Entry-level laptop

[Edwe]

Hi all

I'm looking for an entry-level notebook/laptop for my wife and it's been a while since I've been hardware shopping, so I have no idea which brands are good these days, and what I should avoid. I'm hoping for some suggestions or advice.

User specs:
- Good battery life
- Num pad is essential
- Doesn't need an optical drive
- Windows-10 proof
- Will be used mainly for web browsing, work and very casual gaming (we're talking Pop Cap games and DOSbox stuff here)
- Cheaper the better; hoping to get away with less than R4k, but don't know how realistic this is
- Willing to buy a used laptop if the battery is still in prime condition

 

[DA-LION-619]

If you're willing to go second hand, check carbonite.co.za

 

[Edwe]

If you're willing to go second hand, check carbonite.co.za

Thanks, wasn't familiar with carbonite.

 

[MickZA]

http://www.guzzle.co.za/specials/list/computers/laptops/

 

[LinuxMan]

I would pay a bit more and go for a core i3.
Golden rule for an entry level notebook, is not to buy one.

Look here:
http://www.dionwired.co.za/laptops/lenovo-g5070-lenovo-core-i3.html

 

[Edwe]

I would pay a bit more and go for a core i3.
Golden rule for an entry level notebook, is not to buy one.

Look here:
http://www.dionwired.co.za/laptops/lenovo-g5070-lenovo-core-i3.html

On what is the golden rule based though? If on performance, I tend to agree (would not want one myself), but if you are only going to Facebook on it...? Anything else?

 

[LinuxMan]

Spot on performance.
Purely because people expect too much from them, which they cannot handle.

But yes for general browsing you good..