Christmas advice

[Deleted member 176733]

Hey there folks.
I’m shopping for a laptop for my son and looking for views please.

Budget: £1500-£2000

Use: gaming and coding initially, going on to engineering/maths at uni. It’ll be his first laptop/pc, so hard to say what he’ll get into.

Important: battery life, screen, speed, storage, reliably. I’m happy to spend £500 more to over-spec or futureproof (as much as anyone can!).

I was drawn to the ionico (spec below), but concerned by battery life and overheating. So I looked at the defiance and recoil (specs below too), for longer battery life. I suspect i9 is overkill, but know he’d be thrilled with it. More relaxed on GPU.

There seems a strong ‘Clevo better than TongFang’ theme in this forum, which I’d like to understand the reasons for (or hear from happy tongfang-fans). It’s really hard to find reviews of ionico units online, which is making me nervous. I’m guessing you’ll rule out tongfang, so interested in what other units you might steer me towards.

Any help/views appreciated. Thanks.
[USERNAME REMOVED]


SPEC 1: ionico
Chassis & Display
Ionico Series: 15.6" Matte QHD 240Hz sRGB 100% LED Widescreen (2560x1440)
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i9 14 Core Processor 12900H (5.0GHz Turbo)
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair 4800MHz SODIMM DDR5 (1 x 32GB)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3060 - 6.0GB GDDR6 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3300MB/W)
Memory Card Reader
Integrated Micro-SD Memory Card Reader
AC Adaptor
1 x 230W AC Adaptor
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Battery
Ionico Series Integrated 62WH Lithium Ion Battery
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Wireless Network Card
GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX201 + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options
1 x USB 3.2 PORT (Type C) + 3 x USB 3.2 PORTS
Keyboard Language
IONICO SERIES RGB BACKLIT UK KEYBOARD
Operating System
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
Norton 360 inc. Game Optimizer - Free 90 Day License
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
Keyboard & Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 1MP HD WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Standard Warranty (1 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Chassis
TongFang GM5AG0Y (6GB RTX-3060, i9-12900H, AX201, 240Hz QHD, Blank KB)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 4 to 6 working days
Price: £1,602.00 including VAT and Delivery


SPEC 2: defiance
Chassis & Display
Defiance Series: 15.6" Matte QHD 165Hz WVA DCI-P3 LED Widescreen (2560x1440)
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i7 14 Core Processor 12700H (4.7GHz Turbo)
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair 4800MHz SODIMM DDR5 (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3060 - 6.0GB GDDR6 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 7000MB/R, 5000MB/W)
AC Adaptor
1 x 230W AC Adaptor
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre Cloverleaf UK Power Cable
Battery
Defiance Series Integrated 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (80WH)
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Wireless Network Card
GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX201 + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options
1 x THUNDERBOLT 4 PORT + 3 x USB 3.2 PORTS
Keyboard Language
PER-KEY RGB BACKLIT UK KEYBOARD
Operating System
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
Norton 360 For Gamers: 1 User, 3 Devices - 1 Year Subscription
Browser
Google Chrome™
Keyboard & Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 2.0 MP FULL HD WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Standard Warranty (1 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Chassis
Clevo PD50PNP1 (6GB RTX-3060, i7-12700H, AX201, DDR5, 165Hz QHD DCI-P3, Blank KB)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 4 to 6 working days
Price: £1,730.00 including VAT and Delivery


SPEC 3: recoil
Chassis & Display
Recoil Series: 15.6" Matte QHD 240Hz sRGB 100% LED Widescreen (2560x1440)
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i9 14 Core Processor 12900H (5.0GHz Turbo)
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair 4800MHz SODIMM DDR5 (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3070 Ti - 8.0GB GDDR6 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB CORSAIR FORCE MP600 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD (up to 4950 MB/R, 4000 MB/W)
Memory Card Reader
Integrated SD Memory Card Reader
AC Adaptor
1 x 280W AC Adaptor
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Battery
Recoil Series Integrated 94WH Lithium Ion Battery
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Wireless Network Card
GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX201 + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options
1 x THUNDERBOLT 4 PORT (Intel CPU only) + 3 x USB 3.2 PORTS
Keyboard Language
PER-KEY RGB BACKLIT UK MECHANICAL KEYBOARD
Operating System
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
Norton 360 inc. Game Optimizer - Free 90 Day License
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
Keyboard & Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 1MP HD WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Standard Warranty (1 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Chassis
TongFang GM5AG7W (8GB RTX-3070 Ti, i9-12900H, 240Hz QHD)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 4 to 6 working days
Price: £2,054.00 including VAT and Delivery

 

[Scott]

Unfortunately battery life is going to be pretty much non-existent at this level of performance laptop. You might get an hour or so of use but you need to be aware of the significantly reduced performance when on the battery. The CPU & GPU need the power connected to offer full performance.

The defiance is the sleeker of the 2 chassis I would consider. Suggested build below.

