New laptop around $800

[acerinpa]

The old laptop dies after ordering the parts for the new desktop. So, now looking for a new one - mostly for surfing , etc. but it would be great for it to be able to play some games.

I found this one- please comment on it or suggest others.

Costco - Samsung RF511 Laptop Intel® Core i7-2630QM 2.0GHz 1GB NVIDIA Graphics

Thanks

Ted

 

[MindoverMaster]

What games will you hope to play? You have a desktop, why not play games on it? You'd get better performance and a heck of a lot less heat..

 

[acerinpa]

no doubt- this is more for a mobile situation on a trip and for the fact that I have 3 kids, all like to game. I will have 2 desktops that are good builds for gaming, so this is a third option for the house of 5 people to watch a movie, surf, and play less intense games like dragon age, WOW, and other RPG's, etc. probably not for BF3 or massive multi shooter games - I know that cant happen without spending $1200 and up.

 

[MindoverMaster]

Oh, allrighty. I'm not well versed in Samsung laptops. While they make awesome LCD's, I do not think their laptops would be at par.

Can get this for $100 cheaper, almost same specs. Just a less powerful CPU, but it will still run games like WoW: Newegg.com - ASUS A53SV-NH51 Notebook Intel Core i5 2430M(2.40GHz) 15.6" 6GB Memory DDR3 640GB HDD 5400rpm DL DVD±RW/CD-RW NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M

 

[acerinpa]

Yes - I looked at that - but have heard that ASUS fails at warranty ,etc. Great MOBO's - but customer service is really bad. How about ACER - Newegg.com - Acer Aspire AS5755G-9471 Notebook Intel Core i7 2670QM(2.20GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory DDR3 1066 640GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M. Also trying to buy locally with a warranty. Best buy ( gag) or another chain. I know there is a new one in my area- starts with a H., hence the prior Costco link.

 

[MindoverMaster]

I never go through ASUS customer service. Warranty, no. I had to send in my refurbed laptop from Newegg to them, because it had a faulty wireless card. If i need an RMA, I go to their site and fill out an RMA form. Not through customer service, ever. Look at how many ASUS products I have in my sig picture.

Acer is good, as well.

You have a TigerDirect or MicroCenter near you? You'd get the same warranty that you get from any store. 30-60 days to return the product, and then your on the manufacturer's warranty for maybe a year or 2.

 

[acerinpa]

OK - i ordered the ASUS linked above- with the 2 year warranty for $70- there PA service center is like 2 miles from my home. Weird hey- the only services center in PA.

THanks

 

[acerinpa]

Laptop arrived - OK, now how do I get the bloatware off? I know I have seen links on this site- but if someone could relink in this thread it would be appreciated. I hate BING - in order to turn on the Laptop I had to agree to use it. WOW - how much did they give ASUS for that gem!?!?

 

[MindoverMaster]

Use Decrapifier. I found it best to run in safe mode, as some of the bloatware is running in the background.

 

[acerinpa]

Thanks again

OK downloaded the Decrapifier software and Wow- I cant even tell what software I should delete- don't know what I need and what I can get rid of- what a NOOB!! For Example there are a bunch ASUS programs, ATK package, A few windows live things that has other languages within the description, Cyberlink Corp software (2), Sonic Focus and Synaptics pointing device driver from synopsys, syncables desktop SE by Syncables. Any ideas?