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Title: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Azazel on April 05, 2010, 03:17:24 AM Looking to buy a cheap laptop. Main use will be word processing, some internet etc. It'd be nice if it can run things like LotRO and games from a few years ago, (at least shader 2.0) but doesn't by any means need to be a kick-ass gaming rig.
I know next to nothing about Laptops. Top of the budget is maybe AU$8-900, but strongly prefer the $6-700 range. Not interested or willing to buy through the net - I buy lots of shit online from overseas but electronics is not one of them. Shipping costs a packet, and if there's any difficulty, customer service is much better face to face than across email and the Pacific Ocean. Would like at least 2gb, an ok video card, 15" screen. Wondering if either of these are any good? http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?categories_id=56&inc_subcat=1&pfrom=499&pto=999&products_id=42653 http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=100_56_134&products_id=44514 Also wondering how well any of this stuff stacks up. http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?categories_id=56&inc_subcat=1&pfrom=499&pto=999&page=1&sort=3a I had a look at Dell Australia's site, I wasn't especially impressed. I really don't want to be spending a grand. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Sheepherder on April 05, 2010, 03:31:23 AM The new i3/i5/i7 Intel integrated video is okay.
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Tale on April 05, 2010, 05:44:48 AM Never tried buying this way, but there may be some auction bargains for low spec notebooks: http://www.graysonline.com/Computers-and-Electronics/Computers-and-IT-Equipment
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: stray on April 05, 2010, 06:09:24 AM I bought an "Asus UL50VT" recently. Pretty happy with it. The card's decent (GeForce G210M, 512mb), 4 gigs ram. When you unplug, it can set itself up to use the intel onboard video, and can last about 7 hours or so (give or take, although the official listing is 9 hrs). It's selling for around $700
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Cyrrex on April 05, 2010, 07:19:01 AM I looked at the first two you linked, and I'd go out on a limb to say the the integrated graphics on those things blow huge chunks. You would hate it for gaming, and I suspect it wouldn't manage to run LOTRO in any playable form. You need to find something with a decent nvidia or ATI card. Haven't looked at the other links yet.
The new i3/i5/i7 Intel integrated video is okay. Don't know if the above is true or not, but in any case I don't expect that is what you are getting with these. Laptop makers who use integrated graphics tend to use the absolute cheapest (and subsequently, worst performing) solutions they can get. Edit: okay, I looked through the rest of the list you linked. To even get close to your budget, I only found one that I would even consider: http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?categories_id=56&inc_subcat=1&pfrom=499&pto=999&products_id=44094 (http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?categories_id=56&inc_subcat=1&pfrom=499&pto=999&products_id=44094) The processor isn't exactly fantastic, but the video card would be more than adequate, and loads faster than any of that Intel crap. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Salamok on April 05, 2010, 12:00:02 PM Does the Dell Australia site have an outlet/refurb section? I just bought a Dell refurb (gets here Wednesday), there are some pretty sweet deals if you spend an hour or two hunting for them. I ended up with a Studio 1747: core i7 (820qm), 6gb dual channel 1333mhz RAM, 1 GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650, Dell's 1520 ireless N card, 9 cell battery and a 17.3" 1080p LED back lit screen for under $1200.
