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Thread: Laptop buying Guide

  1. #21
    mp0295's Avatar Vicarius
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    I don't want to make a thread, but any suggestion for mid-range laptop? Not looking for serious gaming, but being able to play on medium settings would be nice. I will go up to $1000. But would prefer around $700.
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834115990
    This one seems nice. Any comments?


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  2. #22
    karamazovmm's Avatar スマトラ警備隊
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    try the dv6t qe, with the i7 2630qm and the 6770m, there are always coupons floating around for it, bringing the price close to 800-900
    there is the sager NP5165 (get it from xoticpc or another reseller like malibal), its closer to 800
    lenovo y570 is about 800 as well

    The very ugly forgive, but beauty is essential - Vinicius de Moraes

  3. #23

    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    I have the opposite question of most people here. I already have a computer than can run the new TW games, what I want is an old, cheap laptop that can run the original Medieval without problems. What would you suggest I look into for a laptop from about 2002-2006 with Windows XP and a compatible graphics card? I have no idea what to look for or where to buy from (online, pawn shop, etc.). If I could just get an old graphics card to put into my Inspiron 1501 laptop I might settle for that, but what would be cheaper? Thanks for any help.



  4. #24
    karamazovmm's Avatar スマトラ警備隊
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    try ebay. and you wont be able to put a gpu in your inspiron

    regarding models, since they are so old I would direct you for a enterprise class laptops, HP, Lenovos, and dells are where you are going to get those.

    I think the T60 is from that time, and its a great laptop

    The very ugly forgive, but beauty is essential - Vinicius de Moraes

  5. #25
    zxcvmnb's Avatar Semisalis
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    I'd hate to start yet another thread on the topic so I figured I'd ask here.

    I'm looking for a desktop replacement laptop, how would something like this serve me?
    http://computers.toptenreviews.com/g...sx-review.html

    If this isn't quite up to par with modern desktop replacement models, please me know what would be a good choice. For me, portability and power consumption are not a problem, I'm just looking for a computer that will be able to reasonable run new games fo the next few years.

    Thanks in advance!
    zxcvmnb

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  6. #26
    karamazovmm's Avatar スマトラ警備隊
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    try xotic pc, malibal, for the NP8150 and configure it to a 6990m and you will get 2x the power of that thing

    The very ugly forgive, but beauty is essential - Vinicius de Moraes

  7. #27
    Sharpe's Avatar Praeses
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    I am about to go to university on a Rugby scholarship to study classical history. As the desktop I am currently using is shared by parents and three brothers, I am going to need a laptop that can obviously word process etc, but also run games to a decent level (Think Shogun 2 ultra setting max unit sizes)

    Can you recommend me a laptop?

  8. #28
    karamazovmm's Avatar スマトラ警備隊
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    Please fill out the form

    General Questions

    1) What is your budget?

    2) What size notebook would you prefer?
    a. Netbook; 10” screen or less
    b. Ultraportable; 11" - 12” screen
    c. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
    d. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
    e. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
    3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator.

    4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
    a. Like:
    b. Dislike:

    5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?

    6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?

    7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?

    8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?

    9) How many hours of battery life do you need?

    10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?

    11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc.

    Screen Specifics

    12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer? Keep in mind screen size in conjunction with resolution will play a large role in overall viewing comfort level. Everyone is different. Some like really small text, while others like their text big and easy to read. Click here for Screen resolution information.

    13) Do you want a Glossy/reflective screen or a Matte/non-glossy screen?

    Build Quality and Design

    14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?

    15) When are you buying this laptop?

    16) How long do you want this laptop to last?

    Notebook Components

    17) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive?

    18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?

    Glossary and Explanations

    Glossy vs. Matte Screen

    Matte screens have an anti-reflective coating. Glossy screens generally offer more contrast and colors are more vivid. They do however produce more glare. Some people like them, others do not. The glare problem is most acute in well lit environments, like an office. Glossy screens tend to be better for multimedia uses like viewing DVDs or photos. If you are unfamiliar with the screen types, we would highly recommend you check some of each type out before you buy. The screen is one of the more important parts on a notebook. You don't want to get stuck with something you don't like.


