, this greatly increases airflow, reduces temperatures by 15-20 degrees Celsius and because of that, the fans either spin at a reduced rate or they don't spin at all, by design most laptops will rather run hot than run the fans at high speed or all the time.

I have recently bought two 10 year old heavily used Acer Nitro laptops that run fine, only their batteries are dead or almost dead. Which goes to show that properly designed hardware should not need parts replaced for a few years, and nobody makes spare parts for models that are older than 3 years anyway, does Dell sell parts for computers that are older than that, even batteries?

 

[Bill Ferris]

The Lenovo Legion series are excellent.

 

[kelpdiver]

I usually have an el cheapo laser printer in the office, and the latest is a very satisfactory HP. -No more Brother nonsense of locking down as the cartridge nears the end. I've had several occasions when I would have been grateful for "just one more page" at slightly lesser quality.

As opposed to HP nonsense forcing you to buy their toner cartridges?

 

[kelpdiver]

You replaced the WiFi card was probably due to it's failure, I assumed. Because you wouldn't have bought that if it's known to drop wifi, or slowness.

My comment was about my belief that Dell is prompt to failure.

Wifi is not uniform.

Dell often sold two or three different wifi cards, with different standards supported, along with bluetooth. Or different brands. These updates were typically cheap, but perhaps he sought out a more specific model they didn't offer? Particularly likely for gamers.

 

[LastLapPass]

What do people do to "modify" their laptop? I can see lots of options for desktop. But laptop . . . ?

I bought a Dell XPS 15 9570 in 2018, the cheapest base version with a HDD. I added a nvme ssd, more memory, and an upgraded wi-fi card for much less money than Dell wanted for them.

(I gave it to a laptop-needy friend a few months ago. AFAIK it's still working for him.)

I have used laptop since mid 90's, I never have had any issue with Wi Fi.

Actually, I have no problem at all other than the two Dells I owned. The first one was a corporate version ($$$) that gave me the blue screen of death. The recent G15 that clonked out on a trip.

Your experience with your Dell just added to my conviction to stay away from Dell.

They upgraded the card for better performance, it did not fail...

NP on your Dell experience. Not sure what a "Corporate Version" of a Dell laptop means. Their business class laptops have have several names over the years, Vostro, Latitude, etc.

My experience is the opposite with Dell, but I do know them inside/out from work. Dunno, but 3 of the 5 largest banks in the US run trading on Dell. Guess Dell cannot be all bad?

I am just retiring six (!) 2011 Dell XPS laptops that work just fine for the people using them. Parents and grandparents that just, email, social media, surf & use Office. Heck they are overkill.

Thx Microsoft, no TPM2, no Win 11 for security updates. All six get recycled, what a waste.

All six went from spinning rust to SSD and 8 to 32 GB, so yes you can change a laptop and keep them alive. Needed upgrades from Win 7 -> 10 and more memory helped as Win 10 became spyware.

I also buy min laptop models and add NVMe & memory for 1/3 the price of the OEMs.

All the service guides are on the OEM sites, easy to get inside and change/fix things.

JJ

 

[New Wrycuda]

I usually have an el cheapo laser printer in the office, and the latest is a very satisfactory HP. -No more Brother nonsense of locking down as the cartridge nears the end. I've had several occasions when I would have been grateful for "just one more page" at slightly lesser quality.

As opposed to HP nonsense forcing you to buy their toner cartridges?

Not really an issue, because the HP is only a stand-by printer. At one stage, I had a HP inkjet multi-function printer in that role. Cost $50, but a pair of ink cartridges was $60!

Yes, it's a scam, but the Laser HP toner cartridge has an integral drum, ensuring good quality.

 

[DMKAlex]

Not sure what a "Corporate Version" of a Dell laptop means. Their business class laptops have have several names over the years, Vostro, Latitude, etc.

That's was in mid 1990's and I don't remember the model. I recalled I (the company) paid dearly for it. I was the CFO of that company then, and got to have the best. Well, that didn't stop it from giving me the BSOD (Blue screen of death).

 

[Austinian]

Not sure what a "Corporate Version" of a Dell laptop means. Their business class laptops have have several names over the years, Vostro, Latitude, etc.

