Looking at new laptops

[Matt34]

This Dell XPS M1210 has been a headache for the past few months and now the graphics card seems to be going out. I've had Dell the past two computers but want to like to try another brand.

I do a bit of gaming MW2 and WOW so I a non-integrated graphics card is a must.

I would like to try a Mac but am not very familiar with them or the software. This Sony Vaio has caught my eye though. What's the flavor of the month as far as laptops are concerned?

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666002710#specifications

 

[jamie2112]

Matt get a Macbook pro laptop.They are by far the best thing out there IMHO.The system just works and you dont need all the protection from bugs as a PC does.

 

[jeffsg4mac]

I second getting a macbook pro. You can dual boot windows if needed or run it in VMware like I do. It's like getting two computers for the price of one. There is more software than you will ever need too. And if you do photo and video, there is no other choice.

 

[Alex2507]

If you want to get a Mac, let me know and I'll send you all the money I got off of JerryLove. You're gonna need that and then some. Think about selling the kid and re-mortgaging your home.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

While I not going start apple fan boys fame war, but the man is looking for a gaming laptop...
While macbook and macbook pro are great pieces of technology and design, Nvidia 9400M first of all is integrated and second is barely enough to run wow.

Matt, Check out this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220667

It got everything you need in terms of hardware, and windows 7 is great os, probably the Microsoft did so far...

 

[jeffsg4mac]

You can get a macbook pro with the both the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated and NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics card in one mac. It runs on battery with the integrated and the other when you need it or want it.

 

[jvgillow]

I like the specs on that VAIO, 1600x900 is a good resolution for detail without getting too complex for a laptop card to render. The design is a bit odd though, looks like a rip off of Alienware.

The 15 and 17 inch MBP have a dedicated graphics card and would be fine for gaming. If you think about going that way though, I would go try one in person first and make sure you are ok with the keyboard. Even if you boot windows instead of OS X you still have to learn all the mac-specific shortcuts since they don't put a lot of the common keys on there.

We buy quite a bit of Dell equipment at work and I have been disappointed with their QC lately on laptops. I don't blame you for wanting to check out other options.

 

[Zaluss]

Without getting into a Mac vs PC flame war...

What kind of detail are you looking for in gaming? WoW's engine doesn't take much (unless you want ultra setting) but MW2 does.

http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=wGROClu9UevFOGKS
http://www.buy.com/prod/asus-g71gx-rx05-laptop-intel-core-2-duo-p8700-2-53ghz-17-1-wxga-6gb/q/loc/101/212446724.html
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+-+FX+Edition+Laptop+with+Intel®+Centrino®+2+Processor+Technology/9605365.p?PID=3640576&id=1218130485627&ref=39&loc=01&URL=http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9605365&type=product&id=1218130485627&SID=skim525X832&AID=10474050&skuId=9605365

Some options. Hit up notebookreview.com forums for more insight.

For bang for buck forget mac, sony, alienware, ibuypower, cyberpower, dell, most HPs.

 

[jeffsg4mac]

We buy quite a bit of Dell equipment at work and I have been disappointed with their QC lately on laptops. I don't blame you for wanting to check out other options.

I agree on that. Seems like the only laptops I have fixed recently are Dells. Just fixed one for somebody today actually.

 

[majorloser]

I just got a couple HP's for the wife and I yesterday for $799 each. For that price they're disposable. With the HDMI output I can even use it with my Sencore calibration equipment, too. It's not a gaming machine, though.

HP G71-358NR

Intel Core Duo T6600
4GB DDR2
320GB HD
Intel Graphics Media 4500MHD w/HDMI
17.3" 1600X900 LED backlit screen
BluRay Lightscribe DVD+/-RW
mic/webcam/5-in-1 card reader
Wireless N
56k modem
Windows 7 64-bit
(lots of other software)

 

[Matt34]

Without getting into a Mac vs PC flame war...

