Question:
In search of a semi-gaming laptop
Okay... I'm trying to buy the best possible laptop between my budget and would like value for money. ;/ It will also be my first laptop.
I've been searching laptops and the ASUS G1 seems pretty nice because of the nVidia 7700. I've been also seeing the HP dv6000t but I'm not sure if the nVidia 7400 would be enough for my laptop to last long and be able to play some of the new games. Since I'm new at laptops I'm not sure about the ASUS brand... Is it reliable?
Also, I would like to ask if I should risk waiting for the new Intel Core Pro and the DX10 cards because I need my laptop before the 20th at my home since I'm taking a flight... Would laptops with all the new cards and the new Core Pro be available at that time? Is this worth it or should I just buy a laptop now?
Anyways..
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
About $1200 - $1800
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.
USA
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Nope
5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
I will mostly be surfing on the internet, using word and such, gaming every now and then.
6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
I'm planning on taking it to school which means half of the day. The other half it will be in a desk...
7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Well... I play Counter Strike but since desktop computer is very old I haven't tried to play the newest games available. I like FPS shooters though
8) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Not very important but I would like about 3 hours if possible
9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No.
10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
I would like Windows although I'm not sure if Vista has too many problems that it will make the laptop unusable. Please tell me :P
Screen Specifics
11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen since its becoming normal
12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
I would prefer glossy since it makes colours pop out
Build Quality and Design
14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Well.. I wouldn't my notebook to look HORRIBLE but I would like it to look nice enough
15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
I'm would like to have the laptop before the 20th on my hands since some of the laptops take time to be customized and shipped ;/. Hope it can last long enough.. maybe about 3 years?
Notebook Components
16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB?
100GB minimum.
17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
DVD-CD/RW I guess. (Although I don't know exactly what is each..
Answer:
Re: In search of a semi-gaming laptop
Perhaps the Compal HEL80 would be worth a look.
Answer:
Re: In search of a semi-gaming laptop
If you're looking for somethign to handle some of the newer games coming out, something like the Asus G1 with the GeForce 7700 is much closer to what you should be looking at. The GeForce 7400 is capable for what it is, but it's a considerably less powerful GPU.
The Asus brand is really very well regarded; they've especially been known for making motherboards, etc. but they've also been manufacturing laptops and PC's for a number of PC makers (and continue to build machines for companies like Dell and Apple). Their own original laptops though (the ones you find with the actual Asus brand) are generally very well regarded, and are considered to be very high quality while also offering good value for the price.
-Zadillo
Answer:
Re: In search of a semi-gaming laptop
On the lower price level, you can also take a look at the ASUS F3JP, either the 14 or 15.1. With T7200 and Go 7600, the machine packs quite a kick for $1250. Only complaints are regarding the BIOS and system set-up, which with enough computer experience, it should pose no problem at all.
Answer:
Re: In search of a semi-gaming laptop
I was in a similar spot. I ended up with the g1 because it fit all my needs gaming and portability wise. It is due in today (drools)
Answer:
Re: In search of a semi-gaming laptop
go with the g1 it is absolutly awesome and can kick any other 15 inch laptop out there
Answer:
Re: In search of a semi-gaming laptop
If you do not mind the price, the Asus G1 would be the best option. Otherwise, the Asus F3Jp is a solid choice.
Answer:
Re: In search of a semi-gaming laptop
Hm.. thanks for the opinions. Just gonna ask one more thing, is it really worth taking a risk and waiting for the new Intel thing and DX10 graphics? I need my computer pretty soon so I don't know if I should wait...
Answer:
Re: In search of a semi-gaming laptop
The famous advice :
The famous advice :
Indeed. If you can wait at least til May/June, it makes sense to wait to see what shakes out with Santa Rosa and DX10 GPU's in laptops. If you really need it now, you might as well get something now.