Good-spec Laptop

JiffyJ

Hi all,

Im looking to buy a well-specced laptop (<€1300, i7, 8Gb RAM) that looks good :cool: I've been browsing the forums, some great tips here, thanks!

The laptop will be used primarily as a desktop-replacement multimedia laptop, so i'm looking for 17" screen, full HD preferably and a Blue Ray Drive.

Gaming-wise, it would be nice to check out some of the newer titles, so i'd like to go for a decent graphics card.... would an Nvidia 555M or 635M be good for the near-future? I'm not that fussed about running games on ultra settings.

The Asus N75 caught my eye:
http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/ASUS_N75SL-V2G-TY071V_1173292.html
(if i can find one for sale with i7 & 8Gb RAM)

Does this look like decent value? Would you suggest any alternatives?

Thanks!

Jaafa

I'm getting the 15 inch version of that laptop, I've only heard good things about it. Realistically you won't need an i7 or 8GB of ram, unless you plan on doing some heavy image/video editing. Even gaming wise an i5 should be enough.

That said here is the i7 version, if you have the money then why not I guess, it'll future proof for quite some time. Again only 6GB but really I'd just stick with it, it'll be plenty and upgrading to 8GB is simple to do your self and cheap enough.

The GT635m is a upper middle class GPU, as such it can play any game out there atm, the newest/most demanding games like BF3 may only be playable in medium settings though at an acceptable frame rate. It should 'run' most games to come for up to 2 years I would say, however at what settings? That's too hard too tell.

EDIT: My mistake that's the 15 inch I linked you too, seems the i7 17 inch isn't on that site, you should find it somewhere tho if you really want it.

JiffyJ

Well thats a good endorsement! Probably wont be doing any editing to be fair, just wanted to future proof... I guess RAM will only get cheaper and faster over time.

Was thinking about going for the 15" version too, but I think the 17" screen might be better for gaming and just looking at it in HD . Might still go for 15" if I cant find an i7 17".

Just noticed that the drive is only 5,400 RPM. Would it be worth putting an SSD in for the OS? These guys would do it for me:
http://www.asuslaptop.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=N75SL-V2G-TY071V-SSD

Jaafa

JiffyJ wrote: »

Well thats a good endorsement! Probably wont be doing any editing to be fair, just wanted to future proof... I guess RAM will only get cheaper and faster over time.

Was thinking about going for the 15" version too, but I think the 17" screen might be better for gaming and just looking at it in HD . Might still go for 15" if I cant find an i7 17".

Just noticed that the drive is only 5,400 RPM. Would it be worth putting an SSD in for the OS? These guys would do it for me:
http://www.asuslaptop.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=N75SL-V2G-TY071V-SSD

Yeah if you don't plan on moving it much around then go for 17 inch.

A SSD is always worth putting it. And looking at the price for the upgrade on that site it's not too fair off normal prices for that SSD so for handyness sake I guess it's no harm. As you say make sure to put the OS and games on the SSD to speed up loading times. Defo do not go for the RAM upgrade though. 2 extra GB of ram is not worth 50 euro.

Jarren

I'm on my mobile at the moment so I really don't know what type of keyboard layout is on On those two Asus N75 laptops.

http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=sr_nr_scat_427957031_ln?rh=n%3A427957031%2Ck%3Aasus+n75sf&keywords=asus+n75sf&ie=UTF8&qid=1334742697&scn=427957031&h=ab48e633fd5595b8535a553c9f4873b51e48612a

califano

Jarren wrote: »

I'm on my mobile at the moment so I really don't know what type of keyboard layout is on On those two Asus N75 laptops.

http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=sr_nr_scat_427957031_ln?rh=n%3A427957031%2Ck%3Aasus+n75sf&keywords=asus+n75sf&ie=UTF8&qid=1334742697&scn=427957031&h=ab48e633fd5595b8535a553c9f4873b51e48612a

Standard QWERTY according to the screenshot. Looks a quality laptop alright. Its also got 2 usb 3.0 ports as opposed to 1 on saveonlaptops. Cant tell what else its got over saveonlaptops if anything else but its about €300 dearer on amazon.eu

Torqay

rounders123 wrote: »

Standard QWERTY according to the screenshot.

Most likely photos from the manufacturer's sales material.

JiffyJ

Yeah i'm a bit wary of buying from a German site for that reason, and in case of an issue that needs after sales support.