    SSD (Solid State Drive)

    A solid state drive is a flash based storage device which uses non-volatile NAND memory chips instead of the traditional mechanical rotating disk and reading head. This newer technology drives perform much faster since they dont need spin up. Think of it as using your RAM as your hard drive. It consumes less power since there are no mechanical moving parts, this in turn also gives SSD's the advantage of running cooler. They are also impervious from damage by vibration, shock and magnetism.

    The downsides compared to a traditional HD is it lacks storage capacity and the cost is much higher per GB.


    Screen resolution

    If you are unsure of what to purchase, we would highly recommend you check some notebook screens before you buy to see what you like. You may also wish to take a look at the notebook screen guide for more information.
    Netbook resolution: WSVGA
    Actual resolutions: 1024x600 and 1024x576
    Offered on Netbooks 10" and smaller
    Netbook standard resolution. This is the lowest resolution available, and is designed to easily read text and icons on smaller-sized netbook screens. However, this leads to a somewhat “crowded” display that can generally only handle one visible window at a time. Typically not available on larger machines.
    Standard Resolutions: WXGA, HD, 720p
    Actual resolutions: 1280x800 and 1366x768
    Offered on larger Netbooks and Notebooks up to 16"
    Lower resolution screens offer big text and icons that are easy to read. Less stuff fits on the screen, which translates into more scrolling. Multiple windows can be worked with, though they may have to overlap some.
    Midrange Resolutions: WXGA+, HD+, 900p
    Actual resolutions: 1440x900 and 1600x900
    Offered on all Notebooks. Keep in mind text will be very small on a 12" WXGA+ notebook.
    A set of in-between resolution options that are found on some machines. Considered base resolution on 17" inch and higher laptops. Text and icons are smaller than standard resolution screens, and more windows fit onto the screen. These resolutions are very good for working with multiple windows side-by-side, without having to overlap them.
    Maximum Resolutions: WSXGA+, WUXGA, FHD, 1080p
    Actual resolutions: 1680x1050, 1920x1200 and 1920x1080
    Offered on Notebook 15" and larger
    On these screens text and icons will be very small. Text can often be hard to read, though some do like it. A very large number of windows fit on the screen, and there will be little need to overlap any of them. Max resolution screens are good for applications that require high detail (CAD, graphics editing, etc.)


    Typical Definitions of Refurbished Notebooks

    Refurbished notebooks often come at significantly lower prices and are generally covered by warranties by Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Lenovo generally has a universal 1 year warranty, while Dell has standard 3 on their business lines and 1 on consumer laptops (all extendable). HP offers a choice of 1 or 3 years. Other stores like Tiger Direct only offer 90 days. These laptops are in conditions ranging from being never powered on to scratch and dent (but still fully operational).

    Refurbished:
    Laptops that may or may not have been powered on.
    Laptops that may or may not have the security seal of the box broken.
    Laptops that may or may not have been used.
    Laptops that may or may not have minimal cosmetic "scratches".

    Redistributed:
    Laptops that where ordered and never delivered.
    Laptops that where place on order but never shipped.
    Laptops that where ordered but then canceled and never shipped.
    Laptop is new and sealed in box.
    Laptop has never been turned on.
    Security seal is not broken.
    Laptop is in mint condition.

    Scratch & Dent:
    Laptop has been turned on.
    Laptop has been used before.
    Security seal is broken.
    Laptop may have noticeable cosmetic dents.
    Laptop was fully restored to manufacturing state.
    __________________
    Last edited by karamazovmm; March 28, 2012 at 10:01 PM.

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  9. #29
    Sharpe's Avatar Praeses
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    Okay here I go,

    1. Hardest bit for me, I am going to university in September and my parents have said they will go halves with me. So in total probably about £1000, subject to change though.

