Gaming Laptop Advice.....

jejjohnson · Mar 17, 2009, 07:52 PM

I know people always talk about how gaming laptops being a waste of money and how you can just buy a desktop and a normal laptop for the same price of an ultra gaming laptop for the same price. I need a laptop because of practicality. Im always moving. However, I was wondering if anyone can tell me if there are certain specs that i was wondering about

I want a good FAST laptop to last me 4 - 5 years or so. I also want to be able to play the usual simple online games like BF2 and some of the more recent MMORPGs.

First of all, i was wondering if a quad core is necessary for a laptop? Like I said, I want a really fast computer and i dont want any lag. Not if i can help it for the next 4 -5 years. And like, for example, is getting a quad core with 2.0 GHz better than a dual core 2.8 GHz? Im confused in that area.

Second of all, there are options of graphics cards. For a decent price, I can get a single ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3870 512MB or a nVIDIA Geforce 9800M GT. Thats enough for the normal average games right? And if so, how far will that take me with some of todays games?

Third of all, Operating System. Now, I was thinking 4GB is more than enough for now and the future. However, to get the full usage, they say u need a 64-bit. And last time i checked, 64-bit was a bit buggy and not worth getting because of programming or something like that. Whats the recent status on that??

jejjohnson · Mar 17, 2009, 08:31 PM

1) What is your budget?
Between $1,500 and $3,000

2) What size notebook would you prefer?
15.4” or bigger

3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator
USA

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I like Alienware, Dell, MSI, Asus, Malibal, Vigor Gaming, WidowPC, Sager Notebooks, Toshiba

5) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
Schoolwork Stuff, Gaming, Music, Movies

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?
School work at different places; Gaming near a power source [on my desk]

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games or types of games?
Yes. Would like to be able to play Far Cry but not necessary. Primarily CS, BF2, Left 4 Dead, Call of Duty 5. Secondarily some MMORPGs like Everquest, America’s Army, Combat Arms, etc

8) How many hours of battery life do you need?
If possible: 3 – 5 hours. Just for school work and stuff when I’m away from my desk.

9) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?
Online is great because I can customize it to my liking. But I don’t mind seeing it either because its on the spot. So both will do.

10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
Windows Vista. Preferably Ultimate

Screen Specifics
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Not important. As much as possible.

12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Not important. As many as possible.

Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you
Sort of. I would like it to look nice.

14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last
I need this one to last me about…..4 years. Need to get it through Undergrad school.

Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 80GB to 500GB? Do you want a SSD drive?
250 or 320 GB. Needs to be 7,200rpm

16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive
Needs DVD Burner. Blue-ray would be nice if possible J

BlueMak · Mar 17, 2009, 11:53 PM

No gaming laptop will last you for 3-5 years unless you are not going to keep playing new games in the future. In fact, no desktop will last you for 5 years if you want that.

If you want to buy a gaming laptop that will continue to be able to play modern games for as long as possible then you will end up spending at least about $3000.

Don't go for a 15.4" or smaller since you will have larger heat issues.

It will be very difficult to get a gaming laptop with a 3-5 hour battery. The better the gaming laptop the less the battery life. If you get one with 30 min you know you are on the right track.

The laptop will last you 4 years only if you take very good care of. For example every 4-6 months cleaning it and making sure every year you open the laptop and clean the inside from dust that WILL accumulate.

If you need a laptop for school you could buy a netbook for going places including classes and a desktop for gaming, have the best of both worlds and still be cheaper than a single gaming laptop, just a thought...

PS.I wouldn't buy alienware.
Sager and toshiba have good warranties and good support.

lordgotmilk · Apr 4, 2009, 12:37 PM

I did a really quick search and didn't find what I was looking for, but there are laptops out that have an ATI graphics card and integrated graphics. When you are plugged in and playing games, you turn on the card. When you need battery life you turn off the card and use the integrated. Not sure it will get you 3-5 hours, but with that and turning down other things that you don't need during school (cpu speed and such), you can prolly get close enough to be manageable.

