Need help deciding new laptop

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darjeeling

2 posts

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#119064 19-May-2013 11:36

I'm buying a new laptop but there is just too many to choose from!

I currently have an ASUS which I have loved but its getting a bit slow and old...

I would love to still own an ASUS or would consider an Acer.
I primarly use mine for internet and uni work but... I also watch alot of movies/tv shows and also am a big Sims player (hehe guilty secret!).
So I need it to have some good speakers and be set up to handle the Sims 3 (and eventually Sims 4 next year) and thus have a good amount of memory and a great graphics card!

Can anyone suggest anything?
Money isn't a huge worry... I would save up a bit extra for something worth it!
And because of Uni it has to be a laptop not a desktop!!

Thanks heaps.

khull

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#821887 19-May-2013 11:55

ever considering just upgrading to a SSD if you haven't already?

xpd

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#821906 19-May-2013 12:33

What is your current laptop specs ?

Been a few people on lately who have upgraded to SSD and found their "old" PC has suddenly taken on new life and theyre happy with it again :)

Could be a cheaper option for now until Sims 4 is out and see if your current machine can handle it, may find you dont need to upgrade after all :)

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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sonyxperiageek

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#821947 19-May-2013 14:09

Recommend the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon.. Really good laptop right there! Am using one right now..

Sony

tardtasticx

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#821954 19-May-2013 14:28

You're pretty set on Asus by the looks of it, but ever think of coming to the Darkside? (Mac)

I got a MacBook Air 13" for uni and I love it.

Super slim, extremely light, and battery will easily last the whole day (Sometimes I've had it go for 8 hours with normal use). Its a bit expensive, but a very good investment.

my 2cents. :)

jonb

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#823438 22-May-2013 10:59

This ASUS at PBTech would be great for you. Small and light for Uni, with good spec and a decent graphics chip. There was only one left in stock though.

For the SIMS 3, any laptop using the integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics should be sufficient, without the need to restrict yourself to ones with an extra graphics chip. It can play the SIMS at medium settings ok (see the benchmark at notebookcheck.net)

If you have a bit more money to spend, this one is awesome, with a full HD screen (so you can see more of your Sims at once :) and Blu-Ray drive.

freitasm

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#823442 22-May-2013 11:13

As asked before... What's your current laptop specs, what OS it is running?

darjeeling

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#823596 22-May-2013 15:51

Thanks for all the help!!

I shall look into the laptops recommended!
These are my current specs... pretty shocking... was a quick purchase when I needed a laptop when travelling

Processor Intel Pentium T4200 / 2 GHz ( Dual-Core )
Memory 4 GB
Hard Drive 320 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Operating System Microsoft Windows 7
Display Type 15.6 in TFT active matrix
Max Resolution 1366 x 768 ( HD )
Graphics Processor Intel GMA 4500 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0
Optical Drive DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM

or.. http://www.asus.com/Notebooks_Ultrabooks/K50IJ/#specifications

Thanks

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MrHappy8D

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#837891 17-Jun-2013 06:36

darjeeling: Thanks for all the help!!

I shall look into the laptops recommended!
These are my current specs... pretty shocking... was a quick purchase when I needed a laptop when travelling
Processor Intel Pentium T4200 / 2 GHz ( Dual-Core )
Memory 4 GB
Hard Drive 320 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Operating System Microsoft Windows 7
Display Type 15.6 in TFT active matrix
Max Resolution 1366 x 768 ( HD )
Graphics Processor Intel GMA 4500 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0
Optical Drive DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM
or.. http://www.asus.com/Notebooks_Ultrabooks/K50IJ/#specifications

Thanks

It would be lovely to have a price range as well.

Before suggesting a specific laptop, I can share some advice when it comes to getting the most out of hardware. If you're planning on playing 'The Sims 4', which I would assume would use a lot of graphics processing power, you're going to want the next gen laptop graphics cards. Minimum would be the GTX 765m in my opinion. Maybe the GTX 660m, but from speculation, the games are going to get bigger and demand a lot more from your machine.
I would also suggest a minimum of 8gb RAM. Just for multi-tasking as a uni student, programs, useful in games as well.
Processor you can be kind of lenient, all depends on your price range really.

I would personally go for an MSI, or Sager or Clevo, if you're not going for looks / brand but functionality and performance. I don't think there are many great places to buy them in NZ, more of an american thing. But I think if you know some of the basics of what would be required for what you're asking you can decide on a laptop yourself.

Edit: I Guess one suggestion from me for a medium-high price would be http://www.trademe.co.nz/computers/laptops/laptops/other/auction-602876652.htm
Cheaper: http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/notebooks/componentview.asp?r=p&partid=19276