Solved! Best 15.6" notebook performance-wise for $700

[gerand]

I have a limited budget of about $700 give or take, and I would like to buy the best 15.6" notebook within that price range. The only thing that really matters to me is performance.

Right now, I'm looking at the Acer Aspire AS5745G-5844:
http/www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0337843


Has anyone found a notebook with better specs at that price or lower?

 

[Maziar]

I think that would be the best option, i couldn't find any notebooks with a better VGA

 

[rpg123]

That's a good deal, thanks for the link. They also have an AMD equivalent for $679 for people who prefer those, Aspire AS5551G-4591

http/www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0337842

Stronger gpu - 5650
Weaker cpu - P520
Bigger hd - 500gb

Note: Microcenter has a typo on their site, they have the P520 listed at 2.1GHz, but it really runs at 2.3GHz. I double checked the laptop model # at the Acer website. Phenom2 derived 2.3GHz, about 10% faster than AMDs older mobile cpus per clock. Still slower per clock than the i3 and i5s by about 20%, but usually more than enough.

 

[evilavatar]

I have been looking at this one (be about 765)

http/www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=34-220-733&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&SelectedRating=-1&PurchaseMark=&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&Keywords=%28keywords%29&Page=2

 

[gerand]

I have been looking at this one (be about 765)

http/www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=34-220-733&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&SelectedRating=-1&PurchaseMark=&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&Keywords=%28keywords%29&Page=2

The biggest issues with that notebook for me is the size and the price.
At 17.3" and close to 9 lbs it really stretches the definition of "portable".
Also, I consider the price substantially higher than $700 if you factor in all additional expenses. With a notebook with a base-price of $699.99, the total ended up being $780 (not including shipping). With a base-price of $754.99, the total will most likely be more than $800, which is not good for someone on a $700 budget.

However, all things considered, it is an unbeatable deal for a performance/gaming notebook if you're actually in the market for a 17.3" "semi-portable" notebook at this price range.

Note: It is "re-certified" so the quality may vary depending on your luck.