Buying a Laptop: The current Generation

Jarren · 30-06-2012 9:12am

For the games in question the i5 would do great

Specifications
Product Description Toshiba C870-12L
Screens 17.3" Widescreen LED 1600 x 900
Processor Intel Core i5 2450M - 2,5GHz
Memory 6GB DDR3 SODIMM
Hard Drive 500GB - 5400rpm
Graphics Card AMD Radeon HD7610M - 1GB
Optical Drive Dual Layer DVD±ReWriter
Card Reader Yes
Network Gigabit LAN
Wireless Network Wireless-N
Webcam Yes
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
Other Software Office Starter 2010
Connections HDMI, VGA, 1 x USB3.0, 2 x USB2.0, 2 x miniJack
Battery 6 cells
Colour Black
Dimensions (wxdxh) 38 x 24.2 x 3.3cm
Weight 2.7Kg

http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/product/17_18_inch/80007091/toshiba_17_3_c870_12l_i5_2450m_6gb_500gb/details.aspx

Acer Aspire V3-771G-53218G50Makk 43.9 cm (17.3 in) Laptop (Intel Core i5-3210m, 2.5 GHz, 8GB RAM, 500GB HDD, NV GT650M, DVD, Windows 7 Home Premium) Black

http://www.amazon.de/Acer-V3-771G-53218G50Makk-Notebook-i5-3210M-schwarz/dp/B00857W7UQ/ref=sr_1_17?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1341042555&sr=1-17

Module Description Show Details
Base Inspiron 7720 Basee
Operating System Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
Memory 4096MB (1x4096) 1600MHz DDR3
Keyboard Internal UK/Irish Qwerty Keyboard
Video Card 2GB Nvidia GeForce GT 650M 90W
Driver Driver : 2230 Wireless Card
Hard Drive 1TB Serial ATA (5400RPM)
CD ROM/DVD ROM Optical Drive : 8x DVD+/-RW Optical Drive
Wireless Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2230 Card (802.11n + BT 4.0)
Cables 1 Meter Power Cord - UK
Documentation/Disks Ship Accessory : EMEA3 MUI Docs - West/Swiss/MEA (Eng, Ger, Fre, Dut, Ita, Ara, Tur)
Bundle N0517S30
2nd Hard Drive 2nd Hard Drive Not included
Extended Service 1 yr Next Day In-Home Hardware Support
Widi Wireless Display Application
Documentation Documentation Not included
Digital Photography Retail&Hard Bndl Only Adobe Photo+Prem Elements 9 Bundle MUI (EN,FR,GER,ES,IT,SE,NL,CZ,RU,TU,PL)
Order Information Inspiron 7720 Order
Primary Battery Primary 6-cell 48W/HR LI-ION
Processor 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i5-3210M processor (3M Cache, up to 3.10 GHz)
Color Choice Switch by Design Studio - Aluminium
Accidental Damage Support No Accidental Damage Protecton
Packaging Packaging : Brown Box
Online Backup DataSafe Online Backup 2GB - 1 year licence
Theft Protection Solution No Lojack Selected
FGA Module A7TRBO1303_001/BTS/UK
Theft Protection Solution Software Theft Protection Not Included
Online Backup Software Software: DataSafe Online Backup 2GB - 1 year trial
Optical Software Optical Software Not included
Additional Hard Drive Additional Hard Drive Not included
CFI Included (Smart Selection) CFI Not Included
Retail Marker Retail Marker Not included
Retail Financial Marker Retail Financial Marker Not included
Retail Drop In the Box Leaflet Retail Drop In the Box Leaflet Not included
Retail Registration Retail Registration Not included
Retail Information Retail Information Not included
Retail Tech Sheets Retail Tech Sheets Not included
LCD 17.3in High Definition+ (900p) LED Display with TrueLife
Microsoft Application Software Microsoft® Office Starter: reduced-functionality Word & Excel w/ads. No PowerPoint or Outlook
Non-Microsoft Application Software Resource DVD : Inspiron 7720Diagnostics and Drivers
Protect your new PC McAfee® SecurityCenter 15 Month Subscription
Biometric Identification Biometric Identification Not included
Operating System Recovery Options OS Windows® Recovery Media Not included

Apply the 10% OFF code TG9BVMKJ1M1715

http://ecomm.euro.dell.com/dellstore/basket.aspx?itemtype=CFG&s=dhs&l=en&cs=iedhs1&c=ie&&details=undefined

46.7 cm (18.4 "), 1920 x 1080, glossy LED
Core i5-2430m 2x 2.40 GHz (3.00 GHz Turbo), 4 GB RAM, 750 GB HDD
NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M 1.0 GB DVD burner
Wi-Fi b / g / n, 1x USB 3.0, 3x USB 2.0, HDMI / VGA
0.3 MP Webcam, Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit

http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/90449254/asus-x93sv-yz224v-w7hp64.asp

In my opinion that ASUS from CU would be the most suitable lappy for your needs.

