Picking my first Linux Laptop

[MzQ1NjExN2]

Make sure you get a processor that is at least 8th generation of the i5/i7 processors when buying a laptop. They are quad core starting at the 8th generation and prior to the 8th generation the processors are dual core.

I did a review on a laptop I purchased recently. Check this one out as well:

Thread 'HP EliteBook 845 G8 Laptop AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650U'

Dec 1, 2025

Looks like a good deal for this laptop ($234.99):

https://www.newegg.com/hp-elitebook-14-0-amd-ryzen-5-pro-5650u-16gb-memory-256-gb-ssd/p/N82E16834818214?Item=N82E16834818214

Processor has 6 cores/12 threads. Its energy efficient (15W) and has overall good reviews on multiple websites. #1 best seller on newegg.com.

Keyboard has some good feedback on the following thread:

https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comments/154c25v/hp_elitebook_keyboard_vs_thinkpad_keyboard

Shipped and sold by newegg as well. Never had a HP before but I think I might order one.

• MzQ1NjExN2
• Replies: 20
• Forum: General Computing

Price went up slightly but its a six core.

 

[MzQ1NjExN2]

Make sure you get a processor that is at least 8th generation of the i5/i7 processors when buying a laptop. They are quad core starting at the 8th generation and prior to the 8th generation the processors are dual core.

I did a review on a laptop I purchased recently. Check this one out as well:

Thread 'HP EliteBook 845 G8 Laptop AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650U'

Dec 1, 2025

Looks like a good deal for this laptop ($234.99):

https://www.newegg.com/hp-elitebook-14-0-amd-ryzen-5-pro-5650u-16gb-memory-256-gb-ssd/p/N82E16834818214?Item=N82E16834818214

Processor has 6 cores/12 threads. Its energy efficient (15W) and has overall good reviews on multiple websites. #1 best seller on newegg.com.

Keyboard has some good feedback on the following thread:

https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comments/154c25v/hp_elitebook_keyboard_vs_thinkpad_keyboard

Shipped and sold by newegg as well. Never had a HP before but I think I might order one.

• MzQ1NjExN2
• Replies: 20
• Forum: General Computing

Price went up slightly but its a six core.

Correction to my last post. Its the i5 processors that are quad core starting from the 8th generation not the i7.

What is the Difference Between Intel i7 Generations: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to purchasing a new computer or upgrading an existing one, one of the crucial factors to consider is the processor. Intel's i7 series is highly

thetechylife.com

https://www.forbes.com/sites/antonyleather/2017/08/21/intel-to-double-core-count-on-8th-gen-mobile-processors-quad-core-boost-for-laptop-performance/

Actually now I'm confused as it looks like its different for desktops and laptops and maybe also the energy efficient processors ending in U. When looking at laptops I would just look up each machine's processor and see how many cores it has. Try and get the processors that end in U if your just using the laptop for non intensive things. They are energy efficient (good for long battery life).

Intel U vs. P vs. H Laptop CPUs: What's the Difference?

Checking how a CPU should perform on a laptop isn't as straightforward as it is on a desktop, but that doesn't mean it should be complicated.

www.makeuseof.com

 

[Brickwizard]

Don't be panicked by personal suggestions of the members, they are just that personal suggestions ,
We have members using all types/ages of kit from as far back as the T series intel CPU [2008] up to made last week, each distribution has a minimum specification, usually a twin core CPU and 4gb ram so a 2010 machine with a T4500 cpu and 4 gb ram is absolutely fine for general home computing, surfing not gaming, but it will be a bit slow, come forward a machine with either a quad core or twin core with 4 threads and 8 GB ram and SSD, will be a lot faster and ok for some older games, if you want to do modern gaming then an I7 multi-core or AMD Ryzen 5 one or two years old would be preferable with at lest 16 gb ram [32gb would be better] [these are just Guides]
at the end of the day its the old adage get the best you can for the cash you can spare.

 

[deb_user]

One of the attractions of the T480 to me is that it's easy to upgrade everything. CPU, RAM, storage, it's all easily upgraded. If you find one with too little RAM, it's a snap to install more. Same for the SSD/HDD. The CPU is slightly more involved, because you need to change the thermal paste, but it's still not that hard if you have average skills. There are lots of YouTube tutorials for whatever you need to do. The dual batteries are also a big plus.

 

[MikeWalsh]

Correction to my last post. Its the i5 processors that are quad core starting from the 8th generation not the i7.

Actually now I'm confused as it looks like its different for desktops and laptops and maybe also the energy efficient processors ending in U.

Heh. Yeah, you got that right. I'm considering an upgrade to an i5-8600K in the HP desktop rig. This is a 6-core chip.....but without 'hyperthreading'. I'm starting to lose faith in H/T, since it seems the 'virtual' threads don't get full access to resources the way the "real" threads do. This should give me the required grunt of 6 "real" threads for video-editing...

It's achieving 'bang for your buck'. I could go to an i7/i9 on this board, but those are damn pricey on the second-hand markets; I'm not made of money.......and ATM, I really cannot justify that kind of expense.


Mike.

 

[MikeWalsh]

at the end of the day its the old adage get the best you can for the cash you can spare.

Yup. Couldn't agree more. I might have come into a wee windfall recently - hence a few recent purchases! - but it's not a huge amount. Even so, it's allowing me to make a few improvements I've been thinking of for quite a while.

Final step will be the CPU upgrade.....the i5-8600K; 6 cores, but NO hyperthreading (see my comment above). For what I'm after - video-editing "grunt" - this is the best one I've been able to find for the money (which I don't want to go stupid on).

All boils down to what m'colleague mentioned above; "bang for your buck". If it performs half as well as I'm hoping for, it'll be the final piece of the puzzle.....& a well-spent £40.


Mike.