Someone could probably write a book explaining all the numbers behind the CPU and GPU
To make it as simple as possible:
You want i5, which is a CPU by Intel. Each year Intel launch new i5 model, new generation. The latest is Haswell (4th gen), i5-4xxx?. But it is very new and won't be the main lines for may be a few more months.
Currently most of laptop is i5-3xxx?, 3rd generation Ivy Bridge.
The M or U at the end of CPU model - M(obile), U(ltra Low Voltage). Mobile is more powerful but use more electricity, ULV is clocked lower, but more frugal on power consumption.
For your purpose, don't worry too much about the xxx in the 3xxx. (Will take too long to explain)

You want Nvidia / AMD GPU. Each year GPU brands launch new model. Currently Nvidia is at GT(X)7xxM, AMD is at HD8xxxM. But again, there are new and some laptop are still spec with GT(X)6xxM / HD7xxxM.
Generally, within a generation, the higher the xx, the more powerful the GPU, ie GT640M > GT625M.
Across generation, comparison is not so easy.
For your purpose, you may refer to this:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphi...List.844.0.html
Just take it that the higher the GPU appear on the list, the more powerful it is (actually there are more into it, but it will take too long to explain )

For your budget, there is no "sturdy" laptop
All laptop at this type of price range is fragile. 1m drop onto the floor, (unless you are extremely lucky) you pretty much can say goodbye to the laptop.
So just take TLC.

For your budget and among the models that Raymond listed, this is probably your best bet.
G480, i5-3230M + Nvidia GT635M@RM1899, 4GB, 1TB (5400rpm), W8, 2 yrs warranty
The CPU and GPU is good enough for your usage. Come with OS (you does not sound like someone who can deal with no OS (sorry if I sound patronising ) ). 2 year warranty, in this case cover Singapore, so you could get it service in Singapore if there is any issue. Negotiate hard, and you may get it < RM1.8k.

For your budget, stick with 14". 15" and 14", if same resolution (1366x768), you get the same image, just slightly bigger.

15R vs 15? Marketing, branding, slightly better spec, slightly better finishing ....

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Jul 14 2013, 08:45 PM

The GPU in the Y400 is overkill. The Acer V3 has a much better screen. If your friend is serious about photoshop / corel suite, then he / she will appreciate the big difference in screen.

It's your friend's choice anyway i5 or i7 ... You give the best advice you can, he / she is the one that have to make decision and live with it

Gaming laptop is expensive. With your budget, choices are limited.

Asus
G55VW-S1216H, i7-3630QM +Nvidia GTX660M (2GB) + (1920x1080)@RM3999[3.78kg], 4GB, 1TB(5400rpm), W8

Lenovo
Y500, i7-3630QM + Nvidia GT750M(GDDR5) + (1920x1080)@RM3899, 8GB, 1TB, W8, red backlit, swappable GN37 exGPU & ODD, 120w+170w psu, 2 yrs

MSI
GX60-3AE, AMD A10-5750M + AMD XT HD7970 + (1920x1080; anti-glare)@RM4399 8GB, 750GB(7200rpm), W8 (GPU is great, but gaming performance may be capped by the A10)
GE60-2OE, i7-4700MQ + Nvidia GTX675M + (1920x1080; anti-glare)@RM4299,8GB, 750GB(7200rpm), W8, backlit keyboard

www.illegear.com
Illegear RE-15, i7-4700MQ + Nvidia GTX765M + (1920x1080;matte)@RM3599[Onkyo], 4GB, 500GB(5400rpm), FreeDOS [CPU Options: i7-4700MQ - i7-4900MQ]

And that's about it.
The Y500, with GT750M SLI, has the most powerful GPU setup for games that support SLI. It has its issue, you have to weight the pro and con and see if you could live with it.
The G55VW and RE-15 has better cooling. Anyway, please get proper external cooling solution (table fan, cooling pad ... ) if you game on laptop.

This post has been edited by nexus2238: Jul 14 2013, 08:40 PM

lol, why my friends always blame me when their notebooks got problem?

highest spec pf DEll vostro 3460 came with GT 630M 1GB , and i7 + 8 gb ram, its sufficient to handle photoshop and coral stuff, unless very heavy duty or heavy rendering

for free dos laptop with i5 , can consider dell vostro 5460 , with i5 + gt630 m graphic card,

This post has been edited by devour: Jul 14 2013, 09:56 PM

Dell 5521-53812G-DOS

3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3537U processor (4M Cache, up to 3.1 GHz, with 2GB Discrete base)
1TB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
8GB 2 DIMM (4GB x2) DDR3 1600Mhz
AMD Radeon™ HD 8730M with 2G DDR3 VRAM
Free dos

rm 2349 RPP

Maybe he think all i7 model very expensive gua

Hi,
can suggest me some laptop?

Preferred brand : HP(compaq)/Dell brands like toshiba is ok too

Budget: <rm3500

Usage: Games (dota2,online gaming) and engineering softwares

preferred laptop size: 14 inch

currently using a 3year++ old compaq laptop but my hard disk is failling me so i need to get a replacement.


thx in advance

This post has been edited by mingwei1992: Jul 14 2013, 11:24 PM

my only answer is question back them and make a conclusion, 'have you ever realize that computers are products that are guaranteed to be working fine? thats why all computers or parts comes with warranty and allow you to make a claim if there are defects.'

BUT, when it comes to software, i will generally ask them, 'are you watching prawn?'

Normal i7 la bro

TOo much prawns is not good I'll give them that much haha~

Still, people like them don't understand that much one la... if notebook spoils, then that brand is lousy and they will not buy from that brand anymore And if they are lucky and the notebook never spoil, then they will continue to support that brand, regardless of what brand it is

Buyer no said must be normal i7

1) Hp Touchsmart 14-k029TX Sleekbook, i5-4500U + Nvidia GT740M + (1366x768;touch) + 128GB SSD@RM3299, 4GB, 500GB, W8, ext OD

2) Dell 14R
3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i5-3337U processor (3M Cache, up to 2.7 GHz, with GT730M 2GB base)
500GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
4GB 1 DIMM (4GB x1) DDR3 1600Mhz
NVIDIA® GeForce® GT730M 2GB DDR3 VRAM

Hi,

I'm looking for something similar to macbook air 13" ( haswell ) weight and battery life but running on windows

1. Preferred Brand : anything
2. Budget : below 4k
3. Usage : gaming ( dota 2 only ) / programming / web surfing
4. Preferred laptop/screen size : at least 13"

Thanks.

those super slim profile window base notebook with haswell processor have not reveal in Malaysia Market, stay tune

2.2k can get 17 inch?
but seem to big to be mobile lei

Hi. Among all these devices, which one is the most powerful?

Hi all, i guess my thread was missed out, can any sifus recommend?
Also, currently i have a desktop PC of Intel P4 2.8GHZ, VIA motherboard with AMD HD3450 GPU. However, i will lag when play dota1 game. I tried updated the GPU driver from variety of version, but still problem not solved. I am thinking if its conflicted with the VIA motherboard of mine, any recommendation for solution?

Thank you.

hi sifus, want to know that lenovo Y series is good for a long term usage ?

thanks

my lappy never get infected by virus, while im letting my lappy to be 'naked' all the time.

ya, have to agree that some peoples never understand that. if i tried so hard to explain that, i will end it with luck's conclusion.