    2.e. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen

    3. UK

    4. I'm not hugely familiar with buying computers so am pretty impartial to anything at the momment.

    5. No

    6. Word processing, playing games, storing music, playing media.

    7. I will be taking it to lectures, seminars and workshops etc, but also will be used as a replacement desktop in my accommodation.

    8. Shogun 2 total war maxed out and modded hopefully, my current PC can't even run empire

    9. Lots, enough to get me through a day of lectures and sessions in the library.

    10. I'm fine with buying stuff online, provided I have read all there is to know about it.

    11. Currently using Vista, so Windows 7 would be a nice upgrade. I've heard it is far better.

    12. Standard resolution. Will always be using one program at a time, so will not have multiple windows open side by side.

    13. Probably matte? I'm not sure on the difference.

    14. Not really, just a simple black paintjob would do me fine.

    15. Late July/Early August.

    16. Through three years of university and rugby tours.

    17. As much space as possible, though possibly external storage for music.

    18. ??? I need a dvd/cd-rom drive.

  10. #30
    karamazovmm's Avatar スマトラ警備隊
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    One thing that you must realize is that you are way out of league to what you want with your budget, not to mention the battery life.

    Your best bet when it comes to battery life is the m17x, which I would surely wait a bit since the amd 7970m is going to come out, and the gtx 675m is just a rebranded 580m. Although that would be way out of your budget.

    PCspecialist can give you some clevo chassis to play with, most resellers are now taking pre orders since the refresh is imminent. The perfect chassis for you is the p170em, dunno about the name of it through them. Which given the performance you want is also out of your budget, however you should be able to snatch one with the 6970m or the 560m, the former is on par with the 6850, again no ultra, and the latter is half the power of the 6970m. If its available try to snatch the 6990m, which is roughly 10-15% more powerful than the 6970m.

    To get ultra settings you need the m18x or the p270wm both pack sli/xfire configs, and both are about to receive new gpus. Also way out of your budget

    The very ugly forgive, but beauty is essential - Vinicius de Moraes

  11. #31
    Sharpe's Avatar Praeses
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    </3

    Okay I will have to scratch together some more monies, and re-assess my situation. Big thank you Mr MM.

    How much would a decent game running laptop cost?

    I was looking at this, not to buy but just as an example

    http://configure.euro.dell.com/dells...enware-m17x-r3

    It costs 1200 minimum.
    Last edited by Sharpe; March 29, 2012 at 03:07 PM.

  12. #32
    karamazovmm's Avatar スマトラ警備隊
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    one of the best things that you do is to import from the US, IT WILL BE CHEAPER.

    With your current money, you could buy clevo P150hm, 15'', 6990m, i7 2670qm, HDD 500gb and 8gb of RAM, that is without import tax.

    However the problem in doing that with this model is that you are going to pay for the shipping fees for any repairs, which are going to be costly.

    As I said, pcspecialist is a UK reseller of clevo notebooks, the model you are looking for is the vortex II, which could be renamed for something else until them.

    A good config would be the following:

    CPU: i7 quad preferably ivy bridge, since it will give you more battery life.
    GPU: 7970m or the gtx 680m
    RAM: 8gb is more than enough
    HDD: 750gb seagate momentus XT, since with your budget its a no go for SSDs

    That is a good build with current parts, although the cpu and the gpus aint launched.

    That should retail in the US (you will have to buy the HDD yourself) in a m17x chassis (since it gives you already 5h of battery life, while the clevo is going to give around 2h) for U$ 1800-2000, you can discount or not 100 and you should have the price in britain.

