15" Ivy Bridge for Computer Science Major

[golfguy251]

Hey after returning my Dell XPS 15 I'm looking for a new 15" Ivy Bridge Kepler laptop. Here's the form:

What is your budget?
around $1500, flexible

What country will you be buying this in?
USA

What size notebook do you prefer?
Mainstream (15 - 16-inch screen)

What brands do you like or dislike?
Like: Nothing in particular
Dislike: Apple, Sony, Dell

Would you consider a refurbished laptop?
No

What are the primary tasks you need this notebook for?
Web Surfing, Office and Productivity Software, Photo Editing, Video Editing, Computer Programming, Movie Streaming and Viewing, 3D CAD Design, Casual Gaming, Graphic Intense 3D Gaming

Some of the programs that I make will be running on the GPU and CPU at the same time. An Nvidia GPU is a MUST.

What games will you be playing?
various, not nearly as much as other things listed though

Where will you be using this laptop?
desk and library... but I'm willing to turn the GPU off when on battery.

How many hours of battery life do you need?
3 hours at low-power-usage settings

Will you be buying online or in store?
online

Which OS do you prefer?
Windows 7

List the screen resolutions that interest you:
1080p

Do you prefer a glossy or matte screen?
Either

Is the laptops design important to you?
No, but I need it under 7 pounds.

Approximately what date will you be buying this laptop?
ASAP

How long do you want this laptop to last?
2-4 years

How much storage capacity do you need?
At least 500 GB

Are you interested in SSD for storage?
Maybe... I need a 7200 RPM hard drive or a hybrid drive though; a vanilla 5400 RPM will not suffice.

Do you want a built-in optical drive, what type?
DVD Burner; though Blu-Ray would be a minor plus


Here are my required minimum specs:

Intel i7 3rd Gen Quad-Core

Nvidia 640M DDR5

500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive, an mSATA SSD cache would be a plus

8GB RAM; 1600 MHz is a minor plus

DVD Burner Drive; Blu-Ray player is a minor plus

Good thermals (must be able to run an intensive CUDA application while running an intensive CPU application for several hours at a time)

1080p 14.9-15.9 inch screen with decent color gamut

Fairly reliable (will be used several hours a day for software development... a business line is NOT needed or desired though)

Between $1000 and $1600 after discounts... price is not a factor as long as it's within that range.

[Jaybs]

I'm actually on the same boat as you. I bought the new XPS 15, but I plan on returning it this week if Dell isn't able to provide an update to the throttling issue. I've been looking at the Lenovo Y580 which seems to meet your criteria. The downfall is that it doesn't look as sleek and slim as the XPS if that's important to you. I think the more powerful GPU makes up for it though.

There's also the Asus N56 which has a 650m, but its DDR3 only. I don't recommend any of the HP ivy bridge models as I tested both the envy and pavilions and the build quality was lacking in my opinion.

[golfguy251]

I'm actually on the same boat as you. I bought the new XPS 15, but I plan on returning it this week if Dell isn't able to provide an update to the throttling issue. I've been looking at the Lenovo Y580 which seems to meet your criteria. There's also the Asus N56 which has a 650m, but its DDR3 only. I don't recommend any of the HP ivy bridge models as I tested both the envy and pavilions and the build quality was lacking in my opinion.

I've actually been eyeing that one too... I just want to know if there's anything I'm missing before I take the plunge.

[frodoz737]

My suggestion is the Lenovo ThinkPad W530 or soon to be released (2 or 3 weeks) Dell Precision M4700 for your needs in a 15". Now I know you said you don't like Dell, but the Precision is not at all like the consumer crap. I know, I have/had both. That being said, the best GPU you will get with either is the the K2000M, and we are talking ISV Certified for your CAD/CAE software now. This is the market they cater to, not gamers. These are Business Class machines, so you find the Build, Warranties and Support far superior. I will never buy Consumer Grade again. Anyone want to buy a dv6? Just my friendly. Good luck what ever you decide.

[golfguy251]

My suggestion is the Lenovo ThinkPad W530 or soon to be released (2 or 3 weeks) Dell Precision M4700 for your needs in a 15". Now I know you said you don't like Dell, but the Precision is not at all like the consumer crap. I know, I have/had both. That being said, the best GPU you will get with either is the the K2000M, and we are talking ISV Certified for your CAD/CAE software now. This is the market they cater to, not gamers. These are Business Class machines, so you find the Build, Warranties and Support far superior. I will never buy Consumer Grade again. Anyone want to buy a dv6? Just my friendly. Good luck what ever you decide.

Sorry, but after configuring the ThinkPad to my needs it costs about $2,000. Also, 2-3 weeks is way too late for the (probably similarly-priced) Dell... I need it in my hands by the first of the month, and I always have to factor in that some of them may take some time before they ship.

[Kuroi-Tsubasa]

You shouldn't pay retail price for a workstation laptop (or any other high-end laptop). My W520 was $2167 retail, but I only paid $1665 (plus tax) on it after haggling. It also shipped in nine days.

I recommend the Thinkpad, Latitude, or Precision line as well.

[frodoz737]

Gotta do what ya gotta do. When I bought the Dell, the W520 and M4600 were my choices. Would have loved to been able to wait for the new models, but was for Son's College and he started beginning of Summer. Happy shopping.

[golfguy251]

So is there anything better than the Y580 for me or should I buy it tomorrow?

[Jaybs]

I read about the new Gigabyte laptops which meet your specs, but I'm not sure how reliable they are. I think your best bet though is the Y580 seeing as Lenovo well known for their laptops (mainly the thinkpad line).I've been doing some more research on it today and it seems to be getting good feedback from owners.

Gigabyte laptops:

http://nexus404.com/Blog/2012/03/06/gigabyte-p2542g-laptop-makes-appearance-at-cebit-show-gigabytes-newest-laptop-the-p2542g-makes-its-appearance-at-cebit-bringing-plenty-of-power-for-the-gaming-crowd/

I'm actually not sure if this is available for purchase in the US, but thought you might want to take a look for completeness sake.

[Kuroi-Tsubasa]

Lenovo IdeaPad Y580 Review

For the price, I don't think you can beat it.