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112 points ferguess_k | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0.195s | source

I have been purchasing used/new Lenovo/Dell laptops for the last 7 years, and I have noticed that the build quality of recent models is concerning.

Lenovo: Ex-company gave me a NEW Carbon X1 around 2019, and the battery only lasted for less than a year (!). On the other side, I bought a used 2017 470S from the same company, added more RAM, didn't touch anything including the SSD, and I'm still using it in daily coding. I did buy a new battery last month so technically the old batteries lasted for about 7-8 years.

Dell: I bought 3 laptops + 1 desktop from Dell Refurbished (So the quality should be consistent). 2 laptops + 1 desktop are older models, and 1 is Precision 5550 (2021) that I bought last December. Everything works fine, except for the 5550, which has issues with battery (dropped from 31% to 4% in a few seconds) and (more deadly) charging port (doesn't charge from time to time). Even if I bought it new in 2021, I would be surprised that it only lasted for a bit over 4 years.

The other issue is that 5550 uses USB-C ports. I blame on myself not checking it closely before the purchase. I really hate those ports. Why is everyone copying from Mac?

What's my option? I can't really justify the 2,000+ CAD price point for a new laptop, especially if it lasts less than 5 years. I'd prefer a "low-end" workstation with 32GB memory, but because of the price point I can only afford a 16GB non-workstation one. I don't do gaming any more but I still prefer a good integrated video card. I can't afford Framework and other Linux laptops because they are expensive and usually don't operate in Canada so delivery is expensive too.

I did buy a used Macbook Pro M1 16GB (2021) from my current company last month. I haven't used it but I'm confident that the hardware is good. The problem is I don't really like the software, so I figured I still need a Linux box.

Did you find any sweet spot?

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mwpmaybe ◴[] No.46109352[source]
Yes, it's a race to the bottom for most. Lots of plastic and soldered, non-upgradeable components, and a lack of ports. The used market is tricky to navigate thanks to the proliferation of model names and numbers, so little to no salvation there either. Spend a bit more for something that will last a bit longer (MacBook) and/or be upgradeable (frame.work), or accept a cheaper model (e.g. Dell Pro) that will likely need to be replaced in a couple years.
replies(2): >>46117330 #>>46117795 #
davsti4 ◴[] No.46117795[source]
HP Probook or Elitebook models have upgradable ram, SSD, and are generally serviceable. You can usually find the previous generation on ebay for an inexpensive price.
replies(3): >>46118083 #>>46123662 #>>46129118 #
imp0cat ◴[] No.46118083[source]
This. The Elitebooks are quite nice, except for the cheap screen options (prone to ghosting).
replies(1): >>46206239 #
1. davsti4 ◴[] No.46206239[source]
If there was one perfect laptop manufacturer out there, there wouldn't be a need for competition. I care less about ghosting issues since I'm not using mine for gaming or other tasks where image clarity with visual movement is necessary, and more about flexibility with changes in ram and disk size, since those are things I'll likely upgrade over time. Also, most of the time, my laptop is plugged into a dock using monitors instead of the built-in screen.

I've also looked at and really like Framework, but for the times I am using the screen, I require touch, so that's a non-starter.