Laptop Search help...

[jbktiger]

So, i have always been a desktop guy, heavy into the gaming scene, so am used to newegging my parts and throwing my systems together. Well, time has come for grad school and a laptop is needed for my call nights and school as I may not be at my desktop for a couple days.

So...i am looking for some advice/things to look for as I shop around. I want to be able to game on it if I have the time for it, so I know I want stand alone video in some form I assume? Also thinking I need 512 of RAM in some fashion or greater. I also need the basics to be covered with the browsing, e-mail, word processing, etc, but if I can game, I can handle those things. I would like portability also as I will be hauling this thing around with me.

Also, how big of a difference to the varrying screen types offer/provide?

I am trying to stay in the 1500-2000 price range, the lower the better. Thoughts and suggestions would love!

 

[jbktiger]

no help at all? figured I would get a couple options at least....

guess I will just head to Dell and order something up

thanks

 

[NoToRiOuS1]

The only thing that I can think of is the Dell 9300 but thats one heavy lappy.
though this wont be the BEST gaming laptop, its a very nice all around laptop...the ibm thinkpad t42...it has a mobility radeon 9600, 512, 60gb, 1.7ghz p-m
another good one is ABS Mayhem G3 A30...it has a 9700pro vid card, athlon 64 proc...there are other G3 Axx series models that have the same video card which will let you play a few games here and there. if you want to go all out, you could get the dell with the 6800 video proc but remember...that comp is going to be fairly heavy, and will get a little hot.
dell is a viable option, but you should know that there are definitely other options out there for you.
if you haven't already ordered from dell, let me know, ill be more than happy to give you some more suggestions/help/advice so you can make a good choice and be happy with the laptop you buy.

 

[eri7154798]

i'd look into lenovo.com for their manager's specials. they are selling a thinkpad t42: 2373HBU, for $2059, i believe. it's a 15" UXGA, 1.8 ghz p-m, 128 firegl t2, 512mb ram, 80 gb(customizable to other hds)...and a host of other stuff. apparently it's about a 500 or 600 dollar save off normal prices...

 

[RamIt]

Try the 9300. It runs cool despite what others have said. if you dont like it, send it back within 21 days for a refund. It will run any newer game at 1920x1200.

 

[jbktiger]

I have not ordered anything yet. I am asking a couple of my military buddies if i can look into their discount at Dell, which would make my decision simplier.

thanks for the help and pointers, will look around for another couple days prolly.

 

[fbrdphreak]

First: for the money you are spending, don't buy any old AGP graphics like the Radeon 9700. No point in buying old tech

The 9300 is the best gamer for the money right now, but big.
The T42 with 128MB FireGL card isn't horrible and is a VERY tough machine; it should do most of your gaming at low resolutions. Gaming on that machine won't be a constant thing though. Keep in mind, on my T42 Radeon 9600 64MB (which will only perform SLIGHTLY worse than a 128MB FireGL T2, practically the same core) I really only broke 30fps in HL2 at 1024x768 and below. Modded drivers help out a LOT

Something to consider is the Asus Z71v. 15.4", Centrino, relatively thin & light, 128MB GeForce Go 6600, starts at $1500; you could get a nicely loaded one for $2K. Check http://www.proportable.com

 

[RamIt]

Originally posted by: jbktiger
I have not ordered anything yet. I am asking a couple of my military buddies if i can look into their discount at Dell, which would make my decision simplier.

thanks for the help and pointers, will look around for another couple days prolly.

I have seen the price for a 9300 with the 6800 less than $1000 and the XPS2 around $1400 through AAFES but the prices change as fast as the stock market.

 

[Tostada]

You really have to first decide on how big a laptop you want. If you're cool with a 15.4" screen, there are tons of choices. If you want something reasonably portable, the list gets short very fast. The Latitude D610 seems to be a very good, light 14" that has available dedicated graphics (although the best dedicated video still seems to only be available on bigger models).

So decide on what size you want, and also how important gaming really is. What games are you talking about playing? If it's not newer games, the integrated Sonoma GMA 900 video might be just fine -- it's a lot better than older Intel Extreme integrated video. If you're talking about any hardcore gaming, then that really limits you to the 15.4" and 17" models that have higher-end video available.