$800 laptop for audio production/programming

[Steelhunter]

Hello! I've been out of laptop market since Core 2 Duo times. So could someone point me to laptop that may fit me? It will be used for audio mixing & recording and a lot of stuff with Visual Studio & networks. I need performance from processor, don't need a dedicated card, but it won't be a deal breaker in case it's present. Need 4+ GB of RAM expandable to 8 minimum. Would prefer full HD screen and/or usb 2.0 port. 15.6" or around only. Battery life is not a big deal., would prefer faster CPU. I'm in united States right now so any online/retail would work. Thank you.

 

[iBUYPOWER - Jason]

Hey Steelhunter!

This should be perfect for your production/programming needs (http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-17-3-i7-4700HQ-Laptop-Drive/dp/B00DXFF6EO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409089241&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+laptop+i7) - $779.00 + free shipping.

It has an i7-4700HQ, which is one of the best processors in the mobile laptop market, and it has 8GBs of RAM. The only downside is its 17.3" screen, but you should maybe consider it anyways!

Here's a 15.6" ASUS (http://www.amazon.com/X550LA-RI7T27-Touch-Screen-Laptop-Intel-Windows/dp/B00ILNV6C4/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1409089241&sr=8-6&keywords=asus+laptop+i7) and it's well under $800.

It has an i7-4500U, which is dual core Intel processor with a performance comparable to an i5-4200M processor. It's not a quad-core, but it is thinner, lighter, and more portable than the previous ASUS. Lastly, it fits your 15.6" laptop range.

Additionally, this HP Envy is extremely affordable and it has a i7-4700MQ processor as well with a 15.6" screen (http://www.amazon.com/HP-15-j084nr-Intel-i7-4700MQ-Windows/dp/B00J2CGNYE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-1&keywords=laptop+i7-4700MQ).

Let me know if you have any questions or would like more suggestions!

 

[Steelhunter]

Hello Jason! Thanks for prompt solutions. I guess no luck with full HD screens in this price range? That HP envy is perfect but 1366x768 today seems very pixelized on 15.6 screen. How much would I have to shell out more for identical specs but full HD screen?

 

[iBUYPOWER - Jason]

Hmmm, it's been difficult to find a Full HD screen. You can try this - (http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Satellite-S75t-A7150-Touchscreen-i7-4700MQ/dp/B00IZMQKI6/ref=sr_1_26?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1409114179&sr=1-26&keywords=laptop+i7-4700mq) - $869.00 + free shipping.

Or this option, (http://www.amazon.com/HP-15-k020us-15-6-Inch-Touchscreen-Natural/dp/B00KB3LWPI/ref=sr_1_56?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1409114383&sr=1-56&keywords=laptop+i7-4700mq) - $848.99 + free shipping.

These are over your budget, but it fulfills most of your needs.