Getting a laptop for a 5 year period and what to do

[novagiant]

Hello, I am a student and looking in the market for a laptop, Sadly this laptop I need to last 5 year even know this is a lot to ask considering the tech industry and how fast it advances. I have gone over multiple companies and sadly have had to choose a dell alien ware, First this computer will be used for the following -

-Gaming HC
-Unreal engine development
-College
-programming
-IT
-Graphics editing and Adobe CS5 Master collection
-Video encoding and music encoding
-Music production studio - and utilization of software like East West/Quantum Leap
-MIDI Keyboard set up
-Web design
-High end-multi tasking
The reason for alien ware is because of the 5 year warranty offered.
Now about what I need from you is advice tech spec recommendations and my budget it 4.2k max
Note (that this laptop cannot be a desktop replacement)
I will take advice about desktops builds but prefer a laptop since I am on the go.)

Thanks
Nicolae V Geoghegan

 

[WR2]

Hello novagiant;

You'd be MUCH better off getting a $1500 laptop now with a 3yr warranty and another laptop 3yrs from now for $1500 with a further 3yr warranty.

 

[COLGeek]

Hello novagiant;

You'd be MUCH better off getting a $1500 laptop now with a 3yr warranty and another laptop 3yrs from now for $1500 with a further 3yr warranty.

This is excellent advice and I strongly agree.

If, however, you decide to ignore this advice, you can purchase an extended warranty from Dell for just about all of their products. You just select the support option you want at the end of the ordering/configuration process.

 

[novagiant]

Well I had a feeling that was the best choice, just thought I would ask, But can you get a computer that can do the stuff I want for 1500.00 I find hard to believe, and if there are please do please do share it. I am very multi tasking and graphics demanding person. I want fast and dependability. I want at least an intel I'7

 

[WR2]

Note (that this laptop cannot be a desktop replacement)
I will take advice about desktops builds but prefer a laptop since I am on the go.)

Please explain this requirement further. Does that mean that a 15" 6.6lbs / 3kg notebook is not acceptable?

 

[WR2]

But can you get a computer that can do the stuff I want for 1500.00

Yes you can.

I am very multi tasking and graphics demanding person. I want fast and dependability

Essentially, in terms of speed and performance you are telling us you want a desktop replacement notebook.

 

[novagiant]

Well that was my mistake I am referring to laptops that have a desktop Processor in them I do not want and I want a 17" at the least

 

[COLGeek]

Newegg lists 97 i7 notebook systems. I am sure many of them can meet your needs. As a student, you can take advantage of many student discount programs, like those Dell offers. Also, many colleges and universities offer other programs with other vendors. Have you looked into any of those avenues?

 

[novagiant]

You have a good point but I need this laptop for college,work, and personal things which is not something I should have left out.

 

[novagiant]

Money isn't really a big concern for me either, but I want to be reasonable too though.

 

[WR2]

No reason a Dell XPS 17 won't do exactly what you want.
A Core i7 2630QM quad core CPU, 8GB RAM, 1TB RAID 0 7200rpm HDD, 17.3" 1920x1080 LCD w/ GT 555M graphics runs about $1,360.
When you add in 3yr full warranty coverage and 3yrs accident protection the whole package runs just under $1800.

 

[COLGeek]

Go here. Build the rig you want. Add the warranty and see what it costs....

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=eycwjmk2&c=us&l=en&s=eep&cs=6099&model_id=xps-l702x&link_number=17970622&

 

[WR2]

You might want to check out student personal property insurance instead of just insuring your notebook.
http://www.nssi.com/ They cover student laptops, cameras, MP3 players, cell phones, musical instruments, etc. And they cover Accidental Damage, Theft, Fire, Flood, Natural Disasters, Vandalism and Lightning Strikes.
And accident damage and theft are an even bigger threat to your electronic personal property.

 

[novagiant]

Now we are finally getting somewhere, As you know Intel just announced their new mobile processors, should I wait?

 

[COLGeek]

Now we are finally getting somewhere, As you know Intel just announced their new mobile processors, should I wait?

When do you need your new rig?

 

[WR2]

On the Big List of Mobile Processors (CPU Benchmarks) you see the Core i7-2360QM listed at #20 and at #21 is the desktop quad core Core i5-750 CPU.
So you can see the Core i7-2360QM is in a very respectable neighborhood indeed.

 

[novagiant]

I am leery about the 555m graphics card because they usually aren’t good I need people who have push them to their limits for example running Crisis on high setting and can I get a computer with a 580m for a good price or do I need to wait?

 

[WR2]

When did gaming enter into the discussion?

 

[novagiant]

I need it with in the next few months.

 

[novagiant]

I said gaming in the first post I made guys, I quote (Gaming Hard core (HC) I am doing 1080p video encoding as well.

 

[WR2]

That meant nothing to me, except possibly the name of a game.

 

[WR2]

You want a desktop PC capability in a 8lb package.
You want it to last 5 years.
You REALLY want a desktop PC. And you might need a laptop to go along with it.

 

[WR2]

1080P video encoding is something any dual core notebook can do nicely. Quad cores just do it a bit faster.

 

[novagiant]

Well I don't what to waste anymore of your time guys as I think I have gotten my answer and thanks for the help. - Peace

 

[novagiant]

So basicly I need to put my money in a desktop and very little into a laptop correct?