I'm looking for some help with two laptops I found on Best Buy's website and which one is preferable for a combined FS9/FSX rig.

To back up, I'm looking for a laptop, since it's more portable (obviously), and it needs to be from Best Buy since I'm using Best Buy gift cards to fund most of the purchase (redeeming my Capital One miles for a worthy cause).

I've read some through these forums over the last few months, and I have to admit, I'm still a little confused on what's good and what's not. I understand that SSDs are great for boot up time and FS only after it's been booted once before so it's in RAM. From what I've read, I'm not certain if the SSD will do anything for me once FS is running. If I'm wrong here, please let me know. The second laptop has a faster HDD. Having only really messed around with FS9, I'm not certain as to what would make both sims (FS9 and FSX) hum nicely. Can someone help? Can laptops be overclocked? I've never done that, so have no clue really on that capability. Also, I've read some say that Win 7 is better than Win 8, but I've talked to people who say that Win 8 isn't that bad once you get used to it and is actually Win 7 with some more efficient items (not sure what though).

Here are the 2 laptops I've been looking at. I'm looking at spending under $2K.

 

 

Toshiba - Qosmio 17.3" Laptop - 16GB Memory - 2TB Hard Drive - Black

Model: X875Q7390

On sale $1716.98

Product Features

3rd Gen Intel® Core™ i7-3630QM processor

Features a 6MB cache and 2.4GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 3.4GHz.

Intel® Core™ i7 processor

Features 8-way processing for ultimate smart performance. Intel® Turbo Boost Technology delivers extra performance when you need it and increased energy efficiency when you don't.

16GB DDR3 memory

For multitasking power.

Blu-ray Disc-enabled DVD±RW/CD-RW drive

Features full read and write support for next-generation Blu-ray Disc (BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-RE). Double-layer support using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media.

17.3" LED-backlit TFT-LCD high-definition widescreen display

With TruBrite technology, a 120Hz refresh rate and 1920 x 1080 resolution for lush visuals. Built-in IR emitter and 3D VISION active shutter glasses for thrilling 3D viewing.

Intel® Wireless Display

Wirelessly transmits streamed or downloaded movies, TV shows, music, photos and more from your laptop, network or the Internet to your TV (NETGEAR Push2TV adapter required, not included).

2TB hard drive capacity (1TB x 2; 5400 rpm)

For fast read/write times. Toshiba 3D hard drive impact sensor helps keep important data safe.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670M graphics

Feature 3GB dedicated GDDR5 video memory for visual vibrancy. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.

Built-in 3D stereo webcam and microphone

Make it easy to chat with and send video mail to family and friends.

Multiformat media reader

Supports Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, SDXC, miniSD, microSD and MultiMediaCard formats.

4 USB 3.0 ports

For fast digital video, audio and data transfer. Two USB 3.0 ports feature sleep and charge capability, so you can keep a variety of devices ready to use.

Built-in Intel® high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n)

Connect to the Internet without wires.

Bluetooth 4.0 interface

Easily link with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player.

Built-in 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN

With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection.

Weighs 7.5 lbs. and measures just 1.7" thin

For portable power. Raised-tile, LED-backlit keyboard with 10-keypad allows easy typing in low-light conditions and simple data entry.

Black Widow design in diamond-textured aluminum

Offers a stylish appearance.

Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit operating system preinstalled

Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.

Software package included

Includes 1-month trial of Microsoft Office 365.

 

 

Asus - 17.3" Refurbished Laptop - 12GB Memory - 1.5TB Hard Drive - Black

Model: G75VW-DS71

$1,349.98

3rd Gen Intel® Core™ i7-3610QM processor

Features 2.3GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz.

Intel® Core™ i7 processor

Features 8-way processing for ultimate smart performance. Intel® Turbo Boost Technology delivers extra performance when you need it and increased energy efficiency when you don't.

12GB DDR3 memory

For multitasking power, expandable to 16GB.

Blu-ray Disc-enabled DVD±RW/CD-RW drive

Supports BD-R media and allows you to create custom CDs and DVDs.

17.3" high-definition display

With 1920 x 1080 resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.

1.5TB hard drive (7200 rpm)

Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.

NVIDIA GTX 660M graphics

With 2GB GDDR5 dedicated video memory for lush images and intricate detail. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.

Built-in 2.0MP webcam

Makes it easy to video chat with family and friends.

Digital media reader

Supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard and Memory Stick formats.

4 USB 3.0 ports

For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.

Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n)

Wirelessly connect to the Internet.

Bluetooth 4.0 interface

Easily link with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player.

Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet LAN

With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection.

Weighs 8.7 lbs. and measures just 2" thin

For portable power.

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled

 

Sorry for all the questions. I'd rather ask the experts here though rather than a tech guy who doesn't intimately know FS.

Thanks,

Eric

 

 

 

Are you wanting to buy new or some what used? and whats your budget?

sorry didnt read your post all the way. id do this one. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+17.3%26%2334%3B+Laptop+-+16GB+Memory+-+750GB+Hard+Drive+256GB+Solid+State+Drive+-+Black/6904927.p?id=1218814076666&skuId=6904927

 

put your fsx on ssd. it will help alot

Thanks. I'll have to do more research to understand why SSDs help.

Eric

I know that you said laptop, but a small form desktop would preform so much better, that I had to suggest one, or maybe a couple.

 

My recommendation:

1579.00

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/iBUYPOWER+-+Revolt+Desktop+-+16GB+Memory+-+1TB+Hard+Drive+%2B+120GB+Solid+State+Drive/8045076.p?id=1218863728748&skuId=8045076#tab=overview

1129.00

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/iBUYPOWER+-+Revolt+Desktop+-+8GB+Memory+-+1TB+Hard+Drive+%2B+120GB+Solid+State+Drive/8045049.p?id=1218863729692&skuId=8045049#tab=overview

Thanks. I'll have to do more research to understand why SSDs help.

Eric

SSDs help eliminate stutters, blurry ground textures and shortens load times considerable. Especially so when compared to regular laptop drives.