Need help picking a "gaming" laptop for $700

Discussion in 'Tech Talk' started by Dullard, Aug 4, 2014.

  1. Dullard
    Veteran FPS Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2008
    Messages:
    1,751
    Likes Received:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Welcome to what may be the least sexy "Help me buy a computer!" thread of this year.

    My wife needs a new laptop. She needs something that is portable for work, so a desktop is out of the question. She plays games like Minecraft, World of Warcraft, and The Sims, and I'd like to think that the reason I can't seem to motivate her into trying newer games is that her current laptop struggles with the above listed games.
    Unfortunately, gaming is not a big enough concern to her (I didn't find this out till AFTER I married her) that she is willing to spending $900-$1200 on a new laptop. She's giving me a meager budget of $700.
    I know almost nothing about laptops and their components, so I come to you with the hope of finding a decent solution (she says I have to keep the kids if we divorce, so that's out of the question) to my problem.

    Wishlist:
    Based on the impressions I have after looking at laptops so far, I'd like to have a dedicated video card.
    Windows 7 is a plus but not mandatory.
    SSD would be nice, but as long as I'm able to upgrade to one in the future I can pass on that for now.
     
  2. Gruune
    Veteran

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2008
    Messages:
    1,246
    Likes Received:
    3
    Location:
    Boston, MA
    I think a tablet hybrid may be a better choice for her Dulllllllllarrrrrdd


    and when did you move to Minnesota? on purpose ? maybe you should save your money for a new Ariens snowblower or plow contractor ?
     
  3. Doxy
    Veteran Camelot Unchained Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2012
    Messages:
    1,003
    Likes Received:
    13
    Location:
    Canada
  4. Trice
    Veteran Crowfall Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2008
    Messages:
    1,883
    Likes Received:
    16
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    System Engineer @ BigFish Games
    Location:
    Kirkland, WA
    I picked up this gem :) have had no issues playing BF4, PS2 and other games in High detail.
    It may be out of our price range, but their is a model with 12GB ram and 1 HDD etc for around 1200 or 1300.
    You could also check out lenova Y-Series which is on the cheaper side but does pack a punch
     
  5. Dullard
    Veteran FPS Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2008
    Messages:
    1,751
    Likes Received:
    4
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Sorry about the late response, but thanks for the help everyone.
    Gruune we moved up here at the end of July, it's so much better than Kansas. I always figured you'd be the guy to go to for advice about blowing things.
    Doxy! I think I might get her the laptop you linked to if she won't let me spend a few more bucks on her.