Hi, everyone!
I am looking for laptop/ultrabook recommendations.

These are the specifications that I am looking for (it is quite long, but I try to make it as specific as possible):


Budget:
-RM4k ++

Usage:
-Work/productivity
-Light video editing
-Photoshop and other software

Build quality:
-good, solid and sturdy
-need something that can last long

Features:
-fancy and extra features like touchscreen etc are not needed

Screen/Display:
-Size= 14”- 16”
-Resolution= 1080p and above
-Aspect ratio= 16:9 or 16:10
-Color accuracy= sRGB 99%/100% and above (and calibrated)
-Brightness= 300 nitts and above
-Refresh rate= 60 Hz and above

Processor (CPU):
-Intel i5 12500H or any equivalent including AMD processors, or better (like Intel i7 12700H)
-Core count and threads= 4P core + 8E core (12 cores, 16 threads), or better
-Base Frequency= 2.0GHz and above
-Max Turbo Frequency= 4.0GHz and above
-Power draw= 45 Watts and below

Graphic:
-iGPU on the processor (Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon Vega) (does not game on this machine weak GPU is acceptable)
-need video encoder (for H264 format etc)

RAM (I might just buy the RAM separately because it is easy to install):
-Type= DDR4 SO-DIMM
-Slots= At least 2 slots (for dual channel)
-Capacity= 32 GB (16 GB x 2, dual channel)
-Speed= 3200 MHz and above

Storage (I might just buy the SSD separately because it is easy to install)
-Type= M.2 NVMe SSD
-Slots= At least 2 M.2 slots for future upgrade (up to 2 TB)
-Capacity= 500 GB and above
-Read speed= 3500 MB/s and above
-Write speed= 2500 MB/s and above
-Terabytes Written (TBW)= 300 TBW (for 500GB) and above

Wireless Network Card:
-WiFi 6 and above
-Bluetooth 5 and above

Keyboard:
-any good keyboard
-no RGB
-no loud typing sound

Operating System (OS):
-Windows 10 Home (if possible, NO Windows 11, I will upgrade to that myself when I think it is right time)
-Linux (depend on distro)

I/O Ports (not picky on this):
-USB ports (including USB C)
-audio jack port
-HDMI port output

Sound:
-No requirement as long as there is sound

Battery:
-Can last at least 6 hours under normal use case (internet browsing, listen to music, watch Youtube video and some productivity stuff)
-Prefer removable/replaceable battery

Webcam (optional):
-Able to capture at least 480p video

Weight:
-Any, no requirement

Appearance:
-Don’t care

Warranty:
-At least 2 years



Thanks for reading!

Increase your budget to at least 5k+, then you can find suitable ones on your spec. Branded ones.

Most lightweight laptop is either soldered ram or 1 soldered + 1 slot. You are not likely to find 2 slots. Some Dell, HP has 2 dual slots but won't meet your display spec.

Or, opt for no-brand ones (OEM), there perhaps you can find one.

Good luck on your search.

Lenovo E14 gen4 with nvdia mx550 card.

Ram always solder one.

Check it out. rm4699

Best part only 6 screw to open the labtop.

This post has been edited by OlgaC4: Oct 5 2022, 11:05 AM

Hmm....I can increase the budget to 5k+, what will you recommend if that is the case?

Downside is the RAM soldered. For this model.

Disk can upgrade yourself DIY.

What is the difference between Ryzen PRO and Ryzen processor? Didn't really find much information about this online....

Also, was the discount on the website time-limited? Or it is just something to urge the buyer to buy, and the 'discount' will last forever?

Not sure on the ryzen PRO stuff, discounts always happen, check the lenovo thread for coupons

Maybe you can consider this: https://www.illegear.com/shop/illegear-atom...3200mhz_1_x_4gb

Spec wise looks good. If branded ones offer such spec at same price, can consider. Hardly any reviews found on it.

My cousin is using it but different model. I'm using their desktop too with my own customisation. You can customise the laptop too. So far so good. MY desktop is running for 3 years. My cousin laptop is running for over 5 years.

Pro vs normal, not much for normal user. Unless you start to nitpick. Since the mem is soldered than won't matter much.

Discount come and go. Sometimes at certain (few) days in the year, you can really get good/unbelievable discount. That also, you have to check daily and "camp out" a long time before spotting one. Even if you do, by the time u want to buy then it's sold out the moment it's available.

Ryzen pro chips have the same feature set as other Ryzen devices, but also offer enhanced security, 24 months availability, a longer warranty and promise to feature better chip quality.

Can I know which Lenovo thread that you are referring to?

It is very tempting because of the price, I look at other brands, I don't think I can find something with similar spec at that price point.....

Oh, I see, I heard the after sales service for Illegear is bad (there are some QC issue as well), I see lots more complaints compared to the other brands, that's why I am quite reluctant about getting their product.....

Illegear, level51, and a lot of other brands you've never heard of are just rebranded Clevo or TongFang laptops

Nothing wrong with those 2 brands as they're quite well respected
But the QC, support, and parts selection (ram, ssd and other components) would depend on the rebrand you got, which in illegear's case isn't very good.

Even branded one parts fail. But their replacement parts (OEM) is affordable. Had replaced before, Acer, Dell, Asus, ThinkPad, HP batteries DIY. Plenty of options to choose from. So choose one, knowing what you will or possibly encounter later. Or take some risk, go for the value-for-money OEM brands. Your choice.

Take a look at acer spin 5, not really confident if it hits all your requirements though. Most brands offer 2 years warranty as long as you direct purchase / purchase from official retailer. Good luck!