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traceywnz

19 posts

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#91525 14-Oct-2011 23:31
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Hey guys,

Ya'll know considerably more about technology than I do, so I am helping you can assist me. Google hasn't been that great...

I would like to upgrade my laptop (It's nearly 4 years old now so I think it's time for a new one).
Unfortunately I have no idea now days what to look for, what is considered low-spec, what is high spec?

Once upon a time I was a gamer, not a real gamer by most standards, just games like 'The Sims' etc.. but only do this occasionally now. I think I would still like something capable of running Sims 3 (for example)..

Mostly I use social networking, online tv/video/youtube. Skype, email, iTunes, Windows Media (unless someone can suggest a better free music player/cd burning program)..

The must haves are a webcam, dvd burner (or is it blu-ray now?) though this would be rarely used and I think I would prefer a Windows laptop over a Mac one, and of course, dedicated graphics & wi-fi/wireless lan.

Can you advise me of any brands/models you would recommend? And any particular retailer or website you would suggest, (or suggest I stay away from!) And, also, what do I need to look for in a laptop in terms of specs..

eg What processors are considered good/weak? (dual core, quad core, what Hz rating is good nowdays), minimum you'd recommend for dedicated graphics (incase I play the odd-game, I doubt I will have the time to get into hardcore gaming nowdays), how much RAM should I be looking for? 

Seriously, any advice you can offer would be hugely appreciated. As you probably figured, I don't upgrade my laptop all that often, so maybe a little bit of futureproofing (though I understand that this is a hard ask nowdays) may be something to consider also.

Thanks guys in advance for your assistance.       Smile 

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tigercorp
668 posts

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  #533562 15-Oct-2011 00:09
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Laptops tend to be spec'd fairly similarly at each price point, especially for the consumer grade models.  So for example, $1000 will get you a very similar laptop from any of the manufacturers. 

As your performance needs aren't very high, probably the more relevant things to know are your budget, how important the build quality is (which is related to the budget), what size screen you want, and whether weight and battery life are factors.

Have a play with the filters on PriceSpy, to see what sort of features you can expect to see for the $$ - http://pricespy.co.nz/category.php?k=353


[edit - added pricespy link] 



CYaBro
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  #533563 15-Oct-2011 00:09
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Hey I recently got one of these:
[url]http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139235/CATID=/ID=16419/SID=912086790/productdetails.html[url /]

It is a very good price for the specs and being an Asus it is also a very good brand.
The sound out of it is awesome for a laptop.
The only thing that maybe lets it down a bit is the resolution of the screen.
But then it is the norm these days unless you go for a more expensive unit.




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tigercorp
668 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #533565 15-Oct-2011 00:14
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CYaBro: Hey I recently got one of these:
http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139235/CATID=/ID=16419/SID=912086790/productdetails.html

It is a very good price for the specs and being an Asus it is also a very good brand.
The sound out of it is awesome for a laptop.
The only thing that maybe lets it down a bit is the resolution of the screen.
But then it is the norm these days unless you go for a more expensive unit.


That's good to know.  I just pointed someone at that link today.  
The 8GB makes it the best bang for buck in a very tight field.



CYaBro
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  #533566 15-Oct-2011 00:14
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Sorry about the link!
Damn iPhone. Can't seem to edit now either!




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traceywnz

19 posts

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  #533570 15-Oct-2011 00:39
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Wow - that does look really good.. and looks like it would fill most of my needs. Not too worried bout build quality, (lol, isnt that terrible!)... Do any retail stores stock it do you know? Would like to try before I buy if I can :)

cyril7
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  #533580 15-Oct-2011 06:51
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Hi, cannot find the exact model that CYBro posted but if you want to go and touch some DSE is as good as any and they have a special on at the moment, the one below is not the exact same model and has only 6Gig of Ram (which is heaps by the way). Asus is my pick for brands, they seem to cut a good line down the quality, reliability and value line, recently I have fitted a number of friends and relatives into Asus's both i3 and i5's, well impressed.

http://dicksmith.co.nz/product/XC7941/asus-k53sc-sx118v-notebook

Cyril

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