Hello Steam Gifts community! I need your advice! My laptop for college recently broke down, and I'm looking to purchase a new laptop. Honestly, my budget is within the $700 to a little over $1000 range. Gaming is not a priority, but it's a nice touch. However, versatility for college and further studies (graduate school, etc. is preferred). I'm almost done with college, and I don't want to have to replace my laptop again once I transition to graduate studies or further studies.

I've have three laptops in mind:
1) The HP Spectre x360 - 13-4194dx : http://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/Laptops/hp-spectre-x360---13-4194dx-%28energy-star%29

2) Dell Inspiron i7559-763BLK 15.6" Full-HD Gaming Laptop (Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce GTX960M) with Windows 10:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015PYYDMQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages04
*6th Generation Intel Core i7

3) Acer Aspire V Nitro VN7-591G-792U Gaming Laptop 4th Generation Intel Core i7 4720HQ (2.60 GHz) 8 GB Memory 1 TB HDD NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M 2 GB GDDR5 15.6" Windows 10 Home 64-Bit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?sdtid=8430835&SID=15f50daab75311e59126c299a8f008280000&AID=10440897&PID=1225267&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-cables-_-na-_-na&Item=N82E16834315164&cm_sp
*4th Generation Intel Core i7

Which of these laptops have the best value? Why is the HP laptop that much more expensive if the specs are similar? Is it just the resolution, the SSD, and the latest Intel Core?

Thanks!

8 years ago

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Windows only?

8 years ago
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Yep.

8 years ago
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I'd suggest Dell Inspiron i7559-763BLK 15.6" Full-HD Gaming Laptop. It comes with a SSD. That's where I'd put my money at. Newer generation of the Intel Processor would mean super impressive battery life for college.

8 years ago
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I personally prefer a good 7200rpm larger HDD than a small SDD for a laptop. And as usual there is no info on how good the SSD is, it could be 200MB/s which is just a bit better than the mentioned HDD, or it could be a good 400MB/s. I'd assume 200 though.

8 years ago
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I guess so. Although, my SSD goes upto 1200 MB/s read/write on laptop ^_^

8 years ago
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probably a wrong value displayed by taskmanager, as as far as I know there are no such SSDs in the market yet. (over here, task manager shows Skyrim loading at 900MB/s when it's max speed is 180)

8 years ago
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Yeah, somebody talked about such speeds in another thread too (not sure if it was jashjacob, I know it was some guy with a MacBook, though). I wondered about it too, did some research, and found this O.o http://www.computerworld.com/article/2900330/apple-mac/holy-smoke-the-new-macbook-literally-is-twice-as-fast.html

8 years ago
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Yep! That was me.

8 years ago
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Ah =)

8 years ago
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Thanks! I also commented on Vlvgmr's comment below regarding the Intel Core i7 version. Basically, what I want is a laptop that is relatively future-proof because I'm going to be graduating college soon, and I want this laptop to follow me years from now either in graduate studies, future studies, etc.

8 years ago
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Option 2 has the best overall specs. CPU should be equivalent to option 3, GPU is better, storage is a matter of taste, but you can get a "cheap" small 5400rpm 1tb external drive. Also, I've had awful experience with medium-high range Acer laptops, and would never recommend Acer laptops except for low-range ones. Option 1 has the least good specs except for a great monitor.

8 years ago
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btw, option 2 has a "i5 6300HQ" not an i7

Dell has a good reputation for me.
I'd recommend cleaning the insides of the laptop at least 2 or 3 times a year, particularly the fan and exhaust, otherwise it may eventually suffer from overheating.

btw, if you get the dell, start by getting rid of McAfee bloatware

hmm, about the HP, it's probably significantly lighter than the other 2, is smaller and thus easier to carry around, and its lower specs should give it a longer battery life by default as well as a lighter charger.

8 years ago*
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Thanks! Honestly gaming isn't exactly a priority for me, but I'd like to play more modern titles like Rise of the Tomb Raider (hehe), Tomb Raider, Witcher 3, etc. I just don't really understand why the HP is so expensive if it doesn't have a graphics card. I get that it's Intel Core i7, but the Acer also has that, even if it's two generations behind. Also, Dell has an Intel Core i7 as well. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Inspiron-i7559-2512BLK-Generation-GeForce/dp/B015PYZ0J6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1453018643&sr=8-3&keywords=dell+inspiron+i7+gaming+laptop. Can you give me some of your thoughts on this version? Thanks!