The hard drive on it blows (250gig@5400rpm) and it doesn't have bluetooth but I'm ordering the dell bluetooth part for $30 ASAP and dropping in an SSD sometime in the next 6 months. Saw plenty of 15" models in the $600-1000 range, there were even a few XPS 16" models for under $900. There is also a ton of crap but if you know what you want and spend the time to find the deals it is well worth it. edit: corrected retarded phone spelling correction and added some more info now that I am at a real keyboard. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Sheepherder on April 05, 2010, 03:41:25 PM Don't know if the above is true or not, but in any case I don't expect that is what you are getting with these. Laptop makers who use integrated graphics tend to use the absolute cheapest (and subsequently, worst performing) solutions they can get. The second one is then newer Intel IGA, as I recall one of the hardware sites did an article on the newer Intels being able to play Batman: AA on the lowest settings without it devolving into a slide show, though the actual performance is linked with processor speed and therefore the i3's are probably a bad idea anyways. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Lt.Dan on April 05, 2010, 04:10:50 PM I've been looking into this as well. I've narrowed my search down to the ASUS 1201N (new super netbook worth checking out, but may not be widely available in Oz just yet) and a Dell Studio 15 (which is above your budget but worth checking out)
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Azazel on April 05, 2010, 06:58:12 PM I can't find any trace of a refurb section on the Dell website unfortunately. The price of a Studio 15 is so far above my budget that I'd just buy a new desktop (which is in the cards for later this year). Even the ASUS is pushing it, honestly.
How does this Samsung stack up against the Asus that Cyrrex linked? http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=100_56_134&products_id=44514 Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Engels on April 05, 2010, 07:28:02 PM Well, the key issue is the graphics component. The one you linked just now, Azazel, has an intel graphics chipset, which can't really do games. The Asus Cyrrex linked has an Nvidia gpu, which can do games (albeit limited). The one upside of not having an NVIDIA/ATI graphics solution is that it'll run more quietly since there isn't a high cooling requirement. So its a trade off there.
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Salamok on April 05, 2010, 07:58:12 PM I can't find any trace of a refurb section on the Dell website unfortunately. The price of a Studio 15 is so far above my budget that I'd just buy a new desktop (which is in the cards for later this year). Even the ASUS is pushing it, honestly. How does this Samsung stack up against the Asus that Cyrrex linked? http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=100_56_134&products_id=44514 The Australian Dell Outlet sucks compared to the US one, Refurb Inspiron Laptops (http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/products/quickship/au/en/inspiron_notebook?c=au&l=en&s=dfo), I do see one with dedicated graphics but it is still only a ATI Radeon 4330. Still $737 Australian isn't bad, 4 gig of ram and a core 2 duo means this isn't a glorified netbook anyhow. edit: apparently they can't even be bothered to add navigation (is this really dell's site?) , anyhoo here is the mother page (http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=au&l=en&s=dfo&~ck=bt) so you can move around edit2: I have some Aussies coming to stay for the next month too bad they couldn't just shop for you here and bring it to you, here you can get the newer core i3 version of that laptop for just over $600 US. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Azazel on April 05, 2010, 09:20:23 PM Engels - that makes complete sense - thanks
Salamok - yeah the prices here on everything are like that. Captive market and all of that. No wonder I order almost everything from overseas. :uhrr: Thanks for digging through Dell's site for me as well. Are refurbs intrinsically any worse than new machines? How does this one stand up compared to the Asus? DFO-6590000I NEW Inspiron(TM) 1545 Laptop Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T6600 (2.20GHz/ 800 FSB/ 2MB Cache) Genuine Windows(R) 7 Home Premium 64bit (English) 4GB (2X2GB) DDR2 SDRAM Memory 500GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive 8X DVD + /-RW Drive with DVD + R double layer write capability Internal 10/100 Fast Ethernet 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 Intel(R) High Definition Audio 2.0 McAfee(TM) Security Center (Multi-Language) - 15 Months Version Dell Wireless 1397 802.11b/g Half Mini Card 15.6 " 720p WLED (1366x768) Display with TrueLife(TM) Matte Black Integrated 1.3 mega pixel web cam 1 Year $ 737 Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Salamok on April 05, 2010, 09:51:25 PM I have had good luck with refurbs (probably purchased about 20 optiplex desktops over the years) but this will be the 1st refurbished laptop I've bought. I went ahead and purchased a few years of insurance and warranty to cover my ass, Dell used to have really good support but last 3 years or so have sucked, maybe with this in-home service thing they are offering repeatedly not fixing issues that arise will make it as inconvenient for them to not fix a problem as it is for me. Dell still has the best DIY online support resources i've seen, the system tags narrow the drivers and parts down very well (I have had huge headaches doing this for friends with Sony's and HP's), they even make it fairly easy to order replacement or upgrade parts yourself (keyboards, screens addon cards). If you are not comfortable troubleshooting & supporting your own machine I would probably not recommend a refurb though.
