Need help buying a laptop please

[Miamadness]

Hi everyone, I recently come across this forum while I was looking for computer advice online and was wondering if the kind folk here would mind helping me out a little

I'm in the market for a laptop that will be good for a few years to come as my current laptop is old and sluggish to say the least (it's running windows vista lol). My budget is around $1300 Australian dollars and I'll mainly need it for downloading files, Skype video calls, some games like DOTA2 (hopefully) and maybe some live streaming on twitch or something

I don't know much about computers but I would like something with a 15.6" screen, a SSD for faster boot times and a good network card for a good Internet connection (but I'm not sure how much that varies tbh). Ano a decent graphics card would be nice too

I found this one I think I like but I'm not sure if it's worth the price tag so I'm after some opinions if you all wouldn't mind?

https://www.jbhifi.com.au/computers.../acer-aspire-f5-573g-7908-15-notebook/318639/

If this laptop isn't as great as I'm hoping it is, would anyone mind taking the time to help me find a nice one on either one of these sites please? Because honestly, I'm kind of hopeless with stuff

https://www.jbhifi.com.au/deals/computers-tablets/great-deals-laptop-computers/

http://www.harveynorman.com.au/computers-tablets/computers/laptops/laptops/1065?dir=asc&order=price

I know I might be asking a lot but any help is very much appreciated. I just don't want to be mislead and spend over $1000 on a garbage machine lol

-----

EDIT:

Just a quick update:

So these are the two I've narrowed it down to with the help of folks from this forum

https://www.centrecom.com.au/msi-gl62-7qf-1659au-156-fhd-intel-core-i7-gaming-laptop

Or..

https://www.centrecom.com.au/msi-gp...rs6d1qnjgdupr2r6xhcaw3jxjxkdxc_s4eaanjl8p8haq

As far as I can tell the only difference is the one in the second link comes with a 128GB SSD and a GTX 1050 graphics card opposed to no SSD and an 960M in the first link.

Do those differences justify the extra $200 in anyones opinion?

Thank you kindly,
Mia

 

[TheLostSwede]

That Acer is not a good purchase, in fact, I would try to steer clear of Acer as their support is terrible and their build quality isn't very good.

Unfortunately you live in Australia, so you get taxed what seems to be 50% on technology products compared to what they cost in most of the rest of the world.

Think you can stretch your budget a little bit? You can pick up a mucher nicer MSI at AU$1499 here https://www.mwave.com.au/product/ms...m-win-10-ab95008#detailTabs=tabSpecifications
It would be miles better than the Acer you picked.
It doesn't have an SSD, but it's something you could upgrade to later when your budget allows for it and it's a fairly simple thing to do, even more so on that model, as it has an M.2 slot for an SSD, so you don't even have to remove the hard drive. You'd just clone the OS to the SSD once you're ready to upgrade.
Also, a 128GB SSD is really tiny. Keep in mind that you can't fill an SSD to more than about 80% or it will start to slow down. This is one of the drawbacks of SSDs.
Adding a 240-256GB would cost something around AU$150-200 at a later date.

A cheaper option would be to get last years model at AU$1369 https://www.jw.com.au/msi-gl62-6qd-436au-15-6-gaming-laptop

Looking at something more similar to what you had picked and less of a gamer notebook, then maybe this is an option https://www.mwave.com.au/product/ms...i76700hq-8gb-1tb-geforce-940mx-win-10-ab86038
Again, it can be upgraded with an M.2 SSD and it's AU$99 cheaper than the Acer, gets you a better screen, better processor, bigger battery, but less RAM. That said, 8GB should be plenty and it's something that can be upgraded.

This might also be an option https://www.jbhifi.com.au/computers-tablets/laptops/dell/dell-inspiron-15-5000-15-laptop-i7/954176/ similar spec, but much better screen, no extra hard drive storage though, but at least a 256GB SSD.

This doesn't look too shabby either https://www.jbhifi.com.au/computers-tablets/laptops/hp/hp-15-ay165tx-15-6-laptop/330170/

The graphics in those last two might not be that exciting though.

