Looking for a laptop

[nikhilvoid]

Hey,

I have never owned a laptop so all of this is a bit new to me. I have filled out the FAQ thing. I'd appreciate any advice.

1_What is your budget?
About 600-700 CAD.

2_What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
Mid-size. 15-16 preferably. But would not mind 14" screens.

3_What screen resolution do you want?
1366x768 seems the standard. I'd like a longer screen to help with writing stuff. 4:3?

4_Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
A portable. I do have a very nice desktop.

5_How much battery life do you need?
I'm told I can expect 1.5 hours from most. I'd prefer a solid 3.

6_Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)?
No. I do have a desktop. Maybe the occasional plants vs zombies or monkey island or burnout paradise.


7_What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo / Video editing,watching movies, Etc.)
Some HD content. Won't be editing or muxing or etc.

8_How much storage (H.D.D Capacity) do you need?
500GB or more. 320 also acceptable.

9_If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.

http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=570_374_672&item_id=030696

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6089882&CatId=2510

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/hewlett-packard-hp-15-6-laptop-featuring-intel-core-2-duo-t6600-dv6-1355dx-english-refurbished-online-only-dv6-1355dx-refurb/10140676.aspx?path=a699e5b01f7c732d1fd69c81b6fd676een02&lid=fp-10140676-hewlettpackardhp156laptopfeatu-en

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/msi-msi-15-6-intel-core-i-5-430m-2-26ghz-laptop-a6200-216ca-web-only-a6200-216ca/10144843.aspx?path=3933074da61668b9a9a6b44845f9fc1den02

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5285730&CatId=4938&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&AffiliateID=sgHKVZft8jM-I07gsSAkK1nOp4JnLn6qFQ

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034UT0TA?ie=UTF8&tag=procompcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0034UT0TA

10_How long do you want to keep your laptop?

A few years at least.


11_What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ?

I'd rather get a Bluray drive for the desktop. But I seem to be getting one in the gateway for $500.

12_Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.

I don't care much for the apple brand. Not like i can afford it anyhow.

13_What country do you live in?
Canada

14_Please tell us any additional information if needed.

I'm a student and so would probably get student pricing. But I don't want anything on credit.

Thanks for your time.

Nikhil.

 

[James cuck]

I think ASUS G Series G51JX-X1 15.6" Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit notebook is best laptop ever.
Cell Phone

 

[nikhilvoid]

haha. and also a bit out of my range.

i need to pick between these two:

http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=570_374_672&item_id=030696

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=50202&vpn=9S7-172234-295&manufacture=MSI/MicroStar&promoid=1026

 

[lostandwandering]

The Gateway is a better machine spec wise. However, that particular unit that you linked is a refurbished unit meaning that it was returned (for whatever reason) and re-certified by Gateway.

Any reason why it has to be those two?

edit: it looks like Future Shop has the same Gateway new instead of refurb.

 

[nikhilvoid]

Hey, thanks for the input

I am considering the two because they have decent lower middle class discrete graphics. No that I would game very much on such a config but it would certainly help futureproof.

The Gateway and the MSI have mediocre battery life.


That is why I am now considering the Asus UL50VT which is also a refurb but has better build quality and more glowing testimonials.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6089226&CatId=4965

It has a switchable nvidia 210M and can overclock the low performing culv processor the SU7350 whose performance is comparable to the i3 330UM.

It also has a solid 8 hours of battery life. 11.5 advertised.

I think it fits my needs best. What do you think?

 

[lostandwandering]

Well, the only thing thing the Gateway had going for it was the HD 5650 which is a mid level card and pretty decent for gaming. But since you are planning on getting a desktop for that, it doesn't really matter too much. Otherwise, the Asus would probably be ok.

 

[simonstyle]

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