CAG Techies! What are the best laptop deals for Black Friday 2016?
- Thread starter Tora Chan
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You're going to find a lot of really good options. It's impossible to just say "get this," because there are so many options. So, as always, I'll give a few basic suggestions and ask a few questions.
Questions first, they're the most important:
1. What's the price range?
2. What kind of stuff is it used for (gaming, video editing, Internet browsing, other)?
3. Do you have any brand bias (example: I won't buy from HP or Lenovo, but they have good stuff)?
4. Do you have a form factor preference (hybrid, traditional laptop, touch screen, screen size, colors, whatever)?
Those are good starter questions before picking things out more.
These are just some easy, general things to note when looking, regardless of the answers:
1. Try to get something with 8 GB of RAM, if it's in your budget. Just having a few things open right now, my desktop is at 3.3 GB used, so 4 GB is getting really hard to live on, especially if you want to play any games--even light ones--from Steam.
2. Unless you have a massive media collection to manage, get something with a SSD over a HDD. That means look for something with 128/256 GB of storage, not the typical 500 GB or 1 TB. The SSD is the biggest upgrade anyone can make to a computer, as it makes the computer start so much faster, as programs get up and running more quickly, too. Even if you DO have a big media collection (music, videos, whatever you might have), I'd recommend an external HDD to hold most of that junk and get something with a SSD inside.
3. Don't look at anything with an i7. You don't need it.
Questions first, they're the most important:
1. What's the price range?
2. What kind of stuff is it used for (gaming, video editing, Internet browsing, other)?
3. Do you have any brand bias (example: I won't buy from HP or Lenovo, but they have good stuff)?
4. Do you have a form factor preference (hybrid, traditional laptop, touch screen, screen size, colors, whatever)?
Those are good starter questions before picking things out more.
These are just some easy, general things to note when looking, regardless of the answers:
1. Try to get something with 8 GB of RAM, if it's in your budget. Just having a few things open right now, my desktop is at 3.3 GB used, so 4 GB is getting really hard to live on, especially if you want to play any games--even light ones--from Steam.
2. Unless you have a massive media collection to manage, get something with a SSD over a HDD. That means look for something with 128/256 GB of storage, not the typical 500 GB or 1 TB. The SSD is the biggest upgrade anyone can make to a computer, as it makes the computer start so much faster, as programs get up and running more quickly, too. Even if you DO have a big media collection (music, videos, whatever you might have), I'd recommend an external HDD to hold most of that junk and get something with a SSD inside.
3. Don't look at anything with an i7. You don't need it.
First, thank you for replying and putting a lot of your time towards helping me out. I'll answer the questions you inquired about.
1. I'm hoping to stay within $700 - $1,100
2. It will be used for professional and college work, and maybe a few low maintenance Steam games (like Huniepop) and watching YouTube videos and Netflix
3. No brand bias
4. I'm hoping for something that is between 13.3" to 15.6", and it can be either touch screen or not, both are ok.
I was looking at this computer:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-q504ua-2-in-1-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i5-12gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-silver/5561300.p?skuId=5561300
It was on sale for $600. This would be for just school work and recreational use. I am buying this for my girlfriend who is a student.
Figuring I would get jealous because I would want a new laptop too, I was looking at this laptop for myself:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-2-in-1-15-6-4k-uhd-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i7-16gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-gtx-950m-2tb-hdd-512gb-ssd-black-aluminum-sandblasted-with-gunmetal-hinge/5561200.p?skuId=5561200&productCategoryId=abcat0502000#
Would those two be good? Or do you know others that you would recommend?
Once again thanks for the help!
The first one seems decent. I'm admittedly confused whenever I see 12-GB RAM systems, though. That and the off-center touchpad might make me wonder if it's going to have heat issues (using 3 RAM slots is unusual, as is the touchpad placement). Again, not sure what you two have for storage needs, but a 1-TB HDD is something I look down upon because laptops always come with the slow, 5400-RPM models. They're the slowest drives you're going to find on the market.
