Computer / Laptop upgrade plan/idea

[AlanAlan]

My plan was to get a laptop with a skylake ( 6th Gen ) processor under $650, I looked around and I couldn't find one that I wanted and fitted my need and I asked others and they either said this laptop is cheap build quality or it was bad performance. So I was searching on the Internet today and I saw that mini pc. So I thought that I should get a mini pc instead of a laptop because I will be just using Microsoft office and streaming videos. I also thought most of my work could be done over my smartphone, so should I consider into a mini pc. Do you think this Is a good idea?                                                

[tahmidkhan123]

you buy what you need and if a mini pc fits your requirements, then go for it. Personally, i would get a laptop as it offers both the everyday usability and portability (im a student so this matters a lot to me). Try looking out for deals, you can often get some great hardware for good prices. 

[VinsinityKT]

I don't usually care if the laptop is low build quality if the price is really good. Then again, I take good care of my hardware. Touchpad don't matter to me because i use a mouse.

[Ravener]

So, don't get a laptop with trashy build quality. Right now my main laptop is the Toshiba Satellite( thats here: http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Satellite-Laptop-Computer-i7-3630QM/dp/B00DXPJTEC) but a different version that runs a skylake processor. I absolutely hate it, its loud as hell, it thermal throttles like hell. Games on it suck. And browsing on it would be okay, but the monitor is shit so videos suck. I would much much much rather get an i3 or i5 with a much better build quality tbh . If all you're doing is browsing, don't get an i7, I highly highly highly doubt you'll use it all. But what matters is your priorities. Are you a student? Do you have a job? do you need a laptop for the job/studies? Just tell me what kind of tasks you'd usually be using it for, and you can get a couple recommendations based off of that. 

[AlanAlan]

So, don't get a laptop with trashy build quality. Right now my main laptop is the Toshiba Satellite( thats here: http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Satellite-Laptop-Computer-i7-3630QM/dp/B00DXPJTEC) but a different version that runs a skylake processor. I absolutely hate it, its loud as hell, it thermal throttles like hell. Games on it suck. And browsing on it would be okay, but the monitor is shit so videos suck. I would much much much rather get an i3 or i5 with a much better build quality tbh . If all you're doing is browsing, don't get an i7, I highly highly highly doubt you'll use it all. But what matters is your priorities. Are you a student? Do you have a job? do you need a laptop for the job/studies? Just tell me what kind of tasks you'd usually be using it for, and you can get a couple recommendations based off of that.

I will be using it for microsoft office and streaming movies and videos.

[Ravener]

I will be using it for microsoft office and streaming movies and videos.

If you're looking for a specific recommendation, I'd go with this: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/ideapad/500-series/500-15-inch/ I'd recommend the 8gb ram version as alot of microsoft office tasks can possibly take up quite a bit of ram especially with alot of tabs open. If you're looking for a less gamery look and more productivity/battery life. You could go with one of the Thinkpad Lenovo models. You can find them here under professional: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/?menu-id=laptops . I personally love Lenovo's lineup especially for work. Gaming, their performance isn't that great, but nearly all of their laptops have near perfect build quality, and are never annoying in any sense whether it be how loud they are, how hot they get, or how they feel. Feel free to ask about any of the models and what anything means : P 

[AlanAlan]

If you're looking for a specific recommendation, I'd go with this: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/ideapad/500-series/500-15-inch/ I'd recommend the 8gb ram version as alot of microsoft office tasks can possibly take up quite a bit of ram especially with alot of tabs open. If you're looking for a less gamery look and more productivity/battery life. You could go with one of the Thinkpad Lenovo models. You can find them here under professional: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/?menu-id=laptops . I personally love Lenovo's lineup especially for work. Gaming, their performance isn't that great, but nearly all of their laptops have near perfect build quality, and are never annoying in any sense whether it be how loud they are, how hot they get, or how they feel. Feel free to ask about any of the models and what anything means : P

Will it last around 5 years?

[Ravener]

Will it last around 5 years?

If browsing and microsoft office is all you're gonna do for sure it'll last 5 years+. Of course if you're gaming with this than its performance might not hold out for as long.