Question:
Budget gamer's laptop.
I'm located in Canada, and I'm looking to buy a laptop suitable for gaming.
By way of games, I don't need anything capable of running games at the highest graphics settings - rather, I'd like to be able to play all modern games comfortably, with or without the extra special effects. The crucial point here is that the gameplay isn't affected by a poor machine. I'd also like to have a degree of future-proofing. Something that will be able to play next years games at, again, an acceptable speed. I just need to have a full framerate, regardless of the graphics quality.
I also don't have big bucks to spend. Rather, I don't want to spend big bucks on a gaming laptop. As such, buying second-hand would probably be the way to go for me. Therefore, if you could suggest a laptop that would be easily found on eBay for a reasonable price. By reasonable price, I mean I would rather spend less than 1000 canadian, roughly $890 american. The lower the price the better, really.
As for other needs, I will be using the laptop for a university course, so I would like it to be able to last for 5 years, until the course is finished. I'm not concerned about the laptop's graphics being capable of playing the best games in 5 years, naturally. As I said, I want it to be still working in 5 years. Portability is not a concern,but so long as it isn't a desktop replacement behemoth, weight isn't a massive concern either, as it will spend most of its time connected to a wall socket. Therefore, battery life isn't much of an issue either. It would be nice to be able to use it on the go, but again, it's not a big problem if I can't, as I will mostly be using it s a portable desktop computer that stays on a desk.
I also do a lot of music editing, so a soundcard with ASIO drivers would be a bonus. I don't need anything top of the line, just something I can install Reason and Cubase SX on and jam on my MIDI keyboard, for which I'll need a USB port.
I would like a sizeable harddrive, 80GB being the minimum, but I can ugrade on my own, so it's not too much of an issue. If it could take a HD up to 200GB in size, that would be a bonus.
As for extra features, built-in WiFi would be nice, but not essential. Many USB2.0 ports are a bonus, as well as a firewire port.
S-Video out would be nice, though not needed.
Anyway, any and all input I can get here is much appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
-Jonathan Buchanan
Answer:
Re: Budget gamer's laptop.
What screen size would you prefer?
Answer:
Re: Budget gamer's laptop.
By reasonable price, I mean I would rather spend less than 1000 canadian, roughly $890 american. The lower the price the better, really.
That is a very limited budget if you want something with a dedicated video card; take a look at the Dell E1505, it is available with an ATI Radeon X1400 video card. I doubt there are any other choices in your price range with the possible exception of the Acer 5672.
I suggest completing the FAQ so we have a better idea of what you need.
Answer:
Re: Budget gamer's laptop.
I agree that filling out the FAQ would help your cause immensely.
As Chaz mentioned, your budget seriously limits your choices. Gaming systems are generally $1000+ and more like $1500+ for the better ones.
Since you want to use the system for 5 years, I think you'd be better off spending more money on a quality new system, rather than trying to make an already older system last that long.