Looks like the Dell you posted has a minimally faster proc and a 2gig to 4gig upgrade on RAM is definitely nice, not sure which Vid Card would be better (my hunch would be nVidia). If the graphics cards are close I'd go with the Dell. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Sheepherder on April 06, 2010, 03:49:50 AM Well, the key issue is the graphics component. The one you linked just now, Azazel, has an intel graphics chipset, which can't really do games. Incorrect. (http://www.anandtech.com/show/2901/4) It's still not great, but you're not going to get much better in a laptop. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: rattran on April 06, 2010, 05:03:05 AM Except for the tons of laptops with real video. The intel HD is better, but still pretty much shit.
The Asus with switching graphics are neat, but pricey. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Cyrrex on April 06, 2010, 05:34:06 AM Here's a quick link to a site with a mobile graphics breakdown:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html (http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html) The first Intel card is WAAAAY down the list (is it the same one you guys are talking about? Not sure). Shooting from the hip, I'd say anything within the top 120 will run LOTRO...I know for a fact that number 108 will (the Go 7600 GT) as it is the same card I have in my 3 year-old laptop. It's perfectly reasonable to find a, say, 250m or 260m card in a relatively affordable machine, though I don't know about Aussie pricing. A Go 8600 is also something you could find in a mid-priced laptop, probably even one of the 9800 variations. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Azazel on April 06, 2010, 07:53:56 AM Wife has upped her spending limit slightly.
Now looking at this one (the one on the left). Does this outclass the others we've been discussing I buy? (not the $1500 ones, obviously) http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspiron-1564?c=au&l=en&s=dhs&cs=audhs1 Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Engels on April 06, 2010, 07:58:41 AM Well, the key issue is the graphics component. The one you linked just now, Azazel, has an intel graphics chipset, which can't really do games. Incorrect. (http://www.anandtech.com/show/2901/4) It's still not great, but you're not going to get much better in a laptop. That's very much not true. There are discrete graphics cards in laptops that can put out quite decent performance. Check the chart provided by Cyrrex. It still may be worth it for Azazel to consider the newer intel HD integrated graphics chip for both pricing, heat and battery consumption, but if he wants to spend any significant amount of time gaming on the laptop, there are a ton of far far better options. Just as a point of comparison, the intel HD graphics chip has 12 pixel shaders. The old Nvidia 9400M that was put into various mac books has 16, and that's 2-3 year old tech. Azazel, that laptop looks quite decent, but I would see if you can find customer reviews. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Cyrrex on April 06, 2010, 08:16:01 AM 100% agree with Engels in general on the subject of cards...many of the discrete cards perform quite well.
The Dell you linked would work decently. It would be a good deal faster than my current laptop (which, as already mentioned, works okay for stuff like LOTRO). I would only wonder if you couldn't still do better for the price, but I don't know anything about your market. Is there no Aussie version of newegg? Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Trippy on April 06, 2010, 08:27:52 AM Wife has upped her spending limit slightly. The ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5450 is okay. It's below my somewhat arbitrary cutoff line for a decent mobile gaming GPU (the 9600M GT) but it's certainly better than the 4330 in the previous Dell you listed.Now looking at this one (the one on the left). Does this outclass the others we've been discussing I buy? (not the $1500 ones, obviously) http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspiron-1564?c=au&l=en&s=dhs&cs=audhs1 Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Aez on April 06, 2010, 08:28:17 AM Did they ever released a decent external videocard for laptop? I remember hearing about those a couple of months ago but never actually heard about a finished product.
