Laptop Advice

wnolan1992 · 30-09-2012 1:43pm #1

Yeah, original thread concept I know. :P

Anyway, have been looking at a few laptops, and I'm considering the Lenovo IdeaPad G780 on Dabs.ie.

I've seen the same laptop on Komplett for cheaper, but it's both out of stock and I've heard Komplett laptops come with a 2-pin plug, and I'd rather pay more so as not to have to use an adaptor, as well as having it pretty quickly (need a new laptop for college pretty sharpish).

Just wondering what people think of this one?

Are there any better similar priced machines out there? Would like 8GB of RAM, 2GB graphics, i7(future proofing more than necessity) and a 17" is preferable.

How about the Samsung RF711 as an alternative?

Thanks in advance.

Torqay · 30-09-2012 2:16pm

wnolan1992 wrote: »

How about the Samsung RF711 as an alternative?

Although not a bad machine, a 2nd gen Core i7 processor isn't exactly "future proofing".

wnolan1992 wrote: »

Are there any better similar priced machines out there? Would like 8GB of RAM, 2GB graphics, i7(future proofing more than necessity) and a 17" is preferable.

You can also configure the Voyager II at PC Specialist to your needs, for example this:

17.3" full HD display(1920x1080)
Core i7 3610QM
8GB RAM
GT 630M
128 GB SSD
500 GB HDD
Bluray Combo drive

Other features:
1.3 MP webcam
Windows 7 HP 64-bit (Installation DVD included)
3 yrs warranty

Price €998 (€917 w/o the SSD)

The GPU only comes with 1 GB VRAM, however, since the GT 630M isn't exactly gaming material, that shouldn't be much of a problem anyway. Or add £42 for the GT 640M w 2 GB VRAM.

wnolan1992 · 30-09-2012 3:08pm

Torqay wrote: »

Although not a bad machine, a 2nd gen Core i7 processor isn't exactly "future proofing".

You can also configure the Voyager II at PC Specialist to your needs, for example this:

17.3" full HD display(1920x1080)
Core i7 3610QM
8GB RAM
GT 630M
128 GB SSD
500 GB HDD
Bluray Combo drive

Other features:
1.3 MP webcam
Windows 7 HP 64-bit (Installation DVD included)
3 yrs warranty

Price €998 (€917 w/o the SSD)

The GPU only comes with 1 GB VRAM, however, since the GT 630M isn't exactly gaming material, that shouldn't be much of a problem anyway. Or add £42 for the GT 640M w 2 GB VRAM.

I do like the Voyager, but at that price the Lenovo looks better value to me.

On the 630M, Gaming is only a passing consideration for me. If it can just about run Skyrim on low-medium for the next few months, that's probably the most taxing gaming it'll be doing. I mostly play older games on my laptop.

Torqay · 30-09-2012 3:40pm

wnolan1992 wrote: »

I do like the Voyager, but at that price the Lenovo looks better value to me.

Not to me it doesn't.

.

At the same specs (Standard 1600x900 display, 3610QM, 8GB RAM, GT 630M, 750 GB HDD, Bluray combo), the Voyager II will cost €904 with the benefit of a 1.3 MP webcam, a 2nd HDD bay and 3 years warranty. Even with a GT 640M (much faster) the Voyager II is still cheaper (€944) than the Lenovo.

I just like adding the 128 GB SSD as it is a special offer and well worth it.

Edit: just see that the Lenovo comes with a 1 TB HDD, so add €17 to the above prices. Still makes the Voyager II the better bang for the buck when specced comparatively.

wnolan1992 · 30-09-2012 4:37pm

Have you bought off that site before? Just wondering about customer service, etc. Hadn't heard of them until you linked them.

Torqay · 30-09-2012 4:44pm

No, I have not bought from PC Specialist or Schenker (a German Clevo reseller with a UK website), but others around here have and I've heard nothing negative yet.

I like the idea of configuring a laptop as you'll get exactly what you want. And as a bonus you'll have a 2nd HDD bay, OS installation disk and 3 yrs warranty, which is not too shabby.

Media999 · 30-09-2012 4:55pm

wnolan1992 wrote: »

Have you bought off that site before? Just wondering about customer service, etc. Hadn't heard of them until you linked them.

I just ordered a laptop from PC specialist for 1500 quid.

Everything was smooth and straightforward.

Heres the best thing about it. As far as im concerned i got a laptop that would go for 3k if it had Sony or Samsung wrote on it even though the parts are all brand names best of the best.

http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forums/forum.php here is a whole forum full of people with the exact same custom PC / laptop brand as you. Beat that for helpful.

Also take note of the lack of people complaining about the laptops. Nothing but praise.

Torqay pointed me in the direction of custom laptops. Best advice i was ever given here. A bit hesitant at first like yourself as 1500 is a lot of money to a poor student. But dont regret it at all. happy out.

I wouldnt even dream of buying a prebuilt PC so why not the same attitude for laptops?

Also there designed to be upgraded. everything is easily accessible. They even have a customised section after you order telling you how to upgrade your laptop.

Seriously. Cant recommend doing this enough.

Mine has 7970m ( best graphics in the world for a lot of games) , 8gb ram, 120gb SSD + 1tb Drive, backlit keyboard and 1080p screen with 3 year warranty.

I think this is basically the same

Torqay · 30-09-2012 5:08pm

I'm a bit tempted myself. I like the wee Inferno 11.6". With a Core i7 quad, 8GB RAM a GT 650M and the mandatory SSD it'll cost 900 yoyos. Quite a beast.

Either that or the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 carbon, but looking at the specs and the price it should be really a no brainer.

Media999 · 30-09-2012 5:22pm

40 fps on Battlefield 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0hA5Rk2GqU&feature=player_detailpage#t=331s

Nuts.

wnolan1992 · 30-09-2012 7:59pm

Cheers guys. Gonna take a read of that forum you linked Media999 and make my decision. But I'm pretty sure I'll end up going down this route. Might even spend a bit more and get a more powerful processor or the improved battery/cooling system they have.

Definitely more interesting to get something custom built as opposed to a brand.

Media999 · 30-09-2012 8:14pm

They can be completely upgraded except the screen really. But even then you could if you really wanted to.

With custom you can buy the best you can now then when you have money again just upgrade it.

In future then you can just recycle parts and save money.

They seem to be very quick to have the latest options aswell. The list is constantly changing literally every couple of days stuff is added and taken away.

Edit - and yes we do need a Killer instinct reboot:) loved that game. Id be a new version tomorrow !!

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