That's was in mid 1990's and I don't remember the model. I recalled I (the company) paid dearly for it. I was the CFO of that company then, and got to have the best. Well, that didn't stop it from giving me the BSOD (Blue screen of death).

What problem caused the BSOD?

 

[DMKAlex]

Not sure what a "Corporate Version" of a Dell laptop means. Their business class laptops have have several names over the years, Vostro, Latitude, etc.

That's was in mid 1990's and I don't remember the model. I recalled I (the company) paid dearly for it. I was the CFO of that company then, and got to have the best. Well, that didn't stop it from giving me the BSOD (Blue screen of death).

What problem caused the BSOD?

I don't know.

But subsequent to the Dell, I never had any problem with Compaq, Toshiba and HP.

 

[LastLapPass]

Not sure what a "Corporate Version" of a Dell laptop means. Their business class laptops have have several names over the years, Vostro, Latitude, etc.

That's was in mid 1990's and I don't remember the model. I recalled I (the company) paid dearly for it. I was the CFO of that company then, and got to have the best. Well, that didn't stop it from giving me the BSOD (Blue screen of death).

Any laptop in the 1990's would have been eye wateringly expensive. Laptops were just getting started in 1990's.

Sorry, you cannot compare 30 (!) year old computer experience to what is made today. SMH...

JJ

 

[DMKAlex]

Not sure what a "Corporate Version" of a Dell laptop means. Their business class laptops have have several names over the years, Vostro, Latitude, etc.

That's was in mid 1990's and I don't remember the model. I recalled I (the company) paid dearly for it. I was the CFO of that company then, and got to have the best. Well, that didn't stop it from giving me the BSOD (Blue screen of death).

Any laptop in the 1990's would have been eye wateringly expensive. Laptops were just getting started in 1990's.

Sorry, you cannot compare 30 (!) year old computer experience to what is made today. SMH...

JJ

Maybe it's a coincidence. I recently had a Dell G15 with i9-13500BX clonked out after 18 months.

 

[LastLapPass]

Not sure what a "Corporate Version" of a Dell laptop means. Their business class laptops have have several names over the years, Vostro, Latitude, etc.

That's was in mid 1990's and I don't remember the model. I recalled I (the company) paid dearly for it. I was the CFO of that company then, and got to have the best. Well, that didn't stop it from giving me the BSOD (Blue screen of death).

Any laptop in the 1990's would have been eye wateringly expensive. Laptops were just getting started in 1990's.

Sorry, you cannot compare 30 (!) year old computer experience to what is made today. SMH...

JJ

Maybe it's a coincidence. I recently had a Dell G15 with i9-13500BX clonked out after 18 months.

And what was the issue? Clonked (?) out is not a term you can troubleshoot.

These days we fix more FAR more laptop issues that looked hardware, with software fixes. Especially BSOD, if it is not memory (5 min fix), it is typically software.

JJ

--
Just a Dad documenting life...

 

[DMKAlex]

Not sure what a "Corporate Version" of a Dell laptop means. Their business class laptops have have several names over the years, Vostro, Latitude, etc.

That's was in mid 1990's and I don't remember the model. I recalled I (the company) paid dearly for it. I was the CFO of that company then, and got to have the best. Well, that didn't stop it from giving me the BSOD (Blue screen of death).

Any laptop in the 1990's would have been eye wateringly expensive. Laptops were just getting started in 1990's.

Sorry, you cannot compare 30 (!) year old computer experience to what is made today. SMH...

JJ

Maybe it's a coincidence. I recently had a Dell G15 with i9-13500BX clonked out after 18 months.

And what was the issue? Clonked (?) out is not a term you can troubleshoot.

These days we fix more FAR more laptop issues that looked hardware, with software fixes. Especially BSOD, if it is not memory (5 min fix), it is typically software.

MB dead. I think the heat got to it. The G15 was always very hot.

JJ

 

[skyglider]

What do people do to "modify" their laptop? I can see lots of options for desktop. But laptop . . . ?

I put a 2 tb nvme ssd in the Lenova and it works fine. I guess that's the most popular thing people would do to a laptop. The unit comes with 2x16 gb of DRAM. So I didn't have to do anything regarding memory.

Personally, I will never buy a Dell again.