As far as 64 bit goes. My laptop has Vista Home Premium 64 bit and I've not had one single problem with any of the programs I run.

Your question about quad at 2 gig or dual at 2.8 gig. You said you play MMO's, and I myself play EQ2. EQ2 and many other MMO's are more cpu intensive than gpu, so the faster the processor, the better. I'd opt for the faster dual core than the slower quad.

BlueMak · Apr 4, 2009, 02:37 PM

Any slower quad core cpu is better than any dual core.

Judas · Apr 4, 2009, 04:39 PM

generally all laptops have a lifespan of 2 years....

anything more and you've had a good laptop and shouldn't expect much more out of it..

gaming laptops usually run quite hot, therefore decreasing it's lifespan....

anything with a quad core.... and either a HD36xx or faster graphics ship (or nvidia 9600+ ) will set you back a fair bit for a good reliable model.

Just make sure it supports 64bit for all devices....

If i were to recommend one manufacturer, Asus's Laptop line for the performance enthusiast are quite good.

ShugNinx · Apr 8, 2009, 03:41 PM

A gaming laptop is never going to last you a long time unless you buy an absolute BEAST (such as the 18 inch 4870x2 laptop coming soon from asus)

However, if you want to get a reasonably priced one to play middle of the road titles then there are options for you.

Firstly if you're choosing between a radeon hd3870 and a nvidia 9800gt go with the NVidia mate, better card in my opinion.

Additionally, even though you may appreciate it in windows for gaming you won't necessarily need a 1920x1200 which is offered in many 15 and 17 inch laptops as the 9800gt won't run the latest games at super settings.

Another thing to consider is the processor, dual core for gaming obviously no point in investing in a quad core for gaming at the moment with that video card. If you plan on gaming on the move at all you will want to strike a balance between power and battery efficiency, so shop around and do some reading.

Mar 17, 2009, 07:52 PM	#1
jejjohnson DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 4 Rep Power: 0	Gaming Laptop Advice..... I know people always talk about how gaming laptops being a waste of money and how you can just buy a desktop and a normal laptop for the same price of an ultra gaming laptop for the same price. I need a laptop because of practicality. Im always moving. However, I was wondering if anyone can tell me if there are certain specs that i was wondering about I want a good FAST laptop to last me 4 - 5 years or so. I also want to be able to play the usual simple online games like BF2 and some of the more recent MMORPGs. First of all, i was wondering if a quad core is necessary for a laptop? Like I said, I want a really fast computer and i dont want any lag. Not if i can help it for the next 4 -5 years. And like, for example, is getting a quad core with 2.0 GHz better than a dual core 2.8 GHz? Im confused in that area. Second of all, there are options of graphics cards. For a decent price, I can get a single ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3870 512MB or a nVIDIA Geforce 9800M GT. Thats enough for the normal average games right? And if so, how far will that take me with some of todays games? Third of all, Operating System. Now, I was thinking 4GB is more than enough for now and the future. However, to get the full usage, they say u need a 64-bit. And last time i checked, 64-bit was a bit buggy and not worth getting because of programming or something like that. Whats the recent status on that?? Last edited by jejjohnson; Mar 17, 2009 at 08:39 PM.

