Need a laptop and help

[dlock13]

Well, that deal I had before fell through. I don't know what to do now. I currently have this desktop: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2254627&highlight=

It's the only computer I have other than my smartphone. I don't think I can live without a PC in my life for very long as I need it for work. I'm on a pretty tight budget as well. If I can make $450 on this PC, I would gladly buy a $1000 laptop, but I can't take the chance right now to do so.

I'm in need of help. The list of things I want in a laptop are pretty specific. Essentially, I'm downgrading from a pretty good gaming rig to something that's portable. I would love for it to have power as well as a great screen. I'll just list the things I want..

Must have:
1080p - (13-17" screen, 15.6/17" preferred)
Dedicated graphics card - (the faster the better, but I'm looking for something that can handle games from the past 2 years. Don't really care about future proofing it.)
Relatively light weight/thin - (I had an 11 lb laptop, and I don't ever want to carry anything that heavy around again.)
Relatively long battery life - (previous laptop only lasted about 2-3 hours per charge. I'm looking for about 5-7 hours)

I'm just really not sure what to look for to be honest. I've been out of the specs business for almost 2 years. I just want something that is relatively fast, and I can use for the next 2-3 years.

Thanks so much in advance.

 

[dlock13]

I'd like some help!

 

[gmaster456]

Your looking at about $350-400 for that PC.

As for the laptop;

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834158219

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834152349

It's tricky finding a laptop that's light and portable while still being able to game decently.

 

[BrightCandle]

I'll be honest, I don't think you can find what you want and certainly not in your budget.

Gaming laptops is pretty much an oxymoron. The laptop GPUs are often poor substitutes for their equivalent model in a desktop and wont keep a gamer all that happy. You are selling a desktop that has more performance than any laptop chip can give you basically so a drop in performance from the very top end of laptops is a given, but you aren't looking to spend $2500 on your laptop.

At that price you are really getting a netbook not an Ivy Bridge/Trinity and even that wont come close to delivering decent gaming at 1080p.

 

[dlock13]

Well, I don't care for a gaming replacement at all. I just want something with a decent dedicated graphics card that if I wanted to play games, I can. Pretty much I'm looking for something like the Vizio 15" with dedicated card, but it needs to be a bit cheaper to be honest with you. The Dell XPS 15z was great, but I can't find a model like that anymore for around the price I want.

I'm going to have $550 towards a computer. I'll be willing to spend around $800 to 1k for a new laptop.

1080p
Dedicated card (fast enough to handle Valve games at least [which isn't saying much])
Thin/Light (4-7 lbs)
4-8 hour battery life.

 

[gmaster456]

Well, I don't care for a gaming replacement at all. I just want something with a decent dedicated graphics card that if I wanted to play games, I can. Pretty much I'm looking for something like the Vizio 15" with dedicated card, but it needs to be a bit cheaper to be honest with you. The Dell XPS 15z was great, but I can't find a model like that anymore for around the price I want.

I'm going to have $550 towards a computer. I'll be willing to spend around $800 to 1k for a new laptop.

1080p
Dedicated card (fast enough to handle Valve games at least [which isn't saying much])
Thin/Light (4-7 lbs)
4-8 hour battery life.

1k is a bit tight for everything you want. You're not going to do a whole lot better than what I linked. Especially with the screen and battery life you want. For what you want, you're probably looking at around 4-5 hours max. And that's pretty generous.

 

[rubbateckie]

I would consider the Dell Inspiron 15R Special Edition or the Asus N56 as well. (The Asus N56-RB71 was available for $1000 from Microcenter earlier so I think you should be able to find some deals with the 1080p, quadcore models other places as well.)

 

[dlock13]

1k is a bit tight for everything you want. You're not going to do a whole lot better than what I linked. Especially with the screen and battery life you want. For what you want, you're probably looking at around 4-5 hours max. And that's pretty generous.

I would consider the Dell Inspiron 15R Special Edition or the Asus N56 as well. (The Asus N56-RB71 was available for $1000 from Microcenter earlier so I think you should be able to find some deals with the 1080p, quadcore models other places as well.)

I'm willing to go about $1.1k. What other laptop choices do I have? The ones you've suggested for me aren't bad, but let's put it this way, if it's a dual core i5, I'm OK with that.

Obviously, I'm looking for the best bang for my buck with my needs in place, but I don't know how that's going to happen. The PC doesn't have to be super slim either. I just don't want a giant behemoth that weighs 9 lbs and is 2 inches thick.

1080p is a must as well as the dedicated card.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Igpus can handle valve games.

My brothers laptop can handle it and it comes with hd 3000 -_-

 

[dlock13]

Igpus can handle valve games.

My brothers laptop can handle it and it comes with hd 3000 -_-

I'd still prefer a dedicated GPU. If it's optimus, that'd be awesome, too. I don't want to go from 90 FPS to 30 FPS on an iGPU.