Me too. By the luck of the draw (I guess), I've had bad experiences with Dell.

I normally build my own tower PCs but a while back I bought a Dell tower PC, 8900 model as I recall. About the same time, a friend wanted to buy a new PC so I recommended the Dell tower.

I forget exactly how long but about 2 years later, within a couple months, both of our Dell PCs died with motherboard problems. My Dell PC dying was one thing but I really felt bad having recommended the Dell to my friend.

I also bought a 27" Dell Ultrasharp monitor but it developed image retention problems so ultimately became unusable for me.

I know that many here have had good luck with their Dells but by the luck of the draw (I guess) I've had bad experiences. I too will never buy a Dell again.

 

[number_5]

I run a part datacenter computer part testing lab & fix all the family's computers/laptops.

Stay away from Lenovo, they make customization tough. They have special firmware on their disks & some of the other parts. You cannot aways put in a 3rd part, disk, etc. You should see the server side mess.

Stick will Dell or HP, you will always be able to get parts/support in the future. Dell is properly the easiest for support, firmware and parts.

OT: We tried MSi and Razer for kid's gaming laptops. It did not work, you cannot use a laptop for 24/7 gaming. ;-) Getting parts (even just fans) was next to impossible, their volume is tiny.

Asus has always made good parts, do not know about their systems.

JJ

I had a HP once, and it was a mess.

Used to get Dell only. The last time I got a Dell, took them 3 replacements (4 units) before I got a stable laptop. Ran their diagnostic software and found the issues; they didn't even do that before they shipped them to me. That was the last time I got a Dell.

All the laptops in the household are Lenovo laptops: 4 Legions and two Thinkpads (Carbon). Two of them are close to 7-year-old, still running fine without any issues. I either added or replaced the storage to 4TB SSDs to 5 of the units and double the memory for two without any problems. Maybe I'm just lucky?

 

[foot]

On my other thread, I stated this . . .

"My preferred vendor is between B&H and Costco, providing they have the same item.

Both are fantastic vendors. Costco, as my experience evidenced, offers 2 year warranty, 90 days return, and hassle free customer service. B&H doesn't have the free 2 year warranty and their return is only 30 days, but payboo discount the amount equivalent to the sales tax."

It would put the above to test today if I am on the market for a computer.

Costco's Lenova is on sale for $1,299

Lenovo Legion 5i 16" Gaming Laptop - Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX - GeForce RTX 5060 - WQXGA (2560x1600) - Windows 11 Home - 32GB RAM - 1TB SSD

B&H's ASUS is on sale for $1,499

ASUS 16" TUF Gaming F16 Laptop

Key Features

• 2.7 GHz Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 24-Core
• 32GB DDR5 | 1TB M.2 SSD
• 16" 2560 x 1600 IPS 165 Hz Display
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU (8GB GDDR7)

The net out-of-pocket with CT sales tax from Costco is $1,381.48 and B&H is 1,499

The choice comes down to the RTX 5070 vs 5060 (not a big difference), and the additional one year warranty and support you'll get from Costco.

Which one would you pick?

I have the much older version asus A15 tuff gaming and have been happy with it. It came with the ryzen H4800 with 8 cores/16 threads.

the GPU might be the deciding factor. the 5070 is supposed to be noticably faster

"benchmark GeForce RTX 5060 vs GeForce RTX 5070 GPU"

8 GB for a GPU seems minimal today. MY laptop's nvideo 1660 Ti with 8 GB runs the whisper speach-to-text program with the medium language model...8 GB is just enough

One trick I recently learned here in very hot san diego has been to set the power settings cooling to "passive" which slows the CPU; the "ACTIVE" speeds up the fans

speeding up the fans didn't help since they were just blowing hot area across the CPU !!

this resulting in dropping from mid 70 degrees C to mid 50 degress C...quite a large drop of 20 degrees!!!

 

[LastLapPass]

Not sure what a "Corporate Version" of a Dell laptop means. Their business class laptops have have several names over the years, Vostro, Latitude, etc.

That's was in mid 1990's and I don't remember the model. I recalled I (the company) paid dearly for it. I was the CFO of that company then, and got to have the best. Well, that didn't stop it from giving me the BSOD (Blue screen of death).

