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Laptop Collection 2020

I've owned numerous laptops over the years and have settled on a small fleet of three (3) machines:
  • Window Box - Win10 - HP i7-6700HQ (2016)
  • Linux Box - Lubuntu - HP i3-4010u (2014)
  • Spare - Lubuntu - Compaq C700 C2Duo-T5250 (2007?)

i3-4010u // an awesome processor
Intel did good with the release of this 4th generation processor.  While the i3 is meant to be an entry-level and basic CPU, it works perfectly for Linux and most of my computing needs (excluding gaming).

The best part it draws very little power and was one of the main reasons I dumped most of my older laptops that ran Core 2 Duo's and older.  I'm still impressed at how many people still hang onto their 4th gen i3 and they sell for a decent price on eBay (my HP i3 model goes for about $200!)

i7-6700HQ // great, but needs a GPU and SSD
The i7 is awesome, but if you are going to buy one you should get it paired with an SSD and GPU.  In hindsight, I had this as options, but opted for the lower price configuration.  I regret that and partially making up for it by upgrading to an SSD.

I foresee the i7 lasting me at least a decade and maybe even two decades!  By then it'll be such a dinosaur compared to whatever is available in the year 2036.

Gaming Laptop (next purchase?)
I'm leaning towards finally dumping the old Compaq Core 2 Duo, if and when I get a gaming laptop (evaluating the HP Pavilion series and possibly a mid-tier i5-9300H with 256 GB SSD and GTX1050 GPU)...but still need to do my homework and better understand my options.  For technology, its okay to wait as better deals almost always happen the longer you wait; and honestly the i7 is doing just fine for the online gaming that I've been doing lately.

Closing
So far the HP i3 and i7 have served me well and I use my Linux i3 most of the time.  I've also grown to appreciate the wider format of these laptops with their large 15.4" touchscreens and full keyboard layout.

The i3 is 6 years old (2014) and the i7 is 4 years old (2016) and both are running strong.  I'll eventually upgrade the i3 with an SSD and it should last me 6 more years easily; the C700 is from 2009 and still using its original HDD and proof this is feasible.

The only exception are the batteries.  The i3 lasts about 45-60 minutes on its original battery.  I'm evaluating options and seeking a stronger aftermarket battery that might be 2-3 times bigger than the original and possibly give me a decent 5-6 hours of life again.

Update - 8/2/22

Even after 2 years both the i3 and i7 are going strong and continue to be my Linux and Window rigs, respectively.  I'm still lacking a good gaming laptop and relying on the i7.

I'm not sure why I'm hesitating, but likely will wait until late 2023 as I'm planning on buying the new iPhone 14 and an Apple Watch this year so my budget is already allocated.

Update - 5/13/13 - Dell Precision 7530 is my 3rd laptop and 'gaming machine'

I've gone and done it and procured my 3rd laptop.  Spent $225 to pick an older 8th gen i5-8400H Dell Precision 7530 to join my collection.  For now I'm running Linux Mint 21.2 and so far am happy with it.  The new m.2 NVME SSD are amazing and this thing is designed for modification.  With ability to maintain 5 m.2 NVME SSD's I will likely make this into a dual boot monster.



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