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Azazel on April 06, 2010, 08:35:55 AM Wife has upped her spending limit slightly. The ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5450 is okay. It's below my somewhat arbitrary cutoff line for a decent mobile gaming GPU (the 9600M GT) but it's certainly better than the 4330 in the previous Dell you listed.Now looking at this one (the one on the left). Does this outclass the others we've been discussing I buy? (not the $1500 ones, obviously) http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspiron-1564?c=au&l=en&s=dhs&cs=audhs1 Nod. It's not really a mobile gaming PC, more a laptop that can run some games decently. (from, say, bed). Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Cyrrex on April 06, 2010, 08:38:43 AM Well, that Dell would do it, then. I'd still look around if I were you to see if you can find more bang for the buck. Doing the conversion to US dollars, however, I think that PC looks to be priced about right for what you're getting. Personally, like Trippy, I'd try to find something with a 9600M GT or better. For future proofing, if nothing else.
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: bhodi on April 06, 2010, 10:46:56 AM In general, trying to buy a laptop that can play modern games is a losing proposition. You'll end up with a large, heavy, battery sucking monster that's 3x as expensive as it's desktop equivalent. You can build small form-factor desktops for a fraction of the cost that will outperform any laptop.
I would be on the lookout for a laptop that has a "class B" processor in it, as per notebookcheck, but again you're going to pay a premium in both weight and cost to have it. Better to just get a normal laptop and keep a small desktop for gaming. If you're only looking for web browsing and word processing, you probably want a netbook, but getting a largeish screen could be a challenge. Tons of manufacturers are pumping dozens of models each year out. I'll quote some stuff from SA since it's constantly updated: Quote Current consensus for raw performance value? Acer Aspire One AS1410 or AS1810with Dual-Core CPU Acer Aspire AS1410-2920 ($450 at Amazon and at NewEgg) * Intel Celeron SU2300 dual-core (1.2GHz) CULV * 11.6" 1366x768 display * Intel GMA 4500MHD Graphics * 2GB - 4GB of RAM * 250GB Hard Drive Current consensus for best video performance for under $500 Asus 1201N (Around $485 at Amazon and NewEgg) * Nvidia 9400M w/256MB Graphics * 1.6GHz Dual-Core Atom N330 * 2GB up to 8GB of RAM * 1366x768 * HDMI Out A damn good competitor on the CPU and graphics front - AMD updated MSI Wind12 U230-040US (NewEgg link- $480 now - Amazon - $480 pre-order) * AMD Athlon Neo X2 L335(1.60GHz) - Dual-core "Congo" * ATI Radeon HD 3200 * 12.1" WXGA 1366x768 * 2GB (4GB Max) * 320GB HDD * 6-cell battery * Review at Hexus.net A damn good competitor on the CPU and graphics front as well - AMD * 11.6" Toshiba Satellite T115D-S1125 - around $500 at Amazon and NewEgg * AMD Athlon Neo X2 Dual-Core Processor L325 * 11.6" 1366 x 768 * 2GB RAM, 320GB HDD, Windows 7 Home Premium, * ATI 3200 Graphics * HDMI Out Current consensus for best value for video performance HP Mini 311 • Intel Atom (Single-core) • 1GB DDR3 System Memory (1 Dimm) • 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive • NVIDIA ION • 11.6" diagonal HD LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1366 x 768) • Wireless-G Card • 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery Current consensus of older netbooks: (becoming outdated by the hour) * Asus Eee PC 1000HE (1005HA is newer version of 1000HE) * Toshiba NB200/NB205 Best Hackintosh / Mac OS X experience? * Above-mentioned Asus 1201N - dual core CPU, graphics (see this InsanelyMac thread) * On a budget: HP Mini 311, see this insanelymac thread for details * Stay the hell away from netbooks with Intel's X4500 graphics if you want OS X, Apple moved away from Intel before the X4500 graphics came out, you will be better off with the HP Mini 311 mentioned above if you want to get OS X running on a new model. * Older Netbooks: Dell Mini 10v. Not the Dell Mini 10. The Dell Mini 10v. 10v 10v 10v * Older Netbooks: Ye Olde MSI Wind U100 (the thing has been documented to hell and back) * 11.6" Gateway (Best Buy) - AMD Athlon 64 Processor L110 with 1366x768 display. 