Question:
Gaming & Travelling for ~US$2000
Hi guys,
I've been reading heaps on this site and significantly increased my laptop knowledge in the past few weeks (thanks!). Coming closer to when I want to buy (around January), so thought I might get my own personal thread going.
Have filled in the details below, but must say that I'm currently looking at the Dell XPSM1210 and the Asus a8js after much reading.
Thanks!
Clayton
1) What is your budget?
US$2000 (I'll allow it to go over by a little)
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
movies, gaming, photo editing, some website developing, and using a webcam a little.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
The laptop will be my main computer for the next 2 years or so as I'll be travelling overseas through Africa/Europe. (I'll just put it in storage for the rough parts of Africa, so not too worried about damaging it with travel) So, while I'd like to be able to game, I'm hoping I won't have enough time to mostly. :)
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Yep: Oblivion (can reduce graphics as necessary!), half life episodes, and maybe Hellgate & crysis when they come out :)
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I'm easy.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
3 hours minimum would be nice.
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?
New Zealand (Auckland). Can usually order through Australia if that helps.
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
I'm easy. Widescreen is cool, though I have no experience on how this affects games.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
All I know is I like 1280x1024 on my 19" monitor...
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Glossy seems like the way to go.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
A little. Cheaper & uglier > Expensive and styley though.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Buying beginning of next year (2007).
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
Bigger the better -> at least 100GB would be nice.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
DVD-RW please.
Answer:
Re: Gaming & Travelling for ~US$2000
Probably going to recommend:
- Compal HGL30
- Asus A8Js
Go to Powernotebooks.com and XoticPC.com
Answer:
Re: Gaming & Travelling for ~US$2000
I'd say the Asus A8Js will probably make you happier with more gaming flexibility than the XPS M1210 will. But since you seem to want more battery life and lower resolution, perhaps the Compal HGL30 is also worth consideration.
Good luck and enjoy your travels. I hope you don't spend too much time gaming too. There's far too much to see.
Answer:
Re: Gaming & Travelling for ~US$2000
Wow, you guys don't mess around! :) I'll be working in Europe/UK for a bit which is mainly where I'm thinking I'll get evenings where I just feel like a bit of gaming.
Hmmm, the Compal is looking quite interesting actually.
One question I've got but can't answer is whether or not a 7,200rpm drive would add any significant drain to the battery life...?
Answer:
Re: Gaming & Travelling for ~US$2000
since you are traveling all over the place might want to try Pansonic toughbook, though they are expensive. IBM T60 should also suit your needs, its 14/15" (depending on what model) excellent build quality, and it weights less than 5lbs. Sony Vaio SZ series is only 13" and have hybrid video card with go 7400 and intergerated. with a battery life of around 5.2 hours.
The hard drive speed will not significantly drain your battery though it will obviously affect your battery life. The major components that takes battery life are the CPU, GPU, screen and motherboard.
Answer:
Re: Gaming & Travelling for ~US$2000
As far as I know, the faster HD will not have a major effect on battery life. You can actually undervolt your processor and change some power settings to maximize battery life when on-the-go using something like RM Clock or Notebook Hardware Control.
If you want to read more on the HD speed issue, click on the "Finding the Right Notebook" link in my signature" and scroll down to the HD section. There's a link to a long discussion about 5400 RPM vs. 7200 RPM HDs.
Answer:
Re: Gaming & Travelling for ~US$2000
if you get the hitachi 7200 rpm it greatly exceeds the battery life compared to the seagate hd.
I would get the asus a8js if you want to play oblivian type games.
Answer:
Re: Gaming & Travelling for ~US$2000
a8js or xps1210
Answer:
Re: Gaming & Travelling for ~US$2000
oh also check out the thinkpad t60p 14 inch with the fire gl 520 which is the equivelent of a ati x1600
definitely though the asus a8js would be the highest gpu in this size of machine.
I think technically the thinkpad t60p is actually even smaller becuase its a 14 inch non wide screen machine
Answer:
Re: Gaming & Travelling for ~US$2000
Yes, if you plan to play games along the lines of oblivian your going to want as much graphics power as possible. The A8js is the most powerful notebook out there in the 14" range. It will get you 3 hours of battery life with low screen brightness, doing light tasks etc.