Recommend me a new laptop...

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FarligOpptreden

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So, I need to get a new laptop. Please make me a good recommendation. Here are my constraints:
  • Budget is around R13k (pushing R15k if I have to)
  • Looking for I5 (or possibly I7) processor
  • Dedicated graphics card is non-negotiable
  • 4GB memory
  • I need a decent native screen res as I do lots of design work as well (1600x900 or higher preferably)

No Apple products! :p
 
I ordered a Lenovo Y550 on Monday. C2D 2.2Ghz, 4GB DDR3, 320GB hard drive and a 240M.
It got some good reviews and it's fairly inexpensive, so I'm quite excited for it to arrive.
 
It depends if it's a serious gaming laptop or mainly a business mobile with a gaming angle. But serious dedicated graphics suck a ton of power. Optimus is the first integrated switchable solution that really works.
 
cerebus said:
It depends if it's a serious gaming laptop or mainly a business mobile with a gaming angle. But serious dedicated graphics suck a ton of power. Optimus is the first integrated switchable solution that really works.
Click to expand...

I'm looking for a business laptop with a graphics edge, specifically for a bit of 3D rendering. Will mainly be used for software development...
 
I normally recommend Lenovo though the one you'd want (W700) is way-way out there wrt budget so rather consider a Dell Studio 17.
 
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Drake2007 said:
I usually recommend Lenovo though the one you'd want is way-way out there wrt budget, consider looking at a Dell Studio 17.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's why I'm willing to push the budget up a bit to R15k. I'm actually looking at something a bit smaller than a 17-incher though - I've got one atm and it's not very portable.

I'm considering importing a Sony VAIO VPC-Z115:
  • Intel i5-520
  • 4GB DDR3 RAM
  • Geforce GT 330M (dedicated) + Intel GMA-crap (discrete) = Samina & Performance modes
  • 128GB SSD (dual 64GB in RAID 0)
  • 13.1", 1600x900 native res
  • 1.4kg weight!!!

I can get one of those from the US for around R13k from the US - I've got a contact who regularly flies to the US, but I can only get it end of April if I take this route...
 
Consider the Lenovo W510, still out of budget though @ R21k

Specs:
W510 i7-820QM(1.73GHz), 4GB (2x2GB+2open lots), 320GB 7200rpm HD, 15.6in 1920x1080 LCD, 1GB nVIDIA Quadro NVS 5100M, Intel 802.11agn wireless, 3G ENABLED, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, Camera, 6c Li-Ion, Win7 Pro 64

Otherwise the T400s matches your screen res. spec. but R1k over budget and then onto intel graphics and cpu not what you wanted.
T400s Core 2 Duo SP9400 (2.40GHz), 2GB (1x2GB), 250GB/5400rpm 1.8" HDD, DVD±RW DL, Mobile Intel GMA 4500MHD (GS45, 384MB), 14.1" WXGA+/LED (1440*900), Camera,Eth Giga,Intel 5300 AGN (3x3),Bluetooth,FPR,Intel 5300 AGN (3x3), Secure Chip, 5 in 1 Media Card reader, 3G ENABLED, Windows 7 PRO with NO XP RDVD

That rules out the T400s

This is TOR ( in SA for SL510), R12k and then the res is not quite what you wanted.
SL510 P7570 (2.26GHz), 4GB (2x2GB), 320GB/5400rpm, DVD±RW DL,256MB ATI Radeon HD4570 w/ GDDR3, 15.6" HD LED (1366*768), Camera, Eth Giga, Bluetooth, FPR, Intel 1000 BGN (1x2),7-in-1 (MMC/MS/MS Pro/SD/SDHC/XD/XD Type H), Express Card, 3G ENABLED, Windows 7 Pro 32/ XP RDVD
 
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Drake2007 said:
Consider the Lenovo W510, still out of budget though @ R21k

Specs:
W510 i7-820QM(1.73GHz), 4GB (2x2GB+2open lots), 320GB 7200rpm HD, 15.6in 1920x1080 LCD, 1GB nVIDIA Quadro NVS 5100M, Intel 802.11agn wireless, 3G ENABLED, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, Camera, 6c Li-Ion, Win7 Pro 64

Otherwise the T400s matches your screen res. spec. but R1k over budget and then onto intel graphics and cpu not what you wanted.
T400s Core 2 Duo SP9400 (2.40GHz), 2GB (1x2GB), 250GB/5400rpm 1.8" HDD, DVD±RW DL, Mobile Intel GMA 4500MHD (GS45, 384MB), 14.1" WXGA+/LED (1440*900), Camera,Eth Giga,Intel 5300 AGN (3x3),Bluetooth,FPR,Intel 5300 AGN (3x3), Secure Chip, 5 in 1 Media Card reader, 3G ENABLED, Windows 7 PRO with NO XP RDVD
Click to expand...

Thanks, the W510 looks like a good option as well. Will see what my import-contact can get it for. Still loads cheaper than the VAIO Z-range in good 'ol ZA... :D
 
Drool worthy

Lenovo W700ds,
Core 2 Duo T9600 (2.80GHz 6MB 35W), 2x 2GB DDR3, 320GB/7200rpm, DVD±RW, nVidia Discrete (NB9E-GLM2, 512MB), 17"WUXGA & 10.6"WXGA, NB9E-GLM2 (512GB) Enhanced Discrete, Eth Giga, Intel 5300 AGN (3x3), Bluetooth, Camera, FPR, Color Sensor, 9 cell,7-in-1 (MMC/MS/MS Pro/SD/SDHC/XD/XD Type H), Express Card, Vista Business 64/XP recovery DVD, 3 Years Carry In Warranty


Sitting down?










R70 000 :) R20k doesn't seem that much now

Then you get

W700ds, Core 2 Quad Q9000 (2.00GHz 6MB 35W), 2x 2GB DDR3 , 500GB / 7200rpm, DVD±RW, nVidia Discrete (NB9E-GLM3, 1GB), 17"WUXGA & 10.6"WXGA, NB9E-GLM3 (1GB) Enhanced Discrete, Eth Giga, Intel 5300 AGN (3x3), Bluetooth, Camera, FPR, Digitiser, Color Sensor, 9 cell,7-in-1 (MMC/MS/MS Pro/SD/SDHC/XD/XD Type H), Express Card, Vista Business 64/XP recovery DVD, 3 Years Carry In Warranty
R83000

dunno what's up with them screwing the whole deal with Vista Business instead of Win7
 
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