• Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!

Gamer-approved laptop recommendation thread

Status
Not open for further replies.
Almost done....

The-Thread-Title.jpg

Just trying to get the formatting right.

I actually considered increasing my budget just a tad by $100.
After looking a bit, I'm thinking of getting the Lenovo y580
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834310660
Didn't want to order directly from Lenovo since I hear horrible stories of the handling on shipping.
Thoughts?

I recommend you read the review section, to see what users have experienced with the 768p screen. If you're okay with it after that, it's a good buy.
 
Any good convertible laplets out there like the lenovo x230 that can also run games fairly well? I need a laplet for school but I'd like to do light gaming on it too.
 
I'm pretty sure none of them come with anything better than the Intel HD 4000 integrated chip.
 
yeah but it's not ideal mate.:(

For no I recommend getting a powerful subnotebook + a tablet.



Sony Vaio S13, is a very small machine and very thin but its 640m packs a punch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMAhPZFJflU


So this post gave me an epiphany of sorts. Instead of getting a convertible laplet, I could buy a nice laptop and just get a USB tablet converter for cheap. I only need the converter for 2 classes, so it's not a big deal.

So I've been saving for a while because I've been in need of a new laptop, and my parents will help pay for some of it because it's for school/christmas gift. So I've got a pretty big budget. I want to get something that can REALLY game. As mentioned before, I'm skeptical about buying a new laptop, and then having a superior version release right after. Also, laptops don't seem to be that durable, as in, they only last a few years. I just want to get my money's worth.

So anyways, what laptops should I be looking at? Price range is probably anywhere from 1000-1500. Thanks for the help, K.Jack, you really know your stuff!

EDIT: typing that price out makes it look like a lot to spend on a laptop :( I can't make up my mind!
 
So this post gave me an epiphany of sorts. Instead of getting a convertible laplet, I could buy a nice laptop and just get a USB tablet converter for cheap. I only need the converter for 2 classes, so it's not a big deal.

So I've been saving for a while because I've been in need of a new laptop, and my parents will help pay for some of it because it's for school/christmas gift. So I've got a pretty big budget. I want to get something that can REALLY game. As mentioned before, I'm skeptical about buying a new laptop, and then having a superior version release right after. Also, laptops don't seem to be that durable, as in, they only last a few years. I just want to get my money's worth.

So anyways, what laptops should I be looking at? Price range is probably anywhere from 1000-1500. Thanks for the help, K.Jack, you really know your stuff!

EDIT: typing that price out makes it look like a lot to spend on a laptop :( I can't make up my mind!

Are in a super hurry?

The OP of the new thread will answer a lot of questions. I'm going to try to finish it tonight.
 
Are in a super hurry?

The OP of the new thread will answer a lot of questions. I'm going to try to finish it tonight.

I was kinda about to ask the same thing after scouring this thread for the past year and finally being ready to buy something. I am excited about the new thread! I'll just wait patiently.
 
So this post gave me an epiphany of sorts. Instead of getting a convertible laplet, I could buy a nice laptop and just get a USB tablet converter for cheap. I only need the converter for 2 classes, so it's not a big deal.

So I've been saving for a while because I've been in need of a new laptop, and my parents will help pay for some of it because it's for school/christmas gift. So I've got a pretty big budget. I want to get something that can REALLY game. As mentioned before, I'm skeptical about buying a new laptop, and then having a superior version release right after. Also, laptops don't seem to be that durable, as in, they only last a few years. I just want to get my money's worth.

So anyways, what laptops should I be looking at? Price range is probably anywhere from 1000-1500. Thanks for the help, K.Jack, you really know your stuff!

EDIT: typing that price out makes it look like a lot to spend on a laptop :( I can't make up my mind!

Check this current top-10 desktop replacement guide by Notebookcheck. These guys know a fair bit; http://www.notebookcheck.net/Top-10-Desktop-Replacement-Laptops.17035.0.html
 
After dell fucked me about with windows 7 and not just put windows 8 on it instead for nothing i cancelled and ended up buying a acer v3-571g

Very capable. Dolphin runs perfect for me and i can play pretty much everything i have on max settings. The only thing its let down on is its screen but i hook mine up to my 50" plasma anyway to get over that.
Crysis optimises at high settings. but at 720p i can get pretty close to 30fps on ultra
 
Just stumbled over this eGPU thing (hook up external graphic cards to your Notebook) only to see that the best way to do it is with ExpressCard slot, which my Toshiba Satellite L650 (i5 i5-450M 2.4 GHz, 8GB Ram, Radeon 5650 2GB) is lacking *vadernoooo*. Maybe i could try the mPCIE way but that needs tooling with your Notebook's entrails and i would have to sacrifice my wlan.

Since i have a spare 22" monitor and don't intend to build a new PC, the GPU method could really boost the graphic of some games for me with half (or less) the money for a new PC, which i would only use for gaming (lack of mobility).

