Laptops - new one needed, what do you suggest ?

My Dell Xps graphics card has gone on me, so I am going to get it repaired and give it to one of the kids as an upgrade to their acer laptop, so any suggestions about what's good ? I used to play graphics intensive online games but do not now so don't really need dual graphics - I expect a fast machine though so 8gb ram min with a big HD (500 gig min) like the sound of an Apple, just not the price, but might be swayed if that's the best / most reliable.... Used to fancy an Alienware but since they have been taken over by Dell I'm dubious about them (no pun intended)

Go

 

sorry i laughed at "upgrade for one of the kids for the acer" acer is all i can afford

 

We have cheap ACER laptops at home and at work for the technicians. They (kids and technicians) will only break them, so no point buying anything more expensive.

If I wanted something fast for gaming for the kids, I'd build my own desktop machine to the spec I want.

 

Get a mac. The iPad is great for basic surfing and email. But the MacBook pro is the dogs gangly bits. A bit pricey but they do not break and no viruses. Love it.

Good luck upgrading the kids.??????

 

Would a MacBook pro be able to see all the windows based file structure on other USB connected HD's ? (I have 2 400gig back up drives for pics video and music)

 

Acers are solid machines and if you can afford it the hp business machines are well built, good spec and should last.

Have a look on the ebuyer website

 

Raspberry Pi .

 

Get one of the new MBPs out next month and run it either with a VM or dual boot to support that other operating system ....

long term - ditch windows .. you dont need it in your life

 

macbook pro .... MBPs to those in apple world

 

MBP - MacBook pro I get it now

 

With the Ivy Bridge i7 processors being released there are some good deals to be had with the i5 powered machines.

 

If you have a budget in mind just look at the spec you can get for that budget. Work out what size screen, battery life and if you will be carrying it very far for the weight, you already said 8GB which is wise these days, once you have all these parameters in mind then see what is the fastest CPU you can get for the money and choose a mainstream brand. For a little convenience factor if you already have an acer in the house another one that uses the same charger is a bonus, unless your son keeps taking your one.
I've ditched windows for the time being and have an Android tablet, Asus transformer prime, so far so good.

 

Slight change of plan, I am leaning towards an apple iMac (27") we have 4 other laptops and the iPad and I have another laptop for work, so as my laptop never really moves anywhere I may as well have a stationary pc and I do like the look of the huge apple screen and you can get 16gb ram and the 3.4ghz processor as its in my work area I could watch tv on it while working and it would save me having to swivel around in my chair as I do now.... Anyone used an iMac ? I assume they are as good as MacBooks

 

Yep - again - new range out soon! Great machines and far better value than the MacBooks for what you get