What Laptop Specs Are Really Important? Difficult Time Deciding between Laptops

[Deactivated] on 14/12/2021 - 21:04
Last edited 14/12/2021 - 21:07

Hi,

I bought one of the recent laptop deals:
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro QHD 16" AMD Ryzen 5600H, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD

I mainly need a replacement as a workstation, and possibly to do music production. I feel like the 16GB ram, may be limiting?

One of my mates friends is moving back to Singapore and offered me a MSI laptop, brand new.
GS66 STEALTH 10SE
15.6" FHD Anti-Glare IPS-Level 240hz
i7-10750H
Geforce RTX2060
DDR4 16GB RAM
512GB SSD
99.1Wh 4 Cells

He wants $1600, it's in the box sealed.

It's $600 more. It's got a much better GPU, and Screen but I'm paying for it when I doubt I need it.

Only other option I found is
Asus Laptop
Bought for $2599, wants $1,400(I could get it for $1,200-$1,300) - 14 months old.

Specs:
CPU: Ryzen R7 4800H (Base Clock: 2.9Ghz) (Max Boost: 4.2Ghz)
GPU: GTX 1660 Ti 6GB
RAM: 32GB DDR4 3200MHz
Storage: 1TB SSD
Display: 15.6" FHD (1080P) 144Hz IPS
Windows 10 Home Edition 64-bit Activated

What are peoples thoughts? I understand in terms of music, it's better to have more cores. I'll be running like Cubase, plus Virtual Instruments etc

I'm just not sure if what I bought is solid enough, simply because of the limiting 16GB ram…it can't be upgraded without voiding warranty I believe.

Thank you!

P.S. Only reason I am considering Laptops with better GPUS is I could sell my PS5, I only play Warzone.

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • dubfonik on 14/12/2021 - 21:34
    +1

    16GB is fine for audio production. You're better off spending that money on a decent audio interface if you haven't already, which will allow for lower latency. If you have the budget, an RME interface will be great, but otherwise you could pick up a Focusrite either new or second hand.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/12/2021 - 21:54

      I have a external sound-card, tho It's old so I may need to upgrade.

      • dubfonik on 14/12/2021 - 21:55

        What sound card is it? It might be fine

        • [Deactivated] on 14/12/2021 - 23:27

          I would have to find it!

          I will probably upgrade, unfortunately I bought alot of stuff back then and never used it.

          I'll probably need new headphones, studio monitors, midi controller and that's fine.

  • CyberMurning on 14/12/2021 - 22:20

    For me, thunderbolts ports

    • [Deactivated] on 14/12/2021 - 23:26

      Why?

      • coveredturnip on 15/12/2021 - 08:46

        Cable management (Charging + displaying to a monitor in one cable), upgradeability (the potential to add an external GPU down the line)

  • a20c87 on 14/12/2021 - 23:14

    One thing to consider when buying a laptop from your friend is how the warranty would work if something were to go wrong.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/12/2021 - 23:26

      Basically like any used Laptop I assume, it's new & sealed but things can go wrong.

  • rektrading on 15/12/2021 - 07:52

    New with warranty.

    Acer Nitro 5 15.6-inch i5-11400H/8GB/512GB SSD/RTX3060 6GB Gaming Laptop $1295 + Delivery ($0 C&C/ in-Store) @ Harvey Norman
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/671194

  • Love a bargain on 15/12/2021 - 14:00

    Since you've already bought the Lenovo, is it doing what you need/ want it to do? If so, there is no need to upgrade.

    If RAM is an issue, it can easily be upgraded.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/12/2021 - 14:48

    I don't think it can on this laptop, but I think it'll do the job.

  • Yorkshire-Man on 15/12/2021 - 15:22

    Why not a desktop? Always cheaper and easier to upgrade.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/12/2021 - 15:35

      I already got an old desktop I will probably upgrade for my music.

      It's good to have something portable, even tho I doubt I move it…I'd have the option.

      If I wasn't setting up a studio, I definitely wouldn't want a desktop taking up space in my home.

      Desktops don't seem that much cheaper, esp once you factor in keyboard, monitor etc

      • jv on 15/12/2021 - 15:41

        I already got an old desktop I will probably upgrade for my music.

        Agree, that new Ariana Grande song won't play too well on my Athlon II…

      • Yorkshire-Man on 15/12/2021 - 19:00

        IMO look. What you get for your money is usually a lot more with a desktop

        • [Deactivated] on 15/12/2021 - 20:35

          I checked prices, and sure doesn't look like it!

  • jv on 15/12/2021 - 15:37

    What Laptop Specs Are Really Important?

    Cost.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/12/2021 - 15:41

      Haha true

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join