The second, I'd consider it rough overkill for you. Three reasons I think that:
1. IDK what Huniepop is, but looking at the Steam requirements, it takes nothing to run. So, while having a dedicated GPU is nice, if that's the toughest you're going to throw at your PC, getting something with a dedicated GPU is just throwing money at a problem you don't have.
2. The reason you see SSDs in computers much smaller than the HDDs is that they are much more expensive. My 256-GB SSD was something like $120, I think. My 3-TB HDD was $90, just to compare. That's the simple way of saying you don't need a SSD that big, and you're dumping extra money for no good reason by getting that.
3. You said $700-1,100, and that one's listed at $1,400 right now.
I'm just doing a glance at some very-filtered Best Buy results (haven't looked heavily at the Black Friday stuff elsewhere, and BB's stuff seems limited if you aren't a big fan of the 13.3" screen), but to cover yours first:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-yoga-710-2-in-1-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-940mx-256gb-ssd-pearl-black/5579128.p?skuId=5579128
You're going to take some noticeable hits in hardware. Instead of 2.5 TB of total storage, you're at 256 GB. Like I said, that'll cover most people's SSD needs for several years (128 GB is probably fine for most). I'd rather see you get an external HDD to hold stuff, if you need more that that, as it helps keep the laptop light and thin and cheap. The GPU is a step down, I believe (can't remember M vs. MX because I don't study laptop GPUs ever), but shouldn't be noticeable for you when Huniepop's asking for a DX9 video card (something that was a big deal about 9 years ago). You drop from the i7 to the i5, but you'll never notice, and you halve the RAM, but based on what you said, I doubt that ever hurts you. I think that's all worth shaving $550 off the price (BB currently has that at $850).
Just to note, there is a bigger version of that, where everything's the same, but you get the i7 and 16 GB of RAM (plus a 4K screen). It bumps the price from $850 to $1,200. It's a pricey jump that you might never see benefits of.
If you don't care about touch and want something beefier on the hardware front, this is going to be $850 at Black Friday there as well: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-omen-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i7-8gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-gtx-960m-1tb-hdd-128gb-ssd-onyx-black/5319600.p?skuId=5319600
It's only a 6th0gen i7, but the generation differences are rarely big with CPUs, so going back a year isn't a big deal. Plus, you go from the "lightweight," 2-core i7 to the high-end, 4-core one. The GPU's stronger, and you get the SSD-HDD combo, if you like that (and I could certainly understand not wanting to deal with the cable fumbling of an external HDD, especially if you tend to drop things--HDDs are fragile). Then, of course, it's not a convertible. You trade being thin and flexible for power.
The one your picked for your girlfriend, I think would fit her pretty well. It's hard to find many faults in an ASUS laptop in general, but if she's not living on her computer (meaning she doesn't have to constantly boot from that slow HDD), that should work out well. THe one quick alternative I could find is: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-2-in-1-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-256gb-solid-state-drive-gray/5606500.p?skuId=5606500
The battery life might be worse (3-cell battery, rather than 4-cell), but you get the faster SSD, a lower base price (by $100), and it's a little bit lighter. It sacrifices on the RAM, but shouldn't be hurt for basic needs, and like I said, the SSD can be a bit plus for boot times and program responsiveness. Given the tendency of women, I'll also not it might be a good idea to see if there's a style she likes in a laptop. They can be fashion statements to some (my sister and her husband had a lengthy discussion when getting a Surface Pro about which color keyboard to get...).
I'll also say that, if they're of interest to you/her, the Surface Pros are very nice devices, if you want something that handles really well as a tablet. You'll ultimately know what you want and like better than I will, same for knowing your girlfriend's needs for a laptop (Though she ultimately will likely know better than you as well). If your starting point is at 8 GB of RAM and an i5, and you're willing to spend the reasonable amount of money you mentioned, you'll ultimately be fine.
Don't worry TOO much about getting something perfect. If it looks good, and you care how it looks, go for it. If you want a convertible, there are great options from Lenovo (Yoga), Dell (XPS), Microsoft (Surface), and others (ASUS is almost always a good bet, HP has some nice-looking non-convertibles). If you want a touch screen, get it. If you're not gaming, or you only do things like the game you mentioned, don't be too scared to cut back to an Intel GPU if it gets you a better price or more storage.
