Question:
$1300-1400 for a gaming laptop?
I was looking at laptops earlier and basically came across these two:
http://www.powernotebooks.com/product.php?itemId=1450
http://www.powernotebooks.com/product.php?itemId=1430
(The force build for both of them)
The only things that really matter to me in this laptop is its ability to play higher end games (Battlefield 2, primarily), be wireless and to have a somewhat decent battery life. If anyone could tell me which is better or what else I should get instead, I would be appreciative.
Answer:
Re: $1300-1400 for a gaming laptop?
Please fill out the faq. It helps.
The Sager seems like a great deal. I would opt for the Z96J for the 15.4 inch. The Sager, upgraded will exceed the 1400 cap is all likelyhood. The Compal hel80 is also a contender at powernotebooks. If you don't mind dell, you may be able to get a 1505 with the dell coupons. However, you sacrafice build quality. The business line is also a prospect the d620 and the d820 may fit your budget too. I'm not up to date on hp's offerings so I'll leave them to someone who is knowledgeable.
Answer:
Re: $1300-1400 for a gaming laptop?
Since I forgot earlier, I might as well.
1) What is your budget?
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen (doesn't matteR)
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
80% gaming, 20% schoolwork
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Will be taking it to school on occassion
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
WoW, Battlefield, CS:S, and whatever else comes along
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Whatever
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
At least 3, if possible
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Not at all
9) What country are you buying this in?
USA
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Doesnt' matter
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Standard
a. XGA -1024x768 - Large and easy to read text + graphics icons, but you fit less stuff on the screen.
b. SXGA - 1400x1050 - Compromise resolution between XGA and UXGA.
c. UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.
Doesn't matter
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
Again, doens't matter
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Once again.. doesn't matter
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Kind of.. but not so much that it would truly influence my decision.. its icing on the cake
14) How long do you want this laptop to last?
2-4 years
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
80-100, if possible, but I'm not picky
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
DVD-ROM minimum, wouldn't mind anything higher though.
Answer:
Re: $1300-1400 for a gaming laptop?
If you need any mobility, I'd go for the Asus.
Answer:
Re: $1300-1400 for a gaming laptop?
Bah.. beat me to it.. thanks though, I'll check them out.. but the Sager that is already on the site is looking nicer and nicer, I have to admit...
Answer:
Re: $1300-1400 for a gaming laptop?
Is there a huge difference in mobility between the Asus and the Sager?
Answer:
Re: $1300-1400 for a gaming laptop?
There is naturally a difference in 15.4 and 17 inch notebooks. It takes more power. With a spare battery, the Sager will be plenty. As for build quality, I would have to say that both are sturdy, but Asus has a slight edge. Go to a store and take a look at their laptops. See what you need.
Answer:
Re: $1300-1400 for a gaming laptop?
It's a 17' vs a 15.4'. ASUS and Sager are both top quality. However, to get a great deal in your range it would have to be the Dell E1705 with the 7900GS which is most powerful video card in that price range. The Sager although excellent will be out of your price range if it's configured to a decent machine, the Asus S96J might be a little better suited for your needs. The native resolution being wxga can help play games at native resolutions without many problems. It as well as the Sager has the x1600 video card which is capable to play the latest games at mid-high settings. However the 7900GS is twice as powerful. But, the customer service from powernotebooks.com as I've experienced it is phenomenal (I even bought the Dell because of certain issues). The build quality is better from them, you have a choice of a 15.4' as well as a 17' laptop that look much better than the Dell (I love the way the Sager looks). Dell customer service is crappy for the most part and you are never getting good information. If you care about customer service(Paladin 44 is Donald from powernotebooks), build quality(Sager,Asus), and the option of a 15.4' notebook with a good GPU. The screens I hear are also amazing. I cannot stress the excellent quality and customer service from them though, seriously.
However, the Dell has the best bang for the buck but it has crappy battery life, you would need two batteries to go for 3-4 hours of regular use. Customer service is horrible most of the time. The speakers are good (in my opinion), the screen I hear is hit or miss (either amazing or something wrong). The build quality is getting better but at best is ok. But again this machine has raw power for under 1500. I was in this dilemma too long and I decided on the Dell only because I think my eyes got too big for what I am actually going to do, the video card was too much of a deal breaker. I'm sure the x1600 would have suited me fine for a few years. PS sorry for long post
Answer:
Re: $1300-1400 for a gaming laptop?
I think you'd be hard pressed to get 3 hours out of either laptop unless your doing very very minor stuff with a dim backlight. they're both pretty power consuming. However the Asus S96J is quite a good deal for a 15.4" with an x1600.
You should ask yourself how much portability needs you have
Answer:
Re: $1300-1400 for a gaming laptop?
I think 3 hours can be had with the 9 cell? no?