The rest of your budget spend on :

Extra RAM - http://www.crucial.com/uk/
SSD - http://www.dabs.com/products/samsung-128gb-830-series-sata-6gb-s-2-5--ssd-laptop-kit---free-norton-ghost-15-7SR9.html?ReferrerID=tb&utm_source=td&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=TB00

and you are ready to roll

Eoin247 · 30-06-2012 12:14pm

Jarren wrote: »

For the games in question the i5 would do great

Specifications
Product Description Toshiba C870-12L
Screens 17.3" Widescreen LED 1600 x 900
Processor Intel Core i5 2450M - 2,5GHz
Memory 6GB DDR3 SODIMM
Hard Drive 500GB - 5400rpm
Graphics Card AMD Radeon HD7610M - 1GB
Optical Drive Dual Layer DVD±ReWriter
Card Reader Yes
Network Gigabit LAN
Wireless Network Wireless-N
Webcam Yes
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
Other Software Office Starter 2010
Connections HDMI, VGA, 1 x USB3.0, 2 x USB2.0, 2 x miniJack
Battery 6 cells
Colour Black
Dimensions (wxdxh) 38 x 24.2 x 3.3cm
Weight 2.7Kg

http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/product/17_18_inch/80007091/toshiba_17_3_c870_12l_i5_2450m_6gb_500gb/details.aspx

Acer Aspire V3-771G-53218G50Makk 43.9 cm (17.3 in) Laptop (Intel Core i5-3210m, 2.5 GHz, 8GB RAM, 500GB HDD, NV GT650M, DVD, Windows 7 Home Premium) Black

http://www.amazon.de/Acer-V3-771G-53218G50Makk-Notebook-i5-3210M-schwarz/dp/B00857W7UQ/ref=sr_1_17?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1341042555&sr=1-17

Module Description Show Details
Base Inspiron 7720 Basee
Operating System Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
Memory 4096MB (1x4096) 1600MHz DDR3
Keyboard Internal UK/Irish Qwerty Keyboard
Video Card 2GB Nvidia GeForce GT 650M 90W
Driver Driver : 2230 Wireless Card
Hard Drive 1TB Serial ATA (5400RPM)
CD ROM/DVD ROM Optical Drive : 8x DVD+/-RW Optical Drive
Wireless Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2230 Card (802.11n + BT 4.0)
Cables 1 Meter Power Cord - UK
Documentation/Disks Ship Accessory : EMEA3 MUI Docs - West/Swiss/MEA (Eng, Ger, Fre, Dut, Ita, Ara, Tur)
Bundle N0517S30
2nd Hard Drive 2nd Hard Drive Not included
Extended Service 1 yr Next Day In-Home Hardware Support
Widi Wireless Display Application
Documentation Documentation Not included
Digital Photography Retail&Hard Bndl Only Adobe Photo+Prem Elements 9 Bundle MUI (EN,FR,GER,ES,IT,SE,NL,CZ,RU,TU,PL)
Order Information Inspiron 7720 Order
Primary Battery Primary 6-cell 48W/HR LI-ION
Processor 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i5-3210M processor (3M Cache, up to 3.10 GHz)
Color Choice Switch by Design Studio - Aluminium
Accidental Damage Support No Accidental Damage Protecton
Packaging Packaging : Brown Box
Online Backup DataSafe Online Backup 2GB - 1 year licence
Theft Protection Solution No Lojack Selected
FGA Module A7TRBO1303_001/BTS/UK
Theft Protection Solution Software Theft Protection Not Included
Online Backup Software Software: DataSafe Online Backup 2GB - 1 year trial
Optical Software Optical Software Not included
Additional Hard Drive Additional Hard Drive Not included
CFI Included (Smart Selection) CFI Not Included
Retail Marker Retail Marker Not included
Retail Financial Marker Retail Financial Marker Not included
Retail Drop In the Box Leaflet Retail Drop In the Box Leaflet Not included
Retail Registration Retail Registration Not included
Retail Information Retail Information Not included
Retail Tech Sheets Retail Tech Sheets Not included
LCD 17.3in High Definition+ (900p) LED Display with TrueLife
Microsoft Application Software Microsoft® Office Starter: reduced-functionality Word & Excel w/ads. No PowerPoint or Outlook
Non-Microsoft Application Software Resource DVD : Inspiron 7720Diagnostics and Drivers
Protect your new PC McAfee® SecurityCenter 15 Month Subscription
Biometric Identification Biometric Identification Not included
Operating System Recovery Options OS Windows® Recovery Media Not included