Lastly, if you can, go to Best Buy or somewhere else. It can help to get a bit of a feel for the keyboard or see it in person.
The second, I'd consider it rough overkill for you. Three reasons I think that:
1. IDK what Huniepop is, but looking at the Steam requirements, it takes nothing to run. So, while having a dedicated GPU is nice, if that's the toughest you're going to throw at your PC, getting something with a dedicated GPU is just throwing money at a problem you don't have.
2. The reason you see SSDs in computers much smaller than the HDDs is that they are much more expensive. My 256-GB SSD was something like $120, I think. My 3-TB HDD was $90, just to compare. That's the simple way of saying you don't need a SSD that big, and you're dumping extra money for no good reason by getting that.
3. You said $700-1,100, and that one's listed at $1,400 right now.
I'm just doing a glance at some very-filtered Best Buy results (haven't looked heavily at the Black Friday stuff elsewhere, and BB's stuff seems limited if you aren't a big fan of the 13.3" screen), but to cover yours first:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-yoga-710-2-in-1-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-940mx-256gb-ssd-pearl-black/5579128.p?skuId=5579128
You're going to take some noticeable hits in hardware. Instead of 2.5 TB of total storage, you're at 256 GB. Like I said, that'll cover most people's SSD needs for several years (128 GB is probably fine for most). I'd rather see you get an external HDD to hold stuff, if you need more that that, as it helps keep the laptop light and thin and cheap. The GPU is a step down, I believe (can't remember M vs. MX because I don't study laptop GPUs ever), but shouldn't be noticeable for you when Huniepop's asking for a DX9 video card (something that was a big deal about 9 years ago). You drop from the i7 to the i5, but you'll never notice, and you halve the RAM, but based on what you said, I doubt that ever hurts you. I think that's all worth shaving $550 off the price (BB currently has that at $850).
Just to note, there is a bigger version of that, where everything's the same, but you get the i7 and 16 GB of RAM (plus a 4K screen). It bumps the price from $850 to $1,200. It's a pricey jump that you might never see benefits of.
If you don't care about touch and want something beefier on the hardware front, this is going to be $850 at Black Friday there as well: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-omen-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i7-8gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-gtx-960m-1tb-hdd-128gb-ssd-onyx-black/5319600.p?skuId=5319600
It's only a 6th0gen i7, but the generation differences are rarely big with CPUs, so going back a year isn't a big deal. Plus, you go from the "lightweight," 2-core i7 to the high-end, 4-core one. The GPU's stronger, and you get the SSD-HDD combo, if you like that (and I could certainly understand not wanting to deal with the cable fumbling of an external HDD, especially if you tend to drop things--HDDs are fragile). Then, of course, it's not a convertible. You trade being thin and flexible for power.
The one your picked for your girlfriend, I think would fit her pretty well. It's hard to find many faults in an ASUS laptop in general, but if she's not living on her computer (meaning she doesn't have to constantly boot from that slow HDD), that should work out well. THe one quick alternative I could find is: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-2-in-1-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-256gb-solid-state-drive-gray/5606500.p?skuId=5606500
The battery life might be worse (3-cell battery, rather than 4-cell), but you get the faster SSD, a lower base price (by $100), and it's a little bit lighter. It sacrifices on the RAM, but shouldn't be hurt for basic needs, and like I said, the SSD can be a bit plus for boot times and program responsiveness. Given the tendency of women, I'll also not it might be a good idea to see if there's a style she likes in a laptop. They can be fashion statements to some (my sister and her husband had a lengthy discussion when getting a Surface Pro about which color keyboard to get...).
I'll also say that, if they're of interest to you/her, the Surface Pros are very nice devices, if you want something that handles really well as a tablet. You'll ultimately know what you want and like better than I will, same for knowing your girlfriend's needs for a laptop (Though she ultimately will likely know better than you as well). If your starting point is at 8 GB of RAM and an i5, and you're willing to spend the reasonable amount of money you mentioned, you'll ultimately be fine.
