Buying a Cheaper Gaming Laptop in 2018
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Hey there! It's Dave 2D here, and welcome to my channel. Right now, we're in early to mid 2018, and I'm excited to share with you some insights on laptop companies that are coming up with their 8th generation laptops, featuring Coffee Lake H Processors. These processors are really powerful and suitable for CPU-intensive applications, making them an excellent choice for users like streamers, video editors, and those involved in 3D stuff or machine learning. The six-core processor is particularly excellent for tasks that require a lot of processing power.
However, for gamers, the extra cores might not be as useful, as they can often find comparable performance from previous generation laptops at a lower price point. This brings us to our first topic: Refurbished Options. Refurbished devices can sometimes carry a stigma when it comes to buying used or refurbished items, but the truth is that many refurbished laptops come from corporate devices that have been lightly used by executives who receive new devices every year as part of their company perks.
When these devices are no longer needed, they're often returned to the manufacturer and reconditioned, sometimes with a new battery, and then resold at a significantly discounted price. If you buy refurbished laptops directly from reputable brands like Apple or Dell, you can often find excellent deals on high-quality devices that are essentially brand new when you purchase them. For example, Apple's refurbished options are known to be top-notch, with some items coming in as close to new as possible and still carrying their warranty.
Dell is another brand that stands out for its excellent refurbished gaming laptops. The XPS line, in particular, has a huge corporate market, which means there are many devices available at very significant discounts - often up to 25-30% off the original price. Similarly, Dell's Alienware lineup offers refurbished options that cater specifically to gamers looking for dedicated gaming performance.
While other brands like Acer and Asus also offer refurbished laptops, the difference lies in the level of discount they offer. This is largely due to the volume of devices sold by these brands, which allows them to negotiate better prices with their suppliers. For Dell, however, it's their massive corporate enterprise market that enables them to offer such substantial discounts on their refurbished devices.
Our second topic is Buying Used. When buying used laptops, the price can vary wildly depending on the seller and the condition of the device. While some buyers might find excellent deals, others may end up overpaying for a laptop that's not as good as it could be. One thing to keep in mind when buying used laptops is to look for devices with GTX 10th series graphics cards, which are significantly better than their 9th series counterparts.
These newer graphics cards offer improved performance at lower voltages, which means less heat and a more efficient system overall. When shopping for used laptops, it's essential to prioritize thermal performance to avoid buying devices that have been poorly maintained or overused in the past. You want to buy from sellers who take care of their devices and provide clear information about the laptop's condition.
Another crucial aspect to consider when buying used laptops is stress testing them yourself. If you can purchase a device locally, take the time to inspect it thoroughly before paying for it. Bring along your favorite benchmarking software, such as AIDA 64 or 3D Mark, and run some tests to identify any potential issues with the laptop.
This may seem like an inconvenience to some buyers, but trust me, it's worth taking that extra step. If there are problems with the laptop, they'll likely become apparent during stress testing, which might not be noticeable when you're just using the device for everyday tasks or gaming. By doing your research and being diligent about inspecting a used laptop, you can find an excellent deal on a high-performance system without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, buying refurbished laptops can be an excellent way to save money while still getting high-quality devices that are essentially brand new when purchased. Brands like Dell stand out for their exceptional refurbished gaming laptops, which offer impressive performance at significantly lower prices. When shopping for used laptops, prioritize thermal performance and stress test the device yourself to ensure you're getting a reliable system.
By following these tips, you can find an excellent laptop deal that meets your needs without sacrificing quality or breaking the bank. Happy shopping!