Lap top help needed [Archive] - Australian LS1 and Holden Forums

ti0350

31-07-2013, 07:54 PM

I am going to buy my daughter a lap top so she can use it for school work, but when it's not being used by her my wife will be using it to watch movies play some games(not high end ones) and I was just after some advice as to which direction I should go since I know nothing about laptops.
Want something with an I7 and the wife says it has to have at least a 17inch screen, any help is greatly appreciated have of budget of around $1500 but if i can get one cheaper I'd be happy.

Cheers,

Wayno

Plenty

31-07-2013, 08:10 PM

BLACK 346

31-07-2013, 08:14 PM

Or here.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dell-Inspiron-17R-Laptop-1-0TB-HD-8GB-RAM-3rd-Gen-Core-i5-3337U-1-8GHz-DVD-RW-/330898994113#vi-content

whitels1ss

31-07-2013, 08:27 PM

Or here.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dell-Inspiron-17R-Laptop-1-0TB-HD-8GB-RAM-3rd-Gen-Core-i5-3337U-1-8GHz-DVD-RW-/330898994113#vi-content
Gee, that looks like a great deal:goodjob:

BLACK 346

31-07-2013, 08:32 PM

Gee, that looks like a great deal:goodjob:

I was tempted myself, but already have 5 laptops lol. I wonder if the switch to touch screen is making all these laptops so cheap?

whitels1ss

31-07-2013, 09:05 PM

I was tempted myself, but already have 5 laptops lol. I wonder if the switch to touch screen is making all these laptops so cheap?
Yeah I was very tempted as well:yup:

Plenty

31-07-2013, 09:06 PM

Or here.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dell-Inspiron-17R-Laptop-1-0TB-HD-8GB-RAM-3rd-Gen-Core-i5-3337U-1-8GHz-DVD-RW-/330898994113#vi-content

Cheap alright but it'll run outta puff pretty fast.

dnos

31-07-2013, 09:16 PM

I would go a macbook pro 15 inch, they are robust, the batteries are awesome and they never get slow, like windows clones do. Plus any issues at all Apple just fix it for you. You can buy apps via their app store, like you do on your iPhone and they integrate with every device seamlessly.

I work in IT and the advice I give people is; go down to Harvey Norman, JB or a big IT reseller and have a play with all the different models, feel how heavy they are, get a sense for their screens, touch pads etc etc, then once you work out which one you want, find that model with cheapest possible price, then get it cheaper by price matching it against JB.

Plenty

31-07-2013, 09:22 PM

find that model with cheapest possible price, then get it cheaper by price matching it against JB.

You would walk straight past the Apple products then huh! Same specs = 2 X the price, bearing in mind they use common internals to the windows based units.

bozodos

31-07-2013, 09:25 PM

Check out the Dell XPS range. Don't get a Mac, overpriced crap, and the OS is the worst part of the bloody things. Designed to look pretty and feel nice, that's about it.

If you really wanna stretch the budget to Macbook Pro dollars, you really can't beat an Alienware (by Dell), for sheer build quality and 'nice to use'. I also work in IT and support both, the only people I direct to get Macs are those after the Macbook Air and who want to put Windows on it / the dyed in the wool fanboys/sheep who'd buy one regardless. You can get Apple gear cheaper by using the education store online - you don't need to prove that you're in that sector either.

I primarily recommend Dells to our users for their home computers as they are very well built compared to the Acer / HP crap floating around. SSD would definitely be worth getting too, though the XPS have the hybrid SSD / HDD setup that works fairly well too.

dnos

31-07-2013, 09:26 PM

You would walk straight past the Apple products then huh! Same specs = 2 X the price, bearing in mind they use common internals to the windows based units.

True that, although the OSX software is stunning. To be honest I tried to use Windows 8 recently and thought it was a joke. Give me dirty XP or Windows 7 any day :)

whitels1ss

31-07-2013, 09:29 PM

This is a one and only warning... if we get into a windows/apple slagging off competition here I can see some vacations coming up.

dnos

31-07-2013, 09:32 PM

This is a one and only warning... if we get into a windows/apple slagging off competition here I can see some vacations coming up.

Don't worry I have both :)

I'm outta here... ALT-F4 oops I mean Command-Q

Plenty

31-07-2013, 09:38 PM

True that, although the OSX software is stunning. To be honest I tried to use Windows 8 recently and thought it was a joke. Give me dirty XP or Windows 7 any day :)

I installed Windows 8 and the took it off and put 7 back on, really liked it at first but it's started to bug me in the end.

Davothegreat

31-07-2013, 09:40 PM

Don't get too tied up around brands. Just make sure you get the longest manufacturer onsite warranty option available, be it via a carepack or whatever. If laptops are going to fail it's at 18 - 24 months so if you take the poverty pack 12 month warranty you'll be up the creek. I stress manufacturer warranty, you don't want to be tied to a reseller return to base rubbish warranty. And if you're planning on travelling overseas in the near future, make sure the warranty will cover you globally not just back at home.