Don't worry TOO much about getting something perfect. If it looks good, and you care how it looks, go for it. If you want a convertible, there are great options from Lenovo (Yoga), Dell (XPS), Microsoft (Surface), and others (ASUS is almost always a good bet, HP has some nice-looking non-convertibles). If you want a touch screen, get it. If you're not gaming, or you only do things like the game you mentioned, don't be too scared to cut back to an Intel GPU if it gets you a better price or more storage.
Lastly, if you can, go to Best Buy or somewhere else. It can help to get a bit of a feel for the keyboard or see it in person.
Can't explain how much I appreciate not only your advance, but also your specific computer recommendations. You've given so much help, thanks!
I am planning to trade-in my 2013 MacBook Pro retina display for $416 through Geek Squad, and Best Buy is also running a promotion for an "up to $250 gift card" with MacBook trade-ins, so I wouldn't have to pay much for any of the laptops you recommended!!
I am planning to trade-in my 2013 MacBook Pro retina display for $416 through Geek Squad, and Best Buy is also running a promotion for an "up to $250 gift card" with MacBook trade-ins, so I wouldn't have to pay much for any of the laptops you recommended!!
I have been looking for a new laptop for my wife and found this Acer. It might not have as nice a build as the ones at Bestbuy but it is much cheaper and has been getting good reviews.
It has very similar specs as the first laptop that Lil Frier mentioned and is sold by Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Aspire-E5-575G-53VG-Laptop-Windows/dp/B01DT4A2R4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1479440548&sr=1-1&keywords=acer+aspire+e15
It has very similar specs as the first laptop that Lil Frier mentioned and is sold by Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Aspire-E5-575G-53VG-Laptop-Windows/dp/B01DT4A2R4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1479440548&sr=1-1&keywords=acer+aspire+e15
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That actually looks decent. The only downside is it seems like a legit "I'm going to have to punch this grandma for it" doorbuster. It says they'll have a minimum of 3 per-store, meaning they might only have 3 at a lot of stores. My complaints would be a junk-sounding display resolution and non-expandable memory (if things get iffy on 8 GB, you're screwed, but most people will be perfectly fine on that). Yeah, you have to live with what is likely a very slow HDD, but at $450, I'd risk it and add a SSD myself later, if I felt it necessary. Lastly, you don't get ac WiFi, so wireless performance might be a tad slower.
Also a solid choice. DDR3, not DDR4, but that should mean very little to discernible performance. It's also a 2015 CPU, but it's similarly not likely to be a real problem. It also sounds a bit on the chunky side for a laptop (5.27 pounds), but not sure who would really be burdened by that. The brand is probably the worst part of it, in my experience. I haven't known anyone to have an Acer in recent history, but my brother-in-law and his sister both had them in the past. They were like cockroach laptops, in that they'd be problematic, but never actually die so you could just replace them and be done with it.
Yeah I was not sure about the build quality, figured it was not the best given the price. As far as the memory goes the Amazon page is full of inconsistencies several places say DDR4 while in the spec section it says DDR3 but the user comments say DDR4 so I figure they are correct and it was just a mistake in the spec section.
If you want something nicer there are some sales on the Dell xps 13 laptops. I know Ebay is having a sale on one for cyber Monday for 899, that matches most of the specs from the Acer but with much improved build quality.
https://www.bfads.net/eBay-Black-Friday-Cyber-Monday-Deals-Sneak-Peek
If you want something nicer there are some sales on the Dell xps 13 laptops. I know Ebay is having a sale on one for cyber Monday for 899, that matches most of the specs from the Acer but with much improved build quality.
https://www.bfads.net/eBay-Black-Friday-Cyber-Monday-Deals-Sneak-Peek
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For those looking for more $500 and under budget laptops with an Intel Core i7, Staples and Frys will have them on BF with doorbuster prices. The one at Staples seem to be a better buy due to the 1080p display. However, it's odd it doesn't seem to support wireless AC wifi.
