Question:
Can't find 14" with decent video card in $1000 - $1200 range
Here's my problem: I can't find a 14 inch notebook in the $1000-$1200 range (or cheaper of course) with a graphics card capable of playing at least some games (Roller Coaster Tycoon 3, Zoo Tycoon 2, Flight Simulator Century of Flight). I don't really know that much about speficic video cards, but I'm constantly being told that most 14" notebooks just can't play games. Any help would be immensely appreciated!
1) What is your budget?
Prefer < $1000 but will go up to $1200 for the right notebook
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
14"
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Internet, basic photo editing, light gaming
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Zoo Tycoon 2, Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 (definitely)
Flight Simulator Century of Flight (maybe)
I don't play any of the new multiplayer first person shooters although I might like the ability to play some of the older ones.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
I'd prefer 3-4 hours plus the option of having either an external battery or an extended battery.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Online works for me
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
USA
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Not sure
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.
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.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Glossy
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Yes
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
Minimum 80GB
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Must have DVD-RW
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Answer:
Re: Can't find 14" with decent video card in $1000 - $1200 range
check out the Compal HGL30 from someone like Powernotebooks (see my sig). It may be near your price range. You will need to pay a bit more to get a decent video card in a 14" factor.
Answer:
Re: Can't find 14" with decent video card in $1000 - $1200 range
X1400/7400 is possible in a 14" at your price if you know where to look.
X1600/7600 is possible in a 14" if you're willing to pay for it. Probably 1.5k.
Check out the GPU Guide for more information about all the video cards that are currently out and about.
Answer:
Re: Can't find 14" with decent video card in $1000 - $1200 range
The Compal HGL30 can be had under $1200, but you may have to live with a gig of RAM and a small hard drive, etc.
Also, the HP dv2000t with the Go7200 will be do-able for light gaming (repeat, LIGHT), and can be had in your price range.
Answer:
Re: Can't find 14" with decent video card in $1000 - $1200 range
You could look into the Lenovo t60, they have an x1300-x1400 and a 14inch display option. You would have to look though as they typically go for around $1300. Also see if you can get a Asus a8jm in your price range. I think the Dell D620 has a decent graphics card option, might be worth checking into.
Answer:
Re: Can't find 14" with decent video card in $1000 - $1200 range
The Compal HGL30 is the first system that comes to mind, but under $1200 will mean some compromises being made with configuration.
The Sony VAIO SZ with go 7400 is a nice option but is more expensive.
The HP nc6400 with x1300 may be worth considering, but that's with a matte screen. Your best bet for light gaming, is the HP dv2000t with the go 7200. Not a powerful GPU by any means, but for older and less demanding games, it should do the job. Not really sure if it can handle that Flight simulator well though.
Good luck.
Answer:
Re: Can't find 14" with decent video card in $1000 - $1200 range
Also check out the .
That is one sweet, relatively light laptop that you can port around. May be a little higher in price than your budget, I'd check the latest prices.
Answer:
Re: Can't find 14" with decent video card in $1000 - $1200 range
Also check out the .
That is one sweet, relatively light laptop that you can port around. May be a little higher in price than your budget, I'd check the latest prices.
The W3J is nice, however, it's quite a bit more than the stated budget.
Answer:
Re: Can't find 14" with decent video card in $1000 - $1200 range
If you want to stay within your budget and get a decent (read: not 512MB of RAM and a 40-60GB hard drive) configuration, then the HP dv2000t is the most practical choice. The games you are running are not that demanding, so its Go7200 should not have any problem running them.
Answer:
Re: Can't find 14" with decent video card in $1000 - $1200 range
there are only these models
compal hgl 30 $1300
asus a8js $1600
You can try to find an asus a8jm but it has not merom bios update. its at least$1300
asus w3jj $1800