Apply the 10% OFF code TG9BVMKJ1M1715

http://ecomm.euro.dell.com/dellstore/basket.aspx?itemtype=CFG&s=dhs&l=en&cs=iedhs1&c=ie&&details=undefined

46.7 cm (18.4 "), 1920 x 1080, glossy LED
Core i5-2430m 2x 2.40 GHz (3.00 GHz Turbo), 4 GB RAM, 750 GB HDD
NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M 1.0 GB DVD burner
Wi-Fi b / g / n, 1x USB 3.0, 3x USB 2.0, HDMI / VGA
0.3 MP Webcam, Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit

http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/90449254/asus-x93sv-yz224v-w7hp64.asp

In my opinion that ASUS from CU would be the most suitable lappy for your needs.

The rest of your budget spend on :

Extra RAM - http://www.crucial.com/uk/
SSD - http://www.dabs.com/products/samsung-128gb-830-series-sata-6gb-s-2-5--ssd-laptop-kit---free-norton-ghost-15-7SR9.html?ReferrerID=tb&utm_source=td&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=TB00

and you are ready to roll

Nice! Thanks mate.

Amouar · 30-06-2012 6:20pm

Hi guys,
I'm looking for an I3 laptop with a decent RAM. Budget 300-399EUR.
Any suggestions guys please?
Thanks!

Jarren · 30-06-2012 7:00pm

This is the best you can get for your budget I'm afraid.

Asus X54C-SO407D 39.6 cm (15.5 in) Laptop (Intel Core i3 2350m, 2.3 GHz, 4GB RAM, 320GB HDD, ATI 3000, DVD
http://www.amazon.de/X54C-SO407D-Notebook-Intel-2350M-320GB/dp/B007RL8P70/ref=sr_1_3?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1341078969&sr=1-3

Second generation intel processor on that Asus.

Amouar · 30-06-2012 7:18pm

Jarren wrote: »

This is the best you can get for your budget I'm afraid.

Asus X54C-SO407D 39.6 cm (15.5 in) Laptop (Intel Core i3 2350m, 2.3 GHz, 4GB RAM, 320GB HDD, ATI 3000, DVD
http://www.amazon.de/X54C-SO407D-Notebook-Intel-2350M-320GB/dp/B007RL8P70/ref=sr_1_3?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1341078969&sr=1-3

Second generation intel processor on that Asus.

Thanks! How much is the delivery to ireland and how to change the language from German to English in the laptop?

Thanks!

Jarren · 30-06-2012 7:25pm

Google chrome browser
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/aapbdbdomjkkjkaonfhkkikfgjllcleb

403.99 Euros delivered in 2/3 days max

Just to keep something in mind,that model will come with German keyboard layout.

It will take you a few days tops to get use to it.:)

Monotype · 02-07-2012 12:23pm

The original post here badly needs an updating.
You could do with a mention of AMD's APUs which offer reasonable budget gaming - i.e., better than standard integrated graphics but poorer processing power.
We also have a whole new generation of Intel mobile CPUs.
Maybe a mention of SSDs too?

Amouar wrote: »

Thanks! How much is the delivery to ireland and how to change the language from German to English in the laptop?

Thanks!

What you would probably be best off doing would be to completely reinstall windows. You can backup your existing license and put a clean install in English. You could set the keyboard to Irish and all the keys would be in the usual places, assuming that you know where they all are. PM me if you need more details on this.
It seems like a bit of work and it depends on how much a keyboard like that would annoy you. It is a fair bit cheaper than anywhere else, although I haven't looked at the competition.

