new laptop

[neko_koneko]

hello, i am thinking of getting a new laptop with a better graphics card than the one i already have. i want to make sure that my new laptop can play certain online games, and Sims 2 with the expansion packs. here is some basic system requirements for the software i want to be able to run:

online game:

Minimum Requirements:
OS: Windows 2000, XP
CPU: Pentium Celeron 1.4 Ghz
RAM: 512 MB
HDD: 2.0 GB
Graphics Card: Geforce 2

Recommended Specifications:
OS: Windows XP, Vista
CPU: Pentium 4 1.8 Ghz or more
RAM: 512 GB or more
HDD: 4.0 GB Free
Graphics Card: Geforce 4 Ti

Sims 2(expansion- bon voyage) minimal requirements:

* 1.3 Ghz processor (2.0 for Vista)
* 512 MB RAM (1GB for Vista)
* Windows(R) Vista, Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows 98 or Windows 2000 Operating System.
* 8x or faster CD/DVD drive
* At least 1.5 GB of additional hard drive space (5.0 GB total is required if installing both The Sims 2 and The Sims 2 Bon Voyage Expansion Pack at the same time.)
* A T&L-capable video card with at least 32 MB of video RAM.

Supported video cards:

* ATI Radeon(TM) series 8500 or better (9600 or greater required for Vista)
* 8500, All-In-Wonder 8500
* 9000, 9200, 9500, 9600, 9700, 9800
* X300, X600, x700, X800, x850
* X1300, X1600, X1800, X1900, X1950

NVIDIA(R) Quadro(TM) series
Quadro, Quadro2, Quadro4

NVIDIA GeForce series GeForce2 GTS and better (GeForce 6200 or greater required for Vista)
# GeForce 2, 2 GTS
# GeForce 3, 3 Ti
# GeForce 4, 4 Ti, 4200, 4600, 4800, MX 420, 440, 460
# GeForce FX 5200, 5500, 5600, 5700, 5800, 5900, 5950
# GeForce PCX 5300, 5900
# GeForce 6200, 6600, 6800
# GeForce 7300, 7600, 7800, 7900, 7950
# S3 GammaChrome
# S18 Pro
# S18 Ultra Intel(R) Extreme Graphics (see note below)
82865, 82915 and above

NOTE: If you have a non-T&L capable video card, such as Intel Extreme Graphics, then you need at least a 2.4 GHz processor.

i'm not after a gaming laptop because of the price. i would like to stick to $600-700 or so if i can.

any recommendations?

[trulad]

Windows 7

[neko_koneko]

so i should get windows 7 instead of a new computer?? could you tell me how windows 7 will help with graphics? i have an intel integrated graphics chipset i think..

[glc]

If you have integrated Intel graphics, do you have at least a 2.4 GHz processor? What are the specs on your current computer? What is your budget for a new laptop?

[trulad]

I meant that your requirements listed 2000 or XP. I would go with Windows 7 as an operating system.

[glc]

Not going to be much of a choice on a new computer unless you build one yourself and buy XP or Vista (not recommended).

[neko_koneko]

i have been looking around, and the HP laptops seem pretty nice. i found this one:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pav...&skuId=9714495

will this meet my requirements?

this is the computer i have now:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VGN-NR430.../ref=de_a_smtd

[glc]

HP laptops are not very durable or reliable. If you are looking for a lower end gaming laptop without spending big bucks, look at Asus. Newegg sells them.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834220699

That Sony laptop you have does not meet those requirements. It has Intel graphics and is not 2.4 GHz.

[neko_koneko]

That Asus laptop looks pretty good : )
I have also found another HP laptop that looks like it has what I am looking for...
what do you guys think?

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...ce/dv7t_series

[glc]

Originally Posted by glc HP laptops are not very durable or reliable.