6-cell battery, $380, but don't expect spectacular battery life. Characteristics of a Netbook: In the past, it typically was: * 7" - 10" * A price in the range of $250 - $600 * Running with a low powered single-core CPU (usually Intel's Atom or on older machines an older Celeron) * Usually Windows XP Home or Linux. * Lack of an internal optical drive As of CES 2010, you're seeing: * 10" - 12" (the 7" form factor has all but died off thanks to cheap 9" netbooks and the 9" netbooks are dying off too)) * Low powered single-core (Intel Atom, Celeron, Core 2 Solo) to dual-core (Intel Celeron, Core 2 Duo, Intel Atom N330) * Windows 7, Linux, Google's Android, and less and less likely, Windows XP (Microsoft has been wanting to drop XP sales for a long time, and netbooks kept them around) * Still typically lacking an internal optical drive (there are one or two models that have tried, but they didn't do so well) For laptops, newegg has the best search. Go there, look up ones in your price range, then check the GPUs on notebook check, find which one is the best, buy that one. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Azazel on April 06, 2010, 05:56:03 PM I'm. In. Australia. :facepalm:
Therefore, Newegg doesn't count. I'm also not after a kickass gaming rig. But a laptop that can play a few games from recent years. I'm talking LotRO, Warcraft 3, Dawn of War 1, etc. Not Crysis. We're also after a Laptop rather than a netbook, because we like things like having an optical drive, and at least a 15" screen. I suspect searching out a machine with a 9600M GT as well as a similar spec would raise the price by another hundred or two, so that's out. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Kageru on April 06, 2010, 07:08:22 PM I'm. In. Australia. :facepalm: Therefore, Newegg doesn't count. I beg to differ... priceUSA (http://www.priceusa.com.au/) allows you to order from newegg. And even with postage you still tend to get better prices than the heavy retail mark-up we pay here, especially for things like laptops. I've bought a external RAID box (unavailable on the Australian market at any price) and eeePC (200$ saving, even after postage). That said I don't really get laptops. Unless you truly need the mobility (student, business use) they're awful compared to a small form factor desktop in terms of power, price and ergonomics (a real keyboard! a real monitor!). And if you do want mobility then many times an eeePC or equivalent will be sufficient and both cheaper, lighter. Even carrying that thing around on holidays was more effort than it was worth... edit: I notice priceUSA is in the process of recruiting another US agent, so you would have to wait a couple of weeks... she's only taking orders from existing customers at the moment. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Sheepherder on April 07, 2010, 07:13:44 AM Just as a point of comparison, the intel HD graphics chip has 12 pixel shaders. The old Nvidia 9400M that was put into various mac books has 16, and that's 2-3 year old tech. Real men play games without AA/AF. Okay, point taken. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Fargull on April 07, 2010, 07:25:24 AM The Alienware M11 is $800.00 in the US and lists at 1300 in Australia. Really about the only laptop I would buy at this point. Anyway, give it a look, though it is beyond your budget. Would not expect to find anything refurb though and I don't have a good line of sight to non-Dell.
