Ask HN: What does one look for in a laptop these days?

#1

Post by godDLL » Thu, Oct 14, 2021, 9:00 AM UTC

I'd like to understand if I'm missing on any new developments since 2015 or so. Here's what I'd like to have:

*. Goes: preference and alternative, deal-breakers:

1. SIM preferable, WiFi acceptible, but Bluetooth has to be good

2. Spill and dust resistant keyboard that doesn't feel like typing on nothing

3. Trackpoint or trackpad, that works

4. Stylus or touch-screen that doesn't glare

5. Good power management, lasts through the day, done charging in 2.5 hours

6. Runs the hacky-mac or Slax, has a head-set jack

7. Good GPU, fast storage, two fast external storage ports

From my understanding I fit a kind of profile, and am very much not alone. But I'd like to know what the HN crowd take on this is.

Re: Ask HN: What does one look for in a laptop these days?

#2

Post by random_kris » Thu, Oct 14, 2021, 9:38 AM UTC

M1 MacBook pro no competition

Re: Ask HN: What does one look for in a laptop these days?

#3

Post by ajvs » Thu, Oct 14, 2021, 9:39 AM UTC

Thunderbolt 4, especially since I use an eGPU to turn my laptop into a gaming machine.

Re: Ask HN: What does one look for in a laptop these days?

#4

Post by undecisive » Thu, Oct 14, 2021, 9:39 AM UTC

I think it would be useful to know what kind of profile you fit, because everyone's must-haves are slightly different. For example, I would add:

- at least opens 180 degrees: I often find myself having to do the odd bit of work in the car - which is a nightmare generally, but having a laptop that can open flat is essential.

- Fingerprint reader (that works well under Linux): this is one of the saddest things about my current computer. It's a nice to have, but a very nice to have - especially if I end up doing work in a coffee shop with a thousand CCTV cameras.

Re: Ask HN: What does one look for in a laptop these days?

#5

Post by agd » Thu, Oct 14, 2021, 9:40 AM UTC

I’m gonna add good webcam and sound to the mix. These are essential for remote work.

If the rumours are true, the new M1X MacBook Pros being announced this Monday look perfect:

- high performance + battery life

- exceptional build quality

- great screen, sound, and webcam

- decent port selection

Re: Ask HN: What does one look for in a laptop these days?

#6

Post by olalonde » Thu, Oct 14, 2021, 9:42 AM UTC

Why do you prefer SIM over WiFi? Almost everywhere I've been it's been slower and more expensive than WiFi.

Re: Ask HN: What does one look for in a laptop these days?

#7

Post by grecy » Thu, Oct 14, 2021, 9:43 AM UTC

I'd at least wait until the 18th to see what Apple is about to announce. Even if you don't get whatever they announce, it might be good to view your options in light of the new products.

Re: Ask HN: What does one look for in a laptop these days?

#8

Post by laurensr » Thu, Oct 14, 2021, 9:43 AM UTC

Comment not related to OP's wishes but I miss the 16:10 laptop screens of 2010 extremely hard. It's the one thing I miss about my HP 8740w.

Re: Ask HN: What does one look for in a laptop these days?

#9

Post by chaz6 » Thu, Oct 14, 2021, 9:45 AM UTC

High up my list is repairability, which is why I am a big fan of the Framework laptop.

Re: Ask HN: What does one look for in a laptop these days?

#10

Post by thelittleone » Thu, Oct 14, 2021, 9:47 AM UTC

agd wrote: post #5

I’m gonna add good webcam and sound to the mix. These are essential for remote work. If the rumours are true, the new M1X MacBook Pros being announced this Monday look perfect: - high performance + battery life - exceptional build quality - great screen, sound, and webcam - decent port selection

I wouldn't get too excited. Have the last gen Intel MBP 16". There is a known issue where after waking the speakers pop loudly and regularly making it unusable for audio. Before that the MBP 15" which had so many parts replaced I thought it was just bad luck. Apples product quality is not what is used to be, far from it in my experience.