New Student/Gaming Laptop

[unholy]

Okay, so it's been quite awhile since I last posted here, but I'm currently going to be going into my second year of college. I'm looking for a decent laptop that can run a few games well (Navyfield). I'm looking for it to be ~$1000-1200.

I know next to nothing pretty much about laptops because i personally can't stand them, but it sure as heck beats lugging my desktop to and from school and in my cramped dorm.

Basically I'm looking for something that has capabilities to use as a laptop for class and as something to play games on in free time.

Looking for at least 2-3 GB RAM, hard drive can be small as I have multiple flashdrives and 2 externals. Dedicated graphics would be nice, not completely necessary(preferred dedicated though) As far as physical size, I'm not picky. I'd be fine as long as its at least 14" weight isn't an issue as I won't mind carrying it around. Processor ( NO IDEA ABOUT MOBILE PROCESSORS AT ALL) Optical drive(DVD is fine, don't care for bluray atm) I'm sure I'm missing some things as I've never owned a laptop ever. Battery(no clue where to start)


My question is would this be doable? this type of setup at least or something quite similar within my price range? If you know of anything, please let me know. Feel free to suggest as I'm totally new with laptops Appreciate the time, Thanks.

[MrDravenX]

I would look at a Dell. Maybe either the XPS 1330 or 1530. I have a 1530 right now while I'm overseas. I like it but I upgraded most of it. Like I added the blu-ray slot load drive, upgraded the screen size, etc.

[Force Flow]

XPS machines are a bit overpriced, IMHO.

Under the business laptop section, I was considering a vostro 1720 for myself, with a CPU and battery upgrade. If you want gaming, you should also upgrade the video card.

http://www.dell.com/us/en/business/n...20&s=bsd&cs=04

The vostro 1520 is a bit smaller if the 1720 is too big for you.

http://www.dell.com/us/en/business/n...20&s=bsd&cs=04

[unholy]

see this is where I run into my problem. I've had horrible experiences with Dell in the past. At least with their desktops** I'm not too sure about their laptops though. Thanks for the suggestions though.

[glc]

Vostro support is business class and was excellent the one time I had to use it.

If you still don't want a Dell, get an Asus or a Lenovo.

[unholy]

Is there somewhere that I can somewhat customize Asus laptops? Or are those generally just you find a laptop similar to your needs + purchase that?

I tried looking on the asus website the other night, but I couldnt find anything other than links to their products on Newegg/various other vendors



also, thanks for the replies

[Alaron]

Asus doesn't have customization like Dell does. They are just built to sell, not built to order. That said, they do have quite a few models to look at and Newegg carries them: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...1315&name=ASUS Looks like you can pick up a powerful machine for not much coin on some models. Keep in mind that battery life will not be good.

[unholy]

That being said alaron, is it wise to leave the laptop plugged in all the time when I can? Or will I see degraded battery performance quicker? Because I will most likely leave it plugged in whenever I'm in my dorm room or not taking it to class/study

[Alaron]

Check out the sticky on battery life: Tips to extend battery life on mobile devices

I've always been under the impression that if your laptop is going to sit plugged in as a desktop replacement for awhile its best to take the battery out.

[No.Good]

After a sony and a dell my dad and I only buy IBM/lenevo

[unholy]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834220560

would something like this be a decent laptop that would suit what I posted before earlier?


I couldn't really find anything on the video card when doing searches. The games I'd mainly be playing would be Navyfield/cod4, maybe some L4D.. Also, would it be okay enough to run cod4 mw2 at lower settings at least? Furthermore, could I use my current 20" monitor when I have it in my dorm room? or would that not be recommended?