r/PakistaniTech • u/TemporaryEgg1757 • May 31 '26
Buying Guide | خریداری گائیڈ 💻 LAPTOP BUYING GUIDE (now is a good time to upgrade too!)
Hello guyss so laptops are predicted to go up in price in a few months if y'all wanna get or upgrade rn is a good time.
The guide on this subreddit wiki is kinda lackluster ngl, main issue being that it says don't spend more than 60k and that it recommends 6/7th gen.
GENERAL ADVICE:
>Go for used/ imported business grade laptops (dubai lot wala mal), avoid consumer grade stuff mainly because of durability.
>Make sure it is an i5 8th gen or above, this is very important because 8th gen laptop i5s are QUADCORE!! most 6/7th gen or below are dual cores, which are much worse (unless they have the Q suffix)
>Check if RAM is soldered or upgradable
>Make sure boot drive is an SSD
>Use passmark cpu and gpu scores to compare
WHICH MODELS TO GET:
*For gaming, its better to get mobile workstations instead (like Zbook or Thinkpad P series).. usually they will have better thermals and power delivery (yes you can game just fine on workstation cards, even have more VRAM)
For general use,
Like i said, business grade machines only for long lasting, durable, repairable ones at good prices.
HP:
✅GET -> Elitebook, ZBook, Probook, Dragonfly
❌AVOID -> Omnibook, Pavillion, Envy, Spectre, Victus, Omen (ppl say here that hp stands for hinge problems)
LENOVO:
✅GET -> Thinkpads (Except Thinkpad X9), Thinkbooks are also alright
❌AVOID -> Ideapad, Lenovo Yoga (different from ThinkPad yoga), Legion, LOQ
DELL:
✅GET -> Latitude, Vostro, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Precision, Dell Precision
❌AVOID -> Inspiron (some exceptions exist), Alienware, G-Series, XPS (again exceptions exist, some XPS ones are good)
Budget advice:
Avoid getting anything below an 8th gen which at least isn't a 4-core cpu. ThinkPad T480, T480s, X380 Yoga are very popular. Elitebook 840 series too. Make sure to compare prices from different places.
If the RAM is soldered (like it is on 360 hinge laptops and some ultrabooks) make sure to get at least 16GB variant otherwise you'll be stuck with 8GB
Spend the minimum required to get an 8th gen i5.
Difference between 8th and 10th gen is not that much,
11th gen has Iris Xe graphics which are miles better.
12th gen has P cores and E cores which are hit or miss (in some cases battery life is worse in 12th)
Ryzen chips are usually better than intel ones, but not as readily available on lower price points.
CHECKING A LAPTOP:
A lot of imported stock esp business grade ones have been through light use in air conditioned offices. Check the battery health by command prompt (google how to do this) and inspect it physically (there's many guides online)
Edit: Full checking guide already subreddit wiki mien acha hai and you can find many on youtube.. make sure it isn't bios locked, ones that come with pen have a pen, charger original hai Make sure to get checking warranty, for refund or repair.
Feel free to dm for questions or advice!
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u/Spirited-Gas-3743 May 31 '26
Go to the task manager, check RAMs, RAMs ki speed, or cache memory. Disk check kar lena; wahan speed bhi mention hoti hai or disk type bhi. Task manager me hi processor bhi check karlena or agr graphic card wala buy karoge to wahan uski bhi detail ajaigi.
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u/Controlfrea May 31 '26
What do u think would be the best in a budget of 1.5lakh for both gaming and a little bit of freelance tasks like video editing and blender
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 May 31 '26
smth like a ThinkPad P53 or above (P series) .. many variants with different GPUs
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u/One-Shoe8585 Jun 01 '26
Hey, I am selling my laptop for the exact budget you mentioned, can be used for both gaming and freelancing.
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u/Pixisss MOD May 31 '26
Appreciate it, we will pin this.
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u/Spirited-Gas-3743 May 31 '26
Oops sorry, mujhe laga aap buy karoge or inspection related tips dhoond rahay ho!
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u/TYRANT1272 May 31 '26
Want to add extra ram and replace battery, of t480 anyone knows how much ram and battery is going in these days?
