I'm in the process of ordering new laptops for my organization, specifically looking into the latest Lenovo models. I'm feeling a bit lost on how to approach this. Are there any benchmarks or resources available for different types of workloads, or do we just pick the highest specs and cross our fingers? I come from a Windows environment and deal with heavy office apps and some legacy software. The hardware options are overwhelming, and I'm unsure how to measure the right fit for our workflows. Generally, I want to know if there's a reliable website or vendor that benchmarks these models, or should I just aim for the higher-end options?
I've been trying to categorize the models I've found - E series for budget, T series for typical users, and the X1/Carbon for higher-end needs. But I need some guidance to ensure I'm making smart choices without going overboard in the process.
5 Answers
Seriously, if you’re stuck, maybe consider reaching out for advice instead of just guessing. It’s all about finding the balance between needs and budget.
For CPUs, Intel's i3 is for budget buyers, i5 is for general use, and anything from i7 to i9 is for high-demand users like developers. For RAM, stick to 16 or 32GB for most people and 64GB for heavy workloads. Keep an eye out for sales on sites or consult your vendor for the best deals.
True that! If the higher-ups feel outclassed by their devices at a meeting, it creates a lot of pressure. It's a balancing act to make everyone happy without breaking the bank.
Honestly, for most office users, an i5 with 16GB RAM and a good SSD is more than enough. I usually skip the touchscreen unless it’s absolutely necessary for specific tasks. For more intensive work like CAD or trading, you might need an i7, 32GB RAM, and a good GPU.
I realize now I might have overcomplicated this. Getting input here helped clarify my plan! I think isolating 2-3 good laptop options and testing them sounds like the way to go.
I usually go for the X1 Carbon models, starting with 16GB RAM and checking if 32GB is reasonably priced. I prefer at least an i5 processor or better, depending on the budget. Running CPU benchmarks can really help to compare a few models before finalizing.
Totally get that! Sometimes it's best to stick with your MSP's SKUs and avoid getting too bogged down in comparisons. I did the same using the Lenovo site for custom builds, and it definitely led to some confusion.
It really does depend on what users need. If they’re mostly using MS Office and browsing, then almost any decent CPU with 16GB RAM should be fine. For programmers or anyone using AutoCAD, definitely go for 64GB. Look up the software requirements for your programs, and ensure the new laptops meet or exceed those specs. You could also base your decisions on the specs of current working machines to keep things consistent.
Good call! I like the idea of checking our existing specs to make sure we’re not downgrading. I’m probably overthinking this a bit after a long day!
I’m aiming for consistency in our builds. My predecessor made it messy with all kinds of models. I’d love to stick with the T14 series if it meets our needs!