Getting a new laptop

[GundamSentinel]

My old laptop has been slowly dying over the past few years, and I feel like I need a new one before this one kicks the bucket completely.

The problem is, I know from experience that I am very bad at buying decent computers of any kind...

So I'd like some help.

What I would like is:
- 15.6 inch screen
- about 250-300 GB HDD would be sufficient
- price range about ?/$ 500-600
- needs to run some graphical applications (CAD/Photoshop/movie editing)
- if possible, a bit of gaming. Nothing too serious, I'm not looking for a gaming laptop (in that price range? Yeah right...). Just something that could run fairly recent games (something like Starcraft II) on low settings without stuttering.
- a decent battery

Does anyone know just the kind of laptop I need? Any good brands? Specs that I should pay attention to when buying one?

Or maybe I'm just an idiot for wanting too much, just say so!

I'd be happy with any tips or recommendations.

 

[Eclipse Dragon]

I don't know to much about computer buying, but everybody in my family seems to think I do.
So this is how I handle it.

Go to the store, find a laptop in the price range your looking for.

Go online and find a product review, the reviewers will tell you all the advantages and drawbacks so you don't end up buying something your going to regret.

If the drawbacks are to much, or the computer doesn't have something you were absolutely hoping for, keep looking.

If you have a decent cell phone and or service, you could probably find a review right there in the store.

Captcha: Easy as cake

 

[number2301]

Look for something with an Ivy Bridge processor, that'd be an Intel processor with a 3XXX code number. They've got a pretty good graphics core and use a lot less power than older stuff.

 

[Shrapenel92]

I'm more a desktop gamer, but if you're in the US www.newegg.com is supposed to be like, among the best suppliers of components and laptop. I've personally used ebuyer, aria-uk and HAS in the UK and they are all excellent. However if you're looking price/spec-wise, check out www.pcpartpicker.com, it's really designed for desktops but it can be really useful for gauging what kind of money you should pay for certain components. Sorry I couldn't provide anything more conclusive, but I hope this helps