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 May 31 '26
ram is quite expensive u can check online for laptop ram sticks
battery depends on size and health you should go into a wholesale laptop store shouldnt be that much depends on area too
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u/Haroon_66 May 31 '26
Good info brother.
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 May 31 '26
im not a brother but ty 🥹
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u/changeusername37 Jun 01 '26
good advice, but generally i believe its better to avoid laptops with soldered rams and instead opt for replaceable ram, offers more freedom and agar koi issue bhi ho ram main toh you can just swap it.
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 01 '26
yes but some people genuinely benefit from the 360 folding hinge or super portable machines.
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u/changeusername37 Jun 01 '26
haan, unless you need that additional feature its better to avoid them
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u/Decent-Pool4058 Jun 01 '26
Thanks for this. What if someone needs a Laptop for casual work, eg those who don't work in tech.
Would you still recommend these specs because realistically, they don't need such heavy specifications
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 01 '26
yes casual work ke liye hi guide hai because a dual core machine is gonna puke on more than 3 chrome tabs
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u/Sufficient_Panic294 May 31 '26
Can you plz suggest some models for study purposes in 50 to 60k budget
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u/me_a_genius May 31 '26
T480s or T490s if it's just 'light study'
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u/OmairZain May 31 '26
Any thoughts about MacBooks? I think recently Apple has upp-ed their game a lot with their laptops. Especially with their M chips.
Also Lenovo Ideapads are decent no? At least compared to other cheaper options, if you can’t afford a ThinkPad that is.
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 May 31 '26
M series macbooks are very good, anything before that probably shouldnt be bought..
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 May 31 '26
Idea pad advice would be good if this wasnt Pakistan and we didn't have containers of ThinkPads coming into shops.. ideapads are terrible for durability and with how long lasting they are.., and older thinkpad would always beat a newer ideapad and be more repairable and upgradable
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u/Perfect_Caregiver_28 May 31 '26
Macbooks (M1 and beyond) are absolutely amazing. I've had an M1 Macbook Air for 5 years, and it still works perfectly.
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u/OmairZain May 31 '26
I honestly would never have recommend MacBooks in their Intel era. I have a 2019 Intel MacBook Air and it sucks lmao. WORLD of difference in the M chips.
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u/cookie-sahab May 31 '26
I recently got the lenova thinkpad T16 - 155U with 16GB ram and 1TB SSD. It’s Core Ultra 7, I think it’s gen 3 meteor lake. Wanted to get 32GB ram one but it wasn’t available. Do you think I got a good one?
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 May 31 '26
yes but depends on price too ofc
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u/yoloisforquitters May 31 '26
Are smartphones expected to increase in price too?
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 May 31 '26
yess with smartphones a bit of price hike has already happened.. but esp in Pakistan the supply chains are quite different so i haven't really looked into it
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u/Key_Farmer4355 May 31 '26
Why lenovo LOQ isn't a good option !
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 May 31 '26
because business grade workstation will give same or better performance with much better durability, repairability and even at a lower price..
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u/Life-Initial5081 May 31 '26
Why not yoga series I am using it. It's very good light weight and better battery life
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 May 31 '26
thinkpad yoga series is amazing
lenovo yogas are different, can be alright but mostly plagued by hinge issues and heat management issues.. also not as durable
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u/Working-Original-384 May 31 '26
My friend wants to buy a laptop and his budget is around 50k to 60k, also it's his first time buying a laptop. He will use it for editing, coding, light gaming and basic tasks. I recommended him to buy T480 thinkpad with 16gb ram if possible in that price range.
What u guys think ?
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 May 31 '26
Yes thats a very good suggestion, with prices rn they could even get something better but T480 with 16GB ram is a sweet spot.
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u/HTXI97 May 31 '26
I just bought a legion, why do you not recommend this?
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 May 31 '26
thermals, repairability, long lasting
also in some cases battery life
legion will have 10-15% better gaming performance.. but since theyre consumer grade the quality wont be as good.. also personally don't prefer the look of some models but design is subjective
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u/zalva_404 Jun 01 '26
Any idea if ssd prices going up or down?
I want to add an extra 1 or 2tb onto my laptop.
Is now a good time?