8 years ago
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I don't think the HP will be ale to play witcher3, I speculate medium settings at most for modern heavier games, if I'm not being way too optimistic. Well, the screen should be very expensive, and the chassis seems relatively expensive too, but its i7 only has 2 cores.

the dell on that link has a better cpu indeed, though I'd try to know if it's an underclocked version (http://ark.intel.com/products/88967/Intel-Core-i7-6700HQ-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_50-GHz ,notice at "TDP"). It has a 1tb HDD, probably 5400rpm with some kind of SSD cache (thus better than a normal 5400rpm). Also note that the boost mentioned is only on 1 core, for 4 cores it's always less (for my 2.2-3.2, it's 2.9 on all 4) and by default the boost isn't used while gaming (at least on mine, but I force it to).

Honestly, for gaming there may not be that a big difference between them both since the GPU is often the weak element, except for the SSD/HDD detail.

btw, I'd consider upgrading the RAM to 12 or 16Gb. I personally enjoy exploiting and over-using my RAM ^_^.

8 years ago
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Hm what do I have to note about the TDP? Also, regarding gaming, I was referring to the Dell about playing more modern games ex. Rise of the Tomb Raider, etc., not the HP, because doesn't the HP only have a Intel HD 530 card or something? Also, why is the HP so expensive? Is it just because of the SSD, the Intel Core and the ability to turn it into a tablet?

8 years ago
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as I said about the HP being expensive: "Well, the screen should be very expensive, and the chassis (+"tablet ability") seems relatively expensive too".
And yeah, as I said since it only has an integrated "I don't think the HP will be ale to play witcher3, I speculate medium settings at most for modern heavier games, if I'm not being way too optimistic". You can always google "Benchmarks" for a specific GPU, usually you can find its performance with specific games.

ah, a 960m will be as good as you can get for a laptop, so unless you spend much more (970m or 980m) or go desktop, you won't get better. Though I believe 12Gb RAM could be a benefit with heavy games. You should be able to upgrade it at any time though.

about the TDP, it's related to how much power the component uses when at max load, so if by default that CPU can use up to 45 (which would be at max 4 core turbo boost), if it can be configured to 35, then if it is set to 35 it means it won't run at max default speed, so it might for example have turbo boost disabled. I personally would want to know exactly what I'm buying, so you might have to ask Dell about it. Still, the CPU in question is very good independently of it. (but better if not limited to 35)

8 years ago
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Ah so should I just ask Dell if the laptop can run at max speed when it is at max load? And thanks for everything! You've been a huge help! :D

8 years ago
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I'd be more specific and ask if it's locked at 35w TDP or if it will run up to 45w as by default.

np, just wasting my time in a useful way

8 years ago
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Wah I'm sorry! Thanks!

8 years ago
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Also, basically is the HP just expensive because of its luxuries? In essence, is it just a fancy Dell with Intel Core i7 without the graphics card?

8 years ago
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yeah, basically, though the i7 in the HP has 2 cores instead of the 4 on the Dell

8 years ago
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4 is better right?

8 years ago
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if the speed per core is the same (which it basically is) then of course!

8 years ago
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this is the 1st result for 960m benchmarks
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Nvidia-GeForce-GTX-960M-Review.137893.0.html

scroll down for game fps examples

Battlefield 4 | high = 82 | ultra = 33
Tomb Raider (2013) | high = 115 | ultra = 51

8 years ago
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Also, here is a review with a picture on the bottom about speeds I think. http://www.amazon.com/review/R3KVIVJWIX4FPN/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B015PYYDMQ

8 years ago
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that's a good SSD in my opinion. 256 would be too little for me personally though. And it might be difficult to leave space for having games in it. I have a 256 external SSD dedicated to heavier games.

8 years ago
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btw, the storage space shown is always less, because they count it by 1000 instead of 1024. My "256" SSD only has 238 in practice.

8 years ago
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Cool thanks for the info! :D

8 years ago
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Btw what do you mean by getting rid of McAfee bloatware? Hopefully my last question sorry!

