Trying to buy a new laptop and I am completely overwhelmed. I know I want:

• At least 32gb RAM

• At least an i7 or Ryzen 7

• SSD

• Not convertible/2-in-1

• budget around $1,500

I would prefer something with a micro SD or SD slot, but that's not a deal breaker. Laptop will be used at home for work/school, photo editing, watching video.

I keep ending up on Lenovo, but unsure if I should go with ThinkPad, Thinkbook, IdeaPad, or Yoga. This is where I get overwhelmed because each model has different variations, and I am just struggling to keep everything straight. Any help would be greatly appreciated

LAPTOP QUESTIONNAIRE

• Total budget -- $1500 or less (United States)

• Are you open to refurbs/used? -- No.

• How would you prioritize form factor (ultrabook, 2-in-1, etc.), build quality, performance, and battery life?

  • Performance is the main priority, and the product should be reasonably sturdy so it doesn't shatter if you sneeze on it.

• Minimum Hardware Requirements (for software identified):

  • CPU: i7 or Ryzen 9 minimum

  • GPU: RTX 3060/4060 or better

  • RAM: 32GB preferred (16GB minimum)

  • Storage: 1TB SSD recommended

  • Ports: USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet

  • Budget: $1500 max

• How important is weight and thinness to you?

  • Not important.

• Do you have a preferred screen size?

  • N/A

• Are you doing any CAD/video editing/photo editing/gaming?

  • I need a laptop that can handle professional software and heavy multitasking without throttling. My main applications:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, Photoshop, After Effects)

  • AutoCAD (for 2D/3D modeling)

  • ArcGIS Pro (working with GIS data)

  • Heavy multitasking (Multiple applications + Chrome tabs open simultaneously)

  • No gaming.

• Do you have any specific requirements, such as a good keyboard, reliable build quality, touch screen, finger print reader, optical drive, or good input devices (keyboard/touchpad)?

  • Nothing specific -- as long as the keyboard is functional. I don't use touchscreen much.

  • It should have Bluetooth connectivity capabilities.

After research, I've narrowed it down to:

• Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (Intel Core i7-13700HX + RTX 4060/4070)

• Lenovo Legion Pro 5 (AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX or Ryzen 9 7845HX + RTX 4060/4070)

• Dell G16 (best budget performer according to Tom's Hardware)

Additional questions:

1. Is there a significant performance difference between Intel vs AMD for my specific softwares?

2. Any known issues with these models for professional workloads?

3. How is the thermal performance during extended professional use?

4. Any other models I should consider in this price range?

5. Is it worth waiting for any upcoming releases, especially with Lenovo pausing shipments to the US due to tariffs?

I'll primarily use this for professional work rather than gaming, so display quality and keyboard comfort are also important. Any input is appreciated thanks!

My FIL is looking for a new windows laptop, he prioritizes speed, design and portability. Budget is around the $1500 mark. Mostly used for the office suite but he runs his businesses from his PC and needs a good solid reliable option. Travels a lot so wants something portable and lightweight.

Thoughts on the Asus vivobook pro or the LG gram? Both with i7 evo. Worth considering the surface?

I'm in the market for a gaming laptop and my budget is capped at $1500. I've done some research, but with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the best balance between performance and price. I'm primarily interested in gaming performance, but I also want something that has decent build quality and battery life for casual use.

For those who have recently purchased a gaming laptop in this price range, what models do you recommend?
Are there specific brands or configurations that provide the best value?
Any insights on performance benchmarks or user experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Let’s help each other find the best options!