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Computer Selection Guide
Differences Between $350, $500, $1000, and $1500 Computers [For Beginners]
I’m not a computer reviewer, but since I use computers for work, review them, and introduce them professionally, I often get asked, “What computer do you recommend?” Of course, computers are both work tools and key to improving my lifestyle, so I have some personal preferences. Today, I’ll explain my computer selection method for beginners.
Conclusion: $500 Laptops Are the Most Reasonable Choice for Beginners
Before any lengthy explanations, if you don’t know much about computers, just buy a laptop around $500. People with specific purposes can select computers suited to their needs, but computers under $500 are mostly trash and not suitable for long-term use.
Therefore, people who need a computer but don’t know much about them should buy the cheapest computer that meets my minimum recommended specifications:
- Core i5 or higher, Ryzen 5 or higher (released within the last 1-2 years)
- At least 8GB RAM (16GB recommended)
My currently recommended model (as of April 4, 2025):
- Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 series (check for the latest model)
I could end here, but that’s too brief, so let me explain why.
Ignore All Preferences Except Performance
While computer purchase criteria include many elements beyond performance—like display, case quality, sound, keyboard—beginners can ignore all these because they don’t know better. All these components can be expanded later.
Computers can be upgraded with wider screens, better sound, more storage capacity, and even keyboards and mice. So don’t worry about these. You can expand as needed while learning.
Only Insist on Performance
However, performance cannot be expanded later. Therefore, the only thing you should insist on from the beginning is the performance mentioned above:
- Core i5 or higher, Ryzen 5 or higher (latest generation only)
- At least 8GB RAM (preferably 16GB)
With performance that will last several years, everything else can be managed. Since beginners don’t know much, it’s better to ignore preferences beyond performance at first.
Beginners Should Choose Laptops Over Desktops
You might think desktops are cheaper than laptops, but that’s not true under $500. With desktops, you need to prepare not just the case but also the display, keyboard, speakers, etc.
Also, desktops available for a total of $500 have very inadequate performance. Desktops take up too much space to buy just as a trial. For beginners who know nothing, starting with a laptop is better in every respect.
If You Need a MacBook, a MacBook is OK
While I generally recommend laptops around $500, the only exception is MacBooks. If you want or have been recommended a MacBook, and your budget allows, it’s fine to spend over $900. This is because you can sell it for a high price later.
Unlike typical Windows computers, MacBooks maintain their resale value. I once sold a MacBook that I bought for $1500 and used for half a year for $1000. (MacBooks generally have high resale value, resulting in less loss compared to initial investment)
The initial investment is large, but the overall loss is small. Therefore, I won’t discourage you if you want to buy a MacBook.
However, MacBooks use a completely different OS from Windows, and many companies use Windows, with many apps that only work on Windows, so I don’t recommend it if your purpose isn’t clear. Also, consider PC gaming almost impossible on MacBooks.
MacBooks are products for people who have specific needs and whose budget and environment allow it. Windows is more reasonable for beginners.
Around $1500 Lets You Game While Being Portable
If you think you might want to play PC games in the future and do heavy work, buying a laptop around $1500 is also fine.
Recent laptops around $1500 have had remarkable performance improvements and can easily run heavy games. They also have good display quality.
Assuming a similarly quality display costs about $300, a $1500 laptop today is similar in performance to an $800 desktop. If you’re considering gaming or video editing, this class of laptop is a very good choice.
GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB DDR5, 512GB PCIe SSD,
RGB KYB, 2 Thunderbolt 4, Win 11 Pro) with Dockztorm Hub
Laptops Over $1500 Are for Creators
The purpose of laptops over $1700 on the market is for creators, especially for people who want to work outside—it’s a very niche product.
They have decent performance while being somewhat lightweight. $1700 is the price for lightness. If you simply pursue performance, the $1000 laptops introduced above offer better value.
In other words, $1700 laptops are products used by YouTubers like me or designers who work externally, and they’re completely useless items for ordinary people, so you can ignore them.
True Gamers Need Desktops Over $1500
If you want to play games on your PC and are obsessed with a comfortable gaming environment, you won’t be satisfied with a $1000 laptop. This is when I finally recommend desktops.
If you’re obsessed with performance, a base unit of at least $1700 is standard. For displays, choose a premium product, at least $250, preferably over $500.
But people with such clear purposes are not beginners.
Also, desktops, unlike laptops, are cumbersome to dispose of. It’s difficult to sell the case as is or to disassemble and sell the parts.
Even considering future sales, beginners should reasonably choose laptops.
Computers Under $350 Are Trash
I recommend laptops around $500 because they have the minimum performance to use without problems for two years.
Of course, you can see products under $350, even around $180, in electronics stores, but they’re all low-spec computers that will stress you to the point of hair loss. I would refuse them even if offered for free—they’re trash.
Especially if you’re a beginner without discernment ability, you should never buy them. You get what you pay for.
Used Computers Risk Defects, Beginners Should Be Careful
What about used computers? I don’t recommend these for beginners either. Especially with used computers, there are too many things to check—not just the CPU but also its generation, battery, etc.—making it easy to get defective products.
Used computers are only for people who know enough about computers and have the ability to discern. Don’t buy used products whose market value you don’t know.
Recommended Order: Understand First, Then Be Particular
Computer uses vary widely—from video editing to data storage—and so do selection methods. Since detailed explanations would be endless, I’ve explained computer selection methods in the current market for complete beginners.
If you know nothing, just buy the most reasonable $500 computer. As you use it, you’ll understand what performance and features you need, and can replace it afterward.
But the performance of current $500 laptops is sufficient. Many people won’t need to replace them and can comfortably use them for about 5 years. In conclusion, just buy a $500 laptop.
My currently recommended model :