Question:
cheap gaming rig..is it possible =O?
1) What is your budget?
up to around $1700 (after warranties and services)
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
14" to 15.4"...unless there's a 17" that weighs less than 7
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Maybe photoshop. Games. I assume if it can run games fairly well it can do the mundane college homework tasks.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Definately taking it around
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Definately, but mostly rather old games like CS, SC, and War3. I might try some newer ones, not sure yet. HL2?
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I really like Sony..though it's pretty steap...I don't like Fujitsu. Don't really want a Dell. Does Asus actually sell notebooks or is it through resellers? If they don't, I don't trust myself to go around sites and find the best deal available.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
At least 3. The more the merrier.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Not at all.
9) What country are you buying this in?
US
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Standard
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.
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?
If the difference is like...<$100
14) How long do you want this laptop to last?
3 years min
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
Looking at 60.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
DVD-CD/RW is fine, don't plan to be burning dvds.
Two last things: 1) Notebook has to be Core Duo. (My dad works for Intel, he won't accept AMD lol) I'm looking at a minimum of 2.0GHz/T2500.
2) I'm also thinking about waiting until post August whem Merom/Core 2 Duo comes out. My school doesn't start until the way end of September so I don't really need it just yet. I know Merom's are going to be way expensive when it comes out...but I'm pretty sure Yonah's will see a price drop. So I could buy an expensive Core 2 or buy a cheap Core 1.
I know you guys get questions like these EVERYDAY, but thanks for helping me despite all that :-D
Answer:
Re: cheap gaming rig..is it possible =O?
get an Asus! W3J or A8M great laptops, nice and thin with 14in widescreens. They run at around 1700 and 1500 respectively. Also if ya head over to the Asus forums we have a few resident resellers that regularly post. Proportable (Proportable.com *where I got my W3J*), Geared2Play, and if you're in canada, MilestonePC.com
Answer:
Re: cheap gaming rig..is it possible =O?
Two last things: 1) Notebook has to be Core Duo. (My dad works for Intel, he won't accept AMD lol) I'm looking at a minimum of 2.0GHz/T2500.
LOL - I hadn't heard that before. Intel has better notebook CPUs right now anyway. ;)
Welcome to the forums - you can certainly get a capable gaming notebook for under $1,700.
For the mainstream, take a look at the Sony Vaio FE690:
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...Dept=computers
The Go7600 is a very powerful video card, and coupled with a Core Duo, it is a formidable gaming combination. I recommend upgrading the RAM aftermarket, the prices Sony charges are ridiculous.
I was able to configure one with a Go7600, upgraded LCD, 60GB, DVD/CDRW, and a T2500 for under $1500.
If you are willing to go non-mainstream, then the Asus S96J is worth a look:
http://powernotebooks.com/specs/PowerPro/a2-24.php
Or the Compal HEL80:
http://powernotebooks.com/specs/PowerPro/l8-15.php
The Asus W3J and A8JM that Dangsy recommended are great choices for a 14" widescreen.
Answer:
Re: cheap gaming rig..is it possible =O?
also, take a look at the hp nc8430.
Answer:
Re: cheap gaming rig..is it possible =O?
I want to have a minimum 1gb ddr2 preferably 667mhz. I don't have a problem upgrading it afterwards, but my dad prefers to not upgrade it, hence I'm looking at 1gb off the bat. How easy and about how much does it cost to upgrade it afterwards?
Thanks for the suggestions!
Thinkpads any good with games? I can get a pretty good discount on them. (Hence why I ask.)
Answer:
Re: cheap gaming rig..is it possible =O?
I would highly suggest upgrading the memory aftermarket; go with the minimum from the manufacturer, then get a 1GB stick aftermarket and add it in there. If it comes with 2x 256MB chips, then you'll have to take one out to put in the 1GB stick - then you'll have 1.25GB effective.
Here's a discussion on memory upgrading:
Answer:
Re: cheap gaming rig..is it possible =O?
I just picked up a Dell e1705 with sort of similar specs (a little lesser actually) for $1600. Maybe check that out, ha, I personally find it to be the best "Budget Gaming" laptop (good bang per buck ratio).
Answer:
Re: cheap gaming rig..is it possible =O?
the E1705 is 17 inch. It may be too big for him, but if he doesnt mind 17 inch, thats a great deal.
Answer:
Re: cheap gaming rig..is it possible =O?
"Unless it weighs less than 7 pounds" Eh, it weighs 8, and look at how much of a deal he is getting. Now that I think about it he could even get away with the e1505 (x1400 graphics are only so-so) but if Half Life 2 is the most graphics intensive game he is playing, he might get away with it.
Answer:
Re: cheap gaming rig..is it possible =O?
I'm not too hot on Dell, personally. Although I'm reconsidering the 17" and the E1705. Now that I think about it, gaming will probably be what I use this notebook the most for and I'm not going to have a desktop.
As for the memory upgrading, I thought the two memory sticks had to be equal? Or is it just the MHz that has to match? In addition, if I manually upgrade it, how would I go about making it Dual Channel?
Any thoughts on waiting for Merom and Thinkpads for gaming? How about Sager? Those look pretty nice.