 

[snoturtle]

Why not get a XPS 15z from the outlet?
There is an i7 with gt525 and 1080p right now for 839 plus there is 20% off right now

 

[dlock13]

Can you link me with appropriate coupon please!

 

[snoturtle]

try this link
http://content.dell.com/us/en/dfh/d...px?dgc=IR,IR&cid=250066,&lid=4380004,E393271B

If that doesn't work go into the outlet and click on the banner for back to school savings in the middle

 

[dlock13]

try this link
http://content.dell.com/us/en/dfh/d...px?dgc=IR,IR&cid=250066,&lid=4380004,E393271B

If that doesn't work go into the outlet and click on the banner for back to school savings in the middle

That's awesome and actually a pretty good deal. Do you know the difference in specs between let's say the newest XPS 15 and the Vizio Notebook? I mean performance-wise. I know they come with 3rd gen i# CPUs, and the Vizio comes with the NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M LE and the new XPS 15 comes with either the 630 or 640.

I was checking out those 2 the most, and I don't want to settle for something just because the price is great. I don't even know how the display is on the XPS 15z. I would love that IPS panel on the Vizio line.

I need help quickly that's for certain.

 

[rubbateckie]

You could also look into the Sony Vaio S series. They are lighter than the Vizio's but are more expensive. THe 15.5" ones can get up to quad i7's and the GT 640M LE.
The Asus N56VZ I mentioned above has a quadcore 3rd gen i7 and a GT 650M. The display is also supposed to be quite nice. There was a thread on here about them but I cannot find it now.

The XPS 15z's appear to have very nice screens. I saw one just the other day and it looked comparable to the retina's on the MBP's. So I think it is an IPS but I am not sure. Make sure you can get it with a 3rd gen. I remember looking at the XPS's and the ones less than 1500 were all the 2nd gens. Also look at screen resolution, you make have to make sure the resolution is high enough for you.

The XPS with the 640 and the same processor would beat out a 640M LE. They are the same GPU but the 640M LE is underclocked. There is a thread for some computers on how to easily and safely overclock. But, the Vizio's aren't even selling off their website now (I think walmart.com has them and some walmart and samsclub stores) so I doubt there is any info like that for the Vizio (I know it is out there for the Vaio S).

 

[dlock13]

You could also look into the Sony Vaio S series. They are lighter than the Vizio's but are more expensive. THe 15.5" ones can get up to quad i7's and the GT 640M LE.
The Asus N56VZ I mentioned above has a quadcore 3rd gen i7 and a GT 650M. The display is also supposed to be quite nice. There was a thread on here about them but I cannot find it now.

The XPS 15z's appear to have very nice screens. I saw one just the other day and it looked comparable to the retina's on the MBP's. So I think it is an IPS but I am not sure. Make sure you can get it with a 3rd gen. I remember looking at the XPS's and the ones less than 1500 were all the 2nd gens. Also look at screen resolution, you make have to make sure the resolution is high enough for you.

The XPS with the 640 and the same processor would beat out a 640M LE. They are the same GPU but the 640M LE is underclocked. There is a thread for some computers on how to easily and safely overclock. But, the Vizio's aren't even selling off their website now (I think walmart.com has them and some walmart and samsclub stores) so I doubt there is any info like that for the Vizio (I know it is out there for the Vaio S).

The Vaio S is good and all, but that's quite a bit more than I want to spend. The Asus has a low res display, and I'm trying to get a display of 1920x1080.

I don't care if the PC has quad core or dual core or what have you. I just need it to last a decent length of time on battery, have an HD display of 1080, and have a dedicated videocard for some gaming (nothing hardcore).

The XPS 15z is in the outlet store, and it's a second gen so I'm assuming Sandy Bridge. It has mostly what I want except for the fact that it is a bit outdated in performance. I really would love to have that IPS display on the Vizio.

The new XPS 15s are all starting at like 1299 and up for almost the same stuff as the Vizio.

Why is this so tough for me? If the 15" Vizio were out, I'd have purchased it already and called it a day, but that XPS 15z for like $700 on Dell Outlet is really calling my name with it's price. The new XPS 15s are 1299 to begin and I don't think they have any kind of coupon to them!

 

[rubbateckie]

Actually the Asus is available with a 1080p screen. There are a lot of options. But they do have fairly sad battery life (4 hours tops)

Honestly, if you are considering the new XPS 15z, just wait for the Vizio. You will probably like it even more. (Try calling your local walmart? ) Even an old XPS for $700 is an awesome deal if it does have 1080p! And its reviews say its display is wonderful: http://www.cnet.com/laptops/dell-xps-15z/4505-3121_7-34714594.html
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/dell-xps-15z-review/
But be aware both reviews wish they had more battery life

 

[dlock13]

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store...?ClickID=dbzksz2yw202xwzkyootboxxymm2bbchkhhx

How's that laptop?!

EDIT: I wish it was 1080p.

