New computer selection help

[THE_fury]

So the time has finally (huzza) come to get a new computer. I am replacing my slow slow slow laptop with a new much faster laptop. The laptop I currently have was a mistake in a nutshell. I purchased the college package deal laptop and was not thinking clearly (excited about college, parents said just pick one etc etc...).

So I do not want to make the same mistake twice. And I need help selecting a good buy.

Here is the requirements it needs to work for me (in no particular order)
1. be portable
2. be durable (I got a plastic case on my last one which was a huge mistake)
3. It has to be able to run pc games well (I get horrible fps currently with the lowest settings)
4. have windows 7 (vista was a nightmare)
5. not be obsolete in a year (this is important)
6. be able to run most necessary college programs (shouldn't be hard)

I have a budget of about 1,500 U.S.D. (I could maybe add a bit of funds if necessary)

So far I was looking at the Dell XPS line but they just recalled and stopped making the 14 inch (which I was probably going to select).

Since portability is an issue (can't be heavy) I was thinking of a screen size anywhere from 13-15 inches.

I could use all the suggestions/help I can get so it will be much appreciated.

 

[runo]

Asus G73JH?

 

[pojih]

I've had a few friends in your predicament and this is my advice...

Buy a netbook for portability to class and around campus.
Build a desktop for gaming.

This allows you to upgrade your gaming desktop as needed, but still have the portability that you are also asking for.

If you don't want to build one, or don't have a friend that could help you, you could always go through ibuypower, or cyberpowerpc.

 

[THE_fury]

Thanks for the help so far! I have considered the buying two computers one for gaming and one for class but I am not sure I have enough scratch to do that, and i am positive I don't have the know how. I will check out those sites however.

 

[reflex99]

Cannot be done.

There are new processors coming out in 4ish months (BD), and then again around the holidays rendering anything you can buy for another year pretty much obsolete already.

Now if you can forgive the obsolete part,:

MSI 1656

sager NP8130 (Has intels newest CPUs)

MSI GX660

 

[Mr.Game]

As of your requirements, 5 is impossible due to the fact that we are not able to predict the future of computer technology. Although, on that note, Intel's new Sandybridge and AMD's new "unknown name at this time" will be released soon and they are to improve small computers and laptops of all kinds. If you need the laptop between now and about 6 months, I'd say it's not worth the wait then.

If you don't want to wait...
runo posted one of the best laptops meeting your requirements...
Note, it is impossible to have a sufficient gaming laptop with a screen size under 15in. I'd say for your price-range, you'd be better off purchasing the best for your budget.

Here's another suggestion,
You could also go to one of the sponsor links here on the eGO website, either CyberPowerPC or iBuyPower. Both of those companies carry gaming laptops (although limited choices), and they're very reputable with their products/support. You can also check out Newegg or TigerDirect for a wide variety of laptops.

If you find one you like, just come back here and don't hesitate to ask about it.

 

[reflex99]

As of your requirements, 5 is impossible due to the fact that we are not able to predict the future of computer technology. Although, on that note, Intel's new Sandybridge and AMD's new "unknown name at this time" will be released soon and they are to improve small computers and laptops of all kinds. If you need the laptop between now and about 6 months, I'd say it's not worth the wait then.

If you don't want to wait...
runo posted one of the best laptops meeting your requirements...
Note, it is impossible to have a sufficient gaming laptop with a screen size under 15in. I'd say for your price-range, you'd be better off purchasing the best for your budget.

Here's another suggestion,
You could also go to one of the sponsor links here on the eGO website, either CyberPowerPC or iBuyPower. Both of those companies carry gaming laptops (although limited choices), and they're very reputable with their products/support. You can also check out Newegg or TigerDirect for a wide variety of laptops.

If you find one you like, just come back here and don't hesitate to ask about it.

all of my links are 16" or lower.......

 

[pojih]

I'd say 1500 or a bit more would be fine to get a netbook and a desktop.

One of the reasons I also suggested this was that it is an awkward time to buy a laptop that you really want to last, especially now that you won't find a sandy bridge based computer out there.

 

[Mr.Game]

all of my links are 16" or lower.......

... I'm trying to understand what you mean by this after quoting my post.


Anyways, I didn't consider the option of using a netbook and a separate gaming PC (must be because I'm staying up too late). I too recommend doing that as it is much more sufficient/efficient.

Remember, never hesitate to ask about anything you find on your own!

 

[reflex99]

Note, it is impossible to have a sufficient gaming laptop with a screen size under 15in.

It implies that anything with a 15" screen is no good for gaming, which is blatantly wrong, and proven so by the links i posted.

When i think of 15" i usually include 16" and 15.6. So maybe that is where we are not understanding each other.

 

[I'm your huckleberry]

Gaming on a 15" laptop does not seem like a great gaming experience...desktop/netbook combo is your best option.