Any laptop in the 1990's would have been eye wateringly expensive. Laptops were just getting started in 1990's.

Sorry, you cannot compare 30 (!) year old computer experience to what is made today. SMH...

JJ

Maybe it's a coincidence. I recently had a Dell G15 with i9-13500BX clonked out after 18 months.

And what was the issue? Clonked (?) out is not a term you can troubleshoot.

These days we fix more FAR more laptop issues that looked hardware, with software fixes. Especially BSOD, if it is not memory (5 min fix), it is typically software.

MB dead. I think the heat got to it. The G15 was always very hot.

With any laptop I always include the OEM SW to control power and update the drivers/firmware.

Check your new system especially for BIOS updates, they matter.

In Dell's world it is Dell Power Manager & Command Update. That may have had the AlienWare Command Center interface since it is a G-Series.

You may have made the mistake my Son did with a Dell G5. He did not use the Power Manager software. It was defaulted to Quiet = let the laptop be hot over noise. It was VERY hot after gaming.

Fried the system board in about three months...

Dell swapped the MB under warranty. We moved Power Manager to Ultra Performance (full fans & loud). Add four BIOS updated that fixed fan issues. One of the updates, guess what, defaulted Power Manager to Optimized...

The machine gamed another two years and now it is my PP system. He went to a liquid cooled tower to really solve the heat issues.

Laptops are the wrong tool for gaming and really high end post processing.

JJ

 

[DMKAlex]

MB dead. I think the heat got to it. The G15 was always very hot.

With any laptop I always include the OEM SW to control power and update the drivers/firmware.

Check your new system especially for BIOS updates, they matter.

In Dell's world it is Dell Power Manager & Command Update. That may have had the AlienWare Command Center interface since it is a G-Series.

You may have made the mistake my Son did with a Dell G5. He did not use the Power Manager software. It was defaulted to Quiet = let the laptop be hot over noise. It was VERY hot after gaming.

Fried the system board in about three months...

Dell swapped the MB under warranty. We moved Power Manager to Ultra Performance (full fans & loud). Add four BIOS updated that fixed fan issues. One of the updates, guess what, defaulted Power Manager to Optimized...

The machine gamed another two years and now it is my PP system. He went to a liquid cooled tower to really solve the heat issues.

Laptops are the wrong tool for gaming and really high end post processing.

JJ

I don't game with my laptop. I am a videographer and the laptop is for transferring files and preliminary editing with Adobe Premiere Pro with 4k videos. The machine automatically kicked in performance mode with it taxed the CPU and GPU. It was awfully noisy too.

 

[LastLapPass]

MB dead. I think the heat got to it. The G15 was always very hot.

With any laptop I always include the OEM SW to control power and update the drivers/firmware.

Check your new system especially for BIOS updates, they matter.

In Dell's world it is Dell Power Manager & Command Update. That may have had the AlienWare Command Center interface since it is a G-Series.

You may have made the mistake my Son did with a Dell G5. He did not use the Power Manager software. It was defaulted to Quiet = let the laptop be hot over noise. It was VERY hot after gaming.

Fried the system board in about three months...

Dell swapped the MB under warranty. We moved Power Manager to Ultra Performance (full fans & loud). Add four BIOS updated that fixed fan issues. One of the updates, guess what, defaulted Power Manager to Optimized...

The machine gamed another two years and now it is my PP system. He went to a liquid cooled tower to really solve the heat issues.

Laptops are the wrong tool for gaming and really high end post processing.

JJ

I don't game with my laptop. I am a videographer and the laptop is for transferring files and preliminary editing with Adobe Premiere Pro with 4k videos. The machine automatically kicked in performance mode with it taxed the CPU and GPU. It was awfully noisy too.

Yup that would do it. 4K video editing us about the same as gaming, Adobe uses the GPU to process. Same as gaming, wrong tool for the job.

I get it now. Just like the other Boomers in my world, one bad experience can never be forgiven or forgotten.

Every computer company has parts that fail. We have a 100+ Million/yr company that just fixes data center computers for 3 or the 5 largest banks.

If they didn't fail, 521 people would not have jobs.

Good luck & take care, I am wasting my time here...

JJ

--
Just a Dad documenting life...