Maybe someone more local can give you better suggestions, but that's what I can find doing a quick search. It looks like it's cheaper to buy a notebook without SSD and adding one afterwards too, as for some reason SSDs seems to carry a hefty premium in notebooks in Australia.

Also, why does JB's look like they're an outlet store? Their prices aren't particularly great and they're clearly not always on sale...

 

[brandonwh64]

MSI GT62VR Pro Dominator 87...... Best laptop ever! plays games at the same level as my desktop and has a REAL GTX 1070 in it.

 

[P4-630]

I'll mainly need it for downloading files, Skype video calls, some games like DOTA2 (hopefully) and maybe some live streaming on twitch or something

A laptop with a GTX970M should do fine, it's an older gen but laptops with this card should be cheaper.

Otherwise a laptop with GTX1050 should be good as well.

 

[Miamadness]

That Acer is not a good purchase, in fact, I would try to steer clear of Acer as their support is terrible and their build quality isn't very good.

Unfortunately you live in Australia, so you get taxed what seems to be 50% on technology products compared to what they cost in most of the rest of the world.

Hi thank you so much for your prompt and detailed response

As I touched on in my post I'm not very computer savvy so I'm glad you informed me about that acer laptop I was looking at. Besides their build quality lacking, poor customer service is a bit of a deal breaker for me (in case something goes wrong) so I've already taken your advice and removed them from my radar haha, thank you

I've been aware we pay more for technology products here in Australia for awhile but I didn't realise we were paying that much more than the U.S or that, so that's a bit depressing lol

Think you can stretch your budget a little bit? You can pick up a mucher nicer MSI at AU$1499 here https://www.mwave.com.au/product/ms...m-win-10-ab95008#detailTabs=tabSpecifications
It would be miles better than the Acer you picked.
It doesn't have an SSD, but it's something you could upgrade to later when your budget allows for it and it's a fairly simple thing to do, even more so on that model, as it has an M.2 slot for an SSD, so you don't even have to remove the hard drive. You'd just clone the OS to the SSD once you're ready to upgrade.
Also, a 128GB SSD is really tiny. Keep in mind that you can't fill an SSD to more than about 80% or it will start to slow down. This is one of the drawbacks of SSDs.
Adding a 240-256GB would cost something around AU$150-200 at a later date.

I didn't think to mention in my original post that I am able to stretch the budget a little. I've been looking at that MSI laptop you recommended and from what you've said about the Acer and this particular machine, it definitely sounds like MSIs build is better value for my money (even without it coming with an SSD)

The only problem I had when I seen your recommendation is the fact that I would have to buy it online lol. I may sound a bit old fashioned but I much prefer to buy things like this from a physical store so I had a look on Google and fortunately for me I found a computer store near by who has that exact model in stock

A cheaper option would be to get last years model at AU$1369 https://www.jw.com.au/msi-gl62-6qd-436au-15-6-gaming-laptop

Looking at something more similar to what you had picked and less of a gamer notebook, then maybe this is an option https://www.mwave.com.au/product/ms...i76700hq-8gb-1tb-geforce-940mx-win-10-ab86038
Again, it can be upgraded with an M.2 SSD and it's AU$99 cheaper than the Acer, gets you a better screen, better processor, bigger battery, but less RAM. That said, 8GB should be plenty and it's something that can be upgraded.

This might also be an option https://www.jbhifi.com.au/computers-tablets/laptops/dell/dell-inspiron-15-5000-15-laptop-i7/954176/ similar spec, but much better screen, no extra hard drive storage though, but at least a 256GB SSD.

This doesn't look too shabby either https://www.jbhifi.com.au/computers-tablets/laptops/hp/hp-15-ay165tx-15-6-laptop/330170/

The graphics in those last two might not be that exciting though.

Although I'm willing to stretch my budget to buy the MSI, I am so appreciative you took the time to help me out and hunt down not just one, but four decent alternatives! I truly am grateful helpful people like you still exist

Also, why does JB's look like they're an outlet store? Their prices aren't particularly great and they're clearly not always on sale...