 

[THE_fury]

Hey everyone so this thread has given me a lot to think about before I make my decision. I want to say thanks for all the suggestions so far! hope to hear more.

 

[THE_fury]

Oh also any suggestions as to good netbooks that don't break the bank? I have no experience with them.

Also I don't need a monitor for my desktop as i have a 21 inch flat screen dell monitor (it may be 23 inch actually). So that will cut the cost a little bit.

Edit again: I think I will got to Best Buy and look at the netbook models they have there. I would never think about buying one there as they charge you and arm, a leg, and a kidney.

 

[reflex99]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...re=next_generation_ion-_-34-220-850-_-Product

^dual core CPU and nVidia ION GPU

 

[pillar]

looks like reflex beat me to the suggestion by 10 mins. the good thing bout asus' eee series netbooks is that they come w/ online backup storage. i just read this article bout this netbook that reflex just posted & am really amazed by how much stuff you can backup w/ this netbook: http://www.technoreviewz.com/asus-eee-pc-1015pn-pu17-bk.htm

both my mom & dad have gotten netbooks & i can tell ya that the cpu is rather impressive, despite its small size. one thing you will notice is that the netbook comes w/ 1gb memory (which is plenty). overall, i would highly suggest getting this netbook. i highly doubt that best buy will have this netbook on sale, so def go after it on newegg (& make sure to click the link thru our site so that we get some fundage from the sale).

 

[Mr.Game]

This is a strong performing netbook with an AMD dual-core CPU/Processor and 2 GB of RAM/Memory:

[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-LT3119u-11-6-Inch-Netbook-NightSky/dp/B003UNP0OK[/ame]
I'd say for applications and whatnot, it would run them just fine (even better than my PC).

That would leave you a good $1,000 to build a great gaming computer. I can even build one that plays the latest games (medium settings) for $500.

EDIT: A few differences between the netbook I posted, and the one reflex posted:

ASUS:

• 1GB - DDR3 RAM
• Wireless N option
• Bluetooth
• Free included cloud to backup files
• 10.1-inch Screen with 1024 x 600 resolution
• Much greater battery life (10hr vs 4hr)

Gateway:

• 2GB - DDR2
• 11.6-inch Screen with 1366 x 768 resolution
• Slightly better graphics card

Both CPU's are the same performance-wise

CONCLUSION: If you're looking for a powerhouse that will work faster, go with the Gateway. If battery life is more important and you like features to be included, go with the ASUS.

(Personal thoughts: I don't like netbooks )

 

[pojih]

I have to chime in with my asus eeepc experience. Since I have a computer for gaming, I bought the 1000he (older model) and dropped an extra gig of ram in it.
Can't go wrong.

 

[reflex99]

This is a strong performing netbook with an AMD dual-core CPU/Processor and 2 GB of RAM/Memory:

http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-LT3119u-11-6-Inch-Netbook-NightSky/dp/B003UNP0OK
I'd say for applications and whatnot, it would run them just fine (even better than my PC).

That would leave you a good $1,000 to build a great gaming computer. I can even build one that plays the latest games (medium settings) for $500.

EDIT: A few differences between the netbook I posted, and the one reflex posted:

ASUS:

• 1GB - DDR3 RAM
• Wireless N option
• Bluetooth
• Free included cloud to backup files
• 10.1-inch Screen with 1024 x 600 resolution
• Much greater battery life (10hr vs 4hr)

Gateway:

• 2GB - DDR2
• 11.6-inch Screen with 1366 x 768 resolution
• Slightly better graphics card

Both CPU's are the same performance-wise

CONCLUSION: If you're looking for a powerhouse that will work faster, go with the Gateway. If battery life is more important and you like features to be included, go with the ASUS.

(Personal thoughts: I don't like netbooks )

ION 2 is much faster than the X1270:

ION2:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-ION-2.24292.0.html

X1270:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/ATI-Radeon-Xpress-X1270.17188.0.html

also, the one you posted has craptacular battery life. (I used to have one, i know what it is like)

 

[Mr.Game]

ION 2 is much faster than the X1270:

ION2:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-ION-2.24292.0.html

X1270:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/ATI-Radeon-Xpress-X1270.17188.0.html

also, the one you posted has craptacular battery life. (I used to have one, i know what it is like)

Sorry, I didn't see the single line "The next generation NVIDIA ION."
I was comparing it against the first generation, my mistake.

Well, unless someone finds something better, that ASUS hits the top of the list from what I see.


EDIT: I'll keep searching... It's better to have a list than to have a single choice.

EDIT 2: @THE_fury - Would you mind a laptop instead of a netbook? There are laptops out there that are under $500.

 

[I'm your huckleberry]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834131086

Something like this seems like it might be a better option for long term use. Still small and portable, but 4gb ram, a core i5 cpu, and decent graphics. It is a little more, but you could still get a great gaming desktop with room to upgrade with the remainder. Other opinions on small laptops?