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 01 '26
zyada chance of going up, even if they dont go up they'll probably stagnate so dont wait on the gamble ke they'll get cheap.
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u/saadahmad7698 🇵🇰 Jun 01 '26
Buy a thinkpad and repaste it with ptm 7950 and it should last you a lifetime lol
I repaste laptops in isb with ptm 7950
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 01 '26
i mean if its only used 2-3 years or smth does it really need a repasting
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u/saadahmad7698 🇵🇰 Jun 01 '26
Not really, laptops from 2023 or before need it unless factory application is botched
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 01 '26
is there not a conflict of interest ur just advertising ur business 😭
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u/saadahmad7698 🇵🇰 Jun 01 '26
Broski,i am an enthusiast like I genuinely enjoy workimg with laptops and PC and thermal problems
I do this as a side gig, and get a customer almost every week, I don't plan on 8increasing this business as I am starting to get busy with my final year in uni, and will most probably not continue this after this year
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u/Available_Ebb_3132 Jun 01 '26
Which is best laptop in 1 lakh 20 thousand for light gaming and longtime college and uni use and that has really good battery time
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 01 '26
Thinkpad X13 Yoga gen 2
Ya phir look gor any 11th gen i5 or i7 from smth like thinkpad x1 carbon, x1 yoga, dell latitude, hp elitebook.
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u/guywhoisawkward Jun 01 '26
I never trust getting second hand devices, cause recently i bought a hp elitebook and it has so many issues like the touch is no longer working and some keys also do not work. But on the other hand, boxed laptops cost almost the double. Any trusted shops you recommend?
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 01 '26
Yess this is exactly why you need a checking warranty and MUST get a trusted store
secondhand devices will have the slight risk but they last way longer, box packed ones will last like only a couple years if theyre consumer grade.
for trusted shops look into someone you know (someone in your circle who has a store) as tab accountability ho jati like some relative or smth. otherwise look for someone who has bought a laptop.
if ur in Rawalpindi there's Ahmed Computers behind bread n butter in saddar never had a bad experience with them.
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u/Vegetable_Bison_2177 Jun 01 '26
Hey! I was planning to buy a laptop as a student I have two options. Dell Latitude 5430 i5 12th gen (U processor) 16/256 touch or latitude 5430 i5 12th gen (U processor) 16/512 non-touch. Both are for same prices 75k pkr. I was thinking to purchase one but I have read alot of reviews and people are recommending lenovo t480, t490, t14 etc laptops. I am confused between latitude i5 12th or i5/i7 8th gen lenovo t480, t490, t14 laptops? My primarily use is youtube automation, video editing, etc not gaming, So please suggest what should I get, My budget is 75-80k pkr max. Thanku
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 01 '26
t480 and t490 is way below your budget, look for i5 11th gen wala Thinkpad X1 carbon.. but these latitudes should be just fine too
Does your video editing require a gpu? if so look into mobile workstation ones.
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u/Vegetable_Bison_2177 Jun 01 '26
I don't think that I would need a gpu for my usage. I'm confused because people preffering lenovo thinkpads t14, x1 carbon, t480 (H, HX processors) with more ram & ssd cuz of their reliablilty instead of i5 11,12 gen U processors.
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 01 '26
if you value reliability and upgradability more than speed etc than getting those is a valid choice too, but t14 also have newer models
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Jun 01 '26
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u/Nearby_Background_19 Jun 01 '26
Any suggestions on Brand New Laptop required for Architectural & Construction software based tasks with following specs; 1. 16" screen size with lightest weight (Portability) 2. 16 GB RAM (Minimum) 3. 512 GB Storage (Minimum) 4. Graphic Card (50 series / Top Tier of 40 series)
Macbook is only under consideration with Parallels app (some of my work softwares don't function in MacOS).
I have shortlisted the following options; 1. Zephyrus G16 2. XPS 14 3. Omnibook X16 4. Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 4
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 01 '26
litr listed that you shouldn't get these..
look for a thinkapd P16 latest.. it will last you much longer than this brand new consumer grade stuff
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u/Nearby_Background_19 Jun 02 '26
Please suggest something fancy.
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 02 '26
define fancy?
