My Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide – $800 – $1,200 USD

My Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide – $800 – $1,200 USD

The biggest laptop round up i’ve ever done. Part 2 of my 3 part series where I give you tips and tricks to save money when buying a laptop, and recommend my favorite laptops between $800 and $1,200 USD for casual users, students, programmers, photo or video editors, and gamers

00:00 Intro
01:15 $800 to $1,200 Shopper Overview
01:30 Casual Users & Student Recommendations
04:00 Macbook M1 Note
05:12 Software Developer Recommendations
08:20 Gamer Recommendations
08:50 Video & Photo Editor Recommendations

Part 1 of Guide: https://youtu.be/Tc-drtjaey8
Part 3 of Guide: https://youtu.be/ys6vzdQUxao

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@just_josh_tech
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justjoshtech/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustJoshTech
Get Laptop Advice @ Discord: https://discordapp.com/invite/MHrS4wG
Support the Channel @ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/justjoshtech
Enquiries: josh@justjosh.tech

Laptops Recommended:
* HP Envy 13 X360 (AMD): https://bit.ly/2I010Ur
* HP Envy 15 (Intel): https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=7168&awinaffid=762031&ued=https://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-envy-laptop-15t-ep000-8rg48av-1
* HP Spectre x360 14 (Intel): https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=7168&awinaffid=762031&ued=https://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-spectre-x360-laptop-14t-ea000-touch-1q881av-1
* HP Omen (AMD) https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=7168&awinaffid=762031&ued=https://store.hp.com/us/en/ConfigureView?langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&catEntryId=3074457345619645323&urlLangId=&quantity=1&jumpid=ma_omen-gaming_product-tile_laptops_3_8tc73av-1_omen-laptop-15z–en0
* HP Omen (AMD): https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/b61AP
* Dell XPS 9310 (Intel): https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/new-xps-13-laptop/spd/xps-13-9310-laptop
* Dell XPS 9500 (Intel): https://amzn.to/2ILY1iJ
* Lenovo Thinkpad T14 (AMD): https://lenovo.vzew.net/YXmQm
* Lenovo Thinkpad T14s (AMD): https://lenovo.vzew.net/mLyWq
* Lenovo Ideapad 5 15 16g ram: https://amzn.to/3f7av0N

Videos Referenced:
* Macbook Air M1 Review – To Be Posted
* Macbook Pro M1 Review – To Be Posted

Laptops & Setup I Use:

Casual Laptop – Dell XPS 9310: https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-laptops/new-xps-13-laptop/spd/xps-13-9310-laptop
Video Editing Laptop – Macbook Pro 16: https://amzn.to/3rCtTII
Gaming Laptop – HP Omen (HP Store Configurable): https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=7168&awinaffid=762031&ued=https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/omen-laptop-15t-ek100-28n35av-1
Programming Laptop – Aero 17 HDR: https://amzn.to/3xQmvvV
Monitor: https://amzn.to/3cfSTgw
Keyboard: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=7168&awinaffid=762031&ued=https://store.hp.com/us/en/omen-spacer-wireless-tkl-keyboard
Mouse: https://amzn.to/34wrc0d

Youtube Gear I Use:

Camera 1: https://amzn.to/3oMDLhB
Camera 2: https://amzn.to/35TqfQH
Main Lens: https://amzn.to/380FKsB
Thumbnail Lens: https://amzn.to/381u8G0
Vlog Lens: https://amzn.to/37Xr39T
Key Light: https://amzn.to/2ETUNEG
Shotgun Mic: https://amzn.to/30wa9aR
Lav Mic: https://amzn.to/2QlQhYq
Wireless Mic: https://amzn.to/2E4jq4t
Backup Drive: https://amzn.to/2L9NSuG
My Watch: https://amzn.to/2TzK0HA

As an Amazon, Lenovo, Best Buy, and HP Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

#LaptopDeals #BuyingGuide

50 Comments

  1. Dasrix on November 8, 2021 at 10:31 am

    What do you think about the Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5?



  2. Anant Sharma on November 8, 2021 at 10:31 am

    Great review! I found a cheaper Dell XPS with Intel® UHD Graphics instead of what you were recommending. Do you think it’ll make a difference in display?



  3. Фаррух КФ on November 8, 2021 at 10:31 am

    I dont know about your country, but in Russia Dell XPS 9310 starts with almost 2k $



  4. Leo Henriq on November 8, 2021 at 10:33 am

    Hi Josh! I’m looking for a laptop for photo and video editing. I am a hobbyist and would like something I could grow into. I’d rather have more ram for when I eventually would need it! Great channel, thanks!



  5. michelezic1 on November 8, 2021 at 10:36 am

    Hi Josh I’ve reviewed a bunch of your videos, but can’t seem to find a good laptop for me. Looking for something that is cool, quiet and reliable for word processing, zoom, and web searching. It’s going to be docked most of the time so things like keyboard and screen size are not important. Thanks!!!!