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Azazel on April 07, 2010, 09:15:58 AM I'm. In. Australia. :facepalm: Therefore, Newegg doesn't count. I beg to differ... priceUSA (http://www.priceusa.com.au/) allows you to order from newegg. And even with postage you still tend to get better prices than the heavy retail mark-up we pay here, especially for things like laptops. I've bought a external RAID box (unavailable on the Australian market at any price) and eeePC (200$ saving, even after postage). That said I don't really get laptops. Unless you truly need the mobility (student, business use) they're awful compared to a small form factor desktop in terms of power, price and ergonomics (a real keyboard! a real monitor!). And if you do want mobility then many times an eeePC or equivalent will be sufficient and both cheaper, lighter. Even carrying that thing around on holidays was more effort than it was worth... edit: I notice priceUSA is in the process of recruiting another US agent, so you would have to wait a couple of weeks... she's only taking orders from existing customers at the moment. Due to potential warranty, etc issues. Pretty much the only things I won't order through the post/net are electronics. Like I said in the first post. This applies to both within Australia and especially internationally. Laptop/TV/Console fucks up, I take it back to either the place I bought it from and they deal with me face-to-face, or I send it to the local branch of Microsoft/Sony/Dell/etc. Also, It's utterly fantastic that you "don't get" laptops. I don't much give a shit. I have three desktops here right now, and we have a use for a Laptop as we've used one in other rooms and for various things for a decade or more. In the past they have usually been my wife's work laptop but she now has good reason to leave hers at work intead of at home - mine permanently lives at work. Please feel free though to let me know what your next purchase is and I'll gladly tell you why I don't get it and why you should buy something else. $1300 is way more than I'm willing to spend (or let her spend) on a laptop. I'm unhappy with the almost-$1k the Dell is going to cost, but my wife wants it and is happy to pay up to $1k, so it looks like we're going with that. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Kageru on April 07, 2010, 05:55:49 PM Feel free. I'm just interested in how other people use their electronics, we put a lot of thought into laptop vs. eeePC for our own use.
priceUSA offers a small extra payment for which they'll ship the laptop back to the US and present it for warranty repairs. Though lots of items, like the eeePC, have a global warranty these days. Dell seems to have some weird hybrid system (warranty transfer form (http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/international_ownership_transfer_form1?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1)) where you can transfer to an Australian warranty on some / most products. But sure, buying from the local distributor has its advantages. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Azazel on April 07, 2010, 11:23:31 PM Yeah, but then you're still shipping iot back and forth internationally, and so there's more risk of damage/loss/etc. With the current Dell, we're paying a bit more than we would from the US - though not that much more once shipping is factored in, but it'll be here in just over a week and it'll be easy enough to sort out any issues with local support from Day 1.
I mean, I get like 90-95% of my games, my blu-rays, my collectables, my miniatures wargames stuff and even my paints through the post from the US, UK and HK. I just won't do that for electronic goods. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: rrazcueta on April 08, 2010, 12:41:23 AM Wouldn't it be cheaper to buy a gaming rig for ~$600 and a netbook for ~$300?
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Azazel on April 11, 2010, 09:49:05 AM Gaming rig for AU$600? :awesome_for_real: :oh_i_see: :why_so_serious: My processor and video card will cost more than that. Gaming rig will be in the $2k range, based on last time. Anyway, trigger was pulled a few days ago. Dell will be here in a week or so, probably.
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Aez on April 12, 2010, 06:17:32 PM So I'm tempted by a netbook. Anyone can help me with software cost? I know you usually get free window 7 and office when you buy a 2000$ desktop. What happens if you buy a 400$ netbook, do you have to shell out an other 400$ for office?
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Mosesandstick on April 13, 2010, 01:17:18 AM Find a student and get a student version if you can.