Cheers,
Dave

BLACK 346

31-07-2013, 10:13 PM

I installed Windows 8 and the took it off and put 7 back on, really liked it at first but it's started to bug me in the end.

I put classic shell on windows 8, don't mind it now. Be interesting to see what 8.1 is like. You do know that windows 7 is just Vista rejigged and renamed ;)

jono0309

31-07-2013, 10:28 PM

I own both windows and mac, I find the windows good for technical programs but other than that, Mac is just on a whole new level for user interaction and simplicity. I have new windows computers every 2 years, my current mac is 3.5 years old and never a glitch. Just my experience.

Radikl

01-08-2013, 06:23 AM

Went to office works 2 weeks ago, Windows 8, got it for $555 with seperate purchase of anti virus (trend).

Use to spend $3K + for laptops only to last 2 years....now i buy bottom end and good enough for what i need.

ti0350

01-08-2013, 06:35 AM

I was looking at Dell's but since I know nothing about laptops I'm really sure how good they are, there doesn't have to be any windows/apple arguments in this thread i'm not an apple fan so would not buy one. So I'm just interested in windows based laptops thanks for the replies so far guys.

team illucid

01-08-2013, 07:10 AM

Samsung Series 9 ultrabook is what you shoud possibly be looking at. Good screen, very thin and light. Or perhaps a Surface Pro so she can use it as a tablet too (I have been using one exclusively for the past 3 weeks on a project and it is awesome). I would also +1 to Alienware as I have 3 of them but they are outside your budget.

Crusty

01-08-2013, 07:31 AM

We have used Dell desktops, laptops and servers exclusively for a number of years at work. They are reliable, well spec'd and well priced. I buy Dell's for my parents, siblings etc again because they are reliable and well priced.

C4B

01-08-2013, 11:25 AM

I wouldn't use a Dell laptop if they were handed out free.

HP or Toshibas for me....

Umart have got this:

Toshiba L870(PSKFPA-008002)SATPRO i7-3630QM 17.3" ATI 1GB XT-M2 750GB 6GB BDROM W7P/W8P a
Internet Price: $929.00
Retail Price: $939.00
Stock level: >10 (Plenty of Stock)
Model #: L870(PSKFPA-008002)

bozodos

01-08-2013, 01:06 PM

It kind of depends on what games your wife wants to play on it as well, as that will determine whether it's likely to need a discrete video card etc.

I recommend Dell based on the quality of their support and warranty process / drivers as well as the product itself. I used to be a big fan of Toshiba back in the day, however a lot of recent ones Ive seen come in have been severely lacking in build quality. Could be worth you having a look at your local JB Hifi to get a feel for some - the low quality ones stand out with mushy feeling keys and chassis flex when typing.

Short_Duration

01-08-2013, 06:07 PM

i bought my inspirion 17r 3 years ago. Good quality, only downside is it gets pretty warm after extended use and my battery is dying. No other fault otherwise.

C4B

01-08-2013, 06:12 PM

I recommend Dell based on the quality of their support and warranty process / drivers as well as the product itself.

Do you mean their retail warranty, or do you mean for corporate. Because I know of several large corporate/tertiary institutions who have changed over from Dell to HP because of the quality of the Dell service.....

Crusty

01-08-2013, 06:25 PM

Do you mean their retail warranty, or do you mean for corporate. Because I know of several large corporate/tertiary institutions who have changed over from Dell to HP because of the quality of the Dell service.....

We have a fleet of nearly 3000 Dell desktops and 4 data centres full of their servers and storage and I can't say enough good things about their support services.

HZforMe

01-08-2013, 06:38 PM

I worked at a large consultancy that only used Dell but there are different levels. The comercial ones we used were more expensive than the stuff you normally buy privately. Personally don't like HP which I have at work now. Have a VAIO myself but can be a bit expensive.

Plenty

01-08-2013, 08:06 PM

This would be perfect and is pretty cheap at the moment as well.

Dell Inspiron 17" (http://configure.ap.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=w510274au&model_id=inspiron-17r-se-7720&c=au&l=en&s=dhs&cs=audhs1)

Telling you for what you need and in your budget this is as good as you'll likely get for the price. It has plenty of headroom for the next few years has a good enough discreet GPU to power the games your wife wants and also enough grunt to play Blu-Ray movies with ease. It's more than you need but don't buy for today buy something that will at least be usable in a couple of years.