Staples $499, HP
http://www.staples.com/HP-Pavilion-15-au063nr-156-Intel-Core-i7-6500U-Processor-12-GB/product_2286584&cmArea=CIRCULAR
Frys $488 with promo code, Lenovo
http://www.frys.com/product/9013907?site=16web111916
Staples $499, HP
http://www.staples.com/HP-Pavilion-15-au063nr-156-Intel-Core-i7-6500U-Processor-12-GB/product_2286584&cmArea=CIRCULAR
Frys $488 with promo code, Lenovo
http://www.frys.com/product/9013907?site=16web111916
slowdive21
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I'm looking for a $200 laptop with a real OS (not android or tablet OSes). Have you guys seen anything? It will mainly be used by my parents for emails, websurfing.
This laptop will be $169 on Black Friday
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-15-6-laptop-amd-a6-series-4gb-memory-500gb-hard-drive-black/5606300.p?skuId=5606300
Here is a $200 laptop you can get right now, but will be $100 on Black Friday
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-100s-11iby-11-6-laptop-intel-atom-2gb-memory-32gb-emmc-flash-memory-silver/5613402.p?skuId=5613402
This will be $200
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/acer-r-11-2-in-1-11-6-touch-screen-chromebook-intel-celeron-4gb-memory-16gb-emmc-flash-memory-white/5202900.p?skuId=5202900
The HP would definitely be the best bet there. eMMC flash is slow flash, even if it's faster than a HDD. I'd much rather see someone with an aMD APU than 2 GB of RAM, especially when it's a cheap laptop. If the HDD proves to be slow (it is, but your parents probably wouldn't notice), you could probably find a 120-GB SSD cheap on Black Friday to put in its place as well.
slowdive21
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I'm a little burned out on HP laptops. My parents last one was a costco build and it was nothing but problems. HD failed, DVD drive failed. Had a company install a new HD and they couldn't find the bios for the model as hp no longer had it on the website. They ghosted the HD eventhough all we needed from it was the OS. The keyboard failed not long after they installed the HD. It is a shame b/c is has such a nice screen. I think it is 21 inches. It also has a remote that came with it that they never used.
On the other hand I love my HP desktop that I have been rocking since 2008. Though I should replace it soon.
On the other hand I love my HP desktop that I have been rocking since 2008. Though I should replace it soon.
HP is a nightmare when it comes to repairs. I'll never buy from them because of how magnificently they lied to me and treated me like shit when my one and only laptop purchase ever had a problem.
However, those other 2 laptops just aren't good choices. 2 GB of RAM is a disaster of complaints waiting to happen, and the tiny eMMC will run out in a hurry. Honestly, IDK how they'll manage on a device with 2 GB of RAM. I think my computer IDLES at about 3.5 used.
Yeah the 2 laptops with the crappy small flash storage I wouldn't waste my time with. The 3rd laptop is actually a chromebook so I wouldn't look at that per your requirements for a real OS. My mother in law has a chromebook and it is great from email/browsing. If you don't want to buy the hp and don't mind spending 250 (a little above your budget) this sounds like a decent laptop for the price. It will be 250 on bf it is currently 350.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i3-6gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-black/5579387.p?skuId=5579387&ref=199&loc=jDfRMawUPt8&acampID=1&cmp=RMX
Not sure how easy it will be to get.
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Thanks for this thread. I'd also like to know what might be best for me.
1. Price range - ~$1,000
2. Want to upgrade to something that I can use for multi-purposes. Editing video, casual gaming also a plus, not a requirement.
3. No brand preference. Looking at Dell XPS, Lenovo Yoga, Asus, and Razer.
4. Touch screen is a plus, also looking for something that isn't too cumbersome to take on the go. The Asus mentioned by OP was about 5lbs and felt like a brick when I went to Best Buy.
Considering this deal at Costco: http://m.costco.com/.product.100312943.html?&EMID=jobid
The price is not such a big issue for me, but I want to know if I'm getting something that I don't at all need.
1. Price range - ~$1,000
2. Want to upgrade to something that I can use for multi-purposes. Editing video, casual gaming also a plus, not a requirement.
3. No brand preference. Looking at Dell XPS, Lenovo Yoga, Asus, and Razer.
4. Touch screen is a plus, also looking for something that isn't too cumbersome to take on the go. The Asus mentioned by OP was about 5lbs and felt like a brick when I went to Best Buy.
Considering this deal at Costco: http://m.costco.com/.product.100312943.html?&EMID=jobid
The price is not such a big issue for me, but I want to know if I'm getting something that I don't at all need.
