[Lulu05]

Hi! I am not sure if I'm truly welcome here - I'm not so much a computer geek, I guess. I mean, I'm excellent at troubleshooting, based on experience and a general knowledge of my way around windows, but I don't ever understand *why* anything works, or the technical terms for anything. OR specs, and what they actually mean. I hope you can be patient and help me!
 

I need to buy a new laptop. Within my budget I've narrowed it down to an HP Pavilion x360 or a Lenovo Ideapad 310. I don't understand what all the specs mean though. I mean, I do know basically what kind of RAM and storage I'm looking for (as good as I can get within my budget) but I don't really understand the different kinds of processors. I also don't have any information about the different brands - whether one is renowned for programmed obsolescence, or if either of them are known for strong builds/good quality. Can anyone help me?!

 

Specs for each choice can be found here: 

Lenovo: http://shop.lenovo.c...es/310-15-inch/

HP: http://www.pcworld.c...137886-pdt.html

Or if anyone wants to suggest a better alternative within the same price range, it'd be really helpful.

Sorry for being so useless/ignorant. Thanks for any help you can offer!
 

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   Lulu05,

 

I am not sure if I'm truly welcome here -

 

 

Off course you are and not sure why you would think otherwise, one big happy family here 

 

Both are reputable brands, the Lenovo has the better specs and the HP is more expensive because it is a 2 in 1 as in tablet come notebook and it has a very good battery life at up to 10.75 hrs.

 

Let us know what the main use of the computer will be and if you would prefer the 2 in 1 type or a standard notebook, we can then look at computers within the Lenovo and HP price range of £369.99 to £409.97.

[phillpower2]

   Lulu05,

 

I am not sure if I'm truly welcome here -

 

 

Off course you are and not sure why you would think otherwise, one big happy family here 

 

Both are reputable brands, the Lenovo has the better specs and the HP is more expensive because it is a 2 in 1 as in tablet come notebook and it has a very good battery life at up to 10.75 hrs.

 

Let us know what the main use of the computer will be and if you would prefer the 2 in 1 type or a standard notebook, we can then look at computers within the Lenovo and HP price range of £369.99 to £409.97.

[Lulu05]

Ok, so I don't use it for anything that would need serious processing power. I'm not a gamer, and I only ever edit home videos at most. I spend most of my time on my laptop though. I write, and am currently applying for jobs, and when I'm not doing that, I'm reading with it or watching netflix or looking up guitar tabs. The tablet/PC combo is appealing just for not having to have the laptop always on my lap or on my sofa overheating when I'm listening to music with it, or have a film on but doing something else with my hands. I'm also wondering if the HP would be more portable - I do long shifts and could do with it at work - not that there's internet access there, so it's not hugely important. So yeah, a basic use PC is fine, as long as it has enough storage, but I think both of these do? I'm not sure I see much difference. The Lenovo has more RAM right? Though the HP has the same amount as the laptop I use now, and that seems fine (though... What is RAM actually for? Maybe it's not fine and I just don't know it because I don't know what it's supposed to be doing?)

[phillpower2]

Best Answer

Apologies for the delay getting back to you Lulu05.

 

Based on your reply #3 it really is a matter of your personal preference as only you can decide if you would rather have less RAM and a smaller screen but the benefit of having the 2 in 1 option, if you do not intend doing any serious video editing you will get by with 4GB of RAM but 8GB of RAM would be better + you would get the best out of your 64-bit OS with 8GB of RAM.

 

What is RAM actually for?

 

 

RAM has more than one use, the main one is temporarily storing data as opposed to the data having to be written to the hard drive and the second one in the case of computers that rely on internal graphics the RAM supports the integrated graphics solution, basically having more RAM allows a user to have more programs running, internet tabs open and provides better video support.

 

NB:

 

The tablet/PC combo is appealing just for not having to have the laptop always on my lap or on my sofa overheating 

 

 

Notebooks should never be used on anything other than a flat, firm and even surface, this allows the air to flow around the computer, allows the exhaust vents to expel the hot air from inside of the chassis and avoids the internal cooling fan sucking in dust and other debris such as pet hairs that can clog up the internal cooling fan and result in overheating.

[Lulu05]

Ok, I think I've got it! Thank you so much for the help. I still don't know which one I'm going to end up getting, but I understand a lot better what I'm actually choosing between now, which is really great. I really appreciate it!

[phillpower2]

You are most welcome Lulu05, glad we could help and thank you for letting us know that your question had been answered satisfactorily