Need help deciding

[Ammaeli]

Hi, I'm a soon-to-be graphic design student and "gamer" that is currently looking for a laptop that can handle Adobe software and current/next gen gaming on at least mid settings for -preferably- the next 2 years.

My budget is around 700$ and I found this offer on Newegg that is possible the best product I could go for at the moment: http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834310629

But, still, I'm not sure. Is this graphic card good enough to do what I want? Is the notebook too heavy or big for every-day carry? Any other option I should consider?

Thanks!

 

[Bromeh]

If you want a good laptop with a good video card (for 3d, games etc) you will have to put more than 700$. I recommend you iBUYPOWER. It's a company who build computers and they have good laptops at 1000-1300$.


- The Brownie

 

[Gundy]

As a gamer and an engineer, I had the same problem. I got a $1400 Dell laptop with decent specs (a few years ago) and it served me well. But honestly, it was a pain to lug around and it was only a 15". All my friends with 17" laptops complained to no end about hauling them around.

My advice? Buy a decent all-around computer but don't go for gamer specs. Get a good screen, good keyboard and decent cpu/ssd instead of gpu and gobs of RAM. If you still want to game after you start classes build a cheap gaming desktop once you have the cash. Or buy a console.

I'm typing this on a Vizio CT15-A5. It will do SCII and other basic games just fine, and it's great to carry around. And it won't burn a hole in your pants when used as an actual laptop. I can't say the same for my old Dell.

Short version: for that price you'll have to make some uncomfortable compromises. You're better off going for a non-gamer laptop.

 

[Ammaeli]

Thanks guys, but after hours of looking laptops online look what I've found:
http/shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:item.detail?GroupID=457&Code=59360114&category_id=6716C35E262487E9B548B6298FE58D3B

It's portable as ***, It has a decent GPU (plus you can add another one anytime if you want to use them on SLI) and a 3rd gen i7. I think that it doesn't get better than this for the 700-750 budget. Should I go for it?

 

[Bromeh]

Thanks guys, but after hours of looking laptops online look what I've found:
http/shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:item.detail?GroupID=457&Code=59360114&category_id=6716C35E262487E9B548B6298FE58D3B

It's portable as ***, It has a decent GPU (plus you can add another one anytime if you want to use them on SLI) and a 3rd gen i7. I think that it doesn't get better than this for the 700-750 budget. Should I go for it?

That's a good choice but keep in mind that Windows 8 is installed (worst bullshit ever) and that it's a 14" (pretty small).

The gpu is pretty good for the price, you will be able to play Battlefield on Ultra (without AA) between 50-60 fps.


- The Brownie

 

[Ammaeli]

I'll probably install Windows 7 if I don't like 8 and I have a 18,5'' monitor that I'm gonna use if I don't like the size of the screen.

Now, my problem is that I just noticed there is another model (the Y480) which costs exactly the same (with the discounts) and is basically the same computer too. So I was wondering if you could tell me why the original retal price for the Y400 is way more (1,250$) than de Y480 (999$) if there is no difference between them.

You can see a over-all comparison of them here:

http/shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?action=init&current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087&current-category-id=C46D71ACFD7C4475B8E490358F8CA8C3

I'm guessing It's just because the Y400 is a few months newer than the Y480, but It's that it? Will the perform the same when it comes to gaming?

 

[Bromeh]

I'll probably install Windows 7 if I don't like 8 and I have a 18,5'' monitor that I'm gonna use if I don't like the size of the screen.

Now, my problem is that I just noticed there is another model (the Y480) which costs exactly the same (with the discounts) and is basically the same computer too. So I was wondering if you could tell me why the original retal price for the Y400 is way more (1,250$) than de Y480 (999$) if there is no difference between them.

You can see a over-all comparison of them here:

http/shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?action=init&current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087&current-category-id=C46D71ACFD7C4475B8E490358F8CA8C3

I'm guessing It's just because the Y400 is a few months newer than the Y480, but It's that it? Will the perform the same when it comes to gaming?

There are two big differences between the two laptops.

1-The Y400 has 1TB HDD while the Y480 has 750GB

2- The processor of the Y400 is a i7 and the one in the Y480 is an i5.

For the price, the Y400 is way better.


- The Brownie