Struggling to find an i7 from a UK / Irish site though. I called the guys at www.asuslaptop.co.uk but it will be a couple of months before they get any more in.

Might just go for the i5, I guess its more the idea of Quad Core that im into

Torqay

Komplett seem to have a new ASUS in stock, 17.3", Core i7 Quad, 8 GB RAM, GT 630M, for 950 yoyos... no bluray though.

JiffyJ

That's the previous model in the series, the N73. Doesnt have the subwoofer .

Looks like all models currently available in Ireland / UK are i5, 1600x900 and 6Gb RAM... you need to go to Germany (amazon.de) for top-end spec... ~€300 more without delivery and the hassle factor considered... not to mention the funky keyboard!

Dont really care about the RAM, so my questions are:
- Given this will be for multimedia / gaming, will an i5 be sufficient for the next few years?
- Would the lower native resolution be better for gaming with the GeForce 555? Seems like a shame not to get the most out of 17.3" of screen real estate... Catch 22 i suppose.

EDIT: I'm not planning on doing any photo or video editing, just wondering if i7 would add longevity to the machine.

Torqay

JiffyJ wrote: »

- Given this will be for multimedia / gaming, will an i5 be sufficient for the next few years?

Multimedia? Most certainly... heck, I have an 11 years old Fujitsu Siemens PC here which is playing HD video perfectly well.

Gaming? That I doubt, considering the pace of development, I'd say 2 or 3 years, tops. It's a laptop after all, upgrade is not really an option.

As for subwoofers in laptops, no matter how you spin it, laptops sound shyte, for great sound you'll always need decent headphones or speakers.

JiffyJ

Found one! Anyone ever used these guys?

http://www.systo.co.uk/computers/notebooks/n75sf-v2g-tz158v-n75sf-v2g-tz158v.html

Any way of checking if they are a safe retailer to use?

_AVALANCHE_

JiffyJ wrote: »

Found one! Anyone ever used these guys?

http://www.systo.co.uk/computers/notebooks/n75sf-v2g-tz158v-n75sf-v2g-tz158v.html

Any way of checking if they are a safe retailer to use?

http://www.trustpilot.co.uk/review/www.systo.co.uk

http://www.overclock.net/t/1210639/enermax-fans-from-systo-co-uk/10

http://whois.domaintools.com/systo.co.uk

Keith186

JiffyJ wrote: »

Hi all,

Im looking to buy a well-specced laptop (<€1300, i7, 8Gb RAM) that looks good :cool: I've been browsing the forums, some great tips here, thanks!

The laptop will be used primarily as a desktop-replacement multimedia laptop, so i'm looking for 17" screen, full HD preferably and a Blue Ray Drive.

Gaming-wise, it would be nice to check out some of the newer titles, so i'd like to go for a decent graphics card.... would an Nvidia 555M or 635M be good for the near-future? I'm not that fussed about running games on ultra settings.

The Asus N75 caught my eye:
http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/ASUS_N75SL-V2G-TY071V_1173292.html
(if i can find one for sale with i7 & 8Gb RAM)

Does this look like decent value? Would you suggest any alternatives?

Thanks!

If you are looking for those specs consider the XPS17 maybe?

It has 17" Full HD (promotional screen upgrade), blu-ray, i7, 8gb RAM and a 3gb GT 555m card.

Not sure how that stacks up for your needs but it's €1200 and I just got a 15% off code in an email there if you want to use it.

JiffyJ

Wow thats exactly the same spec as the ASUS N75 and already €100 cheaper... with 15% off - cheaper still!

Must have a look at a few more reviews, I was planning on staying away from Dell, i've had problems with them before, whereas I have an ASUS netbook thats still going strong.

Cheers for the offer, ill do some research and might take you up for that.

What do the rest of you think? XPS 17 or ASUS N75?

JiffyJ

_AVALANCHE_ wrote: »

http://www.trustpilot.co.uk/review/www.systo.co.uk

http://www.overclock.net/t/1210639/enermax-fans-from-systo-co-uk/10

http://whois.domaintools.com/systo.co.uk

Thanks for that, they seem genuine enough, but ill give them a call / web-chat to confirm that they have the right one.

Thats if I dont go for the Dell XPS 17 instead. Decisions decisions

Jaafa

Torqay wrote: »

Multimedia? Most certainly... heck, I have an 11 years old Fujitsu Siemens PC here which is playing HD video perfectly well.

