Game Dev / School Laptop Help

Darkspire · Jun 23, 2016

I am looking to purchase a laptop that is portable (will carry every day), will last through college (hs senior in fall, graduating 2021 probably cs major), and can handle video game programming (Unity, maybe UR4).

I also would like to possibly do video editing (Vegas pro 13), and I do some CAD at school (Inventor). In terms of playing games, that's not a huge consideration, but I would assume it would, as it will probably need a dedicated GPU etc. to make them.

I should preface that I have a powerful desktop I built (2 970s sli) and this is primarily for when I'm not at home.

I can spend upwards of $900 right now, but will something in this price range be portable and powerful enough, and last me through college?

Thanks!

harrysmellington · Jun 23, 2016

No laptop you buy today will last till 2021 with the kind of use you suggest. The battery will go within 3 years so whatever you choose get an extra battery for it.

Personally i would outsource cad and editing to the home PC through a remote access program, that way you don't have to lug a monster around. If you must though i think it will cost you more than $900 for a decent dedicated GPU, if they do have them at that range they are usually very lo end.

Darkspire · Jun 23, 2016

What about this one? - http

/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=34-315-130

It seems as it meets all I need, but is it worth the price, and how long would you say it would last?

harrysmellington · Jun 24, 2016

How long it lasts depends on you and how you treat it. It should not die within the 5 years, however as i said expect the battery to die. If you are moving it around i suggest you find a good travel case or bag. The things that usually break (screen, battery and HDD) are usually replaceable, it rarely completely dies.

It's really a roll of the dice, if all things go well a laptop from any brand will last you 5 years.

spruce11 · Jun 24, 2016

I'd choose from more reliable brands for the quality and after-sales service, so it'd be MSI, ASUS, Alienware I'd say. I think most of the laptops from them should last longer. Also, you might think of higher end GPU for advanced application in the future. I'd think about GTX970+ if I were you.

harrysmellington · Jun 24, 2016

spruce11 :

I don't think 970+ is necessary considering he is going to do a few CAD things and possibly video edit. The laptop isn't for serious gaming. ASUS, MSI and alienware are not any more sturdy than say lenovo or ACER. Dell is essentially alienware but without the ridiculous design and "gamer" price tag. Lenovo have nice laptops, i saw they had an i7 with a 940m in a thinkpad. Not sure if their still as good as they were but i have an IBM thinkpad from early 2000s that still works.

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