Laptop Suggestions - Gotta Use My Salary Packaging before End of March: )

mad__llama on 08/02/2015 - 01:39

Hey all, been years since I last bought a laptop - still using my Dell Inspiron 6400 which refuses to die!

However, this year I have salary packaging, so it's use it or lose it. Suggestions would be very welcome…

Must-have:
15" HD Screen
Intel i5 (4/5 gen)
4Gb Ram
500gb min HDD
Sub 2.5kg

Would-be-nice-but-not-essential:
8gb ram
128+ GB SSD
Dedicated graphics

Would like to keep it under $1000 but willing to hit $1200 max. The choice around that price point is mind-boggling!
Any brands/models to completely avoid?

Computing

Comments

  • Agret on 08/02/2015 - 02:46
    +1

    http://www.logicalblueone.com.au/store/561-horize-w840sut-ul…

    It's 14" not 15" but comes to $1,107.00 when you add Win8 pro and a 500GB Seagate Hybrid HDD.

    • mad__llama on 09/02/2015 - 00:29

      Great suggestion but does a Full HD screen work at 14"? I would think that would be a real strain on the eyes…

      • mad__llama on 09/02/2015 - 00:44

        What about this one?

        http://www.logicalblueone.com.au/store/543-horize-w550su-ult…

        15.6" screen and I can get Ubuntu to keep the price below 1k - don't think I need the touch screen.

        • mrmarkau67 on 09/02/2015 - 14:28
          +1

          My experience is that you need 15.6" to have a good experience with 1080. Windows is getting better at handling "hi res" screens but still not perfect.

          And I think SSDs should be mandatory in new laptops in 2015.

  • ShortyX on 08/02/2015 - 02:59
    +2

    Perhaps stretch the budget and look at a MBP? After salary sac price, you could sell later and perhaps come out even (depending on price you pay and tax bracket).

    http://www.mactalk.com.au/content/salary-sacrificing-laptops…

    • mad__llama on 09/02/2015 - 01:01
      +1

      Hmmm, a good idea if I could stand macs but no thanks. I need a larger screen and the jump in price from 13" to 15" is just outrageous.

      Besides I'd still need to add windows on top of the price and don't plan on upgrading every year, just seems like too much hassle…

      And the resale idea only works if the laptop doesn't get damaged right, otherwise it could be a very expensive mistake.

      • mrmarkau67 on 09/02/2015 - 14:29
        +1

        Yeah, I hate the idea of having a $2.5K laptop within 2m of my coffee.

  • MasterScythe on 09/02/2015 - 09:31
    +1

    I recently had some horrible experience with LBO, nice people, but supply upset me, even once it arrived.

    I have a Gigabyte P35G v2, and it's AMAZING, no thermal throttling, great performance, screen is PERFECT (polished matte; not quite glossy, not grainy matte), and fits your bill well.

    • mad__llama on 09/02/2015 - 15:01

      lol, looks awesome and fits everything but the bill :)

      Can't find it for less that $1600, way outside my budget. But thanks for the info, may look at other Gigabyte models

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join