1. Welcome! Please take a few seconds to create your free account to post threads, make some friends, remove a few ads while surfing and much more. ClutchFans has been bringing fans together to talk Houston Sports since 1996. Join us!

Looking to get a new laptop

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by BonziWellsGOAT, Jan 27, 2014.

  1. BonziWellsGOAT

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2013
    Messages:
    5,914
    Likes Received:
    5,952
    So my Macbook crapped out and im looking for a non-apple computer

    Not going to be doing to much gaming so not a gaming laptop but something that will be good for multimedia as well as microsoft office and stuff like that

    budget is $1,000
     
  2. Scionxa

    Scionxa Contributing Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2010
    Messages:
    4,155
    Likes Received:
    224
    Only recommendation I have is that whichever Windows PC you decide to get, make sure it has a solid state drive.
     
  3. CJLarson

    CJLarson Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2009
    Messages:
    3,783
    Likes Received:
    208
    Yep, at least get one with a hybrid drive. Any brands you're fond of?
     
  4. shastarocket

    shastarocket Contributing Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2006
    Messages:
    13,773
    Likes Received:
    1,082
    SSD is highly recommended, but its much easier (and cheaper) than you think to install one yourself.

    Also, $1000 is a huge budget for a laptop with your requirements. Are you looking for an ultraportable or something with a huge HD screen?
     
  5. BonziWellsGOAT

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2013
    Messages:
    5,914
    Likes Received:
    5,952
    Not particularly...just wasnt sure how much the cost would be and i dont mind spending on a quality computer but if I can get one cheaper im all for it
     
  6. Space Ghost

    Space Ghost Contributing Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 1999
    Messages:
    14,947
    Likes Received:
    6,152
    What are your requirements?

    I would recommend a quad core I7. Laptops now usually have plenty of memory, so that typically isn't an issue.

    As others said, an SSD is nice, however I wouldn't make that a priority. Hard drives can be upgraded later. The quality, processor speeds, screen size and whats included on the motherboard can't.
     
  7. Invisible Fan

    Invisible Fan Contributing Member

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2001
    Messages:
    43,148
    Likes Received:
    25,188
    Refurb or used MacBook air with a windows partition for boot camp on an ssd.

    A new one would cost an extra hundred or two.

    Pretty light and portable. Not powerful for heavy work like graphics or software development, but great for everything else.

    Those depends on if screen size matters to you.
     
  8. BonziWellsGOAT

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2013
    Messages:
    5,914
    Likes Received:
    5,952
    What about this one?

    http://www.bestbuy.com/site/satellite-17-3-laptop-8gb-memory-750gb-hard-drive/8968379.p?id=1218957871989&skuId=8968379&st=categoryid$pcmcat247400050000&cp=1&lp=2
     
  9. Invisible Fan

    Invisible Fan Contributing Member

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2001
    Messages:
    43,148
    Likes Received:
    25,188
    Depends on whether you're gonna carry it around and not be plugged in.

    I'd say no if that's the case..

    Also, if you're gonna use it all the time like a desktop, that one might be okay.

    Finding a laptop is a lot like finding a phone or car...it depends on what you want to do on it and what you're okay with.

    So what do you want? If you don't say, people are gonna give you doubts after you buy something...
     
  10. CJLarson

    CJLarson Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2009
    Messages:
    3,783
    Likes Received:
    208
    I don't think an i7 is necessary for what he's gonna use it for. An i5 should be perfect.
     
  11. TheMystery008

    TheMystery008 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2012
    Messages:
    4,651
    Likes Received:
    1,277
  12. Svpernaut

    Svpernaut Contributing Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2003
    Messages:
    8,446
    Likes Received:
    1,026
    If I were to buy a new laptop today it would probably be an ASUS or Samsung.

    Hybrids like the ASUS Transformer are pretty great too.
     
  13. johnnytsunami

    johnnytsunami Member

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2013
    Messages:
    195
    Likes Received:
    6
    The battery life is a bit concerning though, it's only rated for 3hrs 53min, which means with normal use it's probably actually around ~3hrs.

    I second CJLarson's sentiment. An i7 for your stated use would only be a luxury, and if you want to save a few bucks, an i5 would be just fine. I also agree with Svpernaut, but would add lenovo onto that list.
     
  14. BonziWellsGOAT

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2013
    Messages:
    5,914
    Likes Received:
    5,952
    Really liking the advice....keep it coming

    thanks guys
     
  15. xcrunner51

    xcrunner51 Contributing Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2002
    Messages:
    5,458
    Likes Received:
    2,295
    Coming from a macbook I'm surprised build quality isn't higher on his list. There's so much build quality variation on the PC side.

    I think screen size is square one. Will the laptop be sitting on a desk everyday, sitting in your lap while watching TV, or shuttling to class/work everyday? What's the portability requirement?

    After that, build quality is my number 2. For his 'requirements' almost any laptop with a latest-gen Intel chipset/cpu is going to be powerful enough. Like you said almost every laptop comes with enough RAM too, although to say a number I think 8gb is a minimum.

    I think an SSD should be a big upfront factor. For day to day use, I think a general user would notice the difference between a 5400 rpm HD and a SATA3 SSD far more than the difference between an i5 and i7.
     
  16. BonziWellsGOAT

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2013
    Messages:
    5,914
    Likes Received:
    5,952
    Well I already have a work computer so itll be at the house mostly for recreational use and whenever I need to work from home.
     
  17. Harrisment

    Harrisment Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2001
    Messages:
    15,392
    Likes Received:
    2,157
    Agree with others that say SSD should be a requirement. At your budget that should not be a problem. An i5 should be plenty powerful for what you are planning to do,.

    As for brands, I would look at Asus, Lenovo, and Samsung. I also think you should strongly consider machines that have touch screens. I know that would be a must-have for me if I was in the market for a new laptop. Some of the convertible devices are really slick. For example: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/landingpage/yoga/
     
  18. HR Dept

    HR Dept Contributing Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2012
    Messages:
    6,792
    Likes Received:
    1,223
  19. xcrunner51

    xcrunner51 Contributing Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2002
    Messages:
    5,458
    Likes Received:
    2,295
    Gotcha. I'm not crazy about Toshiba build quality myself (MBP owner) but the ones i've worked with are fairly reliable.

    I'd look for something with a 4th general Intel Core CPU, whether i3, i5 or i7. That and 8gb of RAM minimum and an SSD. That should be doable for $1k laptop.
     

Share This Page

  • About ClutchFans

    Since 1996, ClutchFans has been loud and proud covering the Houston Rockets, helping set an industry standard for team fan sites. The forums have been a home for Houston sports fans as well as basketball fanatics around the globe.

  • Support ClutchFans!

    If you find that ClutchFans is a valuable resource for you, please consider becoming a Supporting Member. Supporting Members can upload photos and attachments directly to their posts, customize their user title and more. Gold Supporters see zero ads!


    Upgrade Now