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Q: Laptop, PC or other?
I think it's time to do some upgrading...
While this here laptop I've got is doing it's job admirably (but with the upgrading I did, it should be!), it's still a 5 year old machine, so not running as well as I'd like it to.
A couple of friends have recently upgraded, buying laptops around the 15K RMB mark, and so I"m thinking of doing the same - and buying similar.
But... having a desktop allows for a more powerful machine. it's also cheaper! However, much bulkier, and obviously, not very portable.
MY last thought is just go console (after all, that's about 80% of the reason for the upgrade - better and more dedicated - gaming. I"m into the RPG stuff (just about to try my hand at Witcher 3, after having gone through 1 & 2), and I own a copy of Elite: Dangerous.
My thoughts are: I don't intend to live in China for the long-term, possibly out of here in about 2 years - do I really want to have a full desktop system to deal with? Also - where should it go? With the laptop, I can sit here on the lounge (with wireless keyboard sitting on my lap).
If I go console (Xbox is looking the better option, given the games I just mentioned) - but how do I know I'm getting the real thing? And what other hassles can I expect??
Thoughts???
(Edit: I'm also thinking of taking a look at DDO and ESO... and I like mods (but not lots...).
:
I'm not sure, but I pay attention to 'weight' at many different things.
I'd say go to HK for purchase. Your wallet will loose less weight, after you'll pay bill for the new puter in HK than in China.
Shining_brow:
True - perhaps! Depends on what i get... If I go to HK, then bringing a full desktop PC back will be a PITA!!!! A laptop not much of an issue - but then, also have to factor in the costs of flights... which means, an additional 1-2K... do I stay overnight? Hotel costs.. food costs.. etc.... For a REAL Xbox One, it'd probably be safer - but then, I know ppl in Shenzhen who could just do a border run for me....
First order of business is to decide what to get!!
Hotwater:
You'll also get stung for import duty if you get stopped at Chinese customs. Hong Kong isn't always the cheaper option now
Stick with the old lappy and be satisfied with a good book instead of playing computer games.
If you're looking for a change of scenery consider upgrading to Windows 10. I did, and the different hue of colours has been like going for a walk in the park during autumn.
Shining_brow:
I've actually been reading Hitchhiker's Guide for the first time!
Also, I did a search for 'best 100 books' or "must reads' or something... so I downloaded a stack of those for my kindle... Three Musketeers was a good read, and I enjoyed 1984 (Animal Farm was a bit of a drag). Don Quiote I gave up on...
(FTR - Hitchhiker's was on the list!)
royceH:
I've been known to say that reading a book on a computer is in some ways no good, but that is just me being a dickhead. I haven't done it yet but that's not to say I wouldn't. As it is I haven't had to. I think that deep down I enjoy the theatre of reading a book, and when I'm looking at a screen it's somehow a different kind of activity.
I'm in the same situation man, except I'm not really considering a desktop. Although if you can get a small one and bluetooth mouse and keyboard, you're golden. Just plug that sucker into your TV. Another option is the new "Steam machines". Alienware makes them, they're like consoles but they use the Steam interface.
If you're thinking about a laptop, you might be better off waiting a few months for when more companies start integrating the newest line of Intel Chips. So far not many have them.
Here's a breakdown of best gaming laptop brands and what I learned about them:
Alienware: My first choice. Great value and comes with Dell support. Everything is customizable, so even the mobile 13 inch can be decked out. They also have a special side product that you can plug a better graphics card into. So when you're gaming at home you can still get desktop graphics. Downside is, If you want to take it anywhere professional you have a glowing Alien on your machine.
Razer: Thinnest by far, macbook size. Looks slick but suffers from heating issues. super cool trackpad on high-end model. After sales support is sketchy.
MSI: Definitely the widest range of options. But ordering them is tricky. They only sell to directly to their distributors so after sales support, also sketchy.
Asus ROG: Good product line but I read alotta bad reviews about out-of-thebox problems. But here in China you could probably get it fixed in a snap.
Special Mention: The new Surface Book has an ok graphics card on the top models! Nothing like what you would get above, but it's the only convertible tablet-book with one, and it's better than the one in your 5 year old machine. I'm considering it just for the chance to play Civilization V with a touchscreen.
Shining_brow:
"Alienware" and "good value" don't often go into the same sentence! From when I've looked around at pricing, you pay more for the name than any other machine! Theirs always tends to be 5K+ more expensive, and when I do a side-by-side comparison, I'm not seeing much difference (not enough to justify 5k - unless you want to include flashy LEDs...)
You don't mention Gigabyte in your lineup...
I found a DIY machine on Taobao I'm thinking about (desktop, obviously). But it's been years since I've put one together, and I don't know if the instructions will come in English... (if I'll even need to do any setting changes, or for certain jumper settings, etc... that's how long ago it's been.... 15 years??? :p) My only uncertainty is a) quality (real or fake) and b) number of USB 3.0 ports - I don't see it clearly listed!! But for less than 6K..!!! (that, and the HDD is pretty small!)
WooMow:
I think Alienware has upped their game since they were bought out by Dell, big selling point for me is that if I have a problem with an expensive machine, someone will fix / replace it. You can buy a 4 year warranty with Alienware. But I see your point. I have no need for flashy LEDs and a goofy logo.
Don't know anything about Gigabyte, I'll check them out.
I actually think building a desktop here would be pretty fun. Gives you a reason to walk around the tech markets. If you have decent Chinese you can grill the taobao shop owner with questions and see if he sounds legit.
