Laptop under $2000

[Michael Klump]

I know this is a frequent question but I was just after a quick opinion since I'm still relatively new to laptops but now need one.

The primary use will be for graphic design but it will also be used as a gaming laptop.

I've looked primarily at Gigabyte notebooks such as the P55k and P35G V2 but was after the opinions of someone else. Thanks for your time

 

[jbgarcia]

I would recommend this:

http/www.xoticpc.com/force-msi-1781-221045-980m-msi-gt72-barebones-p-8111.html?startcustomization=1

It starts at under $1400, and already includes an 8 GB GTX 980M, which is quite surprising at that price and is the best graphics solution for laptop gaming shy of dual 970 or 980Ms. You won't have problems with any games, and should work well (but not as well as a desktop GPU) for graphic design. I would customize the laptop by selecting at least 16 GB of 1866 MHz RAM, or 24 GB if you can afford it. Also would recommend the additional 500 GB Samsung SSD (by adding an M.2 SSD Slot), selecting the 7200 RPM version of the 1 TB HDD, and the IC Diamond Thermal Compound (to keep GPU a few degrees cooler). Don't forget to select an OS, whether it be Windows 10 or something else or you'll have to buy and install it separately. Assuming you select those options (with the 24 GB RAM option), after savings you'd still be $100 under your limit. That's a pretty good deal in my opinion. Of course, you could decide against an SSD (which is nice for faster file/game loading times but not completely necessary), and save even more.

 

[Michael Klump]

Thanks for the advice, it looks like an awesome laptop. Guess I should have been more clear however as my budget is in AUD.. I think that would make it roughly a $1500 USD price limit. The laptop you recommend is roughly $1400 and shipping is likely to be quite hefty since Australia really sucks for shipping..

The laptop I'm likely to buy is the Gigabyte P55W V4 which I managed to find for around $1000 USD. Would you say that's a good deal or should I keep looking?

 

[velo3100]

What are the specs for the laptop?

 

[Michael Klump]

15.6" Full HD 1920x1080 Wide Viewing Angle LCD

Windows 8.1 Home Operating System - 64-bit

Intel Core i7-5700HQ 2.7GHz - 3.5GHz, 47W, 6MB Cache

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M with 3GB GDDR5 graphics

16GB DDR3 RAM

128GB SATA III mSATA mini SSD, 1TB 5400rpm HDD, DVD dual-layer drive, optical drive weight saver.

Web Cam and Mic, built-in speakers, 4 x USB 3.0, HDMI, D-Sub, Card reader, Ethernet, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, AC Adaptor, 6-cell battery.

 

[Gillerer]

Are you using an external monitor for the graphic design? If not, you should select a laptop with a quality high resolution display.

 

[Michael Klump]

I have a separate desktop which has much better specs at home which will be my primary system for design, but the laptop will serve for university purposes where mobility is necessary.

 

[velo3100]

That laptop is more than enough. You could get a faster hdd but thats about it.