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04-28-24 09:05 AM |
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| 0 users currently in Computing | 1 guest |
| Main - Computing - New Laptop | New thread | New reply |
| witeasprinwow |
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 Bloober Level: 47 Posts: 388/444 EXP: 739588 Next: 26615 Since: 03-20-07 Last post: 5431 days Last view: 5822 days |
I'm in the market for a new laptop. My desktop is 6 years old now and just slowly becoming obsolete; I can barely run anything on here without downgrading the settings to oblivion. I plan to use the laptop for both school and gaming purposes. Therefore I obviously need a good processor, decent RAM, a good graphics card, ect.
My price range might be able to strech all the way up to $1900 if I get a really good laptop for it, though I think $1700 might be more pleasing to my wallet. Anybody got any reccomendations about what brand to go for? Right now I'm looking at an HP and trying to stay the hell away from Dell (I've seen their laptops break down before), but if anyone has any good reccomendations I'm all ears. Thanks for reading, by the way; I realize that I'm being a little selfish by asking for help like this. I just seriously have no clue how well-made different laptops are. |
| Ailure |
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Hats Steam Board2 group Level: 121 Posts: 1657/3965 EXP: 19782145 Next: 274551 Since: 02-19-07 From: Sweden, Skåne Last post: 3303 days Last view: 2054 days |
Heh, just don't settle anything less than 2GB RAM and a dual core processor. Judging the price you are willing to pay, it will hardly be much of a problem. For each generation I been on, memory usually turns out to be the biggest bottleneck... so it doesn't hurt to be generous here if you plan to keep it a few years.
HP is usually a reliable brand of computers. Support from them been superb, ever sent replacement parts one time without requiring the broken part once Support experience might differ as I'm talking about HP Sweden after all. 
Apple's Macbook are supposed to be of a high quality, but might be a little bit pricey... and isn't exactly made for gaming either. Might still be worth considering though. ____________________ AIM: gamefreak1337, MSN: Emil_sim@spray.se, XMPP: ailure@xmpp.kafuka.org
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| witeasprinwow |
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Bloober Level: 47 Posts: 389/444 EXP: 739588 Next: 26615 Since: 03-20-07 Last post: 5431 days Last view: 5822 days |
Posted by Catzinger Z I hear you on the memory. The HP model I'm looking at (dv9500t) takes $400 extra to upgrade to 4GB, but I might do it just so I don't end up having an obsolete POS 3 years down the line. The problem is that if I get the 2GB my total comes out to $1570, which is definitely in my price range, but the 4GB bumps that up to $1970, which is more than I really wanted to pay for the laptop... I did consider a Macbook, but like you said, it isn't really built for gaming. I'm worried about getting the right graphics card, too. Most laptops I've seen available have at best this "128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400 MS," which looking at the actual NVIDIA website, doesn't look too hot. The model I'm looking at has the "256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600 MS," which is apparently a lot better. Does this really make that big a difference? |
| YD |
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 Porcupo banned Level: 40 Posts: 145/312 EXP: 431061 Next: 10248 Since: 07-29-07 Last post: 5914 days Last view: 5886 days |
 I can't give specific brand suggestions, but if you're looking to save money, http://overstock.com always has some coupons going, and this weekend all electronics ship for free. this site was where I turned when going for a new flatscreen television. I saved a lot, but I don't know how useful it'll be for a laptop selection. ____________________ |
| witeasprinwow |
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Bloober Level: 47 Posts: 390/444 EXP: 739588 Next: 26615 Since: 03-20-07 Last post: 5431 days Last view: 5822 days |
For all four of you who read this thread, I think I'm gonna get this Ares laptop by Vigor Computing.
I've heard nothing but good things about them, they seem to know what they're talking about, and the price is reasonable. |
| slimthug102 |
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 Flurry Level: 37 Posts: 186/256 EXP: 324527 Next: 13726 Since: 02-19-07 Last post: 5686 days Last view: 4163 days |
What setup did you do?
1.83 to 2.13 for 10 dollars more RAM? bumping it to 2 GB (or even 4 GB)? As far as graphics cards gi, you can just look around for benchmarks http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html Keep in mind Quadro isn't a good idea for gaming, all but one of the first 7 are running in SLI, and the 7 series (or 1xxx ATIs) wont support DX10 |
| witeasprinwow |
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Bloober Level: 47 Posts: 391/444 EXP: 739588 Next: 26615 Since: 03-20-07 Last post: 5431 days Last view: 5822 days |
Posted by CGX The options I chose: -Processor: Intel Dual Core T7700 (2.4 GHz, 800MHz FSB, 4MB Cache) -RAM: 4GB DDR2 667MHz Memory (2 sticks x 2GB) -1GB Intel Turbo Memory (No clue how much this really helps, but it's cheap so why not?) -Hard drive: 100GB 7200RPM -Video Card: nVidia GeForce Go 8600M GT (512MB, DDR2 16x PCI, Direct X 10 ready) -Soundcard: Creative Labs xMod -64 bit Windows Vista Home Premium, to make full use of that last GB of ram Plus some other random options (Bluetooth enabled, better wireless card, ect) All comes out to $1932.00 USD. Probably just shy of $2000 after shipping. The video card that comes with it is actually too new to be on that notebook benchmark chart you linked. |
| GreyMaria |
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>implying even the Japanese understand the Japanese Level: 105 Posts: 712/2851 EXP: 11922679 Next: 339581 Since: 07-13-07 Last post: 4499 days Last view: 4469 days |
I wouldn't think that would come out to NEARLY that much, even if it IS a laptop.