Dartz · 02-07-2012 6:53pm

To cut a long story short, I'm looking for something like an Alienware M14X

But without all the shiny pzazz like backlights and styling. If that makes sense. It would look out of place where I want to use it.

Basically, something with 8GB of RAM, an equivelant to an Nvidia GT 650M, an Ivy Bridge, for 1250 Euro, or thereabouts.

Is there such a thing out there, where might I buy one, and how fast might it arrive?

Also, on a related note, does anyone know anything about the magnetic lid-switch on an XPSM1530.... mine started glitching off a while back on random cold-boots. And even after removing the magnet from the lid it still does it. The screen doesn't turn on. Is there a way to bypass the switch?

Jarren · 02-07-2012 7:04pm

Size wise , would you rather go for (11.6 ") or (15.6 ") ?

Dartz · 02-07-2012 7:10pm

Jarren wrote: »

Size wise , would you rather go for (11.6 ") or (15.6 ") ?

Either is good, tbh, though I'd prefer at least a 13 inch screen.

I've a habit of buying a laptop that can do EVERYTHING, rather than having a work one, and a home PC, and the like. After 4 years of being lugged around in a backpack, it's paid back what I wanted it to do (And had the palmrest panel knocked off).

Jarren · 02-07-2012 7:21pm

http://www.mysn.de/detail.asp?userid=C8D1B2A19E804EDDA8B95AE1DEA9B61F&KategorienOrder=010;020;010;050&bestellnr=XMG-A502

http://www.notebookguru.de/en/Notebooks/Guru-SUN-IV-config.html

http://www.deviltech.de/deviltech.php/sid/cf6e3ec3ba543d417c3479a6882f6940/cl/details/cnid/8a142c3e4143562a5.46426637/anid/8a647c904ec905467.19202626/Fire-DTX/

http://www.pcsystems-evolutionx.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p109_.html/config

http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/e90465653/asus-n56vz-s4066v.asp

Dartz · 02-07-2012 7:27pm

Jarren wrote: »

http://www.mysn.de/detail.asp?userid=C8D1B2A19E804EDDA8B95AE1DEA9B61F&KategorienOrder=010;020;010;050&bestellnr=XMG-A502

http://www.notebookguru.de/en/Notebooks/Guru-SUN-IV-config.html

http://www.deviltech.de/deviltech.php/sid/cf6e3ec3ba543d417c3479a6882f6940/cl/details/cnid/8a142c3e4143562a5.46426637/anid/8a647c904ec905467.19202626/Fire-DTX/

http://www.pcsystems-evolutionx.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p109_.html/config

http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/e90465653/asus-n56vz-s4066v.asp

German sites will ship here?

Jarren · 02-07-2012 7:31pm

They all do

you can also pick something from Irish based companies

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/ieweb/LenovoPortal/en_IE/builder.workflow:Enter?mtm-item=%3A00000037%3A00001526%3A

http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/product/15_16_inch/20160254/msi_15_6_ge60_0nc_001nl_i7_3610qm_8gb_750gb/details.aspx

Dartz · 08-07-2012 4:00am

Ended up ordering the MSI from komplett. It had all the features I wanted, for the least money.

It was also due in stock on the day I ordered it for pay on pickup since I live close to their pickup point. (And eight hours later, it was due in stock days later) Thanks for the help. Here's hoping it'll arrive in stock before this thing finally dies.

NewsMeQuick · 14-07-2012 2:17am

Dartz wrote: »

German sites will ship here?

Watch out, buying laptops from non-English native countries can mean getting Windows in a different language, and much more complicated is a different keyboard (if you have never seen or used one of these personally, you're likely to not like it, it's nothing like how you learned to type). I speak 3 languages but would only ever use a native English localised keyboard. I have a friend who bought one in Italy, she's fluent in Italian but hates the keyboard with buttons all over the place, she really wants a native English one.

Serephucus · 14-07-2012 3:53am

The simple solution there is just to reinstall Windows, selecting Ireland as the region. The keys will remap to Irish layout. Of course this only works if you can touch type.

RUCKING FETARD · 14-07-2012 3:59am

^^^You sure that works?

Serephucus · 14-07-2012 4:03am

I'm typing on a laptop with a Canadian Bilingual keyboard.

