I’m looking for a laptop for 2020! If there’s another topic that I missed in my searching that covers this, please let me know, I do not want to create copies/duplicates! Here’s what I’m looking to do:
Run Linux
Play very basic games, read: at most, 1080p for Halo Reach, but not at ultra settings. Other RTS, etc.
I’m getting into cybersecurity so programming will be in my path, as well as scripting, so processor/RAM requirements shouldn’t be too high.
What I don’t want to have:
Running Windows (some things may require it, but it’s a transition, I miss my Linux)
Having a convertible/touchscreen.
2a. This can be okay if the screen is still high quality, but I love matte screens, boo gloss haha.
Less than 8GB memory
Used/secondhand/refurbished
#4 again, please do not suggest it, I’ve had too many issues, thank you!
I also want to stay below $1,000 and if there’s any type of payment plan (Lenovo and Dell offer them), that is immediately in the top 5. If you would like to have more information please let me know, and I will gladly be willing to discuss it! Thanks in advance for any input you can provide and Happy New Year!
Being completely honest, the Lenovo Flex is a great machine, especially in the price range, and meets all of your specs. It’s worth an honest look. Even with all of the complaining I have on the Dell 2000 series that I have, it’s still a great machine once I patch it up, so without any of that, Ryzen 3000 is downright amazing.
I appreciate the follow-up on what was previously said. Good to know that a lot of that was fixed in the 3000 series. I will review the Flex some more, but I didn’t see anything in the description about IPS, and that’ll make the screen miserable. Thank you for the suggestions though and it’s given me way more food for thought!
Alright so with everything you’re all saying scratch AMD! I figured it might still not be an option, but with your replies now I know. @AnotherDev I could run BSD again, however I don’t want to start 2020 off as a masochist quite yet…
So with AMD no longer being a requirement (I’ll update my OP), does that open a lot of doors for suggestions? Thanks again all, I’ve been enjoying the discussion!!
Lol no I understand. Your time would be spent learning their virtualization and their system versus learning the new skills you set to achieve.
I’m not familiar with AMD laptops. My wife has one and it has served her well (we upgraded to an SSD and that was it). However, she does web browsing, e-mail, heavy Excel work, and that’s about it.
For having an InfoSec lab I find that Peter Kim’s book still stands tall on the standards.
Don’t focus on the processor so much (though, it’s still important), the first two are going to be insanely more valuable to you.
In all of my labs the first thing I always run out of is RAM. Having 3GB of RAM or 4GB of RAM per VM is a lot better than 1GB or 2GB. But, despite complaints contradicting, you can run a Linux and Windows system on 2GB of RAM. Even Active Directory, database, and web servers.
That picture may say “Penetration Testing Laptop” but even for learning systems administration, network security, and software development those specs are
With proper flags, I can say that on Gentoo with custom kernel (Currently running 5.3, but tested back to 5.0) I have had no random locks, hang issues, ect on the 2000 series. I am out of touch with what “stock kernels” are like these days, but I can say that it’s not a Linux kernel issue, it’s a hardware and config issue on the 2000 series, but can be made to be very usable regardless.
So I’m leaning away from Linux at the moment. I have to be away from workstation (for remote work) and need to run Windows 10 for the time being. I’ve found the two different laptops from Best Buy and wanted to get some input from you all. Normally I’d go through and respond to you all, but it’s been a long day of flying, but please know that I truly appreciate everything you have said!
I’m leaning towards the HP, but Acer is typically pretty reliable from what I remember, though I want to be on the safe side and see what everyone thinks. Thanks in advance and you are all truly wonderful!
Frequent (at least once a day) random locks on fedora around December 2018. Was an Asus vivo book. I haven’t switched to Linux on my Lenovo flex 14 yet but maybe soon. Gnome 3 on a touchscreen and pen should be fun.
Do you intend to add more RAM? 8GB probably won’t be enough for you. I’m not so sure about either of those two machines. $800+ for an i5 tenth generation is still a hard sell for me especially after buying a flex 14 just under $500 on Black Friday. That deal is no longer there. If I had to pick one of those two machines, I’d go with whichever:
A. Has storage options (ease of opening the case and upgrading is a precondition to this). Second m.2 slot? A 2.5 inch bay?
B. If tied in A, which one allows me to upgrade ram? More?
I would lean more toward the acre nitro because it is cheaper and I imagine the 560x means all 8GB ram is available as ram? I don’t expect to be able to keep my current computer for over three or four years so why pay more?
RAM? 8GB probably won’t be enough for you. I’m not so sure about either of those two machines. $800+ for an i5 tenth generation is still a hard sell for me especially after buying a flex 14 just under $500 on Black Friday. That deal is no longer there. If I had to pick one of those two machines, I’d go with whichever: