Question:
High-quality DTR with gaming capability
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
< $4000
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
d. Desktop Replacement; 17" screen
(would consider 15.4" too, I but don't think there are any options with the graphics capability I want)
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Scientific work (e.g. matlab, data visualization, numerical computation, plus routine word processing etc. but no CAD) + non-work related gaming.
Will probably run a dual boot linux/windows OS.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
I expect to transport it between work and home, and maybe a few other places on occasion. I don't plan to travel with it, so portability is not really an issue.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Yes e.g. Oblivion, Titan Quest, Hellgate:London (when it's released). I would like it to handle games that come out over the next few years (though I don't expect to run games 3 years hence at max settings, nor do I expect it to be DX10 compatible).
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I love ThinkPads, but they don't seem to have the graphics options I'm looking for. Otherwise, almost any brand is ok provided the model is really well-built.
I don't want an Apple; and I don't want to be told to buy a desktop. ;)
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Not a big consideration. At least 1 hr, but the longer the better (3hrs would be great).
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
I would prefer to check one out in person, but will buy online if I have enough info to be sure that it's a high-quality machine.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen (not a strong consideration)
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Standard
c. UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.
Widescreen
First: f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
Second: 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?
Prefer matte (would consider glossy if other features were a better fit).
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Yes very -- but I don't want lots of flashing lights. I want a machine with high build quality and reliability as a primary consideration (e.g. an excellent screen, keyboard with no flex, fans that are not too loud etc.). I would assume good looks and stylishness go along with that.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
I'd like to buy it 4th quarter 2006, though if nothing now seems to fit I could wait until 1st quarter 2007.
I expect it to last a minimum of 3-4 years.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
Minimum 100gb (lower than what I'd like ideally, but I want a 7200rpm hard drive and that seems to be the max available size at the moment).
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes. DVD-CD/RW
17) Additional comments. I'm looking for a DTR notebook with business-quality build and high-end gaming graphics.
I've looked at the Dell Precision M90 and HP nw9440, but haven't been able to see either of them in person, so I'm unsure about how good their build-quality really is, and whether I would like the keyboards and the looks. I also don't need the more specialized Quadro FX cards over e.g. a Geforce 7900.
Answer:
Re: High-quality DTR with gaming capability
sager 5670
Answer:
Re: High-quality DTR with gaming capability
Check out Sager notebooks, powernotebooks.com is a good place to start.
If you are willing to wait, ASUS recently announced new gaming notebooks, though specs and pricing are still unknown and they are not to be released until Q1~Q2 of 2007.
The Toshiba P100(I believe...?) is also another option with the 7900.
Answer:
Re: High-quality DTR with gaming capability
i also like the alienware 9700 actually.
Answer:
Re: High-quality DTR with gaming capability
For max gaming performance, the previously mentioned Sager NP 5760 will have the most power for the money. It is a 17". The Dell e1705 might be worth a look, it won't have as solid a build as the Sager, but shouldn't be a problem with no frequent moving. Also look at the HP nx9420, it will have a decent card in it, not the most powerful available, but very respectable.
For 15.4" the best card you are going to find is the 512mb Go 7700 in the Asus A8js. Other than that the x1600/Go 7600 will be the most powerful. Some models you might consider are the Compal Hel-80 and the HP nc8430.
Answer:
Re: High-quality DTR with gaming capability
Alienware or WidowPC have some really slick options if you have the cash. Have you played around with the customize-it options on Dell (for example) and gone all-out on the extras?
I agree on suggesting the Alienware Aurora m9700 or the Sager.
The Sager especially has all the options you can realistically get in a laptop. If that doesn't meet with your approval, you may just have to glue a flatscreen to a desktop and use that instead! =)
Answer:
Re: High-quality DTR with gaming capability
I would definitely check to see if they still have this in stock or if its outdated
http://www.rjtech.com/miva/merchant....roduct_Count=5
seems like a fabulous deal for a 7800 gtx c2d clevo for $1500. I almost wish I had gotten it but im not sure if its still available