Some gaffers around using eGPU ?

More Info about eGPU is here http://forum.notebookreview.com/e-gpu-external-graphics-discussion/418851-diy-egpu-experiences.html
 
I should have about $950 coming to me for use in purchasing a new laptop, thanks to a Squaretrade warranty (note -- slow as hell and not able to actually fix my current computer, but good customer service!). For that price point, is the consensus choice a Y500?
 
I will post a link to the new thread in here, as soon as it's posted. Stay tuned.
Y580. Besides windows 8 this thing seems to be a beast. Loving mine. Besides the new 310 drivers anyone have any tweaks or tips? I'm thinking of adding a small solid state drive. Worth it? this is pretty cheap eh? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W2JKWG/?tag=neogaf0e-20 This weekend I plan on hooking up to my tv and comparing pc to 360 games

edit frys seems to have too

http://www.frys.com/product/7164032?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

yay? nay?
Are those mSATA drives? I'm honesty not too well versed on them, but Crucial's M4s are leading the industry in reliability.
 
I just looked up notebook drives. Looks like upgrading may be a pain in the ass tho as everything will have to be reinstalled. These things don't even come with discs anymore.
 
hey guys! would really appreciate the verdict on this Sony Vaio E Series.
Your configuration

Processor: Intel® CoreTM i5-3210M, 2.5GHz
Operating system: Windows 8
Finishes: White
Keyboard Style: Standard keyboard
Hard drive: 500 GB Serial ATA (5400 rpm)
Memory: 4 GB 1600 MHz DDR3-SDRAM
Optical Drive: Blu-ray Disc(TM) player
Display: 39.5cm LED 1366 x 768 + webcam
Graphics: AMD Radeon(TM) HD 7650M 1GB
Battery: Battery life up to 4 hours

Price = 489pounds

for 20 pounds more i can upgrade to this graphics card if it makes a huge difference:

AMD Radeon(TM) HD 7650M with dedicated Video Memory of 2 GB

gaming isn't my priority with this thing, but would it run dolphin at any decent standards for example?
 
These days it's the Samsung SSDs which are in the reliability lead but i don't think Samsung makes mSATA SSDs.
What controllers do they use?

I want a 512GB SSD so badly, but won't pay more than $250 for a drive.

They ever fix the firmware bug in those?

Yes, and relatively quickly. I just had to burn it to a CD and boot to it. Took a few seconds.

hey guys! would really appreciate the verdict on this Sony Vaio E Series.
Your configuration

Processor: Intel® CoreTM i5-3210M, 2.5GHz
Operating system: Windows 8
Finishes: White
Keyboard Style: Standard keyboard
Hard drive: 500 GB Serial ATA (5400 rpm)
Memory: 4 GB 1600 MHz DDR3-SDRAM
Optical Drive: Blu-ray Disc(TM) player
Display: 39.5cm LED 1366 x 768 + webcam
Graphics: AMD Radeon(TM) HD 7650M 1GB
Battery: Battery life up to 4 hours

Price = 489pounds

for 20 pounds more i can upgrade to this graphics card if it makes a huge difference:

AMD Radeon(TM) HD 7650M with dedicated Video Memory of 2 GB

gaming isn't my priority with this thing, but would it run dolphin at any decent standards for example?
Looks like a decent laptop. I like the VAIO style.

The 2GB upgrade is a total waste of money.

I don't know much about the power it takes to Dolphin fully maxed, but it will run in some form.
 
This seems really good for the cash, I'm sort of in need of a personal laptop and wouldn't mind being able to play some games on it. Is this about the best in that range?

This Acer is actually the much better buy. The AMD mobile CPUs are very weak compared to Intel's, with the former's quad cores being thoroughly trashed by the latter's entry level dual cores.

This laptop was out of stock, but has come back.

Now, realistically, we're talking about GPUs which will do a mix of medium and high settings @ 720p in a game like Borderlands 2 and most other console ports.
 
Gentlemen i am new to this thread and i am curious that your expertise can lead me in the right direction. Im looking for an inexpensive laptop that can play a wide variety of games. Not things like Crysis but something that can run Diablo 3/Starcraft 2 fairly well. Something with a substantial battery life and memory/hdd space. In a nutshell something that can play RTSs on my downtime at work. And write reports. Thanks in advance.
 
Gentlemen i am new to this thread and i am curious that your expertise can lead me in the right direction. Im looking for an inexpensive laptop that can play a wide variety of games. Not things like Crysis but something that can run Diablo 3/Starcraft 2 fairly well. Something with a substantial battery life and memory/hdd space. In a nutshell something that can play RTSs on my downtime at work. And write reports. Thanks in advance.

How inexpensive? Like what's your max?
 
400 to 600. I think i can manage that but im willing to look at anything just means i have to save longer. But whatever you suggest awesome.

