Which laptop? Any alternative suggestions.

HappyMJ

I posted here --> https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5022541 the other day regarding my laptop and it was decided that it should be written off which I've agreed.

I really am having trouble finding a decent new laptop. In that thread it was posted that I could find a decent one for £300. I can't...

I am prepared to spend more but just how much more.

The laptop I have is a Thinkpad T61 and it was slow doing what I did on it. In that thread I posted that I had to reduce the graphics quality of the apps that I run which I don't want to do any more if possible. I also have a Toshiba L655 which has an i3 processor (which is actually my DD's) it is also too slow and cannot handle it when I am doing everything all at once. That processor gets up to 80 degrees and slows down to stop itself from overheating. It's also been running out of memory regularly the last few days since I've been using it and forces me to restart and it also has 3GB. It even shut itself down for getting too hot.

I'm thinking the minimum requirements are a 4th generation Intel Core i7 processor, a graphics processor better than standard maybe Nvidia GeForce - TBH I have no idea about graphics card technologies in laptops, 8GB DDR3 memory, a 128GB SSD and a personal preference of mine is to have a matte screen and preferably at least full HD...screen size not too bothered but maybe around 14". Software-really not bothered I prefer to use Linux and load VMWare to use Windows 7 when needed-I don't really want Window 8 but if it comes with it then so be it. The weight of the unit must be under 3kg preferably under 2.5kg. Proper gaming laptops are far too heavy - I imagine the cooling fans of the powerful processors take up a lot of space - so it rules them out. This seems almost impossible to find at any decent price.

I found this one http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/pc-specialist-optimus-v-rs15-15-6-gaming-laptop-grey-10004795-pdt.html on Curry's site and it looks like it meets what I think I'll need...but...it's £1,000. Surely I could find something similar for a better price than that.

redcard

HappyMJ wrote: »

...so it rules them out. This seems almost impossible to find at any decent price.

I found this one http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/pc-specialist-optimus-v-rs15-15-6-gaming-laptop-grey-10004795-pdt.html on Curry's site and it looks like it meets what I think I'll need...but...it's £1,000. Surely I could find something similar for a better price than that.

You get what you pay for.

Cisco001

Also, i suggest you purchase from PC specialist directly.
It will cost you £872 with Win 7 / £793 No OS and 3 year warranty
http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/notebooks/optimusV-15/

CPU - i7 4710MQ
RAM - 1 x 8GB
SSD - Samsung 840 EVO
HDD - What ever 1TB

Edit: If you OK with GTX 850M, get Comos II or SkyFire IV instead. They are lighter. You will need to ask if they can install OS on msata SSD or you use the ODD bay for 2nd storage HDD or get hybrid drive.

HappyMJ

redcard wrote: »

You get what you pay for.

Very true...I don't want to pay that much...and I want a machine that will last many years.

Cisco001 wrote: »

Also, i suggest you purchase from PC specialist directly.
It will cost you £872 with Win 7 / £793 No OS and 3 year warranty
http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/notebooks/optimusV-15/

CPU - i7 4710MQ
RAM - 1 x 8GB
SSD - Samsung 840 EVO
HDD - What ever 1TB

Thank you ever so much for your advice...

I've decided against the HDD at all. That must have been what made the Curry's one so much more expensive adding the combined SDD+HDD drive makes it a lot more expensive. I can just use the one from my written off laptop (the HDD is only 2 years old as that had been replaced recently) and that brings it down to £756 without software and I should be able to transfer the Windows 7 Retail licence from my current laptop as it originally had Vista OEM on it and I paid to upgrade it. Much better...

Knocking off the DVD CD+RW also knocks it down to £743. I never used the one I have so see no need for it. I use USB keys and wireless to transfer things. I can use the DVD in the DD's laptop if necessary. I know it's only £13 but I really wanted to pay well under £700 in total and it's getting close.

and...you edited...

Looked at the Cosmos II same specs pretty much. £733. An extra £10 saving...

Looked at the Skyfire IV same specs again... £667 and no number keypad as I said I didn't want in my original post the other day. Looking much better...it's under the budget....yay....now to think this over and read some reviews.