Buying MBP - Need Assistance

smurfyefex · Dec 19, 2011

I need a sturdy/RELIABLE/long-lasting laptop that is going to last me at least 3+ years. It will be used for mostly programming and some light gaming(eg. Diablo 3, TF2). I also need it to run photoshop, illustrator, etc flawlessly. And it will be bootcamped.

Games don't need to run on full settings, medium with good fps is fine.
I have narrowed it down to the 15 inch model, but can't decide to go low-end or high-end. If the high-end is going to make the laptop last me longer, then I am all for spending the extra cash for it.

Any suggestions or advice are greatly appreciated!

Deckyon · Dec 19, 2011

Go high end if you want to be able to play D3 or TF2. And that is for good FPS. Having the full video card is key, the Intel one is not enough for those games at all. Besides, it is not something that can ever be upgraded or added on.

Get your RAM upgraded after the fact, it is cheaper.

Make sure to get the best processor, even at the expense of a larger HD - again, it is something that cannot be upgraded after you buy the PC, where the HD can be upgraded.

Getting the higher end model will be the best idea, especially if you want to still be using it 3 years from now.

JimboMac · Dec 19, 2011

Deckyon said:
Go high end if you want to be able to play D3 or TF2. And that is for good FPS. Having the full video card is key, the Intel one is not enough for those games at all. Besides, it is not something that can ever be upgraded or added on.

Get your RAM upgraded after the fact, it is cheaper.

Make sure to get the best processor, even at the expense of a larger HD - again, it is something that cannot be upgraded after you buy the PC, where the HD can be upgraded.

Getting the higher end model will be the best idea, especially if you want to still be using it 3 years from now.

Ditto!

BrianLachoreVPI · Dec 19, 2011

Moved from Community Suggestions and Feedback to the appropriate forum.

rustyk123 · Dec 19, 2011

I have to agree spending more in this case is not going to have it last longer, but it would be able to better do what you want it to do.

Andres87 · Dec 19, 2011

what about an Alienware M14x or something like that?

smurfyefex · Dec 19, 2011

Deckyon said:
Go high end if you want to be able to play D3 or TF2. And that is for good FPS. Having the full video card is key, the Intel one is not enough for those games at all. Besides, it is not something that can ever be upgraded or added on.

Get your RAM upgraded after the fact, it is cheaper.

Make sure to get the best processor, even at the expense of a larger HD - again, it is something that cannot be upgraded after you buy the PC, where the HD can be upgraded.

Getting the higher end model will be the best idea, especially if you want to still be using it 3 years from now.

Thank you!

Andres87 said:
what about an Alienware M14x or something like that?

I really cannot fathom owning a laptop that looks like a failed military stealth bomber lol.

Andres87 · Dec 19, 2011

smurfyefex said:
Thank you!

I really cannot fathom owning a laptop that looks like a failed military stealth bomber lol.

lol I understand.

rustyk123 · Dec 21, 2011

There are 2 laptops that you couldn't even pay me to own. Sony and Alienware I have never seen work right for long.

Alienware's are fast systems but they usually overheat due to the fact the try to cram desktop components inside or make a mini version of desktop components.

Sony's look nice but they usually will not evan last their warranties without problems. I have worked on one that was purchased for $3800 SSD failed in 3 months, due to warranty it had to go to a authorized shop, took sony 3 months to ship the part and would not even include the reinstall disks.

Apple is doing a great job at the moment, their prices may be high, but they last longer, so you are buying less computers over time and paying less for repairs over time.

smurfyefex · Dec 21, 2011

rustyk123 said:
There are 2 laptops that you couldn't even pay me to own. Sony and Alienware I have never seen work right for long.

Alienware's are fast systems but they usually overheat due to the fact the try to cram desktop components inside or make a mini version of desktop components.

Sony's look nice but they usually will not evan last their warranties without problems. I have worked on one that was purchased for $3800 SSD failed in 3 months, due to warranty it had to go to a authorized shop, took sony 3 months to ship the part and would not even include the reinstall disks.

Apple is doing a great job at the moment, their prices may be high, but they last longer, so you are buying less computers over time and paying less for repairs over time.

I agree. That's one of the main reasons I am drawn to trying out a Mac. Apple seems to have pretty reliable machines(perhaps only because of their lack of customization?).