Gaming? That I doubt, considering the pace of development, I'd say 2 or 3 years, tops. It's a laptop after all, upgrade is not really an option.

As for subwoofers in laptops, no matter how you spin it, laptops sound shyte, for great sound you'll always need decent headphones or speakers.

I disagree on the sound aspect. I just received the 15 inch Asus N55sl. The sound quality is above and way beyond any other laptop I have heard, the extra subwoofer the give you really packs a punch. The reviews were not exaggerating when they said this laptop has incredible sound, I spent the first 30 minutes after turning it on, playing songs and just enjoying the sound.

In terms of gaming Torqay is right 2-3 years at most, however this is gaming we are talking about, even if you bought the highest end components possible now, they would be beaten by something newer in 6 to 12 months tops. For me to get 2-3 worth of gaming out it is plenty,because even after that you'll still be able to play older games and do all the normal stuff you do as well. If you want to get into proper PC gaming your going to have to accept that you'll have to continually upgrade what you can to keep playing new games ever 2 or 3 years.

JiffyJ

Looks like the ASUS N75 i7 available in the UK is also a German model . I think ill go for the Dell XPS 17. Pretty much exactly the same spec (better in some areas) and has a decent sound system too!

Id appreciate it if you could PM me the 15% off code Keith186.

Keith186

Sent it on there...

JiffyJ

Went for the XPS 17 in the end:
- Core i7-2670, 8Gb RAM
- GT 555M 3Gb RAM
- Full HD antiglare screen + Blueray drive
- 1TB Hdd (5,400)
- Backlit keyboard and 2x2 Wireless-N card for the craic

Might take one of the 500Gb HDDs out and lash in an SSD when I get it.

Came in at 1050 thanks in particular to 15% off code from Keith186 - thanks a million for that... and thanks to the rest of you for the tips and advice.

_AVALANCHE_

Keith186 wrote: »

Sent it on there...

What are you signed up to to get that voucher?

Keith186

_AVALANCHE_ wrote: »

What are you signed up to to get that voucher?

Signed up for a notice of when the xps 13 was being released and they've bwen spamming me since.

Just realised the code expires today so lucky you used it quickly JiffyJ

JiffyJ

Keith186 wrote: »

Signed up for a notice of when the xps 13 was being released and they've bwen spamming me since.

Just realised the code expires today so lucky you used it quickly JiffyJ

Yeah.. Although I was enjoying doing the research

BostonB

I've been looking for a 17" replacement for my old machine, that XPS 17 looks exactly like what I'm looking for. Is the GT 555M good enough for mid level gaming?

I've had a Dell Insprion 9400 for many years, and the sound is great IMO. Has a sub woofer underneath. Only problem with it is that the 7900Go in it, its pretty much past it for everything these days, though its still plays COD4 and a few older titles.

I've a 1920x1200 on mine and I love the extra res for doing work. For gaming, if you drop to say 1280x800 its like having anti aliasing turning on, without any impact on performance. ( I have AA turned off usually).

BostonB

Whats a 2x2 Wireless-N card?

Jaafa

How much you get that xps for?

Keith186

BostonB wrote: »

Whats a 2x2 Wireless-N card?

Has two antennae vs just one in the cheaper version which will give better wifi reception

BostonB

Cheers.

_AVALANCHE_

Jaafa wrote: »

How much you get that xps for?

Do you mean jiffy?

€1050

_AVALANCHE_

BostonB wrote: »

Is the GT 555M good enough for mid level gaming?

Yep

Scroll down for game benchmarks, above 30fps is what you want.

teednab-el

I got an Samsung RF 711 laptop for 1099 euro and has all the specs you wanted bar the graphics card which was a sli intel hd graphics/ nvidia GT 540m optimus but would you see a difference between that and the GT 555m card? It would be very slight I would imagine but the laptop has everything else you wanted.

Jaafa

teednab-el wrote: »

I got an Samsung RF 711 laptop for 1099 euro and has all the specs you wanted bar the graphics card which was a sli intel hd graphics/ nvidia GT 540m optimus but would you see a difference between that and the GT 555m card? It would be very slight I would imagine but the laptop has everything else you wanted.

Big difference actually between GT555m and Gt540m. 20-30%.

teednab-el

Jaafa wrote: »

Big difference actually between GT555m and Gt540m. 20-30%.

Didnt realise the diffference was that great. If your machine didn't have blu ray player would you still see a big difference?