This is the best buy under $600
I'm leaning towards this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834131394

Any comments on this? Seems like a good value, good specs for the price after the reductions.
That is a good deal with the $100 rebate card.

This MSI is even better though, for raw GPU power.
 
That is a good deal with the $100 rebate card.

This MSI is even better though, for raw GPU power.

Would you suggest that or the Lenovo y580 1366x768 model for 799?

I decided a little bit ago to go a little further and replace my aging desktop with something powerful enough to just hook into the HDTV well and do stuff in 720p on the go, I think that 799 is about my cap though.

By the by, thanks for all the advice and stuff K.Jack, big, big help.
 
Would you suggest that or the Lenovo y580 1366x768 model for 799?

I decided a little bit ago to go a little further and replace my aging desktop with something powerful enough to just hook into the HDTV well and do stuff in 720p on the go, I think that 799 is about my cap though.

By the by, thanks for all the advice and stuff K.Jack, big, big help.

The Y580 and it's i7 quad + GTX 660M w/ GDDR5 definitely wins out, so if you can spend or it, that's the way to go.
 
I have a $2k desktop gaming rig, but I've been traveling a lot for work lately.

I need something to use for the occasional weekend where I'm stuck on business.

Is it worth plopping $500 down now, or should I wait a few months and just splurge on a nicer laptop?

[edit]My main concern is resolution. I'm very accustomed to 1080p with very crisp screens. If I opt for something like that Acer Aspire V3-571G-6407, is the screen quality going to be an issue?
[edit2]Screw it, who am I kidding. Grabbing a y580. Merry Christmas, me...
 
I have a question about the y580, do you guys think it is powerful enough to run nextgen games at low settings, 720p and at least 30fps? And how does is handle Dolphin?
 
Odd ball question, but where would a win 8 surface i5 version or Acer iconia w700 get me as far as playing counter strike source or left 4 dead 2, they both have the ulv Intel i5 I think?
 
I have a question about the y580, do you guys think it is powerful enough to run nextgen games at low settings, 720p and at least 30fps? And how does is handle Dolphin?

Nextt-gen, like PS4/720? Yeah Low/720p/30fps will happen.

Odd ball question, but where would a win 8 surface i5 version or Acer iconia w700 get me as far as playing counter strike source or left 4 dead 2, they both have the ulv Intel i5 I think?

As long as it's Ivy Bridge it'll be packing the HD 4000, which can probably run L4D2 near high settings.
 
Are the Nvidia 700 series coming out soon for laptops? Seriously considering getting myself a Sager powerhouse in the next 1-3 months.

With the desktop 700 cards currently unannounced, the earliest we see them is Q2 of next year.

Considering that laptop right now. Looking to replace my HP DV6. I don't really know much about graphics cards though. How does the NVIDIA GT 630M, compare to the Radeon 6770m that my current laptop has?
The 6770M is actually like.... 40% faster than the 630M. You'd need at least Nvidia's GT 640M GDDR5 to feel a substantial upgrade.
 
So last I asked I was recommened the Lenovo Y580, I'll ask a local retailer about it come January, but are there any models that are similar to it or fit my requirement:
What's a good model that can run emulators well (mainly PS2 & Wii)?
I mainly want one that is 15 or 16 inch screen. 1080p is optional, and I'd be fine with 720p. Oh and it should have a DVD-drive as well ^_^;
 
So last I asked I was recommened the Lenovo Y580, I'll ask a local retailer about it come January, but are there any models that are similar to it or fit my requirement:

I can recommend the ASUS N76VZ. 17" and 1080p. and emulated games run pretty well most of the times



no idea if wii works though. i could manage to run twilight princess at stable 30fps but for example twin snakes runs pretty poor here.
 
I can recommend the ASUS N76VZ. 17" and 1080p. and emulated games run pretty well most of the times





no idea if wii works though. i could manage to run twilight princess at stable 30fps but for example twin snakes runs pretty poor here.

Hmm not many Wii games I want to play atm, but if it can run GC games very good, and PS2 games fine that'd be good enough for me.

I may go for this model as it's gotten a lot of good impressions here but will read up more on it. Thanks mate.
 
Hmm not many Wii games I want to play atm, but if it can run GC games very good, and PS2 games fine that'd be good enough for me.

I may go for this model as it's gotten a lot of good impressions here but will read up more on it. Thanks mate.

np :) if you got more questions, feel free to ask!
 
So last I asked I was recommened the Lenovo Y580, I'll ask a local retailer about it come January, but are there any models that are similar to it or fit my requirement:

Y580 and that ASUS seem to still be the sweet spot unless you spec your own clevo through a reseller
 
Non-gaming laptop for a friend whose budget is $350 - $400. Recommendations? I've been looking at some of the Dell Inspirons in their outlet. There are some coupon codes available. Any suggestions for the range?

They first emailed me this Acer, but I've been reading that the processor is HORRIBLE.

Time is of the essence.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom