Buying a 17" - 18.4" Laptop

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mme

161 posts

Master Geek

#116636 5-May-2013 14:30

Hi All,

I am currently looking at buying a new laptop and was wondering if I can get any advice of where a good place to look / buy is. Was looking at some US websites however it would cause issues with warranty / customs tax.

What I am looking for in the laptop.

Intel i7 3rd Gen Processor
Minimum of 8GB RAM
Either SSD + Mechanical HDD or a Hybrid Hard Drive
Dedicated 1GB Graphics (minimum)
USB 3.0 Ports
HDMI Out
Full HD Screen (screensize between 17-18.4")
Would prefer Windows 7 however I can always downgrade it if required.
Not too fussed over brand. Needs to run Windows though.

If you have any suggestions please let me know.

Thanks,

mme

chiefie

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#811592 5-May-2013 14:49

What's your budget? For gaming?

I know few high-end ones as I was looking at them.

Toshiba Qosmio X870, Asus G75VX/VW, Dell/Alienware M17x or M18x.

Also, any particular reason for laptop? If for gaming, unless you need to have portability, it's cheaper to have built desktop and still be cheaper. You can get a reasonably built desktop machine with luggable case and still come out cheaper than those beasty laptops.

I was very keen on Qosmio X870 and G75VX, but then the cost for a portability unit that would eventually be a desktop replacement just doesn't sound very cost justifiable. So now I'm looking to have a luggable desktop with way more powerful GFX.

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mme

161 posts

Master Geek

#811595 5-May-2013 14:54

Thanks for the reply,

The laptop will be used for Adobe Applications such as Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Premier but also for a some gaming. It does not need to be able to play the latest games at the highest settings but Medium would be nice.

Since I move around quite a bit I would require a laptop not a desktop. Unfortunate that does increases costs.

For the budget I was thinking around 1500-3000 NZD but not too fussed about the budget just looking for future proofing.

chiefie

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#811596 5-May-2013 14:59

mme: Thanks for the reply,

The laptop will be used for Adobe Applications such as Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Premier but also for a some gaming. It does not need to be able to play the latest games at the highest settings but Medium would be nice.

Since I move around quite a bit I would require a laptop not a desktop. Unfortunate that does increases costs.

For the budget I was thinking around 1500-3000 NZD but not too fussed about the budget just looking for future proofing.

Definitely worth considering having MacBook Pro and run bootcamp for Windows 7. As weird as it is, MacBook Pro are pretty well built for Windows. Shame there isn't 17" model.

Sony E17125CG is a pretty good spec.
Dell Inspiron 17R range is pretty good but sadly there are so many configuration, so you will have to play a bit on their website.

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sxz

761 posts

Ultimate Geek

#811603 5-May-2013 15:08

HP DV7.

I just bought this one for $1800. Came with 2x 1tb hard drives, 3rd gen i7, 2gb Geforce 650 GT, 16gb ram, 17" 1080p screen.

I subbed out the 1tb for a 180gb SSD.

All up, cost be about $2000 and left me with a 1tb 2.5" USB Hdd.

http://pricespy.co.nz/product.php?p=1701581

So far its been very awesome.

ubernoob

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#811617 5-May-2013 15:48

Would also recommend Dell 17r
http://www.dell.com/nz/p/inspiron-17r-se-7720/fs

Review
http://pcworld.co.nz/pcworld/pcw.nsf/laptops/dell-inspiron-17r-special-edition

My son has one, no trouble with it, we bought it just pre Windows8 last year