  6. Adem Bencheikh on November 8, 2021 at 10:36 am

    You pay 1000$ for 8gb of ram hhhhhhh what has the world come to



  7. Anabela on November 8, 2021 at 10:37 am

    HEEELP ME DECIDEEE, Is it better to buy:
    LENOVO IdeaPad 5 15ARE05, 81YQ00CYSC, 15,6 FHD, AMD Ryzen 7 4700U, 8GB RAM, 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, AMD Radeon Graphics, FreeDOS laptop
    Or
    Dell Inspiron 3505 AMD Ryzen 5 3500U 2.10GHz 8GB 512GB SSD W10H 15.6" IPS FullHD AMD Radeon Vega 8 P/N: N0915
    ?
    I need it for my universtiy (engineering).



  8. Boby Gilang on November 8, 2021 at 10:39 am

    All the laptop selection are too focused Light task, Coding, office. None of them are Reliable for gaming beside omen15. just like Every single Independent Creator Youtube Content. Tumbleweed



  9. Rob Fsociety on November 8, 2021 at 10:43 am

    Great review, finally someone who can pack the best laptops in portability but also performance. Just missed which one of these offers best battery life 🙂



  10. TeaNCoffee on November 8, 2021 at 10:46 am

    Edit: I just checked the price of the XPS 15 shoen in the video and it costs $100 more now than it did when this video was posted. Smh.

    Hey guys, im looking for a laptop thats basically an XPS 15 without that price tag. 16 ram and 512gb storage (for long term longevity, 7+hour battery, good screen but i dont need touch or 4k. I usually do like 13 inch laptops bc of how portable they are, but I want to go back to school and possibly learn a few profitiable skills like website building or graphic design.



  11. Matrix go brrr on November 8, 2021 at 10:48 am

    This man has to be freaking rich



  12. William H on November 8, 2021 at 10:48 am

    I’m looking for a budget laptop (400-1000) for downloading and storing music and movies. Also for using as a source for my HiFi and tv, so it needs to run quiet. Any suggestions? Or any suggestions on videos you have in that kind of thing. Thanks.



  13. Daniel Fine on November 8, 2021 at 10:48 am

    Lenovo 5 15 8gb 512 on sale at office depot for 450$ us dollars



  14. Joseph Couteau on November 8, 2021 at 10:49 am

    Xps 9310(premium feel and screen), Lenovo Ideapad slim i7, hpenvy 13
    Thinkpad T14 series
    Dell xps 9500(-: heavy), Ideapad 5 15(hard to find)
    Hp envy 15: best display



  15. Joanna Smith on November 8, 2021 at 10:51 am

    Great videos… any way you can give me your opinion on HP Pavilion 15 eg0073cl, i7, 16 gb, 512 ssd versus the Lenovo Ideapad 5 15ITLO5, i7, 12 gb, 512 ssd? I purchased both from Costco, HP $749 (reg $899 w/$150 off); Lenovo for $649. I have only a few days to return one. This is driving me crazy and your opinion would be greatly appreciated!!



  16. Vàng Linh mục vàng on November 8, 2021 at 10:51 am

    DO NOT BUY THE LENOVO LEGION!!!! THE SCREEN IS TERRIBLE QUALITY, COLORS ON APPLICATIONS ARE DULL AND INCORRECT! WATCHING HD YOUTUBE VIDEOS FEELS LIKE YOU’RE WATCHING 240P AND IT ISNT EVEN THAT FAST. I BOUGHT THE i7 VERSION AND RETURNED IT PROMPTLY!



  17. Camila Rojas on November 8, 2021 at 10:52 am

    Hello, im looking for advice between 2 laptops, mostly videoconferencing, online work, microsoft office, Netflix, and maybe some games like the sims. If anyone would help me I’ll be really grateful.
    I bought a Lenovo ideapad s540 Intel i5 16gb RAM (it cost me like 956 USD). It had some problems with the camera and keyboard so im changing it for the same one or another one as good as this one or better.
    Any advice or recommendation is really important to me. Thank you.



  18. Alan Diego Villalobos on November 8, 2021 at 10:52 am

    Can’t find your Mac Air m1 review. 😢



  19. Joseph Couteau on November 8, 2021 at 10:56 am

    Btw, any laptop recommendation with 16gb ram, can do light/medium video editing at this price range? Thanks!



  20. Andy kone on November 8, 2021 at 10:57 am

    I LUV YOUR CONTENT SO FAR YU STILL THE BEST LAPTOP REVIEWER



  21. Bev Q on November 8, 2021 at 10:57 am

    Do you have a vid that talks about best laptops for designers?



  22. Ravi Peiris on November 8, 2021 at 10:59 am

    Great video 🤗



  23. Sumaira Khurshid on November 8, 2021 at 10:59 am

    I’m a researcher want a fast portable laptop with normal screen n good memory what is the best option?



  24. Lorna D on November 8, 2021 at 11:00 am

    HI Josh. I’m a business user: Lots of spreadsheets (excel & sheets), MS 365 suite, Google Suite (whatever it’s called now), zoom, teams, multiple storage locations (one drive, drop box, external HD). I’m not quite sure where I fit in your user categories… not quite a "moderate" user and not a gamer. Will you do a buying guide for the day-to-day business user who works at home (ie not on the road). I think you might find lots of new followers! You’re a terrific reviewer and educator. Thanks!



