New Laptop/PC- Help Needed

[Super Paul Sturrock]

Have had a good read of thread but I'm an indecisive so-and-so and could do with some advice.

My current laptop (a six-year-old Lenovo G550 PDC T4300 3GB RAM 250GB HDD) has finally given in. It was probably well past its sell-by date and only cost me £360 at the time.

So looking for a new one - all I'll use it for is FM16 3D (decent number of leagues and database but nothing manic) plus Microsoft Word/Excel, streaming programmes/films and general surfing.

Haven't got a budget as such but don't want to overpay for something I don't need - if anyone could give me a general steer based on that vague criteria, it would be much appreciated!

[Guest]

You must have a budget in mind as most of us have a limit on our disposable income, if you had to buy a laptop on Friday what's the most you could spare?

[Super Paul Sturrock]

Good point - although I'm not overly fussed about its capability, I do want something that lasts.

Let's say £500 to give you a ballpark figure.

My current laptop is 15.6-inch and I wouldn't want to go any bigger, but wouldn't mind going a touch smaller.

Thanks again.

[Guest]

For £500 it's easy, the one that tractorboy & I linked above your post.

[Super Paul Sturrock]

Cheers - it was right in front of my nose all along. Do excuse me, I'm clueless so need reassurance with these things!

[jomo]

Gutted, was going to wait until payday to get the Lenovo, now its gone back up to £649! Ah well:lol:

[Guest]

Companies are annoying like that, they do love to tempt us to part with any excess cash we have before payday.

[tractorboy1996]

Yeah same here for me lol

Called and complained as the "Introductory Offer" stated it ended on 12th April but they are saying it's just the 3 year guarantee that is the offer! Emailed as well hoping to get something out of them!

[Guest]

Keep pushing with the complaint but remain calm & professional about it, once you start shouting or worse you'll be a losing wicket. Refrain from any pointless threats of going to the papers or such like but if you keep progressing with calls & then emails to the next highest authority in the company eventually you might get someone to honour the original price, advertising standards are probably the best bet in terms of escalating to an ombudsman if you cannot get the original price.

From the start ask them to provide you with a copy of the offer wording as shown on the web page along with the T&C's, do not say you will use it against them, just politely ask for them & leave it there.

Remember complaining is easy when done right, I recently had my bank offer me a goodwill gesture payment & a penalty charge waived even though after escalating an issue I freely admitted that I was more to blame for the error because I was using the normal website rather than the app designed for the small screen devices I was using, I offered to meet them half way on the penalty charge my mistake generated.

Good luck.

[gunner86]

Hi all,

Won't bore you with the full details but basically I have the option of 2 new laptops but not sure which, if either, is gonna be better than what I'm using currently.

I use it almost exclusively for FM, with maybe a touch of CIV and some older games here and there.

I currently have an Acer that is coming up to 5 years old, but still doing the job. It's an i5 2.3GHz quad core processor with 6GB of Memory and runs my saves quite comfortably (mainly running England, Scotland, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and Portugal)

Now I've been given an option of 2:

1) A Toshiba with:

i7-5500U 2.4GHz Dual Core

1TB Hard Drive

8GB Memory

2) A MacBook Pro

i5 2.9GHz Dual COre

512GB Flash Drive

8GB Memory

What I want to know is if either will be noticeably more powerful than the other, and indeed than my old, but adequate computer

[Guest]

Without knowing what i5 Apple have put in the MBP it's impossible to answer.

[gunner86]

Without knowing what i5 Apple have put in the MBP it's impossible to answer.

Apologies, its an I5-5287U

[Smurf]

MAcbook looks better on paper, but no mention of any graphics...

What prices are the two computers, and what's your budget? Where are you buying from and any upgrade options?

[gunner86]

The Macbook has Intel Iris 6100, the Toshiba has NVidia GeForce 930M

In terms for price, they're through a scheme for my partners work, so that's not really an issue, the Mac is obviously a higher retail price, but seeing as I'm not paying for it I just want the one that's going to be actually better for FM

[Guest]

As our little blue friend has said there's not much to choose in terms of FM performance, if I were you the decision would be left to preferred style & feel, on that front I'd go with the MBP.