That looks like an awesome laptop... since I'm not a COSTCO member, I couldn't see the price. How much is it going for? I didn't see many differences from this one and the one I posted.
I don't know much about computers, but I'm of the mindset that I'd rather over-buy and be safe, having a machine I can use for a long time, than to worry about saving money. I ended up going with this laptop for myself:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-2-in-1-15-6-4k-uhd-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i7-16gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-gtx-950m-2tb-hdd-512gb-ssd-black-aluminum-sandblasted-with-gunmetal-hinge/5561200.p?skuId=5561200
Seems a too powerful for what I would use it for, but at this price (and with $600 credit from trading in tech at my local Best Buy) I thought it was a good idea. Now all I need to buy is a case for it
But if the price for the COSTCO laptop works for you, I would say its a good buy. Worst case scenario you can take it back within the allotted return time if it doesn't suit you very well.
Can I piggy back off of this and ask for some help? 14 y/o in the family is desperate for his first laptop, with these requests:
- A "really fast one"
- Can "edit videos and everything"
- Touch screen
- 15 inch
- Will last him through high school
He might need to compromise on some these (like touch screen...) but I haven't the first idea where to begin. I just buy what Apple tells me. Any ideas or recommendations? He's a kid, so price is obviously a factor.
EDIT: He just sent me a text message saying "idk if I need it but I really want the i7 intel core processor" So... yeah. Compromise.
- A "really fast one"
- Can "edit videos and everything"
- Touch screen
- 15 inch
- Will last him through high school
He might need to compromise on some these (like touch screen...) but I haven't the first idea where to begin. I just buy what Apple tells me. Any ideas or recommendations? He's a kid, so price is obviously a factor.
EDIT: He just sent me a text message saying "idk if I need it but I really want the i7 intel core processor" So... yeah. Compromise.
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Something "really fast" and can "edit videos and everything", along with being i7 intel will be very expensive, especially for a 14 year old. No matter where you look.
Unless he is going to a highly advanced technical high school that specializes in video production, I don't see a need for him to have any of those specs on his laptop. Other than a 15" screen, and maybe being touch screen, I don't see any other justification of the specifics he is asking for (since he just needs it for high school apparently).
What I would suggest is that you:
1) Figure out exactly how much you would like to spend on a laptop. This will give us a guideline on what types we can search for.
2) Tell that kid that the type of laptop that he wants is overkill, and completely unnecessary for his stage in life. A high school student with no job, therefore no source of independent income, and no technical or academic need for such a computer doesn't need a powerful machine. Get him to understand that and he can compromise to something that is more practical and cost effective.
Those are just my 2 cents.
Sorry I didn't reply in here. You guys have to quote me to get my attention, I'm very slow without a punch in the face.
I'd want to know what your kid is using to "edit video." Is it some quality, professional software, or is he using YouTube? It's just incredibly unlikely he needs an i7. In fact, the kid, no offense, probably just knows "i7," and that 7 > 5, so he needs it. It's honestly a waste for most everyone who buys it, especially in a pre-built machine. You're paying for a slight turbo clock boost, and if you go super-high-end for the HQ models, you get the 8-thread deal that the i7 is known for on a desktop (note that most i7s in laptops really are just slightly higher clocked i5s on the turbo, if I remember correctly).
Does he want a 15" screen because he wants a big screen, or because he wants a small one? I can never tell if someone thinks "15" is light and portable," or if they think "15" is the smallest I can read from." I always recommend that, if possible, you take someone to a store to get a look at display sizes. My brother-in-law thought he NEEDED a 17" display when he started looking. Then he realized that even 13.3" is pretty good, given you're usually right on top of your laptop.
There are a lot of good options in the 15.6" family, but I personally think 13.3" is the sweet spot of the hybrids (think the Lenovo Yoga line). As I probably said above, I don't own a laptop. However, if I got one, I'd probably be looking at a 13.3" because I'd want something I can take with me and not need a carrying case for. 13.3" is pretty close to a textbook in size, that's my thinking.
