Laptop/Ultrabook for Programming

[Wheelzz]

Hey guys,

 

I am entering my first semester of a computer programmer program at my local college in around a month, and I need to order a laptop ASAP. I am a stuck in regards to which model to purchase that I'll be happy with over the next two-years.

 

I'd like to spend about $2K CAD before tax, but can spend a bit more if a better fit is a bit more.

 

The device will be used a lot for visualization and Hyper-V, as well as programming in visual studio and other environments.

 

I'd also like the device to be fairly thin and light since I will be carrying it around with me in a bag with my books on my lap (I am in a wheelchair). Decent battery life would be a plus so that I don't always have to be plugged in if I am not in a location for an extended period of time, or engaging in a heavy workload. Below I will list a few requirements and desires:

 

Requirements:

• i7 
• 16GB RAM
• Dedicated GPU (preferably an Nvidia GPU)
• SSD

Desires:

• Clean design (I don't really want a tacky gaming laptop look)
•  IPS display (I don't really need accurate colour representation but would love a nice display given that I'll be looking at it for hours every day 
• As little plastic as possible on lid and keyboard area

NOTE: Located in Canada.

 

Thanks for the help,

 

Devon

[exercutor5]

snip

 

http://www.eurocom.com/ec/configure(1,257,0)ec

 

I would highly recommend this machine.

[Wheelzz]

http://www.eurocom.com/ec/configure(1,257,0)ec

 

I would highly recommend this machine.

I need a dedicated GPU.

[techguru]

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100027629%20600536648%20600536650%20600544982%204085

[techguru]

http://www.eurocom.com/ec/productsg(3)ec

http://www.eurocom.com/ec/productsg(1)ec

[techguru]

http://www.reflexnotebook.ca/

[Nonco]

-snip-

 

Have a look at the Clevo, Metabox, Sager ranges. Theyre built to spec usually (within limitations obviously) but are great laptops.

 

E.G:

This Sager laptop would suit you well. Check out the "Customize" bit at the bottom to swap to an IPS panel and upgrade from 8GB to 16GB. Lots of other changes are possible.

 

http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np8651-clevo-p650se-eta-nov7-p-7690.html

[techguru]

Have a look at the Clevo, Metabox, Sager ranges. Theyre built to spec usually (within limitations obviously) but are great laptops.

 

E.G:

This Sager laptop would suit you well. Check out the "Customize" bit at the bottom to swap to an IPS panel and upgrade from 8GB to 16GB. Lots of other changes are possible.

 

http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np8651-clevo-p650se-eta-nov7-p-7690.html

find it on a canadian site then

[Nonco]

find it on a canadian site then

 

Never heard of shipping?

[Nonco]

find it on a canadian site then

 

Here you go m8

 

http://www.reflexnotebook.ca/newreleases/sager-np8651-clevo-p650se.html

 

When cusomizing: IPS + 16GB Ram + M.2 120GB Samsung 850EVO SSD Total = $1955.63 CAD (Without Operating system, they ask for like $100-$150 when you can get them on Reddit much cheaper)

 

Also in your requirements you wanted a clean look, you can actually remove the SAGER branding if you wish for free.

[Wheelzz]

Here you go m8

 

http://www.reflexnotebook.ca/newreleases/sager-np8651-clevo-p650se.html

 

When cusomizing: IPS + 16GB Ram + M.2 120GB Samsung 850EVO SSD Total = $1955.63 CAD (Without Operating system, they ask for like $100-$150 when you can get them on Reddit much cheaper)

This seems like a great option. Do you know much about the build quality of newer Clevo devices?

 

Also, OS isn't an issue as I get 8.1 free through school.

[Nonco]

This seems like a great option. Do you know much about the build quality of newer Clevo devices?

 

Also, OS isn't an issue as I get 8.1 free through school.

 

I have had a Clevo laptop for a few years now (Got it in like 2011) Not had any issues with it. They look nice and perform excellently. I even upgraded my GPU in it. They are very customizable laptops.

 

I noticed you wanted good battery life, with any laptops with these higher specs, they wont last as well as a basic laptop, but they will still be fine for university ect (what I used mine for). If you know you were needing this kind of power and long times without it plugged in, id reccommend with the laptop you get, make sure it has an easily removable battery as you can get a second battery and swap it over (youd need to carry it with you though, I never needed to do this, just a thought haha)

[exercutor5]

I need a dedicated GPU.

It has, read it carefully bruh. It is the same machine as Nonco showed you, except from a different Clevo reseller.

[legopc]

Would something like a lenovo W550/W540 be an option? 

[Wheelzz]

It has, read it carefully bruh. It is the same machine as Nonco showed you, except from a different Clevo reseller.

That's my bad, I'm sorry. I posted this thread late at night with the intent to read it in the morning, but decided to read some replies. Needless to say, I wasn't reading all that well at that point. Good old eye flutter and head nod at the desk 

 

Also in your requirements you wanted a clean look, you can actually remove the SAGER branding if you wish for free.

Yeah, I seen that. However, I am still undecided on that removal as the laptop looks fairly clean with it as well. I'm more concerned with avoiding the flashy/tacky looks common to many gaming notebooks of today.

 

I have had a Clevo laptop for a few years now (Got it in like 2011) Not had any issues with it. They look nice and perform excellently. I even upgraded my GPU in it. They are very customizable laptops.

 

I noticed you wanted good battery life, with any laptops with these higher specs, they wont last as well as a basic laptop, but they will still be fine for university ect (what I used mine for). If you know you were needing this kind of power and long times without it plugged in, id reccommend with the laptop you get, make sure it has an easily removable battery as you can get a second battery and swap it over (youd need to carry it with you though, I never needed to do this, just a thought haha)

I understand that battery life won't be anywhere near that of ultrabooks with low power dedicated GPUs that power off and switch to onboard video when applicable. However, that battery life should be fine. The room where 90% of the programming classes are held has conference tables with power banks (and ethernet) all along. I just need a bit of battery life for short stays so I'm not unpacking a power cord everytime I need to meet somebody to go over code or setup for a few minutes.

 

Also, do these devices not come with a power adapter? I notice the option for ~$120.

 

Would something like a lenovo W550/W540 be an option? 

I don't really need a Quadro, but thanks for the suggestion! I'm likely going with the Sager model.

Edited August 13, 2015 by Wheelzz

[Emzijs]

Well,maybe Lenovo ThinkPad is your best choice?W series or Carbon X1?

[Nonco]

Also, do these devices not come with a power adapter? I notice the option for ~$120.

 

Hmm they should do. Does it say Replacement power adapter or?

 

Might be worth sending them an email just to check, itd be weird if it didnt come with one hahaha

[MADCATZ]

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834233079

Have a look at that

[Wheelzz]

Thanks for the help and suggestions everyone!

 

I ordered the Sager NP8651 today from Reflex.

Edited August 17, 2015 by Wheelzz