Dartz · 14-07-2012 8:29pm

It's a moot point now anyway. Most of the sites gave the option to configure with an english language keyboard anyway.

Though I had to cancel the order and switch to a different model because it was going to be out of stock until after I went on Holidays. While the one I picked up was already in-stock so should appear during the week.

Same spec, just a little more expensive.... and in 17 inches.

danthefan · 15-07-2012 11:42am

Just wondering if anyone could help me, looking for a new laptop basically for browsing and stuff like MS Office mostly. Would like a decent screen/resolution for watching films and the likes and almost more importantly would like it to be fairly light and compact. I have a gaming PC already so don't need to play games on it. I've never bought a laptop before so really no idea what's good or what isn't, if anyone had a recommendation would appreciate it!

Jarren · 15-07-2012 1:22pm

You looking at size 13/14 screen inch laptops so.

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5084966/Trail/searchtext%3ESAMSUNG+LAPTOP.htm

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Toshiba_Satellite_Pro_L830-10H_1206240.html

and this is my favourite one

http://outlet.ie.lenovo.com/store/lenovooe/en_IE/pd/productID.252216100

Built like a tank:D

value wise I think you should go with Samsung,if the performance/built quality you are after, get that Lenny then .

Nice resolution/i5 sandy cpu /it is a real gem

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/lenovo-thinkpad-t420.aspx

NewsMeQuick · 16-07-2012 1:25pm

What's the deal with battery claims? Most of them I see are 6 cell batteries. With that, the times quoted range from 3 to 6 hours. Many of these are using the same Core i3 Sandy Bridge gen processor. How can there be a 3 hour difference with the same CPU? Generally, tests I read in reviews use Windows Balanced power setting, that's 70% brightness.

Monotype · 16-07-2012 3:31pm

Is there a dedicated graphics card in the laptop that's sucking up the power?

NewsMeQuick · 16-07-2012 3:39pm

By and large no, no graphics card. Same screen size usually too - 15.9 inches. Same CPU, same gen, same power profile...I know some of the test sites are very specific - saying they leave on the laptop on balanced and refresh one page every minute. That's very specific and like-for-like testing. I'm worried my next laptop (about to buy) will say 6 hours and last 3 or 4.

Thecon21 · 20-07-2012 12:11pm

Hi guys,

I am purchasing a new laptop shortly as the one I have at the moment is ran by a hamster on wheels.

I mainly use my laptop for music production, so powerful programs that eat a good bit of RAM or processing speeds. I know Macbook would be sufficient, I was looking at one on Komplett though,

http://komplett.ie/Komplett/product/15_16_inch/80007333/asus_15_6_n56vm_s4032v_i7_3610qm_8gb_750gb/details.aspx

Anyone have advice on this would be great on whether this would do the trick or not :rolleyes:

Jarren · 20-07-2012 12:20pm

Nope

This is actually very good choice.

Product Description Asus N56VM-S4032V
Display 15.6 "LED Widescreen
Resolution 1920 x 1080
Processor Intel Core i7 3610QM
Chipset Intel HM76 Express
Memory 8 GB DDR3-1600 SO-DIMM
Storage (HDD) 750 GB
Graphics card NVIDIA GeForce GT630M 2 GB
Optical drive DVD Super Multi
Card Reader Memory Stick (MS), MMC, MS PRO, SD
Network Gigabit Ethernet
Wireless Networking Wireless B/G/N
Webcam Yes
Colour Black/Silver
Connections 1 x HDMI, 4 x USB 3.0, 1 x Microphone, 1 x Headphone
Dimensions (WxDxH) 38 x 25.5 x 2.7 ~ 3.4
Weight 2.7Kg
Battery 6 Cell
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit

Full HD screen is bonus,this lappy should last you a few years:)

Go for it

Thecon21 · 20-07-2012 12:27pm

Jarren wrote: »

Nope

This is actually very good choice.

Product Description Asus N56VM-S4032V
Display 15.6 "LED Widescreen
Resolution 1920 x 1080
Processor Intel Core i7 3610QM
Chipset Intel HM76 Express
Memory 8 GB DDR3-1600 SO-DIMM
Storage (HDD) 750 GB
Graphics card NVIDIA GeForce GT630M 2 GB
Optical drive DVD Super Multi
Card Reader Memory Stick (MS), MMC, MS PRO, SD
Network Gigabit Ethernet
Wireless Networking Wireless B/G/N
Webcam Yes
Colour Black/Silver
Connections 1 x HDMI, 4 x USB 3.0, 1 x Microphone, 1 x Headphone
Dimensions (WxDxH) 38 x 25.5 x 2.7 ~ 3.4
Weight 2.7Kg
Battery 6 Cell
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit

Full HD screen is bonus,this lappy should last you a few years:)

Go for it

Thank you! It does look fairly solid, I was just wondering if there was a better alternative in that price range?

