New Laptop or Upgrade?

Hello everyone,

So the laptop I'm currently using isn't a very high-end laptop. It can do everyday tasks. computing needs, and play certain PC games pretty well--but it's limited.

It's a Sony VAIO Series E with these current specs:

Processor: AMD Atholon(tm) II P360 Dual-Core Processor 2.3 GHz
Memory: 4 GB RAM

I'm not that savvy when it comes to computer hardware and upgrading.
So, just curious but would it be better if I just buy a new laptop, or should I look to upgrade?

Additionally, what would you consider to be an average type laptop with good specs that wouldn't be too overpriced. So basically I'm looking for something that is good for its price and for what it will do. Sorry if that may be a bit vague, but I just need some advice. I could spend probably around $1000 on a new laptop.

Thoughts?

 

Most if not all manufactured laptops use integrated video cards, meaning they're built into the motherboard and can't be upgraded, or replaced period. Therefore you may not be limited in upgraded other specific hardware, you're still limited to what games you'll be able to run in the future. In my honest opinion, there is no such thing as a fair priced laptop. They'll always charge you for assembly and other bullshit, and the hardware is outdated in a year or two.

I really can't stress the importance of building desktops. It'll save you so much money in the future. Builds can run you hundreds of dollars cheaper than some of the best laptops you can buy at a retail store.

When I built my first PC I followed a step by step video tutorial. It's not difficult provided you have the required tools. If you're every interested in building or having a friend or family member build you one, give me a budget and I'll compile a wishlist on newegg or tigerdirect and link you to it. It'll have all the hardware you'll need, and even any accessories you might want to go a long with it.

 

Tell is what you plan to do with the laptop.

 

Honestly there is no point shelling out $1000 on a laptop for gaming, for half the price you can get a desktop that can do similar which you can also upgrade when the parts gets old

 

That actually sounds very interesting. If you don't mind providing a list of parts and hardware would be great! I'm willing to spend up to $1000 on building a PC. Also, if it's possible could you do the same analysis for building a computer that would cost roughly 500-700 dollars? Sorry for the trouble and thanks!

Well the main thing is that my laptop is getting older and I wouldn't mind getting some sort of new computing device. However, to be honest the laptop that I am using can't perform many tasks. This is just an example but I can't be multitasking programs that I would like to. For instance, I can't have multiple instances of certain programs up such as having some sort of game up (client-sided or PC game) while browsing the net with out a bit of CPU lag. This may also happen if I have several applications up that would use more RAM--such as Photoshop, and other video applications. Also, gaming can get annoying at times when there is frame lag and slow performance. :/

Yeah, I would have to agree about that. Like Fricker said, technology is ever-changing so It would be beneficial to be able to upgrade your own hardware with ease whenever you felt the need to. If it's going to be harder to upgrade the hardware (if at all possible of a laptop) then I would rather consider a different option. Building a PC out of obtaining your own hardware seems interesting and I might consider doing this actually.


Thanks for all the comments guys! It definitely will help me decide on what I plan to do in the near future.

 

If you want a laptop for gaming go with a sager. You can get a model where both the graphics card and processor are upgradable. I'd wait for the 900 series though.

 

Hmm, I'll check it out! Thanks for the tip. Although I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to this stuff--so could you explain to me about the 900 series that you're talking about?

 

He's talking about Nvidias latest graphics cards.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GeForce_900_series

 

Thanks for the link. By the way, from what I hear Nividia graphic cards are better than AMD. Is this true, or does it really depend?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG5dl_XEnck

 

Let me know if you've gotten the chance to do this. I would try--but like I said, I'm not that savvy when it comes to this stuff. Although I do know the general things lol xD