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Question

Help choosing new computer

by Jun 14, 2016 7:34PM PDT

I'm trying to choose a new computer and would love some more expertise on which one is right for me!

I'd prefer to spend no more than 1000$ and would like a portable laptop - preferably on the lighter side. I need to be able to work on my art on it (Sai and Photoshop) and would also like to be able to play some games (Sims and LoL). Hopefully, it will also last me four years of college!

I was looking at the Dell XPS 13, the Zenbook 303 and the Lenovo Yoga 900 or Lenovo Z70. Which of these would fit these requirements? Do any work better than others from experience?

Discussion is locked

10 Posts
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Answer
My son got this one. Sims is not a lightweight game.
by Forum moderator Jun 14, 2016 7:57PM PDT
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Too heavy?
by 45rattan Jun 14, 2016 8:26PM PDT

Honestly, these seem to be too heavy and lack the battery power I need? I guess that would be expected of a gaming laptop however... I suppose I'll probably skip the Sims for no, and focus on the art and portability of the laptop. Maybe I'll look into heavier laptops once I'm through college Happy

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The problem is The Sims.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 14, 2016 10:03PM PDT

My wife runs that on an i7 8GB DV7 machine with dedicated GPU and video RAM. It's OK but it's pushing it pretty hard.

Battery time on games is usually at best a hour.

Now for non-gaming I still like that XPS 13 non-touch.

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Answer
Ok remember gaming laptops are the most
by Jun 15, 2016 4:58AM PDT

powerful machines made. That being said they USE THE MOST POWER. It's only logical they are the worst machines for battery life. The laptops category of today that are selling the best are the convertible 2-in-ones which most have the Intel U processor. The U means they are built to be more energy efficient, run cooler and are not as powerful as their counterparts in the gaming machines. So you have to be able to prioritize your needs. If gaming capabilites is more important then mobility then go with the more powerful and expect to use it plugged in alot. If using for school functions and being mobile those you mentioned will be better but they won't be as good for gaming. If Photoshop is important look at the Photoshop specs and make sure the one you buy meets those specs.

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Most intense game would be Sims 2
by 45rattan Jun 15, 2016 9:49AM PDT

mmm ok. If the most intense game I would be playing would probably be Sims 2, which of the aforemoentioned laptops would that be fine with that, if any? Because compared to 3 + 4 its definitely not as demanding - I know someone whose played it on a Macbook Pro and it worked fine?

Definitely the heaviest I'm willing to go is around 4 pounds. Possibly the Lenovo Ideapad U430?

As for battery, so long as its 5+ hours I should be good.

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Battery times vary with use.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 15, 2016 10:25AM PDT
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Answer
Light gamer
by Jun 16, 2016 10:54PM PDT

Post was last edited on June 17, 2016 12:02 AM PDT

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MSI GE is good option
by Jun 17, 2016 3:06AM PDT
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Gaming laptop,
by Jun 19, 2016 6:18PM PDT
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It looks like it throttles.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 19, 2016 6:32PM PDT
Back to Laptops forum

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