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Laptop for 1200$

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  • Gaming
  • Multimedia
  • Programming
  • Laptops
  • Games
  • Components
Last response: in Components
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August 22, 2014 12:50:01 PM

what is the best laptop outthere for 1200$ i'm going to use it for programming(C++), multimedia and sometimes games.
AND WHICH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENT FOR Programmers?( i know all is important but which should thing should i get high end?

More about : laptop 1200

August 22, 2014 1:05:51 PM

The cpu and ram will be the most important for programming. Also, you will want a big hdd and an ssd. I'd get an i7 cpu and 16gigs of ram.
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August 22, 2014 1:17:25 PM

Hi,

1) Programming:
I'm no expert, but I wouldn't think you'd be doing much that was demanding on the CPU or memory. Either way, the gaming specs will take care of any needs here.

2) Multimedia:
I assume videos, etc. Doesn't matter.

3) Games:
At this price, the GTX860M is likely ideal.

My advice is something with specs like THIS:

a) 4-core Intel 4th gen CPU
b) GTX860M
c) 8GB of System memory (unless you can justify more)

d) quality brand with good reviews
e) 1600x900 or 1920x1080 resolution screen

f) drives: a few options
a) SSD only (with external USB for backup)
b) SSHD only
c) SSD + HDD

I'd prefer an internal SSD and HDD but those options aren't always there. An SSD with a spare 2.5" drive bay would be great. Another option is it comes with an M.2 SSD with a spare drive.

*I'll look and see what's available.
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August 22, 2014 1:21:18 PM

I've narrowed down two laptops that are very well. Both of these can do C++ but are very different if features. First, the ATIV Book 9 2014(http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/pcs/NP940X5J-K02US):

This laptop has a 15.6 touchscreen, full HD display. This will be extremely fast with the 256GB SSD. The processing power is 1.8GHz, turbo boosted to 3.0GHz with intel i5. The 8GBs of RAM should be just right for multitasking. This also features an HD web can and 8 hours of battery life. Windows 8

The next great laptop is the Macbook Pro 2014 (http://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/):

This laptop has a 13.3 (or 15.4) inch retina display. With this, 4k looks beautiful. The baseline is loaded with 2.6 GHz turbo boost up to 3.1GHz. Again, lighting fast with a 256GB SSD and perfect for multitasking with 8GB of RAM. Also featuring an HD Camera. With 13 hours of battery life. I would also like to point out the power cable is Mag-Safe, meaning it connects via magnets to charge so you can trip over the cord or damage your computer. Mac OSX (updates are free)

Both of these are excellent and very different. Hope it helps!
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August 22, 2014 1:28:14 PM

Examples:

1) Asus 17.3", 1080p, GTX860M:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-17-3-laptop-intel-core...$pcmcat247400050000&cp=1&lp=2

2) Lenovo, 15.6", 1080p, GTX860M, *SSHD (hybrid drive)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-15-6-touch-screen-la...$pcmcat247400050000&cp=1&lp=1

*I really like the Lenovo, unless a 17" screen is a must. You could also add a DESKTOP monitor and have two screens at the same time.

The Lenovo is more portable but doesn't have a DVD drive. For $25 if you need an external drive this one is great: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-8x-external-double-layer...

**Get START8 ($5) when using Windows 8 to avoid the new interface.
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