Best laptop under $800

Okay, I'm going to try my best to narrow this down to what i want. I am looking for at least an i5 intel processor for gaming/work. Not hardcore gaming, something like Sims 3 or Mine-craft. I want it to last, at least a 17inch screen, as it will be my main computer and it would be nice for a long lasting battery as-well, but that is not as important as the rest. I would also like to know the best brands? I know several people like Dell, I can't afford a Mac in my budget(at least a new one, i could probably find a person selling a used mac for around $800) If anyone has any suggestions, SHOOT them at me. :gun:

Re: My computer is dying...

Your dream computer description is about as accurate as "I want a black one".

First, since when do computers have terminal cancers where one can predict how long will it live? Even if one component fails, it can be easily replaced.

But alright, skipping past that, getting a new computer. Do you plan on playing newer games on it?

Processor's speed matters incredibly little these days. If you plan on playing some new games, importance of components changes to -
Graphics card,
Power supply,
Processor, mother board, RAM,
The rest.

Any processor on the market currently will do. Seriously, you have to search specifically for the oldest processor in stock to find something NOT worth getting.
Your average middle class CPU will do just fine.

GPU is where magic happens - faster graphics card - more FPS. Except for very few specific games which require heavily on CPU power (thus, having sh*tty performance on most gaming systems where other games slide).

Power supply is one of most important components, one of few most prone to failures. Good PSU and motherboard is what keep your computer running for ages.

Rest is pretty much "to taste". Or budget.

Best you can do is buy all the components seperate, then assemble them together. Reason is that pre-assembled computers often have some components which do not sell all that well (surprise, huh?), so people not very knowledgeable in computers buy it anyway.

Pre-assembled computers also (in my experience) cost more than if you assembled that exact system down to a component yourself.

Re: My computer is dying...

^^ what he said.

What are you planning on doing with it? Building your own is usually cheaper, newegg.com is a good source of parts. If you need power and preassembled, ibuypower.com is also a good resource.

Sorry, I use a Mac .

Re: My computer is dying...

My laptop is on life support.
The battery crapped out so it must stay plugged into power at all times.
The power cable also frayed away so it's soldered back together...

The mounts that hold my monitor on top the body of the laptop have since broken and now it must stay propped against something, and the casing around the screen has began to come off.
The wiring on the back of my charging port broke off so I rewired the entire thing with silicone wire and now it's a braided cord that comes out of the side, which plugs into the charging cable.

I'm not sure how I managed this is 3 years, but I think it's about time for me to purchase a new one as well. I'm just reluctant because the PC itself runs good, it's physical condition is absolute shit though.

Re: My computer is dying...

Build it yourself.

Type
Item
Price

• CPU
  AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor
  $111.99 @ Amazon
• Motherboard
  Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard
  $114.99 @ Amazon
• Memory
  Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
  $37.99 @ Newegg
• Hard Drive
  Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
  $59.99 @ Newegg
• Video Card
  MSI GeForce GTX 460 1GB Video Card
  $129.99 @ Newegg
• Case
  Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case
  $44.99 @ Newegg
• Power Supply
  Antec 550W ATX12V Power Supply
  $54.99 @ Amazon

Total
$554.93

Edit: You can also use a cardboard box instead of the case. I assume your monitor/mouse/keyboard is still working.
Edit 2: you will also need an OS. If you are a student, you should be able to get a copy for free or for really cheap ~30$

Re: My computer is dying...

Eudaimonium said:

First, since when do computers have terminal cancers where one can predict how long will it live? Even if one component fails, it can be easily replaced

Click to expand...

WRONG! My computer's motherboard is fried, from over-usage. (from what the guy from geek-squad told me, and my computer is so old, it's not even worth paying to get it fixed, so he said he would give it a few months before it being completely useless. I am looking for a bit of everything, I am a gamer, and would love a computer that could handle.. Sims 3? My computer is incapable of doing the simplest tasks. It has a 512mb RAM and a 80GB hard drive.. The average laptop is about 2 times that. lol. I might get a laptop instead of a desktop, but I am up for any suggestion's from people on here. :yh:

Re: My computer is dying...

Just build yourself a desktop. Make sure to factor the cost of a monitor into it.

Re: My computer is dying...

I don't want to build a computer. I'd rather just buy it complete. I know there are some all-in-one computers. I'll probably get one of those, or just get a laptop.

Re: My computer is dying...

Foshizzle45 said:

I don't want to build a computer. I'd rather just buy it complete. I know there are some all-in-one computers. I'll probably get one of those, or just get a laptop.

Click to expand...

All in ones usually cost more for less then regular desktops.

Re: My computer is dying...

You can get complete systems from Dell/HP/whatever for like $350 or less in some cases for their lower end stuff..

I think you'd be hard pressed to get Windows for $30 but I could be wrong...

Moh: New batteries are only like $25 if you grab one off eBay... You can probably buy new hinges for it too, that happens quite often... Might want to conciser that before buying a new one...

Re: My computer is dying...

any all in one pc you buy is going to come so packed with bloatware that any high requirement game will lag from the start, build your own and you will no longer remember what it is to lag

Re: My computer is dying...

Well basically, To narrow it down, I want a fast laptop, good quality graphics card, and fast internet connection. (also a nice design would be good, but not necessary) All of this for 600 or less.

Re: My computer is dying...

Foshizzle45 said:

Well basically, To narrow it down, I want a fast laptop, good quality graphics card, and fast internet connection. (also a nice design would be good, but not necessary) All of this for 600 or less.

Click to expand...

Fast laptop? Newegg is your friend, but $600 isn't a lot to work with. Same goes for the graphics.

As for the internet connection, that is in no way related to your computer's hardware, and is instead something you need to work out with your ISP.

Go to Speedtest.net - The Global Broadband Speed Test and tell us your results.

Re: My computer is dying...

Foshizzle45 said:

After getting a diagnostic at Best buy...

Click to expand...

Wait a minute!... So... you asked a computer store if you need a new computer? I hope you didn't expect an impartial answer.

You need to do more research on the geek squad, sir. Your trust is misplaced.

Re: My computer is dying...

JohnTheRipper said:

Fast laptop? Newegg is your friend, but $600 isn't a lot to work with. Same goes for the graphics.

As for the internet connection, that is in no way related to your computer's hardware, and is instead something you need to work out with your ISP.

Go to Speedtest.net - The Global Broadband Speed Test and tell us your results.

Click to expand...

Ping: 42ms
Download Speed: 2.75mbps
Upload Speed:0.65mbps

Re: My computer is dying...

600$ wont get you a good laptop with a good graphics card, desktops will give you more power for less money. Especially if you build your own, it really isn't that hard, there are lots of guides, and you get lots of power for not much money.

600$ isn't a whole lot for a new computer, if you want a GOOD computer for 600$ you'll have to build it yourself. If you still want a pre-built computer, look at dell. Both their laptops and desktops are good, and you can customize your build (somewhat)