I need to buy a new laptop..

[Jaxx]

Okay, so I want to spend under $2000

I want top be able to game on it with heavy settings, and I start college in the fall, so it needs to be able to do both. Gaming is obviously the difficult part.

Here is what I want. Thoughts? Suggestion? Anything?

 

[Sovereign]

Get a mac.

 

[Andreus Makaryk]

Be aware that no matter how good the graphics card, some game developers will not support mobile graphics chipsets...

For example, I have an Asus lappy with a GTX 260M. It should be fast enough to run The Force Unleashed without problems, but the devs only supported the GTX 260. I couldn't get the game to run on my mobile version thereof, so I had to get a refund :(

(Fortunately, I lucked out in that Direct2Drive did not have the "mobile chipsets not supported" disclaimer that appeared on the box, otherwise I might've well been screwed.)

Other than that...my Asus G71GX was one of the 5% of computers that had a dud hard drive to start, it's just one of those components where quality control doesn't catch everything. They were good about fixing it, the only thing that sucked was having to ship it to the factory. I think I actually ended up talking to an American on tech support (ZOMG!) but it's my understanding that whether you get Boston or Bangalore depends on what time of day you call. Definitely better handled than the Dells I had been loyal to until Dell pissed me off.

Just be prepared for the contingency of having to send the computer to their facility for repairs if something goes wrong. If you follow good backup practices, you'd probably be able to survive on computer lab computers for that week.

Overall, though, I'm a happy Asus customer.

 

[Jaxx]

Get a mac.

I have a G5. (Desktop) I love it, I'm just not sure if I want to buy a 15'' pro, bootcamp, and a windows license is all.

I do agree that macs kick ass though.

 

[Jaxx]

Be aware that no matter how good the graphics card, some game developers will not support mobile graphics chipsets...

For example, I have an Asus lappy with a GTX 260M. It should be fast enough to run The Force Unleashed without problems, but the devs only supported the GTX 260. I couldn't get the game to run on my mobile version thereof, so I had to get a refund :(

(Fortunately, I lucked out in that Direct2Drive did not have the "mobile chipsets not supported" disclaimer that appeared on the box, otherwise I might've well been screwed.)

Other than that...my Asus G71GX was one of the 5% of computers that had a dud hard drive to start, it's just one of those components where quality control doesn't catch everything. They were good about fixing it, the only thing that sucked was having to ship it to the factory. I think I actually ended up talking to an American on tech support (ZOMG!) but it's my understanding that whether you get Boston or Bangalore depends on what time of day you call. Definitely better handled than the Dells I had been loyal to until Dell pissed me off.

Overall, though, I'm a happy Asus customer.

Hmm, I wonder if TOR will support the card. I will have to look into this.

 

[Sovereign]

I have a G5. (Desktop) I love it, I'm just not sure if I want to buy a 15'' pro, bootcamp, and a windows license is all.

I do agree that macs kick ass though.

You don't "buy" bootcamp. It comes with your laptop.

 

[Andreus Makaryk]

Hmm, I wonder if TOR will support the card. I will have to look into this.

TOR almost certainly will, given Bioware's stated goal is to have the game playable on as many computers as possible, and the growing market share of laptops vs. desktops.

Five years ago, gaming laptops were damned expensive, and now good gaming laptops can be had for under $1500, decent ones for around $1000; I'm sure Bioware is aware of this.

I can play EVE online with no problems and KOTOR 1/2 with only the necessary jury-rigging for Windows 7 (which is separate from graphics issues as the KOTOR games are just old). TFU is the only game I've had major issues with so far; just something to be aware of (and that you might not escape if you want a lappy).

 

[Jaxx]

You don't "buy" bootcamp. It comes with your laptop.

I had no idea. Thanks.

TOR almost certainly will, given Bioware's stated goal is to have the game playable on as many computers as possible, and the growing market share of laptops vs. desktops.

Five years ago, gaming laptops were damned expensive, and now good gaming laptops can be had for under $1500, decent ones for around $1000; I'm sure Bioware is aware of this.

I can play EVE online with no problems and KOTOR 1/2 with only the necessary jury-rigging for Windows 7 (which is separate from graphics issues as the KOTOR games are just old). TFU is the only game I've had major issues with so far; just something to be aware of (and that you might not escape if you want a lappy).

I have two desktops, one mac, and one PC, so I don't see that being an issue. Thanks for the input, it is much appreciated.

 

[Andreus Makaryk]

I have two desktops, one mac, and one PC, so I don't see that being an issue. Thanks for the input, it is much appreciated.

You're welcome. :)

I've never been able to afford having multiple computers, and my computer had to be a lappy because I went to college somewhere where I had to fly halfway across the country to see family, so I needed the portability. However, there's a decent chance of me having a monthly budget surplus in the four figures by the end of the year, so hopefully I'll be able to build a full-blown gaming rig in the foreseeable future...

 

[Sir Dakar]

If you have a best buy near your area, they may actually have this computer there. I know my local one does, so you can go and get a feel for the machine before you buy it. Just a thought.

 

[Jaxx]

If you have a best buy near your area, they may actually have this computer there. I know my local one does, so you can go and get a feel for the machine before you buy it. Just a thought.

I didn't think they would. There are 4 or 5 within 20 minuets of my house so I will call around.

You're welcome. :)

I've never been able to afford having multiple computers, and my computer had to be a lappy because I went to college somewhere where I had to fly halfway across the country to see family, so I needed the portability. However, there's a decent chance of me having a monthly budget surplus in the four figures by the end of the year, so hopefully I'll be able to build a full-blown gaming rig in the foreseeable future...

I am much better with desktops, so I would love to hear your ideas for a build once you get closer to actually picking out components, and give input if you wanted. I have built three myself.

 

[Ser Gregor]

Pro-tip: Buy a cheap little netbook (or notebook if you hate the tiny keyboard) for school work and then buy a gaming rig. That's what I have set up.

Gaming laptops simply don't get the job done nearly as well as desktops.

 

[Jaxx]

Pro-tip: Buy a cheap little netbook (or notebook if you hate the tiny keyboard) for school work and then buy a gaming rig. That's what I have set up.

Gaming laptops simply don't get the job done nearly as well as desktops.

I have a desktop that I can game on. I want portability though because my parents (mom) are moving to the UK and I will be an hour away from my dad's house. So I would like to be able to take it with me.