It does look pretty slick anyway, cheers!

Jarren · 20-07-2012 12:35pm

Brand is pretty good, you can add extra RAM + SSD later to improve performance.

You can get this Lenny for less

Product Description Lenovo Z580-M81DFMH
Screen 15.6" HD LED screen / 1366 x 768
Processor 3rd Generation Intel i7 3612QM - 2.1GHz / 3.1GHz
Chipset Intel HM76
Memory 8GB DDR3 SODIMM
Hard Drive 750GB -5400rpm
Graphics Card NVIDIA GeForce GT630M - 2GB
Optical Drive Dual Layer DVD±ReWriter
Card Reader 5 -in -1
Network Gigabit LAN
Wireless Network Wireless-N, Bluetooth V4.0
Webcam 0.3 Megapixel
Connections HDMI, VGA, 2 x USB3.0, 2 x USB2.0
Battery 6 cells
Batery Life Up to 5 hours
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
Other Software Office Starter 2010
Colour Brown
Dimensions (wxdxh) 37.6 x 25 x 3.2 cm
Weight 2.6Kg

http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/product/15_16_inch/80006637/lenovo_15_6_z580_m81dfmh_i7_3612qm_8gb_750gb/details.aspx

There is no full HD screen on that unit but you won't need that.

Thecon21 · 20-07-2012 12:40pm

Jarren wrote: »

Brand is pretty good, you can add extra RAM + SSD later to improve performance.

You can get this Lenny for less

Product Description Lenovo Z580-M81DFMH
Screen 15.6" HD LED screen / 1366 x 768
Processor 3rd Generation Intel i7 3612QM - 2.1GHz / 3.1GHz
Chipset Intel HM76
Memory 8GB DDR3 SODIMM
Hard Drive 750GB -5400rpm
Graphics Card NVIDIA GeForce GT630M - 2GB
Optical Drive Dual Layer DVD±ReWriter
Card Reader 5 -in -1
Network Gigabit LAN
Wireless Network Wireless-N, Bluetooth V4.0
Webcam 0.3 Megapixel
Connections HDMI, VGA, 2 x USB3.0, 2 x USB2.0
Battery 6 cells
Batery Life Up to 5 hours
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
Other Software Office Starter 2010
Colour Brown
Dimensions (wxdxh) 37.6 x 25 x 3.2 cm
Weight 2.6Kg

http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/product/15_16_inch/80006637/lenovo_15_6_z580_m81dfmh_i7_3612qm_8gb_750gb/details.aspx

There is no full HD screen on that unit but you won't need that.

Legend, thanks again man. Might have saved me a few bob there. I appreciate it

NewsMeQuick · 21-07-2012 12:06pm

I seen as of today, Argos has refreshed their laptop lineup.

Good news: 6-8GB ram, 640-1terabite laptops have infiltrated the building, battery life that I've seen averages may 5hours.

Bad news: it's full of B950/variation CPUs. Some of those CPUs are older tech. and if the new ones don't compete with the Core i3/5/7. That might suit some users, but if you're aiming to get the best you can for your money, look elsewhere.

Note: Windows 8 as we know is due when the summer ends and I haven't seen any tech. in Argos that prepares for that. In the UK I see there are swivel and detachable screens and hybrids cropping up everywhere.

Separate note: does it matter to you how old a laptop is if the tech. stands well? Some of the laptops I've been looking at on other sites were launched in Q1 2011. When I check the support website for driver updates, generally, nothing's been updated since Q1/Q2 2011. Would you be confident making such a purchase - the 1 year warranty would still protect you but what about the manufacturer no longer support it?

Monotype · 21-07-2012 4:31pm

I'm not really sure the points you are making in a couple of places as your punctuation/grammar needs to be amended.