Mar 17, 2009, 08:31 PM	Thread Starter #2
jejjohnson DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 4 Rep Power: 0	Re: Gaming Laptop Advice..... 1) What is your budget? Between $1,500 and $3,000 2) What size notebook would you prefer? 15.4” or bigger 3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator USA 4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? I like Alienware, Dell, MSI, Asus, Malibal, Vigor Gaming, WidowPC, Sager Notebooks, Toshiba 5) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook? Schoolwork Stuff, Gaming, Music, Movies 6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both? School work at different places; Gaming near a power source [on my desk] 7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games or types of games? Yes. Would like to be able to play Far Cry but not necessary. Primarily CS, BF2, Left 4 Dead, Call of Duty 5. Secondarily some MMORPGs like Everquest, America’s Army, Combat Arms, etc 8) How many hours of battery life do you need? If possible: 3 – 5 hours. Just for school work and stuff when I’m away from my desk. 9) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK? Online is great because I can customize it to my liking. But I don’t mind seeing it either because its on the spot. So both will do. 10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc. Windows Vista. Preferably Ultimate Screen Specifics 11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer? Not important. As much as possible. 12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? Not important. As many as possible. Build Quality and Design 13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you Sort of. I would like it to look nice. 14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last I need this one to last me about…..4 years. Need to get it through Undergrad school. Notebook Components 15) How much hard drive space do you want; 80GB to 500GB? Do you want a SSD drive? 250 or 320 GB. Needs to be 7,200rpm 16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive Needs DVD Burner. Blue-ray would be nice if possible J Last edited by jejjohnson; Mar 17, 2009 at 08:38 PM.

Mar 17, 2009, 11:53 PM	#3
BlueMak HH's Asteroids' Dominator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki Posts: 13,465 Rep Power: 349 System Specs	Re: Gaming Laptop Advice..... No gaming laptop will last you for 3-5 years unless you are not going to keep playing new games in the future. In fact, no desktop will last you for 5 years if you want that. If you want to buy a gaming laptop that will continue to be able to play modern games for as long as possible then you will end up spending at least about $3000. Don't go for a 15.4" or smaller since you will have larger heat issues. It will be very difficult to get a gaming laptop with a 3-5 hour battery. The better the gaming laptop the less the battery life. If you get one with 30 min you know you are on the right track. The laptop will last you 4 years only if you take very good care of. For example every 4-6 months cleaning it and making sure every year you open the laptop and clean the inside from dust that WILL accumulate. If you need a laptop for school you could buy a netbook for going places including classes and a desktop for gaming, have the best of both worlds and still be cheaper than a single gaming laptop, just a thought... PS.I wouldn't buy alienware. Sager and toshiba have good warranties and good support. __________________ The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm *Sic semper tyrannis.*

Apr 4, 2009, 12:37 PM	#4
lordgotmilk DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Re: Gaming Laptop Advice..... I did a really quick search and didn't find what I was looking for, but there are laptops out that have an ATI graphics card and integrated graphics. When you are plugged in and playing games, you turn on the card. When you need battery life you turn off the card and use the integrated. Not sure it will get you 3-5 hours, but with that and turning down other things that you don't need during school (cpu speed and such), you can prolly get close enough to be manageable. As far as 64 bit goes. My laptop has Vista Home Premium 64 bit and I've not had one single problem with any of the programs I run. Your question about quad at 2 gig or dual at 2.8 gig. You said you play MMO's, and I myself play EQ2. EQ2 and many other MMO's are more cpu intensive than gpu, so the faster the processor, the better. I'd opt for the faster dual core than the slower quad.

Apr 4, 2009, 02:37 PM	#5
BlueMak HH's Asteroids' Dominator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki Posts: 13,465 Rep Power: 349 System Specs	Re: Gaming Laptop Advice..... Any slower quad core cpu is better than any dual core. __________________ The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm *Sic semper tyrannis.*

Apr 8, 2009, 03:41 PM	#7
ShugNinx DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 9 Rep Power: 0	Re: Gaming Laptop Advice..... A gaming laptop is never going to last you a long time unless you buy an absolute BEAST (such as the 18 inch 4870x2 laptop coming soon from asus) However, if you want to get a reasonably priced one to play middle of the road titles then there are options for you. Firstly if you're choosing between a radeon hd3870 and a nvidia 9800gt go with the NVidia mate, better card in my opinion. Additionally, even though you may appreciate it in windows for gaming you won't necessarily need a 1920x1200 which is offered in many 15 and 17 inch laptops as the 9800gt won't run the latest games at super settings. Another thing to consider is the processor, dual core for gaming obviously no point in investing in a quad core for gaming at the moment with that video card. If you plan on gaming on the move at all you will want to strike a balance between power and battery efficiency, so shop around and do some reading.