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Looking for a solid laptop around 600$. Suggestions?

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Izick said:
My worry there is that the screen would be too small. My computer has a 15.6" screen and it feels really great. It's still a concern for the 13" too, but 11" seems to drastic a change.
Click to expand...

I moved from a 13" to the 11", took about a week to get used to it. It really isn't cramped, the benefits are a very compact size and at 2.3lbs, it's super light.
 
xJavonta said:
Either get the MBA 13, MBP 15, Lenovo u400, XPS 13, Inspiron 14,HP Envy Sleekbook 6z, or even the Vizio Thin and Light 14.

I'd probably go with the Vizio since I love the look of it.

Specs:
Intel Core i3-3217U @ 1.8GHz
4 GB Memory
14" 1600x900 screen (My desktop has a 1440x900 screen lol)
Intel HD 4000 iGPU
128 GB SSD (You'll never want a slow laptop HDD again)

$900.

Pics:
Click to expand...

Such a shame this isn't available in Europe.

As for your list, with these early Ultrabooks you really have to be careful about battery life. Some of my choices were disqualified for me due to lack of it.
 
Actually the Vizio isn't a bad choice if you want MBA-like styling and build quality with a bigger screen and a lower price point. I would suggest looking at reviews first, pretty much all of these laptops look nice in photos but what separates the good ones from the shit ones is 1) keyboard comfort and keys travel 2) trackpad and so far no one does them right on ultrabooks other than Apple. The Vizio one might be the exception.
 
Milchjon said:
I'm guessing the Air only has a 128 GB SSD, are you aware of that? Not that it will matter that much, probably.
Click to expand...

I bought a 300 GB HDD for my computer, because the earlier 250 GB one died out, and I have about 279 GB of free space left.

EDIT: That Vizio laptop is sexy as fuck too.
 
Milchjon said:
Such a shame this isn't available in Europe.

As for your list, with these early Ultrabooks you really have to be careful about battery life. Some of my choices were disqualified for me due to lack of it.
Click to expand...

True, they're sacrificing battery life for portability, but in a lot of uni's I didn't think power would be a concern. My community college even has power outlets under every desk.

If you are concerned about battery life, the MBA would be an excellent choice. They're known for their fantastic stamina.


Also, to the point about the Vizio keyboard/trackpad, The Verge did a quick look at it I believe. Nilay Patel went the the Vizio offices and got a firsthand on them. I think the reception was positive.
 
For $600 you should be able to pick up a laptop that can play Crysis on Medium-High settings.

Check this one out:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085H63TC/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Intel Core_i5_2450M Processor 3.1GHz (3MB Cache)
4 GB SDRAM RAM
500GB 5400rpm Hard Drive
15.6-Inch Screen, NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

EDIT: Love GAF's budget sense:

"If I sell X and return Y, I might have enough to buy a 600 dollar laptop"
"Wait for the 1000 dollar Microsoft surface"
 
SquiddyBiscuit said:
For $600 you should be able to pick up a laptop that can play Crysis on Medium-High settings.

Check this one out:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085H63TC/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Intel Core_i5_2450M Processor 3.1GHz (3MB Cache)
4 GB SDRAM RAM
500GB 5400rpm Hard Drive
15.6-Inch Screen, NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

EDIT: Love GAF's budget sense:

"If I sell X and return Y, I might have enough to buy a 600 dollar laptop"
"Wait for the 1000 dollar Microsoft surface"
Click to expand...
I've made the mistake of buying cheap now and telling myself it's enough. I've learned that if I don't have that much money and I want something, it's best to hold out until I do have enough money for the superior product.

Also, 5400 RPM? Fuck that.
 
xJavonta said:
I've made the mistake of buying cheap now and telling myself it's enough. I've learned that if I don't have that much money and I want something, it's best to hold out until I do have enough money for the superior product.
Click to expand...
What is a Mac going to do for the uses he listed in the OP with respect to the price premium?

Edit:You're right about the 5400rpm hard drive being shitty in comparison to a Mac's performance, but a Crucial M4 costs $100-110 for a 128GB drive now and the total will still be in his price range.
 
rozay said:
What is a Mac going to do for the uses he listed in the OP with respect to the price premium?
Click to expand...
I'm not saying it's going to do all of those things better than a cheap laptop, but at first you always say you're only going to use it for this and that, and come a few months later, you'll end up wanting more power out of it or doing more with it. That's why buying something better will be beneficial. I've witnessed it on numerous occasions. That's actually why a friend of mine had to buy a new laptop.