[gunner86]

Thanks for the advice, if there's negligible difference then I think I'll go for the expensive one

[IgnorantLobster]

Looking right now at a budget gaming PC, as I have always played FM on a laptop but I feel a PC would do me a lot better. These are the specs:

Processor Speed: 4.10 GHz

Processor Count: 2

RAM Size: 8 GB

Graphics Card Description: AMD Radeon HD 8470D

Not overly knowledgeable in this area, but I assume this should be more than sufficient? I have always used the 2D Classic view due to graphical limitations on my laptops, but may consider moving to 3D, graphics card-permitting. I know that isn't the best card. What do you guys think?

[Welshace]

Sounds good, but would really need to know what the cpu (processor) actually is?

I'm going to assume an A6 6400k given you've mentioned the HD 8470D?

[kavana25]

http://www.toshiba.ie/laptops/satellite/satellite-l50-c/satellite-l50d-c-19t/

Hi guys, a mate of mine recomended this one for FM16,what do you think?

[IgnorantLobster]

Sounds good, but would really need to know what the cpu (processor) actually is?

I'm going to assume an A6 6400k given you've mentioned the HD 8470D?

Yeah, apologies, that is the processor. As long as it's an improvement on my current laptop (which is undoubtedly will be) then it's good.

[kavana25]

Will this one do the job guys

http://www.dell.com/ie/p/inspiron-15-5559-laptop/pd?oc=cn55907&model_id=inspiron-15-5559-laptop#secondaryContents

[Guest]

Thanks for the advice, if there's negligible difference then I think I'll go for the expensive one

I'm not a Mac user so haven't been paying attention this issue & after moving a tech issues thread to the Mac sections it might appear that an MBP does come with a drawback that is less of an issue for PC based laptops, based on their design philosophy & the way modern games use available resources heat management is an ongoing issue going back a number of years.

From what I've read this is not a major issue for machine performance but user comfort is negatively impacted.

http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/447013-Mac-still-over-heating-and-fans-going-mental

[Welshace]

Will this one do the job guys

http://www.dell.com/ie/p/inspiron-15-5559-laptop/pd?oc=cn55907&model_id=inspiron-15-5559-laptop#secondaryContents

It will play fm perfectly fine, not 100% sure the price is great value for money though...

Any reason you are looking at direct from supplier Kav?

[kavana25]

Need to replace exsiting laptop,head is wrecked looking at them by now,do you have any sugestions that would run football manager smoothly,my budget is €600/€700..thanks for your help.

[talhak]

Will this one do the job guys

http://www.dell.com/ie/p/inspiron-15-5559-laptop/pd?oc=cn55907&model_id=inspiron-15-5559-laptop#secondaryContents

if you want to play the game in 3D mode, I doubt you can play it in high/very high quality imo.

[kavana25]

http://www.pcworld.ie/Product/hp-pavilion-15ab269sa-156-laptop-white/329022/396.0.0?OpenMenu=true

This dont look too bad

[Smurf]

No - that is bad.

[Guest]

It's a pity we've not had many i3 users post scores in the benchmark thread, would be interesting to see how they actually perform. The one desktop cpu that ran the test didn't shame itself.

[Smurf]

It's not a great CPU for that price - is basically what I meant.

Although, it's quite difficult to find a decent PC in Ireland (euros) for a good price.

We don't seem to have any budget laptop/computer sites...

[Smurf]

From what I remember Save on Laptops deliver to Ireland

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/X555UJ-XO070T-ASUS-X555UJ-XO070T_1829327.html

[Alari Naylor]

Gonna pick up a second-hand/refurb ex-business laptop for home use, anyone have experience of the Thinkpad X220 vs the Elitebook 2570p (or anything else fast, durable and small I can get second hand for under £150)?

Hi mate I have the x220 refurb.

I could not be happier with it I5 processor top screen for £150.00 blows all these budget laptops out of the water.

