Laptop question

[mrsreynolds4]

Hey everyone - I'm not a regular on this board (I mostly hang out on my local and the H&G),  but I was wondering if you might help me with a gift idea for my DS2 (9th grade- 14yo).

We're planning on getting him a laptop as his big (and really, only) Christmas gift. It's something he needs and wants as well - and it would be a great surprise.

He'd use it for:
Writing music and wants to record some too
Wattpad - writing his novels about 3-4 nights a week
Games - he plays Assassin's Creed, etc on his PS3, and I know there are some games he'd like to do online, but I can't remember now...
 ...plus all of his school requirements, so he's on the computer a lot.

DH is thinking of this:
Toshiba Satellite - $250

DS1 has a Satellite (from his grandparents) - but it has a touchscreen. I'm completely biased against Windows 8, and have a hard time using it, so for me the touchscreen is helpful. That model is out of our budget right now though.

So -- should we buy the Satellite, or look around for something with a touchscreen? I'm not sure prices will go down before Christmas.

Any suggestions?

[panicked]

For what he would use it for, if stay away from the touchscreen. I have a satellite and I like it. I watch movies, surf the Internet, and all that jazz. I don't play games on it, so I can't speak to that.

[Dusky]

The video card is weak so he won't be able to play a lot of games with it but it should be able to handle everything else just fine.

Based on what you said he'd use it for, I don't think the lack of touchscreen will make a difference to him.

[starfish]

It really depends what online games he wants to play. That wouldn't run the games I play, but should be fine for other games. It looks like a pretty decent machine, but not for a gamer. Its more an all around machine.

[mrsreynolds4]

Thanks for all the input. I think we'll do this for now... he's planning on buying himself a PS4 in a couple of months anyway.