They can afford to be generous with RAM as it's so cheap these days. Newer budget CPUs can sometimes be better than older mainstream ones - for example a CPU from the Sandy Bridge architecture like the B950 could be better than previous generation i3s. It's still a budget CPU though so you should expect to pay accordingly.
Argos wouldn't be my first place to call when looking for a laptop - or technology in general - as price changes can be too variable.

Many laptop manufacturers are fairly poor at supporting their products with updated drivers. However, you can get around this with component updates. Intel/AMD should have chipset drivers and Intel/nVidia/AMD should have graphics drivers. Windows 7 is excellent for filling in drivers for some random components although they often wouldn't have the latest ones. It's not something I'd be overly concerned about assuming that you are actually getting a good bargain with the laptop.

If you're buying technology that's a generation old, you would be right to question support, upgradability and whether you are actually getting value for your money relative to current generation products.

Serephucus · 21-07-2012 5:34pm

RE the Asus N56: A lot of places have the wrong specs for the graphics card. There is a version with the 630M, but that usually ships with 6GB of RAM, as an easy differentiation. Most of the models actually have a 650M.

NewsMeQuick · 21-07-2012 6:19pm

Yes, I was particularly interested in the B950 variation with Sandy Bridge Core i3s. I mostly find these two pitted against each other. I noticed there are a lot of laptops flooding the shops with with impressive hard drive sizes and RAM quantities but a very large number of them also have the B950 CPU. I checked on Intel's website, the B950/B960 etc. are missing several features found in Core i3s. Even a Sandy Bridge B9XX seems to be far less capable than a Sandy Bridge Core i3. I've been looking abroad for bargains with the Core i3 because I can't find many of those here.

The crux of my problem is I've found quite a few bargains with Sandy Bridge chips that have excellent supporting specifications, but some of them were launched early in 2011. I'm concerned about support indeed...

I used the colon frequently which, ought to be used to indicate a list or subsequent explanation and I placed new information on separate lines, I believe that usage is quite correct. (I've studied six languages in full-time education).

MarkTheBaby · 27-07-2012 9:16pm

Hey,

I'm getting a new laptop for college. So I'm looking for something that will stand being lugged around dublin for a few years. I'll only use it for MS office, Music, Movies and the likes. I doubt I'll be using it for gaming, I might be doing a bit of music production but nothing too professional really. Also a webcam would be a bonus.

I'm looking to spend around €450, any suggestions? or anything to avoid?

Jarren · 28-07-2012 6:17am

Aim for SandyBridge cpu min

Something like this will fit your budget

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Lenovo_G580_1234979.html

Torqay · 28-07-2012 2:42pm

MarkTheBaby wrote: »

I'm looking to spend around €450, any suggestions? or anything to avoid?

If you want to buy in a shop, HarveyNorman have this HP 630, nothing fancy but it fits the budget and the processor is probably a Sandy Bridge Core i3-2310M. But since it doesn't say, ask before you buy.

Avoid 1st generation Core i3 processors (i.e. 370M, 380M) and of course anything with an AMD or Intel Celeron/Pentium processor.

Jarren · 28-07-2012 3:02pm

i5 sandybridge cpu , 491 Euros delivered

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=n00n5540&model_id=inspiron-15-intel-n5050&c=ie&l=en&s=dhs&cs=iedhs1&

?G26R9X345VVL? 12% OFF

MarkTheBaby · 28-07-2012 8:56pm

Thanks alot!

Just a quick question:
I was looking at some laptops here in a few shops in kilkenny, there's some good offers going but how do I know if it's a sandybridge cpu?

I asked in one of the shops and the guy looked at me like I had ten heads.

RUCKING FETARD · 28-07-2012 9:03pm

It'll have 4 digits after the i3, so like i3-2310.

Ivy bridge starts with a 3 instead, so like i3-3210

Torqay · 28-07-2012 9:04pm

MarkTheBaby wrote: »

how do I know if it's a sandybridge cpu?

Sandy Bridge mobile processor: Core iX-2XXXm

Older models (Nehalem) have only 3 digits model numbers, i.e. Core i3-380m

Samba · 09-08-2012 11:25am

Quick one, in the market for something like this but I don't think I have a hope of getting it here in Ireland for that price?

Would prefer to purchase in Ireland if possible.

They don't sell qwerty keyboards on most sites offering these prices, I can touch type no problem but I have my heart set on qwerty, while they didn't have it in stock, they were willing to check if they could get it for me with the qwerty option, just wondering if any of the German or other € retailers offer this service or stock qwerty?

