Hey everyone - hope you’re all safe and sound during these crazy times. So, here’s the thing - my ancient, trusty laptop finally decided to call it quits the other day, right in the middle of a game. Yep, that one hurt. But, that means it’s time for the upgrade I’ve been postponing for a while.

My problem is, I don’t have a clue about what’s out there right now. Tech talk sounds like an alien language to me and most online reviews leave me with more questions than answers. I want a new laptop, ideally something reliable that won’t cost the earth, but I’m kind of a gamer and also use it for work, so it needs to be able to handle a lot.

I’ve been skimming through online stores, looking at the specs and just getting lost. What’s a good amount of RAM right now? What do I need to look out for? Any recommendations for models I should check out? I’m reluctant to just go for the cheapest option but that doesn’t mean I can stretch to a high-end model either - my budget’s around $600.

Also, this might sound silly but, is it a bad time to be buying a laptop? With all the ongoing chip shortages, should I maybe hold off until that’s sorted?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, guys!

Hey, gaming and working all on a budget, eh? No problem, mate! For something decent around $600, look out for something with an Intel i5 or Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB RAM or more and at least 256GB SSD for quick boot-ups. I’ve had good experiences with Asus’s Vivobook series, pretty reliable and falls right in your budget.

As for the chip shortage - yeah, it’s a bit of a pain, but budget laptops shouldn’t be too hard to find. Plus, waiting for something ‘better’ in tech will keep you waiting forever, there’s always something new on the horizon. Better to jump in when you need to. Hope this helps!

I totally agree with you about the Asus Vivobook series. They strike a great balance between performance and price. Also, If gaming is a big part of the picture, you might want to check out some entry-level gaming laptops, like the Acer Nitro 5 or Lenovo Legion series. They pack a little more punch in the graphics department. And in my experience, snagging one during a sale can bring them pretty close to your budget.

And as for the chip shortage, you’re right. The waiting game in tech is never-ending. It’s best to dive in when a good deal shows up. Happy laptop hunting!

Totally with you on the Asus Vivobook suggestion. It’s got the guts for everyday tasks without breaking the bank. Those gaming laptops you mentioned, Acer Nitro 5 and Lenovo Legion, they’ve got some serious power but could be bit heavy on the pocket, even on a sale. But hey, sometimes it’s love at first sight with tech gadgets, right?

And you hit the nail on the head about the chip shortage. It’s like waiting for the perfect wave in surfing. You never know when it comes, but when it does, you gotta ride it. Waiting for the right laptop deal is pretty much the same. Hope you find the perfect match soon! Happy hunting indeed.