Also, I recommended the Vizio laptop which is only $900. I suggested a Mac as well, but I'd prefer the Vizio over everything else. Since it's cheaper and has identical specs.

I don't know about you, but I'd rather pay $900 for something good rather than $600 for something that's alright.
 
xJavonta said:
I'm not saying it's going to do all of those things better than a cheap laptop, but at first you always say you're only going to use it for this and that, and come a few months later, you'll end up wanting more power out of it or doing more with it. That's why buying something better will be beneficial. I've witnessed it on numerous occasions. That's actually why a friend of mine had to buy a new laptop.

Also, I recommended the Vizio laptop which is only $900. I suggested a Mac as well, but I'd prefer the Vizio over everything else. Since it's cheaper and has identical specs.

I don't know about you, but I'd rather pay $900 for something good rather than $600 for something that's alright.
Click to expand...
The Vizio you recommended has an i3, and the cheapest MBP/MBA Are running i3 or ULV processors. If anything, the lenovos on the previous page will offer the same or better power. A T430 is well grounded and has good build quality, and would be my first pick if the barnes&noble sale is still going on.

Ultimately it's the OP's decision, I just don't feel it's appropriate given his initial comments to up sell him on a more expensive laptop.
 
I'm on my phone our I'd get you links, but you should look for a cheap laptop in the $400 range, something with an i3 our A6 (the A6 if you intend on doing any gaming at all, as it has a decent built in gpu), and then order a separate 64-128 GB SSD (an m4 for price, a Samsung for a bit better performance). You'll likely get the best deal with an acer. Make sure the laptop has a free 2.5" drive for the ssd. This is a great way to get high performance without the ultrabook price. It'll weigh a bit more, but cost way less.
 
Izick said:
It definitely has me intrigued. This Nexus 7 was really cool in a lot of respects, but I felt like I was using something inferior to a trackpad/mouse and keyboard. Just felt like everything was too much of a hassle in comparison.



I think I would go with the Air then in that case.
Click to expand...

I think you should seriously look into the Air. My wife has the 13" Sandy Bridge 2011 version and it's just an incredible PC. The build quality, thinness, weight, keyboard, trackpad, software, everything is just amazing.
 
SquiddyBiscuit said:
For $600 you should be able to pick up a laptop that can play Crysis on Medium-High settings.

Check this one out:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085H63TC/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Intel Core_i5_2450M Processor 3.1GHz (3MB Cache)
4 GB SDRAM RAM
500GB 5400rpm Hard Drive
15.6-Inch Screen, NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

EDIT: Love GAF's budget sense:

"If I sell X and return Y, I might have enough to buy a 600 dollar laptop"
"Wait for the 1000 dollar Microsoft surface"
Click to expand...

It's a laptop. Ideally you're going to be using it daily for multiple years. It just doesn't make sense to skimp on it. I've been down that road before and I deeply regret it. Lots of people have. My first laptop was a clunky piece of junk that weighed way more than it should. It was a pain in the ass to lug that thing around and really wasn't worth the up-front savings. I know multiple people who've made similar mistakes.

I'm not saying you go for the top-of-the-line, but you should never skimp on a product you plan on using a ton for multiple years. You're just going to end up hating it.
 
rozay said:
The Vizio you recommended has an i3, and the cheapest MBP/MBA Are running i3 or ULV processors. If anything, the lenovos on the previous page will offer the same or better power. A T430 is well grounded and has good build quality, and would be my first pick if the barnes&noble sale is still going on.

Ultimately it's the OP's decision, I just don't feel it's appropriate given his initial comments to up sell him on a more expensive laptop.
Click to expand...
I totally see where you're coming from, but at the same time, you buy cheap, you get cheap. And when he realizes that he needs a little bit more, he's gonna wish he did pay that extra couple of hundred.
I know I wish I did with my GPU :(

And I realize that the cheapest MBA is running an i3, but the screen is too small for the OP. The 14" Vizio has enough real estate for him and a higher res at a lower price than the MBA 11. Or if he wants to spend more, he can get the 15" Vizio at 1080p.

6.8 said:
http://qkme.me/3q6wmz
Click to expand...
Way to contribute to the thread.

Zefah said:
It's a laptop. Ideally you're going to be using it daily for multiple years. It just doesn't make sense to skimp on it. I've been down that road before and I deeply regret it. Lots of people have. My first laptop was a clunky piece of junk that weighed way more than it should. It was a pain in the ass to lug that thing around and really wasn't worth the up-front savings. I know multiple people who've made similar mistakes.