Anyway, budget's the big decider in this stuff. So, without knowing what your kid's love is worth to you, it's hard to give a good suggestion. However, given it's a kid, I think the SSD is even more important than just the speed preference. SSDs are more durable than HDDs because they don't have the spinning parts than can break. Not that I condone bad behavior, but if your kid's a little rough with his stuff, that SSD might save him from massive data loss if he drops the laptop or keeps in a backpack he tosses on a bed (I say this as the cousin of someone who tossed a bag with an external HDD around quite a bit--there were no survivors).
Lastly, if Apple's telling you to do it, I say "run away." I mean, if you really love that UI and the free software, go for it, in the end. It's your money and your user experience is worth exactly what you value it at. If you like a Mac, get it. However, IMO, Apple's giving you a different OS--not a better or worse one--and charging you for a brand and some build quality that tops the generic OEM options in the Windows crowd.
All of that said, it's hard to recommend something different than I generally do with everything:
--i5
--8 GB RAM
--256 GB SSD
That's the baseline for me. You can get by on 128 for the SSD, but if the kid is editing video, that's space-hungry, and might mean you need the bigger SSD. If he does it a LOT, consider pairing it with a WD Passport external HDD (much cheaper than getting a laptop with a massive SSD). The i7 will be wasted, most likely. The RAM should be fine, but if it's beefy video editing software, maybe something with an i7 and 16 GB of RAM would make sense (though I lean against that when your kid doesn't know what i7 means).
I'd want to know what your kid is using to "edit video." Is it some quality, professional software, or is he using YouTube? It's just incredibly unlikely he needs an i7. In fact, the kid, no offense, probably just knows "i7," and that 7 > 5, so he needs it. It's honestly a waste for most everyone who buys it, especially in a pre-built machine. You're paying for a slight turbo clock boost, and if you go super-high-end for the HQ models, you get the 8-thread deal that the i7 is known for on a desktop (note that most i7s in laptops really are just slightly higher clocked i5s on the turbo, if I remember correctly).
Does he want a 15" screen because he wants a big screen, or because he wants a small one? I can never tell if someone thinks "15" is light and portable," or if they think "15" is the smallest I can read from." I always recommend that, if possible, you take someone to a store to get a look at display sizes. My brother-in-law thought he NEEDED a 17" display when he started looking. Then he realized that even 13.3" is pretty good, given you're usually right on top of your laptop.
There are a lot of good options in the 15.6" family, but I personally think 13.3" is the sweet spot of the hybrids (think the Lenovo Yoga line). As I probably said above, I don't own a laptop. However, if I got one, I'd probably be looking at a 13.3" because I'd want something I can take with me and not need a carrying case for. 13.3" is pretty close to a textbook in size, that's my thinking.
Anyway, budget's the big decider in this stuff. So, without knowing what your kid's love is worth to you, it's hard to give a good suggestion. However, given it's a kid, I think the SSD is even more important than just the speed preference. SSDs are more durable than HDDs because they don't have the spinning parts than can break. Not that I condone bad behavior, but if your kid's a little rough with his stuff, that SSD might save him from massive data loss if he drops the laptop or keeps in a backpack he tosses on a bed (I say this as the cousin of someone who tossed a bag with an external HDD around quite a bit--there were no survivors).
Lastly, if Apple's telling you to do it, I say "run away." I mean, if you really love that UI and the free software, go for it, in the end. It's your money and your user experience is worth exactly what you value it at. If you like a Mac, get it. However, IMO, Apple's giving you a different OS--not a better or worse one--and charging you for a brand and some build quality that tops the generic OEM options in the Windows crowd.
All of that said, it's hard to recommend something different than I generally do with everything:
--i5
--8 GB RAM
--256 GB SSD
That's the baseline for me. You can get by on 128 for the SSD, but if the kid is editing video, that's space-hungry, and might mean you need the bigger SSD. If he does it a LOT, consider pairing it with a WD Passport external HDD (much cheaper than getting a laptop with a massive SSD). The i7 will be wasted, most likely. The RAM should be fine, but if it's beefy video editing software, maybe something with an i7 and 16 GB of RAM would make sense (though I lean against that when your kid doesn't know what i7 means).
bread's done