Affordable prebuilt laptop for audio/video production

[bicky]

Hello all, I have been using a Dell XPS 15" with an i7 and 32gb ram for audio production with protools. Between random black screens only solved with a soft reset of the machine and occasional slow downs bringing even web browsing to a staggering hault (with no viruses mind you), I am so done with this laptop.

 

I'm now at a point in my career where I need to also learn some video editing, although I doubt I'll be getting into any complex graphic rendering. I'd like to be able to game on it occasionally, but it's not a priority and I'm rarely playing anything on the cutting edge of graphic technology. 

 

My budget is somewhat limited, and I'd like to stay within the $800-$1100 if possible. I'm open to all suggestions!

[berberries]

only thing that will fit in your budget is the acer Nitro 7 and if you stretch it a little maybe an Acer Helios 300.

 

But if you don't mind having a seperate gaming machine, since you are doing alot of audio/video production, I would actually recommend a Macbook Pro, most pro audio/video software work slightly better on mac sadly.

[bicky]

I feared that... I'm not a fan of apple or it's inflated prices. Any chance you have any experience with the refurbed macs floating around online? I can pick up something with enough juice between $600-800 but idk if they're to be trusted you know? 

[genexis_x]

Do you really need macOS though

 

Where are you from? Any preference on weight and battery life?

[bicky]

On 7/22/2019 at 11:20 PM, GeneXiS_X said:

Do you really need macOS though

 

Where are you from? Any preference on weight and battery life?

I've used windows my whole life, but I'm trying to weigh the true productivity value of switching at this point. I'm in the United States, zero weight/battery preferences, as I will rarely ever use it away from a desk. 

[genexis_x]

Prefer performance/gaming laptop or regular consumer/business laptop?

[bicky]

Performance, as I need to run pro tools, Ableton, and premiere. So at a minimum I'll need an i7 and 32gb ram, strong video card is optional but it'd be nice. 

[genexis_x]

Since you don't have preferences on weight and battery life:

Lenovo Legion Y540 15/17 - can customize or buy premade models

Clevo NH58RCQ / NH70RCQ, NH58RAQ / NH70RAQ - 15 inch models have low sRGB

 

Older models:

Spoiler

*#Legion Y530, Legion Y730, Dell *#G5 5587 / *#G7 7588, Asus *GL503GE (QC+QA concerns), Asus *GL703GM/GE (QC+QA concerns)

*might need repaste

#some have low sRGB display

Upgrade RAM by your own for cheaper cost