Looking for a laptop for around $750-800

[milje]

My computer has got painfully slow in the past few weeks. It's about 6 years old, and has been OK for the past two or so years, but it's just getting time to replace it, when the fan comes on it gets to a crawl, it's just time to look for something new.

Today I went to Walmart and checked out what they have (only place around that has computers), they have a couple of decent ones but I have a feeling I can find something better for the same price on newegg or something.

So what can I get for around $750-800? It's been a while since I've looked into computers, have no idea what's out there now, who makes reliable machines and what not. I don't need a powerhouse, I don't play the latest games but would like to be able to play a couple (Realflight 5, Rigs of Rods, stuff like that, my Xbox is my main gaming machine), and maybe connect it to my TV with an HDMI cable if possible, assuming Blu Ray doesn't add too much. I'm assuming I'll want to go with Windows 7?

 

[milje]

Also I'd prefer something with a bigger screen and a number pad on the right, not necessary if I can find the right one but I use mine all the time.



Something like this is just about perfect. I'd like a few other choices if possible.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5581192&CatId=4938

 

[milje]

Here's one similar to the above, but with Blu-Ray and integrated graphics.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5581185&CatId=4938


Is a dedicated graphics card a big thing? I always assumed it was, but that second one says it has more graphics memory than the first one, even though it's integrated. I'm assuming it uses the RAM for the graphics, but I'm not sure.

I really don't need blu ray, I have no movies, but it would open up the option if I had it (I wouldn't lose any sleep if I never get a blu ray player though, I'd rather have the better performing computer).

 

[AllanD]

Check On NewEgg too, you can get some pretty nuce machines for well under what you have available to spend

http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=32&name=Laptops-Notebooks

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[lil_Blue_Ford]

Yea, I'd check out Newegg. I've been considering getting one of their Lenovo notebooks for awhile now (Lenovo took over the IBM lappys and after the abuse I put my IBM through, I'd get another).

Oh, yea, and get XP or Windows 7, Vista will suck the life blood out of a lappy.

 

[milje]

I believe that the Core i3, i5, and i7 are the newest chips. Is there a big difference between them and the Core 2? I've found a few that have the Core 2 but otherwise good specs, I've found a few that that are spec'd out similar with a Core i7 for like $100 more.

 

[milje]

Ok, here's one that has really good reviews. How are Acers?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115732


There's also a Sony with just about the same specs but there are no reviews on it, looks pretty new I'd guess.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834127092

 

[MountainMike]

I'd avoid Acer, bad first hand experience and they are a very difficult company to deal with for any warranty work

 

[milje]

Ok, how good are toshibas? I'm really considering one of the ones I posted above. I found some nice HP's but after reading it seems they are unreliable.

If anyone has seen anything else I should look for it would be helpful. I'm thinking I can go with a core i5 and a dedicated GPU with 4 gigs of ram in my price range.


Is tiger direct good or should I stick with newegg?


I'm also looking at a Sony Vaio if anyone has an opinion on those.

 

[Ronv]

Morning:
I have been thinking about getting a laptop and my computer guy advised me to get a Toshiba with the comment,"he could get repair parts for them" I still haven't picked up one since my desktop died on me and $ count.


Ronv

 

[AllanD]

To be honest I'm not terribly experienced with laptops, but if I had $800 burning a hole in my pocket I'd likely buy one from Dell.

Dells are usually the easiest to get running again (OS, drivers etc) WHEN (Not "if") the HDD fails

And While I like my current Gateway, I'm not sure I like the attitude
Gateway seems to have vis-a-vie providing support for their older
hardware.

I've got a couple of questions about my Laptop but If I want a few answers over the phone it'll cost me $60.



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[milje]

I ended up buying a lenovo. Y550P or something, 15.6" screen, intel i7 720m processor, nvidia gt240 gpu, 500 gig hdd, 4 gigs of ram. Looked to have all good reviews, was looking at a comparable toshiba but saw a lot of talk of ble screen. We shall see when I get it.



I should never be asked to hold a budget. Was originally looking to spend $300-500, ended up at $950.... Oh well, at least this will last a while.

 

[Ronv]

Congratulations on your new toy! Have fun

Ronv

 

[AllanD]

Now that you've already got one I was looking at a rocking Dell at
staples today for $699...

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