    However there is one caveat with alienware, their warranty is world wide, thus you can buy one in the US, and have it shipped to UK, paying aroud 1/4 less, and this is including import tax. There is a site that sells some notebooks and delivers them world wide, will try to remember the name and pm you.


    for more battery you are going to go for lenovo and for a smaller screen as well, the x220 can give you 30h ish of battery life with the 9cell battery and the slice, or go for apple, both of these options are presented with egpus, which are desktop gpus connected to laptop. Asus notebooks can give you that battery life, but there is always something wrong with them, well the screen is usually the first one to fall, and from there we move to the keyboard, the touchpad...

    One thing that you could be considering is to forgo the gaming capabilities and go for the gtx 660m in the y580 it should retail for around 1k dollars

    The very ugly forgive, but beauty is essential - Vinicius de Moraes

  13. #33
    Sharpe's Avatar Praeses
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    Had a look at PC specialist and the prices seem decent for the custom builds they offer. I am currently looking at a Vortex 2 and the specs are as follows:

    15.6 Inch gloss monitor
    Intel core i7 Dual core mobile processor, i7-2640m (2.80ghz) 4mb
    8gb Samsung 1333Mhz SODIMM DDR3 Memory (2 x 4gb)
    1.5GB Nvidia Geforce GTX 560m - Direct 11x
    500gb hard drive.

    £1,055.00 inc VAT

  14. #34
    karamazovmm's Avatar スマトラ警備隊
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    The i7 2640m aint worth it. The i7 2670qm is a much better choice.

    the gtx 560m is just a rebadged gtx 460m, so you are buying a gaming performance from 2010

    I would sorely wait, I wouldnt buy anything right now unless the need is dire

    The very ugly forgive, but beauty is essential - Vinicius de Moraes

  15. #35
    Sharpe's Avatar Praeses
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    I don't have to buy until late August really.

  16. #36
    Holger Danske's Avatar Comes Limitis
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    I only got one advice here. Don't buy Alienware... It's fantastic crap at ungodly prices. My M15x has died on me 3 times within' 2 years. That coupled with a retarded design layout (2.. that's right 2 USB ports, and no HDMI port, and crappy air-flow system...) Once it dies again I'll be going back to ASUS...

    Only good thing I have to say about it is my SSD. If you're planning on spending +£1000 I'd recommend you'll include the SSD.
    Last edited by Holger Danske; March 30, 2012 at 12:22 PM.

  17. #37
    Sharpe's Avatar Praeses
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    What is an SSD? Is it separate from a Hard Drive/RAM?

  18. #38
    karamazovmm's Avatar スマトラ警備隊
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    Quote Originally Posted by Holger Danske View Post
    I only got one advice here. Don't buy Alienware... It's fantastic crap at ungodly prices. My M15x has died on me 3 times within' 2 years. That coupled with a retarded design layout (2.. that's right 2 USB ports, and no HDMI port, and crappy air-flow system...) Once it dies again I'll be going back to ASUS...

    Only good thing I have to say about it is my SSD. If you're planning on spending +£1000 I'd recommend you'll include the SSD.
    yeah, but they still have one of the best supports in the industry. Not to mention that we dont know which model of the m15x you had

    And one thing, since its possible to upgrade to a SSD downline, it makes more sense to just buy the best gpu available to him, since that is the most expensive part on that kind of system.

    Its a solid state drive. Its a HD. However its 2-3x times the speed of a regular HDD. I have one here, I like it more now than when I bought it, since it had BSOD issues with my older laptop, but in this mbp it works just fine. However they are quite expensive.
    Last edited by karamazovmm; March 30, 2012 at 01:26 PM.

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  19. #39
    hellheaven1987's Avatar Comes Domesticorum
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    Question, how do I compare which graphic card is better?
    Quote Originally Posted by Markas View Post
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  20. #40
    karamazovmm's Avatar スマトラ警備隊
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    Default Re: Laptop buying Guide

    Quote Originally Posted by hellheaven1987 View Post
    Question, how do I compare which graphic card is better?
    its better if you ask me, there is notebookcheck, although its not a realiable site

    The very ugly forgive, but beauty is essential - Vinicius de Moraes

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