I'm not saying you go for the top-of-the-line, but you should never skimp on a product you plan on using a ton for multiple years. You're just going to end up hating it.
Click to expand...
This. This is exactly what I've learned.

DarkFlow83 said:
Why are you so set on a MBP? Do you want it for OSX or do you want it just because it's Apple?
Click to expand...
When I was looking at getting a Mac, I had my head so wrapped around how good it looked physically, that I completely disregarded anything else. Not to say they're bad machines, they just seem a little overpriced. The MBA 11 should be like $850. $950 at most.
 
6.8 said:
http://qkme.me/3q6wmz
Click to expand...

In terms of stereotypes, the guy in that image should be promoting Linux/Android.

Switch the image with some kind of thick-rimmed glasses wearing hipster.

Anyway, in terms of OS, I find OSX to be the easiest to use in the context of a traditional laptop. It helps that the MacBooks have amazing keyboards and trackpads. Gestures and the way the OS is setup make it a pleasure to use. I admit I've never used one as a work computer, though.
 
I'd highly recommend that you check out some laptops with AMD's new APUs. If you're willing to spend a little more than $600, go with the A10-4600M APU. Otherwise, go with the lower-end E2-1800. I think the E2-1800 could definitely play TF2 on lowered settings at 720p. The A10-4600M should be able to play it at maximum settings at 900p.
 
DarkFlow83 said:
Why are you so set on a MBP? Do you want it for OSX or do you want it just because it's Apple?
Click to expand...
Yeah his only criteria was $600 and "good" and then someone recommends a laptop 1/3 over his budget and he seems dead set.

What do you plan on doing with it? You say you want to play videos in HD yet are looking at low res laptops. If you are planning on spending $800+ why not get 1080p? You don't need ultra portability if it never leaves your house.
 
Zefah said:
It's a laptop. Ideally you're going to be using it daily for multiple years. It just doesn't make sense to skimp on it. I've been down that road before and I deeply regret it. Lots of people have. My first laptop was a clunky piece of junk that weighed way more than it should. It was a pain in the ass to lug that thing around and really wasn't worth the up-front savings. I know multiple people who've made similar mistakes.

I'm not saying you go for the top-of-the-line, but you should never skimp on a product you plan on using a ton for multiple years. You're just going to end up hating it.
Click to expand...

600 dollars will get you more than clunky piece of junk.
Does he really need a lightweight laptop that he's going to carry around outside the house?
According to the OP, nope, so while it is still a possibility in the future it seems risky to gamble on him down the road changing his mind.

Then there's the balancing between laptop portability/power, you can get a much better performing laptop if you don't mind it being less portable - which the OP doesn't seem to mind, once again. That he did put in TF2 as a quasi-qualifier suggests that he has some sort of interest in gaming on the other hand, and a windows non-ultra laptop would be more than suitable for that.

In the end it's up to the OP, and considering he has brought up the MBP a couple of times it's possible he does want something sleek and light, so what do I know.
 
MercuryLS said:
Once you go Mac, you can't go back. Get a used/refurb 11" or 13" MBA!
Click to expand...
Lies! I owned one and just bought a lenovo! I dislike OSX, sucks that almost every computer in my schools computer lab is an iMac.

Not one laptop suits every need. Going by his criteria a Mac doesn't seem like the right choice, but get whatever makes you happy. Ultimately you're going to be the one using it.
 
I would just get a refurbished MBP or if you want to stay with windows I think the vizio laptops are really nice. Me myself though would go with the MBP.
 
njean777 said:
I would just get a refurbished MBP or if you want to stay with windows I think the vizio laptops are really nice. Me myself though would go with the MBP.
Click to expand...
That is 1/3 over his budget and not necessary for what he needs though. Why would you recommend that based on what he needs?

bangai-o said:
i want an 11inch and be able to run Starcraft2 at medium settings. can someone direct me pls?
Click to expand...
If you're willing to get 13" the Vaio S series should work.
 
BamYouHaveAids said:
That is 1/3 over his budget and not necessary for what his needs though. Why would you recommend that based on what he needs?

If you're willing to get 13" the Vaio S series should work.
Click to expand...

