Question:
Gamer's desktop replacement
Hi everyone,
I'm looking to replace my desktop computer... I game a lot and tend to lug around the desktop more than I would like to... so I'm looking for something to remedy that :)
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
3,000
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
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Mostly just gaming, but I will conduct work from the laptop as well.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
50% of the time it will be on my desk.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
MMO's (WOW, Warhammer), RTS (Mainly WC3 and CC Generals), FPS (HL2 and mods)
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Not picky, just dont want a delicate laptop
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
One hour maybe... it wouldnt be without a power source for too long if ever.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Dont mind at all... does anyone actually GO shopping at places anymore? ;)
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
WS
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.
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.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Either is fine
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Style doesnt really matter, I would like to be at least prettier than a bowling shoe though :)
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
At least 2-3 years... I really dont plan on playing the cutting edge games all the time.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
at least 100gigs, prefering RAID 0
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
DVD-CDRW
Answer:
Re: Gamer's desktop replacement
The Alienware Aurora m9700 with Turion 64 Bit processor and Dual Nvidia 7900GS in SLI configuration.
P.S I think this computer is a waste since you don't play any demanding games at all. Anyways, since you have a high budget, then go for it. That computer only costs $1,700 anyways.
Answer:
Re: Gamer's desktop replacement
P.S I think this computer is a waste since you don't play any demanding games at all.
Thats not to say I never will...
Besides, with the requirements for some of the new MMOs coming out... I really doubt it will come to waste. Said that, there are some FPS/RPG games that I havent tried just due to the fact my current rig is maxed out.
Oblivion, while not an MMO is one of the games I really enjoy playing, and playing without the mushy graphics on (right now... its almost like watching mud moving).
What about a AW M5750? (Sager 5750?)
Thanks for the feedback!
Answer:
Re: Gamer's desktop replacement
check the dell outlet because you can get a nice refurbished machine for around 2000
Answer:
Re: Gamer's desktop replacement
The Sager 5750's graphic card is no where near as good as 2 Nvidia 7900GS SLI'd together. Alienware is the only company to use two graphic cards in SLI mode in a notebook. BEST for gaming than any other notebook company.
Answer:
Re: Gamer's desktop replacement
How about the Sager 5760? It seems like a very good machine for your taste.
http://www.powernotebooks.com/catego...atId=25#id1415
Answer:
Re: Gamer's desktop replacement
That 5760 doesnt look bad at all.
I just have a couple more questions...
One of the things I've always hated about laptops was the bottleneck of the HDD's... has this gotten much better? Does RAID 0 on these laptops help a lot?
Also, say, with that 5760 you just showed me... or even for the m9700... how much does the processor speed actually help? It seems like they are pretty small jumps in speed. (Im noticing that the 5760 is standard with a Core Duo 1.66, then it steps up to a 1.83, 2.0, and 2.16) Am I better off buying the slower processor, or is it worth it to spend the extra?
Answer:
Re: Gamer's desktop replacement
Go with alienware if you have that much budget
Answer:
Re: Gamer's desktop replacement
How about the Sager 5760? It seems like a very good machine for your taste.
Looks like a great suggestion.
Answer:
Re: Gamer's desktop replacement
with all the references to alienware and sager...it may do to point out that both are made by the same company "Clevo" and rebranded by sager and alienware. I'd check the clevo site and then look for a reputable 3rd party vendor for one.