[kenlan]

hi im a student currently studying computer games design. im one of the only two people on my course who hasnt got a laptop. im more of an artist than a techie so my computer knowledge is quite limited, but i think ive managed to find two acer laptops that have had some pretty decent reviews, with the type of specs i need. (heres the link)

http://www.acerdirect.co.uk/AdvSearc...1/LX.AT10X.003

I havent got a clue what the differences are apart from that one is way more expensive, and i think pushing my price range way further than i planned/ may be able to afford. ill be needing to play fairly recent games, use photoshop, 3dsmax, maya, ect. Id greatly appreciate it if u could give me some advice on which has got the best bang for bucks. lots of thanks.

[Carbon]

I would stick to a high-end processor and very basic or no dedicated graphics on the laptop. The processor will allow you to do Photoshop and rendering, etc well and then you could build a desktop for gaming and probably save yourself a bundle.

Of those two, though, the one on the right is actually slightly better - I'm not sure what warrants the extra cost of the left. Still, I'd dump the graphics card.

[kenlan]

thanks very much for replying! im seriously lacking when it comes to the technical knowledge to even dream about attempting a self build, and being a poor student id be worrying about not having a warranty if it ever broke down. if its not too much to ask would you mind taking a look at this laptop (heres the link)

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500001801& productId=1500527817&langId=-1&cmpid=GG05X&kwmid=9209977&kmcid=4422006309&match _type=&_$ja=kw:acer+aspire+8930g+laptop|cgn:Acer+a spire+8930g+laptop||5070547|cgid:1448763159|tsid:1 3533|cn:PPCPM||Products||Computers+and+laptops|cid :41710269|lid:11394126707|mt:Broad|nw:search|crid: 4422006309

and compare it to the better one from before. You would be doing me an enourmous favor!!! and thanks again for replying again in the first place!!!!- (to be honest i didnt think i was going to get a reply)

[philthomas]

Just a point, in case you hadn't realised, the 2 x Laptops in your original post, are Refurbished (not new) and only come with 3 months warranty. For an explanation of Grade A1 .... see here

As a poor student, this may not be a great idea, as Laptop repairs are very expensive and this could prove to be a big mistake.

BTW the link in your 2nd post, isn't working

[Carbon]

Yeah.

As far as the desktop is concerned, really it's a better option even if you're technically challenged - "gaming" prebuilts typically come with horrific warranty/RMA service and shoddy parts like off-brand power supplies. Therefore, even if you buy parts and pay someone a sum to put it together, you've got warranties on each individual part, often lifetime, and you don't have to send the whole thing back to get service.

But that's kind of irrelevant right now, fix your link and I'll check out that laptop :)

[philthomas]

Just had a closer look at the link and this appears to be the model

[Carbon]

I think you can get something in between - one of the higher-end processors on one of the laptops in your original post with a little bit worse graphics card and get it at the same price as that one. I'd keep looking.

[iantaylor]

Ummmmm for games design your going to need something mental!!! But like you i have little knowledge of specs especially for games design!! i'm more into database driven stuff!