Now that's a pretty good question haha. I think JB's started out as an outlet store but as time went by they started to specialise in electrical goods for whatever reason (while keeping that outlet "look" but upping their prices lol)

While I'm talking to you TheLostSwede, when I was looking in a physical store for that MSI model you mentioned, I found this laptop that would again stretch my budget an extra $200 but it seems like it might be worth getting due to the better Graphics card and a 128GB SSD being included. So I'm wondering if you think it's worth the extra cash compared to the MSI you recommended?

https://www.centrecom.com.au/msi-gp...rs6d1qnjgdupr2r6xhcaw3jxjxkdxc_s4eaanjl8p8haq

This is my absolute limit when it comes to price range lol. Do you think it's worth it though?

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[DRDNA]

$799 US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXCBXQO/?tag=tec06d-20


ASUS ZX53VW 15.6" Gaming Laptop, NVIDIA, GTX 960M 4GB, FHD, Intel Core i5-6300HQ, 8GB DDR4, 512GB SSD, Backlit keyboard, Microsoft signature image, Anti-Glare Matte Display.

The SSD is M.2 and there is still an open 2.5 sata bay for an additional harddrive.

Welcome to TPU

 

[Miamadness]

MSI GT62VR Pro Dominator 87...... Best laptop ever! plays games at the same level as my desktop and has a REAL GTX 1070 in it.

I had a look at this after you mentioned it and although it looks like a nice laptop, it's way beyond my price range lol. Thanks anyways for the recommendation though

A laptop with a GTX970M should do fine, it's an older gen but laptops with this card should be cheaper.

Otherwise a laptop with GTX1050 should be good as well.

Thanks, this actually helped me figure out where the GTX970M fits into the food chain of graphics cards lol. I know a little bit about them but had never heard of the 970M before, so thanks again

$799 US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXCBXQO/?tag=tec06d-20


ASUS ZX53VW 15.6" Gaming Laptop, NVIDIA, GTX 960M 4GB, FHD, Intel Core i5-6300HQ, 8GB DDR4, 512GB SSD, Backlit keyboard, Microsoft signature image, Anti-Glare Matte Display.

The SSD is M.2 and there is still an open 2.5 sata bay for an additional harddrive.

Thank you kindly for taking the time and sending a link but I just had a quick look online and I can't find that specific model in Australian stores/websites. Thanks again though

 

[Killerdroid]

MSI GT62VR Pro Dominator 87...... Best laptop ever! plays games at the same level as my desktop and has a REAL GTX 1070 in it.

MSI Laptops. Hardware = good. Build quality = not so good.

 

[eidairaman1]

Most laptops last about 3 years today before they fail snd it is due to the miniscule cooling fans and heatsinks used.

 

[Miamadness]

Update:

So these are the two I've narrowed it down to with the help of folks from this forum

https://www.centrecom.com.au/msi-gl62-7qf-1659au-156-fhd-intel-core-i7-gaming-laptop

Or..

https://www.centrecom.com.au/msi-gp...rs6d1qnjgdupr2r6xhcaw3jxjxkdxc_s4eaanjl8p8haq

As far as I can tell the only difference is the one in the second link comes with a 128GB SSD and a GTX 1050 graphics card opposed to no SSD and an 960M in the first link.

Do those differences justify the extra $200 in your opinion anyone?

 

[DRDNA]

Update:

So these are the two I've narrowed it down to with the help of folks from this forum

https://www.centrecom.com.au/msi-gl62-7qf-1659au-156-fhd-intel-core-i7-gaming-laptop

Or..

https://www.centrecom.com.au/msi-gp...rs6d1qnjgdupr2r6xhcaw3jxjxkdxc_s4eaanjl8p8haq

As far as I can tell the only difference is the one in the second link comes with a 128GB SSD and a GTX 1050 graphics card opposed to no SSD and an 960M in the first link.

Do those differences justify the extra $200 in your opinion anyone?

The second one is better but the 2GB video ram on both versions is frightening.

 

[Killerdroid]

Most laptops last about 3 years today before they fail snd it is due to the miniscule cooling fans and heatsinks used.

5 years and not a problem with my old banger of a machine.

 

[Miamadness]

MSI Laptops. Hardware = good. Build quality = not so good.

How so?
Is the build quality bad enough to avoid them all together?