What kind of detail are you looking for in gaming? WoW's engine doesn't take much (unless you want ultra setting) but MW2 does.

http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=wGROClu9UevFOGKS
http://www.buy.com/prod/asus-g71gx-rx05-laptop-intel-core-2-duo-p8700-2-53ghz-17-1-wxga-6gb/q/loc/101/212446724.html
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+-+FX+Edition+Laptop+with+Intel®+Centrino®+2+Processor+Technology/9605365.p?PID=3640576&id=1218130485627&ref=39&loc=01&URL=http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9605365&type=product&id=1218130485627&SID=skim525X832&AID=10474050&skuId=9605365

Some options. Hit up notebookreview.com forums for more insight.

For bang for buck forget mac, sony, alienware, ibuypower, cyberpower, dell, most HPs.

Yeah, I'm not looking for an extreme gaming PC that can run everything on high settings. Just something that can last me a couple years and a tour to Korea. A 15" MBP would be at the very top of my budget, would like to keep it under $2000. I need to go to BB and try one out for a little bit.

That ASUS that BSA linked is nice and the price is very good. I wouldn't mind getting something with a soild state HD as well.

I bought Windows 7 for this computer and really like it so far, just the computer itself is kicking the can.

Oh, and call me weird but I would really like something that comes in another color other than black, this Dell looks dusty all the time.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Hey Matt,
if you go hp home, look under performance for dv6t.

Components below will be $925 before s&h/taxes.

* • Moonlight White
* • Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* • Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P7450 (2.13GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
* • FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* • FREE Upgrade to 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive from 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
* • 1GB ATI Radeon(TM) HD 4650 Graphics
* • 15.6" diagonal High Definition LED HP Brightview Widescreen Display (1366x768)
* • LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
* • Webcam Only
* • Wireless-G Card
* • No TV Tuner w/remote control
* • HP Color Matching Keyboard
* • 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* • No Modem
* • Microsoft(R) Works 9.0

While this rig will not touch the star its good value for your buck, plus HP have decent CS and warranties. My workplace (over 100 servers) is fully HP shop expect storage and networking.

 

[Matt34]

Oh, guess I should have stated this from the beginning as well. 90% of the time this will be used as a desktop replacement, meaning an external monitor, keyboard and mouse.

 

[TLS Guy]

I purchased a Dell Latitude E6500 about six months ago. It has been a very good performer. I can't fault it. I did a lot of research and the Dell business class computers are in a totally different league to their consumer range. The build quality fit and finish are also superior.

This laptop replaced a seven year old IBM machine, that gave sterling service. Now the Chinese have mucked up that line as they usually do.

 

[majorloser]

We buy quite a bit of Dell equipment at work and I have been disappointed with their QC lately on laptops. I don't blame you for wanting to check out other options.

I'll second that!

The only laptops we don't have many problems with are the Panasonic Toughbooks. They're just too damn expensive and don't have the features.

 

[Nemo128]

Macs are for people with more money than brains that value aesthetics over performance.

Dells suck. Lenovo, Asus, and Gateway are good options.

Typing this on a Dell Latitude D830 with a dual core and a mobile Quadro. It's nothing special but it's been reliable.

 

[Adam]

Macs are for people with more money than brains that value aesthetics over performance.

I disagree. My brother has a lot more brains than money (he'd have to be rich), and he loves them. He wants the OS, though, not necessarily the hardware. He would have to explain why, as I'd do it poorly. I won't discuss his profession, but I'll say his love of the OS isn't based off of some "I drank the Kool-Aid" mentality.

 

[jamie2112]

Macs are for people with more money than brains that value aesthetics over performance.

.

I will disagree with you here,they are much better for audio(Pro Tools) and they are used by almost everyone in the Live concert production field.I switched from PC because the Mac was much easier for me to use and operate.If I get a new external device there is no downloading drivers and whatnot you plug it in and blammo it works.Apple is a great computer but it is more expensive than a $700 HP that I bought my wife(and have already had to have a tech look at twice).You get what you pay for,the service at Applecare is second to none.Matt you got a ton of choices out there good luck buddy...

 

[Alex2507]

I will disagree with you here ...

You are absolutely killing me today.
Thanks for posting.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Oh FFS, Lets assume OSX IS THE best OS ever, but the man need gaming rig....

Last time I checked MW2 doesn't work in OSX, and don't tell me about Fusion/virtualbox etc... we both know its slow.
Dual boot? Then you wont be running the "best os ever"....
Too bad, but for now for Games you ether switch to consoles or use Windows.