Laptop recommendation?

[OtherPlans]

I've just taken medical retirement and want to put my leaving gift money towards a reliable relatively futureproof laptop (after the demise of my old Dell inspiron). Not for gaming but for handling large word documents, streaming etc. So perhaps a reasonable RAM, quite a bit of memory? My go to used to be Dell but I'm sure there are more options? Even better if there are good offers around.

Budget is important.

I'd think about either a dell XPS, or Huawei matebook (possibly pro)

If you want something really nice, the Asus Zenbooks and some HP elitebooks have OLED screens...

Thank you. I could probably stretch to £700 or so.
Do any brands have a particular reputation for longevity/robustness?

Exactly how large are these Word docs?
They’d have to be really big for a modern laptop to struggle.

RAM and memory are the same , I guess you meant storage and memory.

Is this laptop leaving the house? If not maybe consider a 17” screen?
Bit heavier but if it’s always likely to be in one place the weight isn’t a burden.

You mention Dell Latitude, they’re my ( boring perhaps) go to model. Good workhorses , will last for years.

Now is a good time to buy what with Black Friday deals.
I see Dell offering 35% off some models.

I always look at the Dell Outlet store first though.
outlet.euro.dell.com

Thank you. The laptop won't leave the house often (as I don't) so weight not too much of a problem. I had an inspiron not a latitude but will check those out. Hope black Friday throws up something interesting.
I was a researcher and have some large documents but nothing too unusual. Yes storage rather than memory, sorry.

Huawei are doing the matebook 14 i5 version for £650 (rrp £950) on their website. Only thing I dislike is the webcam, but it has a superb screen.

Thank you. I'll have a look!

I started making a shortlist of laptops and am wondering how much of a difference processors make eg amd/i3/i5?
I'm probably overcomplicating things as I'm hoping this will be reasonably future proofed.

The bigger the ‘I’ number, the faster the processor.
I5 is as low as I’d go for a laptop you were planning on using daily.

AMD also make a range of processors to compete with Intel's ‘I’ range which they call Ryzen.

‘M2’ more often called NVME storage is preferable over SSD - solid state storage , it’s quicker. Though SSD is by no means slow if it’s being used for general household use - internet, iplayer, Netflix, emails.

Thank you that's useful! How do you rate Ryzen processors?
I'd not heard of m2 storage.

Ryzen processors are just as good sometimes better value than intel.

M2 is actually the type of socket the memory plugs into.
It’s the fastest at the moment.

I would recommend a Dell Latitude - Ive been using them at work and at home for 10+ years and never had a problem. They are well built with good quality well spaced keyboards and mouse etc. They will last a long time, also spares and repairs are readily available as they are so widely used in business.

You can get refurbished ones if you wanted to save a bit of money and be environmentally friendly. I would get one with at least a 9th generation or later Intel chip - that way you can upgrade to Windows 11 which is becoming available now

Stick with Dell if you want it to last. XPS if you can afford it.

Thank you. I've got a nice checklist now. Seems like Dell is the consensus

There is no such thing as a future proof laptop, especially if you are used to apple or windows. the nearest to future proof would be a Thinkpad and installing Linux on it yourself instead of windows.

Thanks Velvet. I think I'm going about this a weird way as it's become entwined with my illness/diagnosis and fear of financial vulnerability. I'll try to take a more realistic approach.

There is no such thing as a future proof laptop,

There is to a degree. The reason I suggested Dell is the easy availability of reasonably priced spare parts from multiple sources. This means they can be kept running longer and the specification upgraded to a certain extent.

Linux is fine but it does restrict what software you can use when compared to Windows or even Apple.

@etulosba

There is no such thing as a future proof laptop,

There is to a degree. The reason I suggested Dell is the easy availability of reasonably priced spare parts from multiple sources. This means they can be kept running longer and the specification upgraded to a certain extent.

Linux is fine but it does restrict what software you can use when compared to Windows or even Apple.

Still have to pay someone to fix it and after a few years it probably wouldnt be worth it when you can get a laptop for work for around £300

Acer Aspire 5 Slim laptop is the best refurbished laptop under $300. It comes with Ryzen processor, you can work and play games at same time on this laptop. Learn more here litfellow.com/

Im very impressed with the Lenovo Thinkpad, come with a range of options. The carbon version is gorgeous.

Dell had some back to school/uni offers last week, was very pleased with what I picked up for £800.