Also spare parts are easy to come by if it needs a face lift.

Runs FM16 with 2D engine incredibly well with plenty of leagues loaded.

I have not tried the 3D or any other games however.

But for an FM machine that is solid and durable you cannot go wrong.

For £150 that's a bargain really...

I play fm on a much less powerful i5 when travelling for work and it runs fm fine with the usual leagues and a 100k database.

For for it... it's old, but it will certainly do the job.

Just FYI if anybody else is considering similar I went with the 2570p and found it to be incredible for £150, seems totally indestructible. The screen's not the best but it's astoundingly fast for a notebook so old.

[Super Paul Sturrock]

Like jomo and tractorboy further up, I was also caught out by the price rise of this Lenovo on John Lewis: http://bit.ly/25MYzXF

Looking through some of the recommendations on this thread in my price range (£450-550) I've narrowed it down to the following:

ASUS X555UJ-XO070T (£490) - http://bit.ly/1oEXxuX

Lenovo Z51 (£550) - http://bit.ly/1Xj7Kcn

Cube Chameleon CZ-5840 (£550) - http://bit.ly/23kAOUu

Cosmos IV from PC Specialist (£605 inc. Windows 10) http://bit.ly/1SCnWBM

To be used for FM16 3D (decent number of leagues and database but nothing manic) plus Microsoft Word/Excel, streaming programmes/films and general surfing. Do any of the above seem to suit what I'll need it for more than the others?

[Welshace]

The Cosmos is always a great idea because you can customize the spec to your needs.... depends on your budget though really.

[jomo]

I keep coming back to those same laptops as I search around. Got Z51 on amazon for the same price but with 16gb ram and 4gb AMD R9 graphics which I presume is better than R7? No expert like.

[Welshace]

Link to that one?

edit:

Ha... no matter, found it... crazy thing is, yes, you can get the much more superior version for cheaper as long as you don't mind having it in white...

The black is £200 more expensive!

I'd get the white one if you handle it being white

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B015Q28EE0/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B012VMW3LI&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1757SCTXC58JR9N5X6SW

Ridiculous deal tbh.. looks like an error to me.

[forameuss]

Link to that one?

edit:

Ha... no matter, found it... crazy thing is, yes, you can get the much more superior version for cheaper as long as you don't mind having it in white...

The black is £200 more expensive!

I'd get the white one if you handle it being white

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B015Q28EE0/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B012VMW3LI&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1757SCTXC58JR9N5X6SW

Ridiculous deal tbh.. looks like an error to me.

Ooft. Snap that one up, wonderful deal.

[Keano16]

Looking to buy FM but not sure whether my laptop is up for it. Had it a while now, maybe 5ish years. Sony Vaio.

Windows 7

i5-2430M 2.4GHz 2 Cores

4GB RAM

Anything else needs to be specified?

Appreciate any help.

[morningson]

Hi, if anyone can help me I'd be very grateful.

I am looking for a laptop that will play FM14 via Steam reasonably well. I only like FM14 for some reason. I have read virtually this entire thread and have a headache. I have a budget of £350-ish.

I've been looking at these.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Toshiba-L50-C-1XQ-Satellite-15-6-inch-Laptop/dp/B016CZ6Z00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=AXGEUC00TYC0X

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B015Q3BD74/ref=psdc_429886031_t2_B016CZ6Z00

Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Colorado]

Great value but this review isn't great: http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/lenovo-z51

[Smurf]

Looking to buy FM but not sure whether my laptop is up for it. Had it a while now, maybe 5ish years. Sony Vaio.

Windows 7

i5-2430M 2.4GHz 2 Cores

4GB RAM

Anything else needs to be specified?

Appreciate any help.

Just about

[Smurf]

Hi, if anyone can help me I'd be very grateful.

I am looking for a laptop that will play FM14 via Steam reasonably well. I only like FM14 for some reason. I have read virtually this entire thread and have a headache. I have a budget of £350-ish.

