Question:
Notebook suggestions - Game Programmer
Hi everyone. I'm looking for a notebook that will mainly be used for work (game programming) so I'll need something with a decent graphics card.
General Questions
1) 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
I would prefer something portable (a & b) but I realize that with my needs I'm probably looking into the mainstream and desktop replacement range.
2) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
My main use will be work related - programming. So I'll need something that can run Visual Studio and also run a fairly recent 3d engine. So it should be able to run recent games at a decent speed.
3) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
It's mainly going to be at my desk (at the office and at home).
4) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Anything recent - ex. Battlefield2, Fear, WOW etc
5) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I've had toshiba and sony notebooks in the past. The business line and they've lasted me a long time 5+ years. So I'd prefer a notebook from a company's business line because they usually have better builds than consumer lines.
6) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Battery life is not a concern as it'll be plugged into the wall all the time. Yet it should get at least 1.5 hours on batteries.
7) What is your budget?
I'm looking to spend around $1500 or less.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Buying online is not an issue. The only problem is that I need this fairly quick (within a week) so build to order (custom) notebooks are probably out of the question. I realize that this limits the field considerably but I still appreciate any suggestions.
9) What country are you buying this in?
USA. Texas specifically (no tax on newgg, yay!).
Screen Specifics
10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
I don't have too much preference here. Widescreen is not a necessity. Mostly I'm looking for something that has good clarity for text (since I'll be doing programming).
11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
No preference.
Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook’s looks and stylishness important to you?
I'm more concerned with performance rather than asthetics.
13) How long do you want this laptop to last?
At least 2 years.
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
HD space is always upgradable but I'd like at least 60GB by default.
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
At the very least a DVD drive. CDRW is icing on the cake and I'll be okay without it. DVD-R is not necessary but I'll take it anyway if its part of the whole package.
16. Misc
I'd also like the notebook to have a pointing stick rather than a touchpad. Yet this is a low priority, graphics card is really the most important component I'm concerned with.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and offer any suggestions.
Answer:
Re: Notebook suggestions - Game Programmer
Well, you aren't going to get much Programming (especially 3D) Power out of a 14" or below notebook. If you're intent of getting one, however, you might try the Sony SZ-Series. It has a Nvidia 7400 Go GPU,but I'm not sure how it'll hold up in 3D Programming Apps. You could get the Dell I9300 with the Nvidia GeForce 6800 Go, but it has clunky looks IMO and doesn't have the best build quality in the world. Other than that, I'm going to recommend the Sager NP-5720 with the Nvidia Quatro FX Go 1400 GPU, which is great for 3D work and should hold up in gaming too. However, it'll run you about $300 over what your budget is.
Answer:
Re: Notebook suggestions - Game Programmer
The Sager 5720 is going to be MUCH more than $1,500, so that is a no-go.
I'd take a look at the HP dv4000 or Compaq V4000t with a 128MB X700 card, good for games. Customize it on www.HPShopping.com and see what you can get for your money. It is definitely a good idea to upgrade your RAM aftermarket, HP overcharges as do most manufacturers. A 5400RPM hard drive is a good thing to get for best overall performance.
Higher quality options are the Asus Z71V and the MSI-1029.
Answer:
Re: Notebook suggestions - Game Programmer
I'm sorry - the NP-5720 is about $500 more than your budget with the Nvida Quatro GPU, which brings it to around $2000. However, if you're planning on mostly programming, I'm not sure that X700 will be enough to run intense 3D gaming programs. I suggest looking into getting the NP-5720 if possible.
Answer:
Re: Notebook suggestions - Game Programmer
Thanks for the replies but I don't have the time or money to get the kind of notebook I need right now So I'm just going to take my sisters desktop (which is reasonably fast/powerful) and give her $1000 to buy herself a mid range laptop (for minimal college student needs).