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Nerf on April 13, 2010, 09:55:37 PM So I'm tempted by a netbook. Anyone can help me with software cost? I know you usually get free window 7 and office when you buy a 2000$ desktop. What happens if you buy a 400$ netbook, do you have to shell out an other 400$ for office? People buy office? Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Ginaz on April 14, 2010, 08:58:16 PM I bought this earlier today:http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/acer-acer-aspire-17-3-laptop-featuring-intel-core-i5-430m-as7740g-6969-blue-as7740g-6969/10138173.aspx?path=6d393bdfd4a55ffa78400a9c856ab469en02 (http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/acer-acer-aspire-17-3-laptop-featuring-intel-core-i5-430m-as7740g-6969-blue-as7740g-6969/10138173.aspx?path=6d393bdfd4a55ffa78400a9c856ab469en02)
Seems like a fairly decent gaming laptop for the price (I actually got it for $30 less than what its listed for). $799.99 (Canadian $) 17.3" screen Intel Core i5-430M ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470 512 mb memory 4GB RAM 500GB (5400RPM) HD 1600 x 900 screen resolution HDMI Port 4 USB Ports 8X DVD Double-Layer Drive Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: wardeworth on April 16, 2010, 02:43:44 AM I am using Dell laptop so i can give you advice to buy Dell's laptop.
The DELL Latitude D610 is built for versatility and has an impressive 14.1" color screen- You can buy this also. It also includes a wireless card too. Or Alienware M11 is also nice one. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Nerf on April 16, 2010, 04:56:48 AM How can a computer be built for versatility? It can either run games or it can't, and if can do that it can pretty much do other shit well too.
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Engels on April 16, 2010, 07:08:47 AM How can a computer be built for versatility? It can either run games or it can't, and if can do that it can pretty much do other shit well too. /smacks Nerf's hand. Don't feed the wildlife. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Dtrain on April 16, 2010, 10:43:41 AM I am using Dell laptop so i can give you advice to buy Dell's laptop. The DELL Latitude D610 is built for versatility and has an impressive 14.1" color screen- You can buy this also. It also includes a wireless card too. Or Alienware M11 is also nice one. I like the idea of the m11x. It's priced reasonably well at it's bare bones configuration (which can then be upgraded independant of Dell/Alienware's price gouging.) It seems very capable in it's intent to be ultra portable and still high end gaming. The reduced footprint of a small laptop in the home is nice too. I just don't think I combine traveling and gaming enough to make it worthwhile. Also, that glowing alien head logo needs to go. I'm sorry, but it's not 1998 anymore, and that shit was never cool. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Pagz on April 17, 2012, 10:31:43 PM I am in pretty much the same position as the OP, however am willing to order online.
Living in Australia, looking for the $5-700 mark. Buying a desktop is not practical in my situation and am really just looking for it to run Crusader Kings 2 hawt :awesome_for_real:. I currently have an Acer Aspire 5710G (http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/notebook/0000/Acer/Aspire5710/Aspire5710sp2.shtml) Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Trippy on April 17, 2012, 11:14:55 PM NVIDIA or ATI GPU?
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Pagz on April 17, 2012, 11:48:18 PM NVIDIA or ATI GPU? My current laptop? ATI GPU.Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Trippy on April 18, 2012, 12:40:50 AM Do you have a preference?
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Azazel on April 18, 2012, 01:16:18 AM My advice on computers: Buy whatever Trippy tells you to buy. :heart:
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Pagz on April 18, 2012, 06:35:25 AM My advice on computers: Buy whatever Trippy tells you to buy. :heart: I think I'll go with this, your preference is my preference! My knowledge of specifics is not so great.Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Engels on April 18, 2012, 02:06:02 PM The problem with anyone recommending a laptop is that there are many useability and ergonomic factors in play that can't be generally recommended. Some people love chicklet keyboards, others, myself included, flee from them like the plague. That's just one example.