jc_sv8

01-08-2013, 08:36 PM

There is also a good Inspiron 15R Special Edition.
http://www.dell.com/au/p/inspiron-15r-se-7520/pd?oc=w510264au&model_id=inspiron-15r-se-7520

i7-3632QM processor, 8GB RAM, 1.0TB drive, 15.6" screen, AMD Radeon video card, DVD+/-RW for $899

bozodos

01-08-2013, 08:39 PM

Do you mean their retail warranty, or do you mean for corporate. Because I know of several large corporate/tertiary institutions who have changed over from Dell to HP because of the quality of the Dell service.....

both mate - funnily enough I work for a tertiary institution, and we've regretted both batches of HP's we've ever bought. Used to have Pro Support on everything (Sydney call centre, parts / tech onsite within 2 days), but have had to drop back to their regular support - the consumer stuff is definitely a cut above Apple and HP as well. Maybe variance in the local service centre? Can't say enough good things about ours here. Their server support is top notch as well with having Aussies who actually know what you're talking about, rather than reading off a script and having to constantly elevate problems.

Tend to find with HP that it's all Indian call centres (barely able to understand them), you get bounced around from place to place, and generally old mate is reading off a script which is especially galling when you know exactly what needs fixing or replacing.

Not trying to start an argument, just basing this off what I support for both internal and private customers day in day out. Also probably an near irrelevant concern for OP as he hopefully won't have to make use of the support!

C4B

01-08-2013, 09:13 PM

both mate - funnily enough I work for a tertiary institution, and we've regretted both batches of HP's we've ever bought. Used to have Pro Support on everything (Sydney call centre, parts / tech onsite within 2 days), but have had to drop back to their regular support - the consumer stuff is definitely a cut above Apple and HP as well. Maybe variance in the local service centre? Can't say enough good things about ours here. Their server support is top notch as well with having Aussies who actually know what you're talking about, rather than reading off a script and having to constantly elevate problems.

Tend to find with HP that it's all Indian call centres (barely able to understand them), you get bounced around from place to place, and generally old mate is reading off a script which is especially galling when you know exactly what needs fixing or replacing.

Not trying to start an argument, just basing this off what I support for both internal and private customers day in day out. Also probably an near irrelevant concern for OP as he hopefully won't have to make use of the support!

You're very lucky..... ;)

ti0350

03-08-2013, 02:12 AM

thanks for the replys guys looking seriously at an inspiron 17R

Plenty

03-08-2013, 08:04 PM

thanks for the replys guys looking seriously at an inspiron 17R

Just be mindful mate that Dell deals end quite suddenly, the one i mentioned earlier ends 15-08-13

BLACK 346

03-08-2013, 08:10 PM

Just be mindful mate that Dell deals end quite suddenly, the one i mentioned earlier ends 15-08-13

I have probably missed something, but what does the 17R that you listed have that the one I listed in post 3 for a shiteload cheaper have?

Plenty

03-08-2013, 10:34 PM

I have probably missed something, but what does the 17R that you listed have that the one I listed in post 3 for a shiteload cheaper have?

For a start he wanted a Core I7 the one you listed is only a Core I5,

Yours
Core I5
Integrated Graphics
1600 X 900 HD screen
Standard stereo speakers
1Tb HDD
DVD +/- RW

Mine
Core I7
Dedicated 2Gb 3D GPU
1920 X 1080 HD 3D screen
Skullcandy speakers
2TB HDD + 32Gb SSD
Blu-Ray combo drive
3D glasses

Both very good systems at very good prices respectively, it only comes to what the person wants and how long they want to stay "current" or close too.

team illucid

03-08-2013, 10:42 PM

That 32GB SSD is massively too small

Xjas

03-08-2013, 11:31 PM

Cant comment on the other brands but I am on my 3rd work supplied Dell laptop over the last 9 years, all 3 have been good laptops, the Dell Latitude I have currently is about 2 years old and has been very reliable, not a single call for support or repair and I use it daily in places a laptop was never meant to go, I really should have a toughbook but the company says they're to expensive.

macca_779

04-08-2013, 08:33 AM

I've had 4 dells since 2006. They are generally priced well and I've never had one fail. Batteries on the other hand. 3 out of 4 of mine have needed batteries, one of them twice, don't buy aftermarket ones fwiw, they don't last.

Only real gripe with dell is the amount of crap they load on there but I guess most do anyway. I always just fresh installed all my dells. Gone apple now, so none of those issues anymore

Phizzle

09-08-2013, 11:38 AM

I personally haven't used these laptops but there is a bit of a rave about them being high end specced but without the massive mark up price....

www metabox com au

white lie

09-08-2013, 01:51 PM

They look the goods, built to your specs. Would be good if they put the pricing on there though, I don't want to send off for a quote on numerous configurations

team illucid

09-08-2013, 02:06 PM

They look the goods, built to your specs. Would be good if they put the pricing on there though, I don't want to send off for a quote on numerous configurations

They won't because Metabox and Clevo are barebones suppliers.

You need to check out a reseller like LogicalBlueOne or Affordable Laptops (even P4laptops)