Recommendations for Gaming Laptop - Budget $2,000

LKategs on 26/05/2023 - 21:22
Last edited 27/05/2023 - 10:26 by 1 other user

My 13 year old son has been saving to buy his first gaming laptop. I know very little about gaming or laptops! Budget is $2000 approx.

He has suggested the MSI Katana 17 B12VEK-095AU 17.3in (currently available from Wireless 1_eshop on eBay for $1763 with the YIPPEE10 discount code).

For the price, is it a decent laptop for gaming? Are other brands / models better at around the same price? Should we hold out for the EOFY sales? Battery life and weight aren't big priorities - He'll use it at home, plugged in.

Any advice would be VERY much appreciated!

Thank you!

Gaming Computer Laptop

Comments

  • Hybroid on 26/05/2023 - 21:25
    -1

    Does it have to be a laptop? Why not a plug'n'play game console if it's being used at home and plugged in?

    • Kategs on 26/05/2023 - 22:47

      He's far more interested in the PC games than the Playstation and has saving all his pennies to buy a laptop (which he will be able to use in our living room and his bedroom).

      • AustriaBargain on 27/05/2023 - 01:39
        +2

        You're not concerned he'll look up adult content on it, like Proust and Kafka?

  • SaveMeDollars on 26/05/2023 - 22:02

    My feeling is that current gen laptops are still overpriced.
    Depending on what games he will be playing the RTX4050 might be underwhelming with only 6GB of VRAM

    But if you need one right now then these are a better deals than the MSI Katana 17 in my opinion
    I only searched ozb but there could be other deals onling - keep hunting :)

    Legion Pro 5 16″ Gen 8 (you are getting better specs all round but over budget)
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/776805

    Dell G15 Gaming Laptop (previous gen but still better specs compared to the MSI Katana and within budget)
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/776220

    • Kategs on 26/05/2023 - 22:48

      Thanks. this is really helpful. Would you wait to see what comes up in the next month with EOFY sales? We might pitch in a bit of money if there is something really good value but a bit over $2000.

  • Pcosmic on 26/05/2023 - 22:31

    Too young

    • Kategs on 26/05/2023 - 22:50
      +1

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm curious why you say that. Is PC gaming really all that different to the Playstation?

      • Pcosmic on 26/05/2023 - 23:08
        +1

        All

  • jv on 26/05/2023 - 22:56
    -3

    Gaming Laptop for 13 Year Old

    He should be studying, not gaming.

    • CrispyChrispy on 26/05/2023 - 23:13

      In moderation it is fine.

      • iforgotmysocks on 26/05/2023 - 23:24

        Where abouts is moderation I couldn’t find it on the map

      • jv on 27/05/2023 - 00:06

        Who are the moderators?

    • Sinnerator on 27/05/2023 - 08:43

      is he a doctor yet?

  • Pelicannn on 27/05/2023 - 01:27

    Would also recommend this G15 posted above. It’s previous Gen GPU but a 3070ti will smoke a 4050.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/776220

    Also comes with a better CPU to go with a nicer GPU. downsides are half the storage and a smaller 15.4” screen. That being said if he ends up taking it anywhere, 17” is gross.

    • Kategs on 27/05/2023 - 12:02

      Thank you!

  • solidussnake on 27/05/2023 - 07:06

    I'd be putting that into a desktop which would absolutely Outlast something like that, is he really concerned about playing in the livingroom ? He's going to be glued to that and not even notice/engage with you guys..

  • jm7 on 27/05/2023 - 07:08
    -4

    Why not spend the money on some gear (ie skateboard, bike) he can use to be outdoors and/or social? Or an activity where he's out of the house socialising?
    Gaming is addictive and doesn't have any positive impacts from what I can see. I get he likes to game but I like to eat junk food but I rarely do because I know it's bad for me. I don't think a 13yo would have this level of insight and will end up locked in their room hours on end gaming. It's a slippery slope and I feel as a parent you should try to encourage him to do something more beneficial for his physical and mental health with his time.

    • Kategs on 27/05/2023 - 11:52
      +5

      My son is an avid footballer, cricketer and is generally active. He is very social and has a good friendship group. He's an A student and loves reading. He's actually always been very responsible with his savings and has been working hard (taking up odd jobs at every opportunity!) to buy a big ticket item. We are very careful to make sure his use of technology is safe and moderate. I guess that's why I wanted to support him to buy a laptop (which he been saving for ) and to get the most value out of his hard earned money.

    • Aureus on 27/05/2023 - 13:21
      -1

      I am very thankful that my parents didn't have the same backwards views as you do.

  • GregRust on 27/05/2023 - 07:34
    -3

    Like others, I'd be suggesting that your son put the money towards something more productive. He's got his whole life to game/sit in front of a computer. His teenage years should be spent out developing his social skills and making friends in real life.

  • Ruddaga on 27/05/2023 - 14:06

    My advice - Wait for black friday and grab a good deal then. Last year they had the Razer 14 for 2k which is an insane steal (I almost bought one myself just for the lols)

    • Kategs on 27/05/2023 - 18:30

      Thanks! Wow…Incredible price!

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