Well he has been saying he may save up for a MBP so I just advised it. I have never had any good luck with windows laptops myself. Charger port on laptops have broken on me, windows blue screening for no reason, motherboards frying. I have never had this happen on any MacBooks I have owned. I was just going from personal experience. Not to say it doesn't happen with apple notebooks because I know all of the above can, just it has never happened to me at all.
 
I'm not completely dead-set on buying a Mac, but I've heard really, really good things. I just want something that's going to last and that I'll be happy with.
 
Izick said:
I'm not completely dead-set on buying a Mac, but I've heard really, really good things. I just want something that's going to last and that I'll be happy with.
Click to expand...

If you don't play games, and can afford it, then go for one or a laptop of the equivalent price (because at that pricepoint, you won't find many Windows laptops that are heavy, get blue screened, etc).

Otherwise, settle for a laptop with some oomph.
 
xJavonta said:
The MBA is a nice machine, but if you're gonna get one, get the 13". I thought 11" would suffice for me when I was looking at them, but I stopped at Best Buy and looked at them. My iPad is just under 10", buying an 11" laptop would be a total waste.

Either get the MBA 13, MBP 15, Lenovo u400, XPS 13, Inspiron 14,HP Envy Sleekbook 6z, or even the Vizio Thin and Light 14.

I'd probably go with the Vizio since I love the look of it.

Specs:
Intel Core i3-3217U @ 1.8GHz
4 GB Memory
14" 1600x900 screen (My desktop has a 1440x900 screen lol)
Intel HD 4000 iGPU
128 GB SSD (You'll never want a slow laptop HDD again)

$900.

Pics:
Click to expand...

the i3s have hd 4000s now?

im enticed
 
NawidA said:
It says starting at $999. How is that cheaper than a Air?
Click to expand...
The $999 is the 13" pricepoint the Air 13" is $200 more. The only air at the pricepoint is weaker and 11".

njean777 said:
Well he has been saying he may save up for a MBP so I just advised it. I have never had any good luck with windows laptops myself. Charger port on laptops have broken on me, windows blue screening for no reason, motherboards frying. I have never had this happen on any MacBooks I have owned. I was just going from personal experience. Not to say it doesn't happen with apple notebooks because I know all of the above can, just it has never happened to me at all.
Click to expand...
Never had any of those problems. My Vaio lasted 4 years. I only recently decided to upgrade. I bought a Macbook Pro but decided it wasn't for me and just ordered a Lenovo Y580 for $1k. Excited as it seems like it can play all the lastest games at high (Witcher 2 and Stalker yeah!).

I wouldn't get an ultraportable laptop like the Air or an Ultrabook if you won't be taking it outside of the house. If you do decide on Mac get a MacbookPro, otherwise check out Lenovo, HP, and Vaio lines.
 
BamYouHaveAids said:
The $999 is the 13" pricepoint the Air 13" is $200 more. The only air at the pricepoint is weaker and 11".

Never had any of those problems. My Vaio lasted 4 years. I only recently decided to upgrade. I bought a Macbook Pro but decided it wasn't for me and just ordered a Lenovo Y580 for $1k. Excited as it seems like it can play all the lastest games at high (Witcher 2 and Stalker yeah!).

I wouldn't get an ultraportable laptop like the Air or an Ultrabook if you won't be taking it outside of the house. If you do decide on Mac get a MacbookPro, otherwise check out Lenovo, HP, and Vaio lines.
Click to expand...

Thats why I advised the pro, and like I said in my post I know it can happen with Apple Laptops also. I also said that was my personal experience not everybody's. I know quite a few windows users that have had laptops last for years, I just never had such luck with Windows laptops.

Also if he has cash he could always go the craigslist route for a MBP or just keep checking the refurbished section of apples website. You can sometimes get a 13in pro for 850. Sometimes as cheap as 700 on craigslist. That is if he decides that he wants a Mac.
 
njean777 said:
Thats why I advised the pro, and like I said in my post I know it can happen with Apple Laptops also. I also said that was my personal experience not everybody's. I know quite a few windows users that have had laptops last for years, I just never had such luck with Windows laptops.
Click to expand...

Neither have I, every windows laptop I've owned has been shit.
 
NawidA said:
The Air starts at $999 (949 for students and you get $100 in iTunes credit). That's what I'm looking at. What beats that?
Click to expand...
Now your adding in deals. HP also does student deals but I would need look at them. No matter what I say your going to find some loophole to say it's cheaper. So yeah I'm done arguing with you.
Edit: also the $999 air is a 11 inch. The HP is $999 at 13. So yeah it's cheaper.
 
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