I've been looking at these.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Toshiba-L50-C-1XQ-Satellite-15-6-inch-Laptop/dp/B016CZ6Z00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=AXGEUC00TYC0X

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B015Q3BD74/ref=psdc_429886031_t2_B016CZ6Z00

Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Both fall below the recommend CPU speed of 2.2ghz processor.

[Guest]

That clock rate refers to P4 & Intel Core architectures, a 5th generation i3 is significantly more powerful than a 2.2Ghz P4 therefore it comfortably exceeds the minimum specification.

I expected better from you as you know that clock speeds can't be compared across a decade of innovation & improvements.

[Guest]

Looking to buy FM but not sure whether my laptop is up for it. Had it a while now, maybe 5ish years. Sony Vaio.

Windows 7

i5-2430M 2.4GHz 2 Cores

4GB RAM

Anything else needs to be specified?

Appreciate any help.

Your preferred & max budget along with anything else the laptop will be use for other than FM.

[Welshace]

He's not buying one Barside, he's looking to see if that one is suitable...

The answer is as always, try the demo....

But it's a pretty old machine tbh Keano, that said, it should run the game with very minimal leagues etc...

The demo takes all the guess work out of it though.

[Guest]

Ah, I see that now. So used to posts asking for help getting a better laptop than the one currently owned that I clearly went into autopilot.

An i5-2410m has put up a reasonable time in the benchmark thread & posted a time comparable to i7 cpu's on FM15 so for FM16 I expect the i5-2430m to do just fine & to be capable of more than a minimal league setup. Obviously this does depend on how well the Viao has been looked after during its life.

Keano, 5 years worth of clutter & grime could slow things down so making sure the laptop is nice & clean is always recommended.

http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/454853-Football-Manager-16-Benchmark-Thread?p=10792827#post10792827

[Welshace]

Oh that's good to know, didn't realise the 2401m was so powerful tbh.

Demo is definitely the way to go with these things I guess..

[Guest]

I don't think it is that powerful & is more to do with FM16 being much better at using processor resources than it ever has been since the introduction of multi-core processors & in particular the Intel i-series. Until now it was really poor at using all of a cpu's available horsepower unless it was at the very low end of the performance scale.

I've gone back to my FM15 career save & the difference is immediately noticeable having played FM16.

[Colorado]

Ah, I see that now. So used to posts asking for help getting a better laptop than the one currently owned that I clearly went into autopilot.

An i5-2410m has put up a reasonable time in the benchmark thread & posted a time comparable to i7 cpu's on FM15 so for FM16 I expect the i5-2430m to do just fine & to be capable of more than a minimal league setup. Obviously this does depend on how well the Viao has been looked after during its life.

Keano, 5 years worth of clutter & grime could slow things down so making sure the laptop is nice & clean is always recommended.

http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/454853-Football-Manager-16-Benchmark-Thread?p=10792827#post10792827

Sorry if going off-topic but any recommendations for cleaning up laptop? Googling it throws up lots of adverts and adware.

[Welshace]

Unless your really comfortable cleaning inside, i.e taking the laptop apart, i'd be careful about doing so, you can easily short the mobo and other components touching the wrong thing..

The easiest and best way to clean the fans/vents is a can of compressed air which is dirt cheap, and you just blow through the fans to loosen any dirt etc.

If you are happy taking the laptop apart you can obviously clean it much more thoroughly.

[thomit]

You should be careful about using compressed air to blow through the fans; you could damage the fans that way. Blow through the air outlet openings instead. Either way, this is a rather sloppy quick fix for opening up the air flow inside the laptop a little, but in my experience not a long lasting one. All you're doing is blowing the dust further inside the laptop; it will be back. With a vengeance.

As for cleaning up unneccessary data/files that is clogging up your hard disk, there are numerous software to download and use for an automatic solution. I have been using the CCleaner for years; it does a good job, and is pretty safe (in my experience 100% safe) when using the default settings. Don't tweak the settings unless you absolutely know what you're doing. It has an option to clean up the registry as well; I have been using this too without incidents, but you should be extra careful about this - at least don't use it without backing up the registry first. And know what to do with that backup if things go bad.