Chassis & Display
Defiance Series: 15.6" Matte QHD 165Hz WVA DCI-P3 LED Widescreen (2560x1440)
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i7 14 Core Processor 12700H (4.7GHz Turbo)
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair 4800MHz SODIMM DDR5 (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3070 Ti - 8.0GB GDDR6 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 4125MB/sR, 2950MB/sW)
AC Adaptor
1 x 230W AC Adaptor
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre Cloverleaf UK Power Cable
Battery
Defiance Series Integrated 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (80WH)
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Wireless Network Card
GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX201 + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options
1 x THUNDERBOLT 4 PORT + 3 x USB 3.2 PORTS
Keyboard Language
PER-KEY RGB BACKLIT UK KEYBOARD
Operating System
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
Keyboard & Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 2.0 MP FULL HD WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Chassis
Clevo PD50PNN1 (8GB RTX-3070 Ti, i7-12700H, AX201, DDR5, 165Hz QHD DCI-P3, Blank KB)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 4 to 6 working days
Price: £2,015.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/defianceX-15-DDR5/sJUhyqQG!f/



If you're happy with the extra bulk then I think the Recoil would be the workhorse of choice. I would personally opt for the Recoil as it just seems a bit more industrial. Laptops can be pretty fragile over time. Additionally, I prefer the AMD offering in the Recoil.

Chassis & Display
Recoil Series: 15.6" Matte QHD 240Hz sRGB 100% LED Widescreen (2560x1440)
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen™ 9 Eight Core Processor 6900HX (3.3GHz, 4.9GHz Turbo)
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair 4800MHz SODIMM DDR5 (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3070 Ti - 8.0GB GDDR6 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 4125MB/sR, 2950MB/sW)
Memory Card Reader
Integrated SD Memory Card Reader
AC Adaptor
1 x 280W AC Adaptor
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Battery
Recoil Series Integrated 94WH Lithium Ion Battery
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Wireless Network Card
GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6E AX210 (2.4 Gbps) + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options
1 x THUNDERBOLT 4 PORT (Intel CPU only) + 3 x USB 3.2 PORTS
Keyboard Language
PER-KEY RGB BACKLIT UK MECHANICAL KEYBOARD
Operating System
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
Keyboard & Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 1MP HD WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Chassis
TongFang GM5RG7W (8GB RTX-3070 Ti, R9-6900HX, 240Hz QHD)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 4 to 6 working days
Price: £2,022.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/recoil-VI-15/JyT4DBnCj8/

 

[Deleted member 176733]

Really? Only an hour of battery run time is practical not fit for purpose. It’s inconsistent with other reviews I’ve read of i9/i7 and comparable GPUs with 70+ WH batteries suggesting at least 5 hrs and some over 10 hrs. Are you sure?

And thanks for the help by the way.
[USERNAME REMOVED]

 

[SpyderTracks]

Really? Only an hour of battery run time is practical not fit for purpose. It’s inconsistent with other reviews I’ve read of i9/i7 and comparable GPUs with 70+ WH batteries suggesting at least 5 hrs and some over 10 hrs. Are you sure?

And thanks for the help by the way.
[USERNAME REMOVED]

They're not laptops, they're DTR (Desktop replacement) so battery life is basically not a requirement, they're designed to be always static plugged into mains.

The Defiance would be the best option from a battery life aspect, but still not sure about 4 hours.

You're comparing I'm sure to premium chassis, remember, custom chassis are budget level, with the benefit of being fully configurable.

 

[Deleted member 176733]

Then why is the menu heading to chose a build under labelled “laptops” rather than “desk top replacements”?

Do you have any suggested specs for £1500 that offers a battery life of 6+ hours?

 

[SpyderTracks]

Then why is the menu heading to chose a build under labelled “laptops” rather than “desk top replacements”?

A DTR is a form of laptop, you get DTRs, 2in1's, notebooks etc etc etc.

In the common idea of what a laptop is, a DTR isn't the same.

Do you have any suggested specs for £1500 that offers a battery life of 6+ hours?

It's not something you'd find on PCS in performance machines.

 

[Deleted member 176733]

Thanks for your help. The experience of trying to choose a PCS machine has been wonderfully misleading and a waste of time, but you’ve saved me blowing £2k on a desktop computer sat inside a laptop chassis that needs to remain plugged in.

 

[Scott]

Got any links to an i9 laptop lasting 5 hours? This is definitely news to me. On very light use I got 2 hours from my Octane. Modern equivalents I think 3 hours would be optimistic.

 

[Ram]

1.) If he's going to Uni in sept 2023 , does it make sense to purchase in Dec 2022 ?
As your willing to spend £2500 ,
@ forum members would it be possible to get a i7/i9 gaming desktop and a laptop for coding & classes as well ?

 

[Deleted member 176733]

Please don’t reply any more folks. I’ve gone elsewhere, as I’m after something different to what you do here. Thanks for your time and help though.

That said, how to unsubscribed from this forum would be useful. Can’t see a “delete my account” option anywhere obvious.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Please don’t reply any more folks. I’ve gone elsewhere, as I’m after something different to what you do here. Thanks for your time and help though.

That said, how to unsubscribed from this forum would be useful. Can’t see a “delete my account” option anywhere obvious.

You can email PCS to ask to delete your account. Normal GDPR request.

I shall lock the thread as OP has what they need.