Most laptops last about 3 years today before they fail snd it is due to the miniscule cooling fans and heatsinks used.

True it was the same lifespan with my old laptop, it lasted 3-4 years before I needed an external fan to help cool it down lol

The second one is better but the 2GB video ram on both versions is frightening.

I take it you mean frightening in a bad sense. Would you consider the 2gb of video ram a deal breaker of sorts?

 

[Killerdroid]

How so?
Is the build quality bad enough to avoid them all together?

Don't just take my word for it. I strongly suggest reading reviews on places like Amazon etc.

 

[eidairaman1]

5 years and not a problem with my old banger of a machine.

Ive got a Dell Inspiron9100/XPS Gen 1 from 2004 still kickin.

 

[Miamadness]

Don't just take my word for it. I strongly suggest reading reviews on places like Amazon etc.

That's some sound advice, thanks

 

[DRDNA]

I take it you mean frightening in a bad sense. Would you consider the 2gb of video ram a deal breaker of sorts?

I do! I like this better >>> https://www.centrecom.com.au/msi-ge62-apache-pro-156-fhd-intel-core-i7-gaming-laptop It has 960m with 4GB ram

 

[Killerdroid]

That's some sound advice, thanks

You're welcome. Nothing worse than reading or listening to hype, only to be let down once you have the product.
Good luck with your choice.

Ive got a Dell Inspiron9100/XPS Gen 1 from 2004 still kickin.

Oh no, nothing that old stays in the house. Mind you I still have a server from 2003 in the garage (And that's where it's staying)

 

[eidairaman1]

Oh no, nothing that old stays the house. Mind you I still have a server from 2003 in the garage (And that's where it's staying)

It does what it needs to, plus it was HD Movie ready 1920×1080 lol

 

[Miamadness]

You're welcome. Nothing worse than reading or listening to hype, only to be let down once you have the product.
Good luck with your choice.

Thanks you so much, that's why I joined this forum I'm the first place and I can already tell it was the right decision. I would've made poor choices if I was buying off hype alone haha

 

[Killerdroid]

It does what it needs to, plus it was HD Movie ready 1920×1080 lol

That's when they used to make decent hardware

Thanks you so much, that's why I joined this forum I'm the first place and I can already tell it was the right decision. I would've made poor choices if I was buying off hype alone haha

No worries. Hype makes the hardware world go round. Well it fills the manufactures coffers anyway

 

[eidairaman1]

That's when they used to make decent hardware

It was a true desktop replacement and that's all i will get for laptops now due to abysmal cooling on most out there.

Killerdroid combine your 2 posts man, there is a multiquote button by each post.

 

[Miamadness]

I do! I like this better >>> https://www.centrecom.com.au/msi-ge62-apache-pro-156-fhd-intel-core-i7-gaming-laptop It has 960m with 4GB ram

Thank's i just had a look and it's a very similar build to the other one I mentioned, but if you think the 960M with 4GB of v ram will run games smoother than the 1050 with 2GB v ram.. then I might look into that instead

This might be a silly question but I noticed the laptop you mentioned has a back lit keyboard and I'm wondering if there's usually a way to turn it off lol? Cos although it's not a deal breaker I'm not used to anything like that so it might be annoying for me

No worries. Hype makes the hardware world go round. Well it fills the manufactures coffers anyway

Haha so true

 

[eidairaman1]

Thank's i just had a look and it's a very similar build to the other one I mentioned, but if you think the 960M with 4GB of v ram will run games smoother than the 1050 with 2GB v ram.. then I might look into that instead

This might be a silly question but I noticed the laptop you mentioned has a back lit keyboard and I'm wondering if there's usually a way to turn it off lol? Cos although it's not a deal breaker I'm not used to anything like that so it might be annoying for me

Id send them an email, lit keyboards are for night use, they dont get hot.

 

[Killerdroid]

It was a true desktop replacement and that's all i will get for laptops now due to abysmal cooling on most out there.

I still prefer desktop PC's to be honest. Nothing worse than having to tear a laptop apart for cleaning etc..

Killerdroid combine your 2 posts man, there is a multiquote button by each post.

I tried but they were coming at me thick and fast Captain!