Had hoped to get something around that spec for around that price.

Jarren · 09-08-2012 11:40am

Can you drop the screen size which means in this case resolution ?

http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/product/15_16_inch/80006537/acer_15_6_v3_571g_53214g50m_i5_3210m_4gb_500gb/details.aspx

Samba · 09-08-2012 12:53pm

Jarren wrote: »

Can you drop the screen size which means in this case resolution ?

http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/product/15_16_inch/80006537/acer_15_6_v3_571g_53214g50m_i5_3210m_4gb_500gb/details.aspx

Unfortunately I'll be travelling with this and probably won't have a access to a monitor to work with most of the time, so 16" screen minimum with 1600x900 is ideally what i'm after at a minimum.

Might have to reconsider the budget or consider a different keyboard layout

Jarren · 09-08-2012 1:21pm

Not much difference in CPU performance,GPU would be another story

https://outlet.sony.co.uk/shop/VAIO-Clearance/E-Series-14-15-17/VPCEJ3C5098B.CEK?CSRT=3897279520126028395

Samba · 09-08-2012 2:20pm

Jarren wrote: »

Not much difference in CPU performance,GPU would be another story

https://outlet.sony.co.uk/shop/VAIO-Clearance/E-Series-14-15-17/VPCEJ3C5098B.CEK?CSRT=3897279520126028395

Nice find cheers!

This might well be an acceptable compromise, had hoped to get something that will run HL2 and possibly even the new CS offensive, then again, having a laptop that won't run games well, might not be such a bad thing, I'll get far more work done!

Monotype · 09-08-2012 2:37pm

What about this Lenovo?
http://komplett.ie/Komplett/product/17_18_inch/80006633/lenovo_17_3_g780_m842ymh_i5_3210m_6gb_500gb/details.aspx

If you want to save €100, you can get the Acer that you were originally looking at less the graphics card.
http://komplett.ie/Komplett/product/17_18_inch/80006538/acer_17_3_v3_771_53214g50ma_i5_3210m_4gb_500gb/details.aspx

Half-life 2 should work without problem on that integrated graphics (HD4000, 3rd generation i5, Ivy Bridge). I'd imagine that the Counterstrike GO won't be a massive step up either.

Samba · 10-08-2012 2:55pm

Just goes to show how out of touch I am with PC parts, never thought we'd see the day where onboard gfx runs a game above 10fps!

Cheers for all the advice folks, greatly appreciated.

Decided to go with this number and bring a keyboard with me. The Acer are good value but decided to go for better build quality.

http://www.materiel.net/ordinateur-portable/asus-k73sm-ty048v-76541.html

Edit: scrap the keyboard, I'll just get one of these keyboard stickers...

http://www.4keyboard.com/french-qwerty-transparent-keyboard-stickers-p-109.html

Torqay · 13-08-2012 2:53pm

Samba wrote: »

Decided to go with this number and bring a keyboard with me. The Acer are good value but decided to go for better build quality.

http://www.materiel.net/ordinateur-portable/asus-k73sm-ty048v-76541.html

For the same money (actually 90c cheaper and free delivery) you'll get a 17.3 Lenovo with an Ivy Bridge Core i5 and 6 GB RAM, same GPU and indeed UK keyboard at komplett.

Edit: I just see this has already been suggested. Anyway, much better value than the ASUS with the old Sandy Bridge CPU and the Lenovo build quality is certainly on par with ASUS if not better.

Samba · 14-08-2012 1:46am

Torqay wrote: »

For the same money (actually 90c cheaper and free delivery) you'll get a 17.3 Lenovo with an Ivy Bridge Core i5 and 6 GB RAM, same GPU and indeed UK keyboard at komplett.

Edit: I just see this has already been suggested. Anyway, much better value than the ASUS with the old Sandy Bridge CPU and the Lenovo build quality is certainly on par with ASUS if not better.

:facepalm:

I thought I read i3 when I clicked on the link originally, much better value, going to go ahead and get that, cheers!

fitzy180 · 16-08-2012 11:14pm

Im looking for a gaming laptop and I have about 1500 to spend. The alienware brand seem like the best buy but im wondering if they are more style over substance and if i can get a better laptop for gaming round the same price.

Buying a Laptop: The current Generation

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