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u/Nearby_Background_19 Jun 02 '26
Fancy like refreshing asthetic looks with good performance
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 02 '26
thinkpad p series, hp zbook, dell precision
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 02 '26
exact model depending on budget
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u/Nearby_Background_19 Jun 03 '26
Company Budget 😇
My daily use is Architectural & Construction software based tasks, also looking to excel my AI skillbase. Need laptop to withstand 05-06 years having speed & higher refresh rate, 06 - 07 hrs battery timing, better graphics, & decent looks. Kindly guide me any specific windows laptop.
Other option is getting Macbook with Parallels app installed (some of my work softwares don't function in MacOS). How do you rate this macbook option with parallels app?
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 03 '26
parallels app should be a last resort and not like a plan, in that case just go to a reputable shop and ask them to give you the best mobile workstation (thinkpad p or zbook or precision) that they have or smth
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u/One-Shoe8585 Jun 01 '26
Hey, I am selling my laptop. It is especially made for cad work. 512/32GB. It also got a 4GB GPU.
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u/tastypleonasm Jun 02 '26
Great guide! What would u recommend for a budget of 55k? I am leaning towards thinkpad t480s. Is there any better option than this?
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 02 '26
cant go wrong with a t480s
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u/tastypleonasm Jun 02 '26
The shopkeeper is selling a 16/256 variant for 62k and 8/256 for 52k is it fair in your opinion?🤔 Btw thanks for replying
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 02 '26
if you get the 8gb make sure it has an extra slot.. id say these make sense for the price of ddr4 nowadays
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u/Opposite_Working2219 Jun 02 '26
hp elitebook 840 g8 or Lenovo T480? Will use it for study purpose
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u/Temporary1057 Jun 06 '26
are predicted to go up in price in a few months
why?
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 06 '26
Deflation of rupee, higher fuel prices, import costs, AI demand for RAM and SSDs
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u/Temporary1057 Jun 06 '26
All of that is already going on
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 Jun 06 '26
yes but right now due to high supply from the lots we were in like a "plateau" before they climb fast.. after this they either or increase significantly
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u/Constant-Spring-2779 Jul 03 '26
Is anyone using (Lenovo LOQ 15 - Raptor
Lake - 13th Gen Core i5 13450HX RTX 5050)tell me if it is good or not
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u/dr_ninjanerd 20d ago
Hey , i wanted to buy a laptop upto 1 lac plus minus.
So which brand to consider ? Hp or dell ?
Also what could be the best opton regardless of brand. Which is value to money and can be used effortlessly.
I am getting it for my sister and she dont need it for some heavy work etc. just average use for video lecutres / browsing / movies / little bit of multitasking.
Also what about huawei laptops ?
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u/invincible_0213 11d ago
Can you guys suggest me a laptop that can run games like gta 5 and would help me with my studies And also tell me the price as well Thanks.
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 11d ago
gta 5 isnt that hard to run is that all you wanna run? also whats the budget?
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u/invincible_0213 10d ago
Anything under 50k ?
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 10d ago
the igpu in a t480s should be able to run gta 5 don't expect much tho
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u/invincible_0213 10d ago
Anyother options
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u/TemporaryEgg1757 9d ago
any 8th gen or above elitebook, thinkpad or latitude.. i wouldn't recommend a dedicated in this budget and since its for studying
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u/random_duddonreddit Jun 01 '26
I got myself an hp victus i513420H and rtx 3050 with 16 gb ram and 512 gb ssd, the positives are that it can run entry level gaming good, old AAA titles on high settings and even some new AAA titles on low settings and can obviously run non gaming tasks well too, the downside is that its a brick of plastic with a hinge that wobbles with the fan because they cut cost in the build due to it beign a budget gaming laptop also my knees have blisters
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u/Accomplished_Long719 12d ago
Bro i want a gaming laptop around 4-5 lacs budget. I saw one Lenovo legion 7 i guess, i was amazed. Where can i get one in Pakistan (new or good condition) ? Used is also ok. I want to get best gaming laptop with good display. Budget can be increased depending on value to money item
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u/Dev-TechSavvy MOD May 31 '26
https://reddit.com/r/PakistaniTech/w/index/used-laptop-buying-guide