I'm sure Trippy can advise on the latest and most economic laptops based on tech specs, but it may end up you hate the danged thing just cuz your left hand tends to bend 5 degrees to the right and makes the trackpad a nightmare, for example. Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Trippy on April 18, 2012, 03:11:42 PM My advice on computers: Buy whatever Trippy tells you to buy. :heart: I think I'll go with this, your preference is my preference! My knowledge of specifics is not so great.http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-435M.35836.0.html So you would be looking at something no worse than the bottom third of the class 2 CPUs. You do NOT want an Intel HD Graphics 3000 GPU. Nor do you want a dedicated GPU that shares regular system RAM (e.g. the Radeon 6620G). However given your location you're probably looking at something in the class 3 GPU list which can be hard to find cause most manufacturers just go with the Intel 3000 in this price range. I did find this HP model w/Radeon 7450M which may suit your needs and budget: HP Pavilion g6-1310ax (http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/au/en/ho/WF06b/321957-321957-3329744-64354-64354-5186808-5219450.html?dnr=1) Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Pagz on April 18, 2012, 06:36:52 PM The problem with anyone recommending a laptop is that there are many useability and ergonomic factors in play that can't be generally recommended. Some people love chicklet keyboards, others, myself included, flee from them like the plague. That's just one example. I run from chicklet keyboards too, but at my price range I can't be choosy. I'll just have to learn to love and accept my new chicklet overlords.If this was a purchase within the US I would say you'll want something with at least a GeForce GT 435M GPU or better. So for NVIDIA something like the 435M, 540M, or 630M or better. notebookcheck.net has a ranking of laptop GPUs: Yeah, my location makes any of this quite hard. The HP Pavilion looks great though, will have to look around and see who stocks it locally (a quick search has it selling at $522).http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-435M.35836.0.html So you would be looking at something no worse than the bottom third of the class 2 CPUs. You do NOT want an Intel HD Graphics 3000 GPU. Nor do you want a dedicated GPU that shares regular system RAM (e.g. the Radeon 6620G). However given your location you're probably looking at something in the class 3 GPU list which can be hard to find cause most manufacturers just go with the Intel 3000 in this price range. I did find this HP model w/Radeon 7450M which may suit your needs and budget: HP Pavilion g6-1310ax (http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/au/en/ho/WF06b/321957-321957-3329744-64354-64354-5186808-5219450.html?dnr=1) Another question is would it be beneficial to simply wait? Naturally prices drop after time, but is there anything over the horizon that would be worth waiting for? Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Trippy on April 18, 2012, 07:05:52 PM Maybe. The Ivy Bridge laptop GPU (HD 4000) will supposedly be 30% - 60% faster than the 3000 in games. Whether or not that makes games playable at reasonable quality levels is still unclear. There should also be more mobile GPUs from NVIDIA's and ATI's latest mobile GPU lines available for notebook manufacturers to use. Whether or not they actually use the lower end ones instead of the HD 4000 remains to be seen.
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: apocrypha on April 27, 2012, 01:40:26 AM Looking to buy a cheap laptop (£300-450, about $450-750?) for general use, no gaming capability required.
Does the recent official announcement of the Ivy Bridge chips mean that we should wait for price drops or is that likely to be a long time off, does anyone have any idea? Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Lantyssa on April 27, 2012, 06:21:31 AM What's "general use" entail? I ended up with an HP mini for work, and it's great for a secondary machine. If you'll be on it most of the day then the screen is going to be a little small.
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: apocrypha on April 27, 2012, 06:40:36 AM It does need a decent sized screen unfortunately. It will mainly be used by my other half, split roughly 50:50 between general web use and work on large spreadsheets full of images, often via Citrix to her office, so I'm thinking a 17" screen and 4+Gb of RAM really. Might be able to get away with a 15" screen but a 17" high up the list of priorities.
Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: Trippy on April 27, 2012, 09:54:27 AM Looking to buy a cheap laptop (£300-450, about $450-750?) for general use, no gaming capability required. The mid to low range Ivy Bridge mobile CPUs won't be available until June.Does the recent official announcement of the Ivy Bridge chips mean that we should wait for price drops or is that likely to be a long time off, does anyone have any idea? Title: Re: Advice for a cheap laptop Post by: apocrypha on April 27, 2012, 10:35:14 AM OK, cheers Trippy. We'll go with what's available now then :)
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