Buying laptop to replace desktop. Need help as clueless about laptops

VenomByte

VenomByte

VenomByte

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8 Sep 2005
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12
Hi all,

My desktop PC is around 4 years old now. I'm considering getting a laptop to replace it, since it's a lot more convenient. However, my knowledge of laptops is more or less zero.. and I haven't kept up with desktop components the last few years either. So I'm looking to plunder your knowledge to help me come to a decision :)

Firstly, the primary use of the laptop is likely to be gaming and watching DVDs, with a little web browsing and coding too. There is a good chance it'll often be hooked up to a second monitor for dual screen display. My budget is probably £500-1000, depending on what is good value for money.

My existing desktop is an Athlon X2 4400+ with 2GB ram, and a 7900 GTX

So, my questions:
1) How much would I have to spend to get a laptop with equal or better performance than my existing desktop? (I presume more or less anything with a modern graphics chip should...)

2) What's the value for money sweetspot in laptops? I.E, the point at which you start having to spend a lot more money to get a little more performance (I realise this is subjective, but opinions welcome)

3) How much more powerful would a desktop of the equivalent price be these days?

4) And finally.... any specific recommendations?

Thanks!
 
My guess is what your looking for would defo be in the range under 1k. But depends on the sort of gaming you want to do..if its a complete desktop replacement and playing the latest games this figure could go to 1500-2500 lol

Also what size screen you looking for?
 
Given that it'll be a desktop replacement.. ideally 17". Although 15" would probably be okay. Not overly fussed about a high max res as I'll likely run it at default anyway.

I won't be fussed if it can't play the latest games on top settings... I tend to go for strategy/rpg games rather than those that require a very high fps anyway. But I want something that's not going to just fall over in a year or two!
 
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I would recommend looking at the following models

Acer 5740G
HP DV Series
Sony E Series

The above are obviously generic builds and can be bought from most etailers off the shellf so to speak.

For a little more customization try:
Mesh
Dell

For awesome performance but obviously slightly more cost check out Kobalt Computers
They do a 15" laptop for £1330 that will kick the living snot out of any of the above machines. I cant really be much more specific than that without breaking the forum rules sorry.
 
The mesh systems look pretty damn good for the price. Definitely leaning in that direction.

I've done a little research though... and I've read some really bad things about them. Particularly with regards to support. Has anyone had good experiences with Mesh?
 
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