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View Full Version : Opinions Wanted (Computers)


Ryan Pode
Jan 4th, 2007, 09:09:25 AM
I am going to purchase a laptop for educational reasons. My budget is $850 American, that is to include shipping costs.

My wants include:
2.0 Ghz processor speed.
512 Mb RAM (at least)
40 Gig HD (At least)
Graphics that can play CS, BF2142, well.

I have found this:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2283300&Tab=2&NoMapp=0

I have checked Tigerdirect, Newegg, Circuit City, Best Buy. Is this too good to be true? Or is there some unknown store out there that is too awesome for me to even fathom? Constructive criticism is welcomed and thank you for all of your feedback.
Yog
Jan 4th, 2007, 10:52:17 AM
Thats a very good deal for a laptop.

One thing about laptops though, they all have integrated graphics cards, and yours is no exception. That kinda sucks if you're planning to play BF2142, although it should handle CS.

If you check this chart, the ATI X600 is near the bottom with a framerate of 25 per second for Half Life 2 - episode 1. Thats the standalone card though, not sure how the integrated card deviates from that. Resolution of 1024 x 768 seems reasonable for a 15.4 inch LCD, Im making a guess on that one.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=531&model2=529&chart=196

PS. BF2142 LOVES memory, it prefers 2GB, but that is hard to find in a laptop.
Ryan Pode
Jan 4th, 2007, 10:27:13 PM
That's a nice site to use as comparison. Thanks!
Morgan Evanar
Jan 4th, 2007, 11:29:08 PM
If you want to play games give up and buy a desktop. There is no way you can accomplish your goals with your budget.
Ryan Pode
Jan 5th, 2007, 09:57:12 AM
I have a desktop. A nice one. I just want something more mobile I guess.
Morgan Evanar
Jan 5th, 2007, 06:59:59 PM
That's all well and good, don't expect to play games on it. CPU "Ghz" doesn't mean very much, either, and the P4 was an AWFUL mobile CPU. Actually, it was an awful CPU after Northwood. I'd find something with a 14" or 15" screen and a lightweight body, in the 5lbs range.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2705501&CatId=0

Is a good start.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2484447&CatId=0
Is heavier but leaves plenty of budget for that extra 512MB of RAM it will need.