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Question

Laptop buying recommendation

Sep 19, 2015 12:11PM PDT

Hi all,

I am trying to decide on a new laptop and I've read countless reviews and guides but I'm still unsure. I use the laptop almost only at my desk, I don't use it for games, but I will use it for downloading, streaming, playing movies (don't really care about DVD drivers). I'm a PhD student so I work a lot with Matlab, Stata etc. with large data files (not so much with big data, but possible sometimes). Browsing, emails, and excel are also used extensively. I'm a bit puzzled with the storage options. Should I really try and get a device that has SSD, one that has both? Also, for the screen, is IPS worth the extra cost? And finally should I really be looking for a dedicated memory for graphics (based on my needs)? My previous laptops were all Toshibas. I'm considering Lenovo, Toshiba, and Dell. And unfortunately, I do have a max budget of around $850.

Any thoughts, comments, recommendations will be much appreciated!!!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
What is large?
Sep 19, 2015 12:36PM PDT

SSD is a great way to boost the overall speed of everything on a PC. As to IPS, your eyes decide.

I get by quite well with the office supplied y510p (it's not IPS) but it is 15.6 inches at 1080p. However I did get a better set of glasses for computer work. The newer model is the y50 but I'd avoid the 4K UHD models. As to dedicated GPU, the price point may dictate that. Let's see what y50 is today with what. Nope, didn't find what I'd rec at 850USD. Just a little shy.

At 700 we see http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834317599 so you can pocket the change for later updates to SSD.

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Under 1GB for the most part
Sep 19, 2015 8:15PM PDT

Thanks so much for the comments! I guess given my budget I'll stick to an HDD for now, a full HD resolution but no IPS and most likely not a dedicated GPU either.