  25. Faraan Quraishi on November 8, 2021 at 11:02 am

    What do you think about the asus g14 for software development?



  26. Will Griffin on November 8, 2021 at 11:05 am

    I have a question I want a laptop for about 700-750 but I also want like more storage and maybe like a ok processor but a decent graphics card but I am not sure what I should get can anyone help?



  27. Rama Nathan on November 8, 2021 at 11:06 am

    why dont you review huawai laptops / samsung laptops as much. are they bad?



  28. Proud soviet on November 8, 2021 at 11:07 am

    a omen costs like 3000 dollars in singapore lol



  29. saab92513584 on November 8, 2021 at 11:08 am

    Everyone seems to forget that HP makes an Envy X360 in a 15” and it has a numpad which is an absolute must have for me between excel and cad software. Ryzen CPU, 16 GM of ram, and a decent touch screen for $800-$850 depending on sale prices.



  30. Morihei Ueshiba on November 8, 2021 at 11:09 am

    I really appreciate that you are pretty honest in your reviews. Greetings from Russia!!!))



  31. Asian Hut on November 8, 2021 at 11:09 am

    Among hp envy x360 and hp pavilion x360 which is good for students



  32. Mustaqim Nordin on November 8, 2021 at 11:12 am

    You should really review laptop with intel 11 gen tho, kinda waiting to watch it.



  33. Ta Sa on November 8, 2021 at 11:13 am

    Your reviews are phenomenal, informative and useful to getting us newbies what to get and what is best for different users, thank you!



  34. KJ on November 8, 2021 at 11:14 am

    Does he ever review Windows or graphic design type of laptops, I’m a Graphic Designer so I’m really interested in laptops that are more suited with Photoshop, Lightroom, and Adobe Illustrator



  35. Laura Brown on November 8, 2021 at 11:14 am

    In Modern Living Rooms Everyone Using "SoundProof Curtains" That Stops Outside Noise by 80% (25 Db) Tested. Check Here: https://livesoundproof.com/best-soundproof-curtains/



  36. Sumaira Khurshid on November 8, 2021 at 11:14 am

    Which one is the last one?



  37. Love Is The Only Thing on November 8, 2021 at 11:15 am

    Hey Josh, you might consider a new mic setup and equalizer treatment of your audio to get rid of those nasty resonant frequencies.
    Thanks for the video 🙂



  38. ZhongliLess Cybercery on November 8, 2021 at 11:18 am

    Let’s add a 600$ price tag to it



  39. Debbie Corbo on November 8, 2021 at 11:18 am

    Hello again Josh! I am now considering a MacBook Air with the M1 chip. I just don’t know if I should invest the extra money to upgrade to 512 ssd. The major things I will save to the computer are many different cards that I make on my cutting machine, the Cricut Maker.
    Do you have any guidelines regarding 256 vs. 512 ssd?
    Thanks for ANY direction you can give me!!



  40. Emmanuella Onaku on November 8, 2021 at 11:19 am

    Thanks josh for being very candid. You are my best laptop reviewer! Could you do a Samsung galaxy flex 15.6 Vs Dell XPS Vs Hp Spectre?



  41. Amal S on November 8, 2021 at 11:20 am

    Dell XPS is the flagship laptop from dell,its known for its sleek and well built body capable of seducing the buyers,I personally used the dell in showroom and I really liked the trackpad and ease of use,I felt it like an actual ultra book and felt the screen to be awesome dispute only being 13 inchs ,I really liked the portability. I saw the 2018 model I guess here In India ,you can check the latest model here – https://amzn.to/2R7GSEY



  42. Daniel Ayon on November 8, 2021 at 11:22 am

    Josh, why you didn’t consider the HP Envy 14? It’s almost the perfect ultrabook for $1,200



  43. Mar snach on November 8, 2021 at 11:23 am

    I want to buy hp spectre 15.6 4K but my budget is $1000 any promo code you know



  44. Tiagorax on November 8, 2021 at 11:23 am

    great Josh! great video!



  45. Linus on November 8, 2021 at 11:24 am

    Would you go with the xps 13 or hp spectre 15 for durability?



  46. Hermon T on November 8, 2021 at 11:26 am

    Can you review laptops with budget 1Tb memory



  47. O A on November 8, 2021 at 11:26 am

    Elo mate ,what do you think about Dell Inspiron 14 5406. i7. 16 GB ram. Is it a laptop worth reviewing? Or buying nevertheless



  48. Mikarlwave on November 8, 2021 at 11:26 am

    800 to 1200 USD is perfectly 1000 to 1500 CAD. Thanks <3



  49. Junzhe Cao on November 8, 2021 at 11:27 am

    Hello, Josh! I am a rising student in the major of civil engineering. Shall i choose M1 MBA or the T14/14s?



  50. Vanessa Brown on November 8, 2021 at 11:29 am

    I’m a student and looking for a laptop that runs smoothly I’m think Lenovo. Best value $1,500…Help!!!