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[Broomies Mate]

I currently use a Packard Bell i5 laptop with 8GB Ram and integrated graphics.  It works perfectly, but I am an avid Microsoft Flight Simulator Geek, and it struggles with some of the add-on textures for a decent frame rate.

I adore the keyboard, the touchpad is amazing and even if you take it out in the sun the display is excellent.

Over the last couple of days I've visited the likes of PC World, and local independents.  I've taken note of model numbers that I was interested in and got reviews, etc.  I've been torn between the Dell Inspiron 5000 series with the i7 processor, or the Acer Aspire V3-772 range (again with i7).

Straight away, the Acer felt like I was at home - The keyboard has massive keys to suit my hands, the touchpad was just as I am used to.  The Dell felt better built, with an aluminium chassis and the power socket is on the left...... ha ha - I bet not many of you think about where the power socket is!!!!!!!  I like it on the left....  That aside, I've gone for the Acer.

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/laptops-netbooks/laptops/laptops/acer-aspire-v3-772g-17-3-laptop-21836910-pdt.html#cat-0

I appreciate it is stupidly expensive for the spec, (the Dell was £300 less) but it feels really comfortable and intuitive to use.

[TheBoy]

Acer do have a "deserved" reputation for unreliability.

FS is going to need a decent video chip, I'd be surprised if the built in i7 is up for it at full detail...   ...and discrete video chips universally make laptops unreliable.

[TheBoy]

Just looked at spec, it has a discrete video chip, though not sure that will do FS at full detail.  Spec looks slightly unbalanced, so I suspect Acer are going for marketable points, rather than a good all round spec.

But if it meets the needs you require, treat yourself.  Being Acer, an extended warranty may be prudent.  Hopefully you'll never need it, but it has 2 things that would concern me for reliability (Acer and discrete graphics).

[Broomies Mate]

I've changed my order as I found this online and had a 5% discount code, so all in £760.

Built in the same factory and the keyboard and touchpad are the same as the Acer.

http://store.hp.com/UKStore/Merch/Product.aspx?id=K1X61EA&opt=ABU&sel=PCNB

Very slightly better specification, including the 1080p screen.

[biggriffin]

I have an Acer here, would buy another, I also have a kindle fire hd, o and a 13year old omega.