Just another "What laptop??" thread.

Flojo

Hey there. My laptop died recently so I'm trying to pick out a new companion.

Budget: 400-650euro

Size: 15.6-17inch

Needs: College work, some photo/video editing, gaming, and entertainment.

Battery life: Not important as it's usually always plugged in when in use. Would prefer a removable battery however.

Storage: 250-700gb. Not too fussed as I mainly use external HDs.

Graphics: I want to be able to run games on medium+ settings, for example, Skyrim, Portal 2, and World of Warcraft. Also want to be able to watch HD movies with no issues as well.

CPU: i3+

Extra info: Would prefer a DVD burner, decent in-built webcam, sturdy build, with decent sound and performance. I know it might sound like I'm looking for a miracle at that price bracket but I'd like to hear about anything that comes close. I'd buy online or in a store(shout outs about deals are most welcome).

Brands: Preferably Acer or Lenovo. Might be open to others however.

Acer Aspire 5750G
Acer Aspire 5749
Acer Aspire V5
Asus K53SC
Asus N55SF
Dell Inspiron 15R
Lenovo G560
Lenovo Z570
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E520
Lenovo Essential G570
Lenovo ThinkPad G570

I've done some research myself. The above models are what I came up with so far. I know Asus and Dell are fairly out of my price range but I wouldn't mind saving up a bit more. I just feel like I could be missing something so would very much appreciate some help.

Thanking you muchly for your time.

Torqay

Since you don't mind Acer...

The V3-571G with an Ivy Bridge Core i5 and a GT630m (probably the best GPU you can ask for in this price range) is selling for €599 (incl. delivery) at komplett.ie

Flojo

Torqay wrote: »

Since you don't mind Acer...

The V3-571G with an Ivy Bridge Core i5 and a GT630m (probably the best GPU you can ask for in this price range) is selling for €599 (incl. delivery) at komplett.ie

Ah I know hehe but I'm not going to rule them out. A few of their models are decent and at reasonable prices.

The V3 was on my list until I read that it's graphics weren't the best. But that version has an OK graphics card... think I'll stick it back on so hehe! Will shop around for prices though, I've found Komplett to be expensive at times. Thanks.

Torqay

komplett.ie isn't always the cheapest but every now and then they do have decent deals. A GT 630M is about as good as it gets for a budget laptop (and I consider anything up to 600 yoyos still "budget") from an "Irish" web shop, and if they throw in the latest Core i5 processor, all the better.

If you want a GT 650M or even better in this price range, you'll have to look abroad, maybe at computeruniverse.net in Germany (you may have to settle for a QWERTZ keyboard) or saveonlaptops.co.uk in Engalnd (although the Sterling is pretty dear at the moment).

Flojo

Torqay wrote: »

komplett.ie isn't always the cheapest but every now and then they do have decent deals. A GT 630M is about as good as it gets for a budget laptop (and I consider anything up to 600 yoyos still "budget") from an "Irish" web shop, and if they throw in the latest Core i5 processor, all the better.

If you want a GT 650M or even better in this price range, you'll have to look abroad, maybe at computeruniverse.net in Germany (you may have to settle for a QWERTZ keyboard) or saveonlaptops.co.uk in Engalnd (although the Sterling is pretty dear at the moment).

Yeah the one I read about had an intel integrated chip. That particular NVIDIA isn't bad like. Just found the same Acer on Amazon for a bit cheaper. Haven't made up my mind just yet though. Will do up proper lists of pros and cons. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't forgetting about some awesome model from an obscure brand or something!

Torqay

Mind you, delivery is free with any order at komplett.

Maybe you want to "build your own" Clevo laptop at Schenker? If you don't need an operating system, you can save quite some money.

Flojo

Torqay wrote: »

Mind you, delivery is free with any order at komplett.

Maybe you want to "build your own" Clevo laptop at Schenker? If you don't need an operating system, you can save quite some money.

Nah they're working out to be much too expensive considering they don't have an OS. Thanks anyway!

runswithascript

Did you go with the Acer 15.6" V3-571G-53214G50M from Komplett in the end?

We have plans to order one this Thursday...

I had been considering a laptop from Germany but the person paying the bill is uneasy about doing so.

Torqay

Flojo wrote: »

Nah they're working out to be much too expensive considering they don't have an OS. Thanks anyway!

Do they? Windows 8 PRO will be selling for $69.99

runswithascript

Torqay wrote: »

Do they? Windows 8 PRO will be selling for $69.99

Where's the option to build from scratch on that site anyway? I could only see pre-mades.

Overheal

Torqay wrote: »

Do they? Windows 8 PRO will be selling for $69.99

After the launch period it will be $200 and last I heard $40 as an upgrade. It's going to be $70 for a minute, full retail or OEM?

runswithascript

Damn, I have seen laptopsdirect.ie selling the upgrade for ~€15, and just to clarify, how much is it going to cost me upgrading a new laptop I am ordering this week?

runswithascript

http://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-IE €15.

Torqay

Overheal wrote: »

After the launch period it will be $200 and last I heard $40 as an upgrade. It's going to be $70 for a minute, full retail or OEM?

Nah, for more than three months...

Microsoft's Windows 8 Pro software will be priced at $199 after a promotional price of $69.99 expires on January 31st 2013

Overheal

I will pick it up by then. I am still an active VIP member of Microsoft's retail expertzone though, I'm waiting to see if they provide promotional copies to me - they have done in the past for Office. and an ultrabook and a windows tablet, but i won those fair and square