Help spec me a good laptop

[AdamB]

Well I'm after a new laptop as my one is dieing of old death, had it for 3 years now but it just can't keep up with what I need it to do.

Before anyone says "get a desktop pc" I simply don't have the room for one, so it has to be a laptop.

I use a lot of CAD and engineering programs for designing, also watching video's, and the usual internet browsing, playing music etc.

I don't really have a budget but don't want to be spending over the odds for hardware thats no use to me or im not gonna make the most of.

Would really love an Alienware from Dell but the price just seems astronomical for the spec, when I can get something with a very similar spec from somewhere like overclockers/novatech for around £5-600 cheaper.

Was looking into atleast an i5 or low end i7
8gb + memory
Half decent graphics card having to display 3d models, HD video's etc, something like NVIDIA 650
Hard drive I'm not very clued up on, preferably would love something small to run the OS and then a secondary HD to run programs from etc, but this can obviously be tricky with a laptop.
Operative system will most likely be windows 7, either home or pro. Doubt I'll use any of the other features ulitmate offers. And I want to stay away from windows 8 as I don't like the user interface.
Needs to have a good screen, not fussed on the size providing it gives good quality and clarity.
DVD+RW drive is good, but don't think I'll need to upgrade to a blue ray as I have a PS3.

Any help much appreciated

Adam

 

[AdDaMan]

One word. Macbook.

Or if there too expensive, whatever you do get make sure it has an SSD. Thats the single biggest speed enhancer you can get on a machine nowadays.

 

[AdamB]

Would rather windows based tbh mate as I think most of the software I use can only be used on windows

SSD's themselves are rather expensive, would like something like a 250gb to run the OS then another larger HDD like 500gb as a secondary HD to store stuff on.

 

[AdDaMan]

Unless you reeeeeally need all that space built in then id get one with a 256GB SSD and then if you need extra storage just use and External HDD.
Otherwise try and get a machine with a 500GB SSD.
Unless like you say you can get a laptop where you can install a secondary hard drive in place of the optical bay (like you can on macbook pro's)

 

[AdamB]

250gb SSD to run the OS would be ideal. I already have a 500gb external drive, but only problem with that would be I can't download and run programs from it to save clogging up the main SSD to keep the system speed up.

If I was to get a laptop with a normal HDD would I then be able to swap it out for an SSD without any other implications? After browsing for some SSD's I found a samsung for around the £130, sure I could get one cheaper but just a quick browse. If I wanted an SSD in a built package they charge a stupid amount extra.

 

[brutish]

hey mate

if your any good at putting parts in a computer then i recommend a company called overclockers.

i use them all the time and prices are very good

 

[AdamB]

I just registered on their forum mate Them and Novatech seem to be the best places to get PC components from.

I've had a good read through on overclockers and some people have managed to get like £500 off an Alienware high spec laptop by phoning or using voucher codes, so think I'm going to give that a go!
They also watch the dell outlet page as they sell refurbished units on there, and can pick up a high spec m17 for under £1000, some even around the £800 mark depending on condition.

 

[brutish]

I had a few issues with novatech, sending me the wrong parts all the time so now i just use overclockers.

Also i find their discounts and customer service are alot better.

 

[AdamB]

Sweet, cheers for the advice mate. I've never ordered anything from novatech online, I've always gone instore as I have one not far from me so it makes it a lot easier.

Does seem overclockers do offer much better discounts though

 

[GT-TD04]

250gb SSD to run the OS would be ideal. I already have a 500gb external drive, but only problem with that would be I can't download and run programs from it to save clogging up the main SSD to keep the system speed up.

Why not?

Just change the install directory when you are running the program for the first time,then plug it in as you need the programs and downloads.

Look for the Samsung 840 Pro,very good SSD if you can stretch to it,otherwise the Crucial M4's are good.

 

[AdamB]

Yeah true I could do that, bit of a pain having to have something else plugged in or to carry around though. I mainly just use it to store software, music, and any work files.

I have heard very good reviews on the Samsung 840 series, think I may just go for a basic spec Alienware then upgrade it through overclockers products, as it seems Dell charge through the roof for any upgrades. Although I think I'll get the CPU and GPU out the way with the package.

Going to give Dell a ring tomorrow and see if they can offer me any deals as I've found a better spec'd laptop for less, hopefully they'll be able to give me some discount like I've read about other people getting.

 

[AdDaMan]

The samsung 830 is a more reliable drive imo. The 840 is still quite new and untested for duration. I ran the 830 in my macbook pro for near on a year and it was stunning.
I wouldnt worry about clogging up the ssd like you would with a normal hdd as they still fly either way.

With the 830:

 

[AdamB]

Sweet nice one Ad, I've only managed to find the 840 for sale though, plus I can get £40 cash back through samsung with the 840 so may go for that. Heard nothing but good things on it so far.

 

[AdDaMan]

Do it. I'm sure it will be awesome.