 Talk about overpriced.____________________ we're currently experiencing some technical difficulties |
| witeasprinwow |
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Bloober Level: 47 Posts: 392/444 EXP: 739588 Next: 26615 Since: 03-20-07 Last post: 5431 days Last view: 5822 days |
Posted by Grey Megatron ...? I thought it was way underpriced, to be honest. Name brand laptops with even inferior specs cost at least a few hundred more. I've seen wholly inferior laptops going for $2500 and up. EDIT: I just priced out a slightly inferior Alienware laptop (2.33GHz processor instead of 2.4). Came out to $2800. Definitely seems like I'm saving money. |
| chungy |
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 Rex Level: 51 Posts: 42/533 EXP: 960471 Next: 53467 Since: 08-23-07 From: Las Vegas Last post: 4446 days Last view: 4248 days |
Seems like a fair enough price to me... the only thing that's really lacking is the hard disk's size :/ |
| witeasprinwow |
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Bloober Level: 47 Posts: 393/444 EXP: 739588 Next: 26615 Since: 03-20-07 Last post: 5431 days Last view: 5822 days |
Posted by chungy I'm sorta thinking that too; I can make shit fit on 100GB, it just might be a little cramped sometimes. I'm only using 80 right now, so it's still an upgrade for me. I can get a bigger size, but not without dropping down to 5400 RPMs. |
| slimthug102 |
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Flurry Level: 37 Posts: 187/256 EXP: 324527 Next: 13726 Since: 02-19-07 Last post: 5686 days Last view: 4163 days |
Posted by witeasprinwowLooks good, Let me know how the turbo memory works out for you. Do you just blindfold yourself and take swings in the dark, dude? |
| chungy |
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Rex Level: 51 Posts: 44/533 EXP: 960471 Next: 53467 Since: 08-23-07 From: Las Vegas Last post: 4446 days Last view: 4248 days |
It's GM, what do you expect? |
| witeasprinwow |
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Bloober Level: 47 Posts: 396/444 EXP: 739588 Next: 26615 Since: 03-20-07 Last post: 5431 days Last view: 5822 days |
Posted by CrimsonGX Actually, I haven't ordered yet, and I don't think I'm getting turbo memory now. I've read several reports that say that it has no visible effect, and even some where it slowed down the hard drive. In the meantime, they started offering 160GB 7200RPM hard drives on the models I'm looking at, so I've picked up that upgrade. I'm trying to decide between getting the normal or pro version right now. The normal version with my config has a 2.4GHz dual processor, for a total of 4.8GHz of processing, and motherboard chip set with 800MHz front side bus. The pro version costs $250 more when maxed out, but has a 2.67 dual processor (total .54GHz more) but only a 533MHz front side bus. I'm thinking the normal is the way to go, because of more front side bus and less money, but I really do want to have the best computer possible. I know I'm a pussy for not ordering yet. I'm just really nervous about spending 2 grand on something, and want to make sure it's absolutely perfect before I drop that kind of cash. |
| witeasprinwow |
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Bloober Level: 47 Posts: 401/444 EXP: 739588 Next: 26615 Since: 03-20-07 Last post: 5431 days Last view: 5822 days |
Well, I actually still haven't ordered; some new things came to my attention that made me hesitate. I actually found a new brand of laptop that I'm gonna order tonight, however. The site says it ships in 3-5 days, so I'll give a full review later.