8 years ago
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it's pointless software that comes pre-installed, thus bloat+ware
really, just deinstall it, there's no point and it'll probably just be annoying.
For me windows defender is simple enough and works well enough. My advice is always backup whatever important stuff you have, even the most restrictive "Anti-virus" cant keep it safe from whatever may happen.

8 years ago
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Ah thanks so much man! :D

8 years ago
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What's your major? More specifically, will you need to do anything like 3D modeling, photo processing programs, video editing, etc? If you do need anything heavy duty for programs like that, I actually suggest a cheap laptop, around $300, with an I3 and integrated graphics, and save the rest for a desktop, assuming that mobility isn't needed with this either. You'll get more bang for your buck, generally speaking, and it will be easy to upgrade your system, should you need more later, instead of needed to purchase another laptop.

8 years ago
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I'm a Psychology major hehe...Just liberal arts basically.

8 years ago
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Still wouldn't toss the idea out the window, particularly if you want to do gaming, but mobility's probably pretty important to you there. I've never needed more than 8 GB of ram on anything, even gaming-wise with everything maxed. It's more for extreme multi-tasking Gaming's more GPU and a lower extent, CPU. If you can get a laptop with two storage drives, one ssd, and one hdd, that would probably be optimal. Even a small 64 gb, or even 32 gb ssd for just you os, or your core programs if you went 64, does WONDERS for your system. I boot up and shut down in about 5 seconds, which is handy for classes.

8 years ago
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Ah ok thanks so much! :D

8 years ago
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In Spain, HP are like toasters. Those laptops are very hot and have termal issues.

So i don't recomend you get a HP.

8 years ago
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Haha thanks for the heads up and the analogy! xD

8 years ago
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Yup, i have an HP laptop. Had to substitute the fan 4 times, and it had a lot of audio problems that (according to HP) can NOT be fixed.
So, i don't recommend HP too.

8 years ago
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8 years ago
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Thanks! :D

8 years ago
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Get an MSI Laptop. Good to last like 10years of gaming and can play many triple A games nicely. also good enough to last your college years as a good investment.

8 years ago
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Thanks! Do you have a link?

8 years ago
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https://gaming.msi.com/products/notebook/ge-series
Pick one suitable for your budget :P

8 years ago*
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I'm a little confused, since you need the laptop mostly for everyday use and as a college student, I assume you won't always go from wall socket to wall socket… yet your choices are more for gaming.

Out of those that you listed, the second one is the best, by far, as it was stated previously. Finding a 6th-gen Intel Core with a GT960M combo is always a good touch. The problem is that neither are known for their low power requirement, so expected battery life, especially if you play a game and in the long run is close to… well, nothing.

If you really want a machine you can may sometimes play games on, check cheaper ones. Lot cheaper ones. For example, laptops with an N3700 CPU. Quad-core, supports 8 GB RAM, onboard graphics can handle any video and a few simple 3D games. And at the power consumption of 6 Watts, it can live for a looooooong time. (Not to mention that even the 15.6" models tend to be around 400 USD).

8 years ago
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Thanks! Yeah I just wanted to game on the side, as a little plus ;).

8 years ago
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Idk anything about computers however I got this laptop that I am using a year or so ago and I am really enjoying it. Its an Acer Aspire V5. That's really all the recommendation I would give but its really useful for everything.

8 years ago
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Thanks! Does it have SSD or HDD storage?

8 years ago
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Uhhh... I'm sorry but I honestly have no idea and I actually don't even know what the difference is O.o I'm really sorry lol, but you could probably google the laptop and find out.

8 years ago
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Okay thanks! :D

8 years ago
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I noticed you linked all Intel laptops. Any consideration for an AMD one?

8 years ago
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I'm an AMD fanboy, but even I have to admit that the laptop and low-power ("mobile") lines Intel made in the past 3-4 years just blow similar AMD chips out of the water. And for some reason, Mobility RadeOn dedicated graphics are very rare for quite a long time now. I don't know if it's because AMD abandoned it or because NVidia bribed the manufacturers or some other reason, but I can't even recall the last time I saw a mobile GPU for them after the HD 5000 series.

8 years ago
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