5

i'm not using all my computer hardware regularly anymore and want to make a change. Currently i have:

  1. 1 stationary computer capable of running recent games
  2. 1 mini tv computer which stutters badly and i want to get rid of
  3. 1 remote virtual server running linux
  4. a router with a built-in NAS capability onto which i can plug-in hard drives

My idea was to use the stationary computer for gaming and the mini computer for Netflix and stuff at the TV.
However my personal situation has changed to a level where i rarely use my stationary computer anymore. After work i mostly use the mini computer. This has resulted in me having two "divergent" workspaces.
Additionally, most weekends i'm away and don't use either computer, although i wish i had a mobile computer with me. Other weekends i have time for gaming, although it's a few hours tops.
So these are my new requirements:

  1. Be mobile enough to take with me on weekends
  2. Capable of playing games at Full HD res. (Skyrim Special Edition as a benchmark)
  3. Capable of programming/compilation (Python and Go mostly) and running office software
  4. Have some sort of cable docking solution so i can easily move it from TV to home office and also take it with me on weekends without having to remove 5 different cables each time

My idea was to trade both computers for either a laptop or a very powerful tablet (if that exists). My storage hard drive would go onto my router NAS and thereby be accessible from home or away. I also thought of using my virtual server as an additional workspace, but i'm not sure if i would be using it regularly (since it requires good internet). I want to parallel install Ubuntu and Windows.

What would you buy if you were me? My budget is around $1500 (Euros, actually).

I looked at the Razer Blade, which seems to fulfil my requirements but is above what i want to spend and maybe even overpowered for the few times i'm actually gaming.
Another option is just to replace the mini computer with a budget tablet or laptop, but then i'd still have two workspaces.

1 Answer 1

1

I think this may work MSI 17.3" GE72VR Apache Pro-009

GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB (VR Ready)
Intel Core i7 6700HQ (2.60 GHz)
16 GB Memory 1 TB HDD 256 GB SSD
17.3" Full HD 1920 x 1080
16.49" x 11.02" x 1.14" 5.95 lbs.
DVD Super Multi

Recommended specs for Skyrim:SE

OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit Version)

Processor: Intel i5-2400/AMD FX-8320

Memory: 8 GB RAM

Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB /AMD R9 290 4GB

Storage: 12 GB available space

As far as using the system for programming/compilation: I am using a lower end MSI gaming system, a GL62-6QF for C++, as well as building custom linux distributions in both virtual and native situations.

When it comes to Home Theater vs Home Office setup, I am not sure how you have things set up, but I am using a receiver with HDMI pass-thru to the TV, so all that is needed is one HDMI cable to the receiver input for both surround sound and visual output. Am also using a full mechanical keyboard and wired mouse in place of the built in KB/touchpad.

System weighs in at 5.95Lbs (2.698875 Kilo), which I personally wouldn't consider too heavy in a backpack if moving somewhere on a weekend.

1,599USD / 1,447.47Euro

4
  • Interesting. Although i'm not the biggest fan of 17" laptops, i will take a look at it. I just have to find a good price in Germany, it seems to be a bit more expensive here.
    – JanM
    Nov 9, 2016 at 7:03
  • Hey, it could always be the new GT83 series, at something like 18.3" and 13Lbs+ Then again they pack dual 1080s in SLI....and run something around 4 to 5,000USD....I am surprised no one else has chimed in with suggestions though. Nov 9, 2016 at 8:23
  • oh wait, i meant 17" is too large, not too small. Does the MSI contain the full versionof GTX 1060 or is it a "mobile" version with less computing power?
    – JanM
    Nov 9, 2016 at 8:40
  • I was making a joke, it did not come across well, I meant that hey at least it isn't an 18" laptop lol, the dominator lineup, is a monstrosity....hardly a "laptop" more like a Lap Crusher. As to the 1060 question. Here is a gaming benchmark from Techpowerup Note that they test at the same settings for desktop GPUs, so as to show what to expect from a gaming laptop as opposed to a desktop. Nov 9, 2016 at 14:26

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.