Actually the Asus is available with a 1080p screen. There are a lot of options. But they do have fairly sad battery life (4 hours tops)

Honestly, if you are considering the new XPS 15z, just wait for the Vizio. You will probably like it even more. (Try calling your local walmart? ) Even an old XPS for $700 is an awesome deal if it does have 1080p! And its reviews say its display is wonderful: http://www.cnet.com/laptops/dell-xps-15z/4505-3121_7-34714594.html
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/dell-xps-15z-review/
But be aware both reviews wish they had more battery life

Sadly, I didn't get in on that AMEX $100 off Dell coupon so I don't think I'll be getting the 15z. It was going to be an outlet one. The 1k one. I could have got it for 750 or so with the 100$ off, but they were already max.

I don't know what to do!

 

[rubbateckie]

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store...?ClickID=dbzksz2yw202xwzkyootboxxymm2bbchkhhx

How's that laptop?!

EDIT: I wish it was 1080p.





Sadly, I didn't get in on that AMEX $100 off Dell coupon so I don't think I'll be getting the 15z. It was going to be an outlet one. The 1k one. I could have got it for 750 or so with the 100$ off, but they were already max.

I don't know what to do!

The offer is gone but I believe it was the Samsung Series 7 for $700. For the price it was great but the screen being 900p wasn't the worst part (supposedly). It doesnt have the best contrast ratios.

Take a look at this clearence Vaio S: http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/st...52921666411754&categoryId=8198552921644858500
Its Sandy Bridge, but its $750 for 1080p. I think you would need to upgrade the graphics ($50) to handle the valve games, but I think they should run on medium or low-medium.
The upgraded card is here: (scroll down about half way to see how it performs on some games) http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-HD-6630M.43963.0.html

Its the only other thing I can think of. I still think the Vizio might be the best bet.

 

[dlock13]

That's not too shabby. I think I might just wait till the Vizio comes out.

What other laptops that are available right now are worth it? I don't really care to wait for a Windows 8 laptop. I don't want the added expense as well as unsureness of new hardware.

 

[ky54]

I think the most overlooked laptops are from MSI

http://www.msimobile.com/

I have one of their top of line gamers I bought in 2009 and I can still run anything on it. If you match up their parts list versus cost with most any other makers I think they beat them hands down. Newegg has a selection of them and there's other sites that do too although I bought mine at newegg. If nothing else it puts another player into your mix of vendors.

 

[sgrinavi]

You can get a basic clevo gamer for about $1000


http://www.malibal.com/boutique/pc/configurePrd.asp?idProduct=524


I'm not pushing maibal, I would shop all the clevo retailers, but the one I posted will get you a gamer that will blow away the dell in performance, customer service & be upgrade-able to a certain extent.

 

[dlock13]

You can get a basic clevo gamer for about $1000


http://www.malibal.com/boutique/pc/configurePrd.asp?idProduct=524


I'm not pushing maibal, I would shop all the clevo retailers, but the one I posted will get you a gamer that will blow away the dell in performance, customer service & be upgrade-able to a certain extent.

Go on.. I can't seem to figure out what model you're talking about. Also, I'm not looking for a heavy laptop.

Apparently, the Vizio Thin + Light is meh. The battery for it is a measly 3:30 according to The Verge, and Vizio states themselves that it can get up to 6 hours. I might have to exclude the 15" Vizio notebook from my list.

What other laptops are relatively thin (<1-1.5"), relatively light (<7 lbs), has a 1080p screen?

The Dell is good, but I'm kind of weary about buying old tech.

 

[sgrinavi]

Go on.. I can't seem to figure out what model you're talking about. Also, I'm not looking for a heavy laptop.

Apparently, the Vizio Thin + Light is meh. The battery for it is a measly 3:30 according to The Verge, and Vizio states themselves that it can get up to 6 hours. I might have to exclude the 15" Vizio notebook from my list.

What other laptops are relatively thin (<1-1.5"), relatively light (<7 lbs), has a 1080p screen?

The Dell is good, but I'm kind of weary about buying old tech.

The link should take you right there - it's the lotus series, has your 1080p display and is just a tad under 7 lbs. It's just like any other sager / clevo in that series - there are tons of resellers - take a look here

 

[dlock13]

The link should take you right there - it's the lotus series, has your 1080p display and is just a tad under 7 lbs. It's just like any other sager / clevo in that series - there are tons of resellers - take a look here

That's still quite a bit more than I want to spend sadly.

I don't know what to do. I feel as though no laptop is good enough. We have so many options when it comes to a Windows machine. Where as on a Mac, you're stuck.

I'm just not sure what I can truly afford right now and what I truly need. I can sell my desktop for about 450-500, but I still have to come up with the other $500 sadly. Ugh. This is so difficult for me.

EDIT: If I can get the new XPS 15 down to $1000 instead of 1299, I would buy that in an instant.

Man, I don't know what I want at all. Why can't it be next year when portability meets power?!