What's a good windows laptop for $600-$1000?

[xbow]

I may consider ryzen, but I'm concerned about how well virtualization works with ryzen compared to intel.

What will you virtualize? At work I run a dozen or so of web services in docker containers on a Ryzen, no problems at all. Why would Ryzens be bad for that? They generally do better than Intel in multicore benchmarks, which should help.

[3ptguitarist]

You can't go wrong with Lenovo. My Legion and ThinkPad are beasts that have survived a lot.

Have you played live with your laptops? If so, how well have those laptops worked?

[arkmabat]

I haven't, but I'd actually trust the ThinkPad more for reliability and less weight. Do note that they usually don't have touchscreens.

[3ptguitarist]

I may consider ryzen, but I'm concerned about how well virtualization works with ryzen compared to intel.

What will you virtualize? At work I run a dozen or so of web services in docker containers on a Ryzen, no problems at all. Why would Ryzens be bad for that? They generally do better than Intel in multicore benchmarks, which should help.

I'm mainly learning windows server 2019. I'll be using server 2019 and other virtualized windows pc's to create a business like setup. I'm doing this for IT job experience.

I'm currently doing that at home on my Intel 6700k desktop which I also use for music production. But I want a laptop that I can use as well for same stuff as well as for music production and gaming.

[xbow]

I'm mainly learning windows server 2019. I'll be using server 2019 and other virtualized windows pc's to create a business like setup. I'm doing this for IT job experience.

Ok, I have no experience with that, just a general impression that people are still prejudiced agaist Ryzens when in fact the current gen models are excellent.

[kingozrecords]

You can't go wrong with Lenovo. My Legion and ThinkPad are beasts that have survived a lot.

I've often considered lenovo, especially since they've moved beyond their very utilitarian look, I admit I've considered their wares.

[arkmabat]

The ThinkPads don't look much different from the ones in early 2000s (ha!) but they cram enough internals inside to make it very worth it. Two batteries, decent processor, and a GPU good enough to run light games. All in a design that could be mistaken for a large clipboard.

[gExpectations]

I dont think you can hit your full spec list in your price range. I would drop the GFX unit if its for music. Processor line upgrades (3>5>7) offer very little gain, if they have same core count (like under 5% in each step, not justified by the price). Core count differences matter and MHZ differences matter a bit, just keep in mind (a) not all audio software is threaded properly and (b) many, especially non premium laptops, will throttle quickly because they are overheating, so you get diminishing returns from upgraded CPUs.

[GaryG]

Piggy backing on this thread... Ryzen 7 4700U: looks to benchmark better overall than an 11th gen i5 though slightly poorer single thread performance, assume ok for general audio usage (typically not too many tracks but a lot of plugs). Thanks.

[donkey tugger]

Piggy backing on this thread... Ryzen 7 4700U: looks to benchmark better overall than an 11th gen i5 though slightly poorer single thread performance, assume ok for general audio usage (typically not too many tracks but a lot of plugs). Thanks.

Just on this (as at some point I will up grade my i7-3740qm pocket calculator..bit of time yet though, still very rarely max it out) , is there still any issue with the 'U' processors (both Intel and AMD) throttling the CPUs when stressed to keep temperatures down? I recall this was always given as a reason you should avoid them and go for the business/gaming machines with chips with higher TDP capacity.

[GaryG]

I've been looking at i5-1135G7 based laptops mainly and have read one or two reviews that mention this throttling, seems down to the manufacturers, whether they do this in the bios etc. Seems like the lower end of the business market is a good spopt, thinkbooks or msi moderns etc.

[donkey tugger]

I've been looking at i5-1135G7 based laptops mainly and have read one or two reviews that mention this throttling, seems down to the manufacturers, whether they do this in the bios etc. Seems like the lower end of the business market is a good spopt, thinkbooks or msi moderns etc.

Cheers, yes just had a bit of a search myself, and it does seem that it's down to poor design on some particular models these days.

Still think I'll wait on and go for something with an AMD 5800H or such to be safe in a year or so (Lenovos going for around £800 now) refurbished as I also need the connectivity etc. I'm well in with the IT recycling place down the road and trust them, so by that time hopefully should be able to pick one up cheap.