Question:
College Gamer? >_<
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
Up to 3k if absolutely needed
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
Weight is really the most important for me. I'll be lugging this bugger everywhere in my backpack.
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Normal college stuff & playing the occasional game
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Taking it everywhere
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Counter Strike Source & Oblivion
I'm a pretty hardcore CS:S gamer so I would my card to handle at least 90 fps at medium settings. My desktop's 7900gt runs all high w/o AA with a constant 95-100 fps. I'm thinking I'd like a mid-high range card.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I really like ASUS but any other brand is fine. Realistically I'm most drawn to a good-looking well-built computer.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
At least 2:30?
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Sure
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
United States
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen
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.
All would be fine but a higher resolution is preferred.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Glossy is preferred
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Yes very much so. :p
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Probably in January. I would like it to last at least 3 years.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
Anything is fine. 5400 rpm is minimum
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
At least a CD burner
Thanks!!!
Answer:
Re: College Gamer? >_<
Asus notebooks to consider include the W3J, A8Js and G1. Also look at the Compal HEL80 and HGL30. The HP nc8430 is another excellent alternative, with superior build quality. The Asus A8Js and G1 both have the extremely powerful Go7700 graphics card. If you are going to be taking your notebook with you to different places, you should go for a 14 inch model like the Asus A8Js and Compal HGL30.
Answer:
Re: College Gamer? >_<
The Sony SZ line of computers also sounds very much what you're after ---- good battery life, dual graphics system that can accomodate college-y work and moderate gaming, very light (3.7 lbs), glossy, wide, beautiful screen, and oh, oh oh oh so stylish. :)
I've been very happy with my SZ360P thus far.
Answer:
Re: College Gamer? >_<
For 14'1, try the Asus A8Js or the Compal HGL30.
These will give you performance similar to a larger 15'4 inch but also retain portability.
For 15'4, take a look at the Asus G1p, or the HP nc8430. Also try the Acer Travelmate 8215.
Answer:
Re: College Gamer? >_<
Asus W3J or the Asus G1 seem to be perfect for you. Both are gorgeous and have lots of power in them.
Answer:
Re: College Gamer? >_<
The Asus A8Js has my vote here.
Answer:
While the W3J might not have the power of the G1 or the A8J the option of having a modular battery for those long classes is priceless. The looks can't be beat either, while the G1 screams its presence, the W3J is far more classy and stylish.
Also if you can wait till early 2007, probably sometime in January, the new V1J might fill all your needs.
Answer:
Re: College Gamer? >_<
Also, you can use the edit function...
Answer:
Re: College Gamer? >_<
Since you are going to be carrying this notebook with you everywhere, I would not go any higher than a 14" screen. The Asus A8Js is an excellent machine and is your best choice for a gaming machine; it has a higher resolution (WXGA+ 1440x900) that other 14" notebooks (most have WXGA 1280x800), and an awesome video card.
Answer:
Re: College Gamer? >_<
I'd say the Asus G1p, with a 7700 Go, 2 Gigs of Ram and a T7200. And it looks darn nice.