Why I chose to wait and learn more: It turns out that most laptops made by brand-name companies are just "re-brands" of other laptops. What I mean by this is that a company like Dell will buy a barebones laptop shell from another company, which they fill with parts from other companies (Intel, AMD, nVidia, ect.), put a big "DELL" sticker on, and sell as their own laptop. The general effect is that if you take, say, an HP and a Dell made from the same laptop shell, and put the same parts in it, you actually have THE same computer, only with a different name across the back. The bad news is that by establishing a brand name, companies like Dell have been able to resell these for huge profit. Dell could sell laptops for tons more than a "Witeasprinwow brand" laptop, simply because people trust anything with the word Dell on it. The good news is that there are some smaller companies that are starting to make business by buying these shells and selling them without "re-branding" them. This way you avoid the huge markup. The Compal laptop I've decided on is one of these. I'm gonna pick up this Compal FL90 Notebook with some decent specs: -Intel 2.2GHz Duo /w 800MHz FSB and 4MB Cache -nVidia GeForce 8600GT /w 512MB -Matted screen -160GB 5200RPM SATA Hard Drive. It turns out that 160GB 5200RPM is actually faster on average than a 100GB 7200RPM, because they share the same physical space but the 160GB packs information closer. Therefore, on average the 160GB will have less distance to spin, which makes it faster even though it spins slower. -Wireless network card -I'm not having them send me any RAM in the machine because they overcharge for 667MHz memory when I have an 800MHz FSB on the processor; instead I'm getting some cheaper 800MHz memory on newegg and installing it myself. Since I'm gonna run a 32-bit OS, I've decided to downgrade to 3GB of memory; it still should be enough to run most everything. -Again, I'm not having them install an OS. I have a Windows XP CD around here that I'll use. The total for the laptop and the memory sticks is going to be about $1430 USD, which is a fucking GREAT deal as far as I have seen. I've done some research on the site and it seems reliable. I'll let you guys know how it works out. |
| witeasprinwow |
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Bloober Level: 47 Posts: 409/444 EXP: 739588 Next: 26615 Since: 03-20-07 Last post: 5431 days Last view: 5822 days |
Long story short:
Got it yesterday, using it right now. It is all sorts of win. Would recommend to anyone. Fingerprint reader is actually really cool, I can just swipe my finger to log into websites instead of having to type in my password. |
| Ailure |
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Hats Steam Board2 group Level: 121 Posts: 1790/3965 EXP: 19782145 Next: 274551 Since: 02-19-07 From: Sweden, Skåne Last post: 3303 days Last view: 2054 days |
Biometrics is sometimes considered a rather weak form of security, especially the fingerprint one (especially since damages to your finger might even make it unrecognisable for the computer). So don't depend too much on it, even if it seems impressing.  ____________________ AIM: gamefreak1337, MSN: Emil_sim@spray.se, XMPP: ailure@xmpp.kafuka.org
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| witeasprinwow |
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Bloober Level: 47 Posts: 410/444 EXP: 739588 Next: 26615 Since: 03-20-07 Last post: 5431 days Last view: 5822 days |
Posted by Ailure I've spent some more time with the computer, so I'll say a little more now. You're right about the biometrics. When I heard about it I thought it would be great for security, but it's more of a convenience thing. You can swipe it at a website or at the Windows logon screen in order to avoid having to mess with passwords. You can also register all 10 of your fingers with the biometrics, so you don't really have to worry about losing your one "password finger." Of course if your hands get totally fucked up then you're SOL, but in that case you probably won't be using a laptop anyways. The screen is really, really nice. It's a lot wider than it looked in the demos. I got the matte screen and it looks great from every angle. The laptop has no hook to keep it closed, but the hinges are very sturdy and keep the thing shut. It also doesn't flop around once you've opened it. The con is that it takes two hands to open the laptop. I've read people who said the keyboard is overly flexy, but the only keys I noticed any slack in are the function (F#) keys. It's a little on the heavy side (9 pounds), but it's the price you pay for a laptop that isn't just a word processor. I installed the RAM myself. It was easy as hell. Two screws to undo and then a minute clipping both boards in and I was done. I had it shipped with no OS. The BIOS was already set up for me, and installing XP went smoothly. The touchpad is really great, but I wish there was an option to turn it off. It can sorta get in the way while playing games; accidentally tapping on it with your palm is the same as a left-click, which means you will accidentally fire a shot or whatever in your game. I think I can learn to avoid it, though. I got the N-compatible wireless card. Thing seems great so far, I'm getting speeds I'm used to on a desktop wirelessly. The speakers are OK, nothing to write home about. It lacks any dedicated media keys but you can use the function key to use some. The function key is sort of awkwardly placed; they squeezed it to the left of the left ctrl key, making it the bottom left key. For a while I was hitting it when I meant to hit ctrl. I haven't messed with the webcam yet. The whole laptop is solid and seems like it was put together well. Performance-wise it seems great, but this is coming from someone who is upgrading from a 1.8GHz single core, so I might just be green with the latest technology. It runs Counter Strike: Source at a constant 60FPS with almost all the options maxed out, regardless of how much action is on screen. Portal with similar settings runs at about 30FPS, but I think this is just a semantical difference as the motion is just as fluid. Team Fortress 2 also runs almost maxed out without a hitch. This was all ran at 1280 x 800 resolution. The limiting factor seems to be the graphics card. It's a nVidia GeForce 8600GT with 512MB, and is DX10 compatible, which is all great. However, the weakness of the card seems to be that it only comes clocked at 400MHz. I haven't touched mine yet, but I've heard that the highest "stable" speed they could get out of it is 545MHz. With a 2.4GHz dual core processor, it seems that if you want to overclock anything it's the video card. I have slight worries about heat while overclocking this thing. The bottom of it gets warm but not really hot. Other areas are noticably warmer, especially the spot where I tend to rest my hand for the WSAD keys. (Note: Not unbearbly hot, just warmer.) I think I'm gonna pick up a cooling plate for this thing to sit on before I mess with overclocking. |
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