Jaafa

teednab-el wrote: »

Didnt realise the diffference was that great. If your machine didn't have blu ray player would you still see a big difference?

Blue ray doesnt have anything to do with the GPU.

teednab-el

Jaafa wrote: »

teednab-el wrote: »

Didnt realise the diffference was that great. If your machine didn't have blu ray player would you still see a big difference?

Blue ray doesnt have anything to do with the GPU.

It does of course, you are obviously going to get a better 3D picture with a better graphics card as you play the movie/game through blu ray. If that was the way no computer would need graphics cards.

Jaafa

teednab-el wrote: »

It does of course, you are obviously going to get a better 3D picture with a better graphics card as you play the movie/game through blu ray. If that was the way no computer would need graphics cards.

Every computer comes with a integrated graphics card along with its CPU. Its more than enough to handle blue ray dvds and has been for quite some time. Having a Gt540 or Gt555m won't improve playback whatsoever.

teednab-el

Jaafa wrote: »

teednab-el wrote: »

It does of course, you are obviously going to get a better 3D picture with a better graphics card as you play the movie/game through blu ray. If that was the way no computer would need graphics cards.

Every computer comes with a integrated graphics card along with its CPU. Its more than enough to handle blue ray dvds and has been for quite some time. Having a Gt540 or Gt555m won't improve playback whatsoever.

I would have thought that a picture will look better, the better the graphics card is,and what about 3D gaming? You would obviously be putting the disc into the Blu ray drive of your laptop to play game?

Jaafa

teednab-el wrote: »

I would have thought that a picture will look better, the better the graphics card is,and what about 3D gaming? You would obviously be putting the disc into the Blu ray drive of your laptop to play game?

No the picture will look better depending on the resolution of your screen. Blue ray can do 1080p resolution movies. If your screen is only 720p you wont see the difference between a blue ray disc and a normal dvd.

3D gaming on PC's doesn't need blu ray to improve graphic quality, only for extra storage capabilities, and even then only the PS3 uses blu ray for that purpose as far as I know. 3D gaming does however depend on your GPU.

You seem to have been misinformed on a lot of these issues. If you have an more questions I'd be happy to answer to the best of my ability.

Torqay

Jaafa wrote: »

If your screen is only 720p you wont see the difference between a blue ray disc and a normal dvd.

Ah now, DVD resolution is only 480p, you'll see a difference there quite well. 720p is HD, DVD is not.

Jaafa

Torqay wrote: »

Ah now, DVD resolution is only 480p, you'll see a difference there quite well. 720p is HD, DVD is not.

I stand corrected, I thought DVD could go up to 720p.

teednab-el

Jaafa wrote: »

Torqay wrote: »

Ah now, DVD resolution is only 480p, you'll see a difference there quite well. 720p is HD, DVD is not.

I stand corrected, I thought DVD could go up to 720p.

I'm not the only one that seemes to be misinformed about these issues. :-D

teednab-el

Jaafa wrote: »

Torqay wrote: »

Ah now, DVD resolution is only 480p, you'll see a difference there quite well. 720p is HD, DVD is not.

I stand corrected, I thought DVD could go up to 720p.

Hence why a blu ray disc is far better than a standard DVD. Blu ray = 1080p, Standard DVD = 480p

Jaafa

teednab-el wrote: »

Hence why a blu ray disc is far better than a standard DVD. Blu ray = 1080p, Standard DVD = 480p

I never said it wasn't better, but you'll still need a high enough resolution screen to make use of it.

_AVALANCHE_

teednab-el wrote: »

:-D

............................................

teednab-el wrote: »

You would obviously be putting the disc into the Blu ray drive of your laptop to play game?

Do you realise that if you wanted, you don't need a disc drive of any kind to watch a movie or play a game?

teednab-el

_AVALANCHE_ wrote: »

teednab-el wrote: »

:-D

............................................

teednab-el wrote: »

You would obviously be putting the disc into the Blu ray drive of your laptop to play game?

Do you realise that if you wanted, you don't need a disc drive of any kind to watch a movie or play a game?

Yeah usb memory key or external hard drive.

Jaafa

teednab-el wrote: »

Yeah usb memory key or external hard drive.

Well personally I download all my movies/games off steam and the like. And I don't even have a particularly fast broadband connection. My last laptop that I had for 2 years, I only need the cd drive about 5 times I'd say.