Buy Smart. Avoid Headaches. Ask a Local Expert First.
Holiday deals can hide slow or outdated machines. This guide breaks down the few things that really matter.
1) Specs Windows Users Should Avoid
The fastest way to waste money is buying something that can’t run Windows 11.
Must Be Windows 11 Ready
Avoid older or weak processors:
- Intel 7th-gen or older
- Celeron, Pentium, Atom
- AMD A-series, E-series, FX
- Any AMD older than Ryzen 2000
If the seller doesn’t list the processor model — be suspicious.
Why it matters: Windows 10 support ended October 2025. Some companies will ‘hack’ an older computer to work with Windows 11, but don’t fall for that! The computer WILL have issues and you may be stuck with an unreliable machine .
2) Skip the Parts That Make New PCs Feel Old
Red flags (even on brand-new “deal” laptops):
- 4GB RAM
- eMMC storage
- Mechanical or ‘spinning’ Hard Drives
- 1366×768 low-resolution screens
- Windows S-Mode, only allows apps from the Windows Store
Always choose SSD over HDD/eMMC!
3) Quick List of What to Buy
Safe picks usually include:
- Intel 8th-gen or newer, or AMD Ryzen 3000+
- 8GB RAM minimum (16GB ideal)
- 256GB+ SSD
- 1080p screen
- Windows 11 compatible
Not sure? Send us the link — we’ll confirm fast.
4) Cooling Matters (Especially in Laptops)
Hot laptops run slower and wear out sooner.
- Good venting is essential
- Two-fan systems preferred on gaming/power models
- Avoid ultra-thin gaming laptops — they overheat
5) Business Models Are Better Buys
They last longer, perform better, and are easier to support.
Good lines include: Dell Latitude • Lenovo ThinkPad • HP ProBook/EliteBook
6) Check Your Ports
Make sure it fits what you actually use:
- USB-C
- USB-A
- HDMI
- Headphone jack
Avoid needing tons of dongles.
7) Match the Windows Device to the User
For School
- Durable hardware
- 8–16GB RAM
- 128–256GB SSD
- Windows 11 ready
For Work
- Business-class laptops (Dell Latitude, HP Probook/elitebook
- Strong keyboards/hinges, durable
- 16-32GB RAM
- 512Gb-1Tb SSD
- Local support (Little Dog Tech!)
For Gaming
- Intel i5/Ryzen 5 or better
- 512GB+ SSD, you will need a lot of space to store games.
- 16-32GB RAM recommended
- Dedicated GPU (RTX/Radeon), spend what you can afford.
- Good cooling & dual fans
For Art & Creative
- Color-accurate displays
- 512GB+ SSD for a working drive, possibly more drives for storage.
- 16-32GB RAM recommended
- Creator-grade machines
For Seniors
- Larger screens
- Simple layouts
- Long battery life
- Local support
8) Avoid Cheap Knockoffs Using Buzzwords
Watch out for:
- “4K cameras” that film in 720p
- Fake “AI-powered” features
- “Gaming laptop” with no GPU
- Fake “military grade” claims
- “Lifetime protection” with no warranty
- Unknown, random brands
These often break early or perform terribly. Let us check them first.
9) Consider Refurbished
Refurbs give you:
- Better components for the price
- Business-grade quality
- Full cleaning & testing
- Fresh OS installs
- 1-year hardware warranty
- Real local support
- Up to 91% less environmental impact
Shop Local: shop.littledogtech.com
10) When in Doubt… Ask Us First
We’ll tell you if a deal is:
- Fast enough
- Worth the money
- Outdated or risky
- Actually a deal — or a trap
Little Dog Tech — Real people. Local help. Quick answers.