Is this the best gaming laptop I can get for 600?

[GLE3]

http://www.extremetech.com/deals/201225-et-deals-lenovo-y40-80-14-inch-laptop-for-599

Only real drawback is 14 inch screen and no backlit keyboard. Could I get something better for gaming under 600? Would appreciate any thoughts, I'm getting this for my 9 year old son and would like it to last at least 3 or 4 years for him..

Specs:

Processor:

5th Generation Intel Core i7-5500U Processor (2.40GHz 1600MHz 4MB)
Operating system:

Windows 8.1 64
Graphics:

AMD Radeon R9 M275 2GB
Memory:

8.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3L 1600 MHz
Display:

14.0" FHD LED AntiGlare (1920x1080

Pointing device:

ClickPad
Hard Drive:

Hybrid 500GB 5400 RPM+8GB SSHD
Battery:

4 Cell 48 Watt Hour Li-Polymer
Bluetooth:

Bluetooth Version 4.0
Warranty:

One year
Form Factor:

Rack
Operating System Language:

EN:English

RAM:

SODIMM
Warranty Details:

Depot or Carry-in
Weight:

5.72 lbs( 2.6 kgs)
Height:

12.8in( 325 mm)
Width:

2.9in( 74 mm)
Depth :

18.9in( 481 mm)
Optical Drive:

None
Network Card:

Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 3160

[imhh1]

only 2 core for gaming??? i dont think it will work well .

[newpball]

Would appreciate any thoughts, I'm getting this for my 9 year old son and would like it to last at least 3 or 4 years for him..

Sure, get him a desktop!

[usually_quiet]

$600 should buy a nice laptop for schoolwork. Real gaming laptops start at about $1000.

Many prefer to use a desktop for PC gaming because it isn't possible to upgrade the video graphics adapter, power supply, or most other components when using a laptop.

[sophisticles]

I wouldn't buy a laptop for gaming, especially for a 9 year old, I would think he would be better off with a PS4 or an XBoxOne, I know I would rather have either one than a $600 "gaming laptop" and you're certainly going to get more than 3-4 years out of a console, plus you can play it with him.

[GLE3]

Thanks for the input. I get the suggestions and I would agree with the desktop advice(still trying to talk him into it).... He says he wants something portable that he can take to his friends house. He's saved up over years for it.

PS4 is something else he wants... He would need a TV with it too.

The stuff he plays right now isn't real hardware intensive (Minecraft, Terraria)...

[usually_quiet]

For about $600 it should be possible to get a PS4 and a small TV.

The PS4 costs $400. There are small TVs for about $200.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/panasonic-32-class-31-1-2-diag--led-720p-hdtv-black/363100...&skuId=3631007

[neomaine]

Thanks for the input. I get the suggestions and I would agree with the desktop advice(still trying to talk him into it).... He says he wants something portable that he can take to his friends house. He's saved up over years for it.

PS4 is something else he wants... He would need a TV with it too.

The stuff he plays right now isn't real hardware intensive (Minecraft, Terraria)...

Put together a mid-tower desktop for $450, find a used/returned/open box 19/20" monitor w/HDMI $100 (hook up PS4/XBONE later), carrying strap $50. Work with him putting everything together if you want, great bonding time. It'll start a lifelong passion of gaming and upgrading. On that point, make sure he finds a job quick ... gaming rigs can get pretty pricey.