looking at getting a laptop, need some input

[stewie574]

as the title says, i'm gonna be getting a laptop for college soon, and i need some input. it needs to be able to run source games, cod4, and minecraft. preferably, i'd like an hp, and most likely i'll be getting it from bestbuy, so throw out some suggestions or input.

thanks!

 

[Muffs]

Are you against getting it from Newegg or tigerdirect? Also is HP a must and what is your budget?

 

[ch3co]

1. For sheer quality, go with Dell or Asus. Dell is a bit cheaper.
2. Order online, from the manufacturer's website. Always gives you the most options. Buying in store limits you to whatever they have on hand at the time, even if you're custom building a PC.

My current computer is a Dell Studio 1550, I don't think they make that particular model anymore, but it has served me well, and I can safely say Dell is the brand to go with. And if you want a gaming centric laptop, get a Alienware.

 

[stewie574]

i'm not against getting it from newegg or somewhere like that, but getting it from bestbuy, i can get coverage on it from geek squad. i'd prefer it be hp, but if you think i can get a better deal with asus or dell, than that's fine.

 

[pillar]

We need to know your price range, this way we can help you get the best laptop for your buck. Also, I agree with going with Dell or ASUS (even tho I shutter bout the idea of Dell due to their history of tech support) because both companies have more reliable selection of laptops to choose from (unlike going to your Best Buy store & choosing from their weak selection of gaming laptops). Also Best Buy's Geek Squad isnt the most reliable when it comes to tech support either (well depending on where you live).
We do suggest Newegg because of the users that comment on the laptops that they buy. They do offer extended warranties on the laptops that they offer as well. Also Newegg is excellent when it comes to their customer support; however cant say the same for the company that you're about to get your laptop from.
So first step is to get your price range. After that, its a matter of smaller steps & getting your laptop based on how soon ya need it. I hope this information helps in your process of getting a new laptop.

 

[stewie574]

let's say my price range is $300-$700, maybe a little higher, not too much though.

i don't need it in the next few weeks; i'm not heading to school until january.

 

[stewie574]

any thoughts?

 

[ch3co]

Get one of the low end M series from Alienware. I think a couple may be within your price range.

 

[Muffs]

A little high but..http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834215404

 

[stewie574]

i found this guy. i don't like how it has only 4GB memory, but what are your thoughts?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230242

 

[stewie574]

or maybe this one?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+15...72045876&skuId=5608338&st=m6-1035dx&cp=1&lp=1

 

[Volcom]

With only a $700 budget, the laptop won't be able to play many games at max settings. Gaming isn't really meant for laptops. But if you insist, I would try this.

It'll definitely be able to handle Minecraft with that 8GB of RAM.

 

[Dinksta]

Hey I was in the same boat as you here is what I got.

1.SCREW Best buy buy it directly from HP

2. HP ProBook 4530s It's an HP like you said it goes from 500-950 depending on your config so it should be able to run all your games fine. It Hackintoshes beautifully so you can stick it to those mac kids in school who spend 2k plus on nothing. You can also run Windows 7 and your favorite linux flavors.

3. Its durable and strong as is anything in the probook line.

Just my two cents

 

[mad pistol]

I actually just got an HP M6-1035dx from Best Buy. It's a laptop based on AMD's new Trinity platform.

When I bought it, it was $600, but now it's $650.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+15...lack/5608338.p?id=1218672045876&skuId=5608338

The video card on it is able to max out source games, max out minecraft, and probably max out CoD4, although I haven't checked that yet. Also, it can play BF3 on low with a good framerate easily.

The best part about the laptop though is that you can get around 6 hours of battery life out of it when just surfing the web and stuff. It's very power efficient.


It's pretty sweet. Never thought a laptop with integrated graphics could be used for gaming, but AMD has done it. It is a very well balanced system.

 

[stewie574]

I actually just got an HP M6-1035dx from Best Buy. It's a laptop based on AMD's new Trinity platform.

When I bought it, it was $600, but now it's $650.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+15...lack/5608338.p?id=1218672045876&skuId=5608338

The video card on it is able to max out source games, max out minecraft, and probably max out CoD4, although I haven't checked that yet. Also, it can play BF3 on low with a good framerate easily.

The best part about the laptop though is that you can get around 6 hours of battery life out of it when just surfing the web and stuff. It's very power efficient.


It's pretty sweet. Never thought a laptop with integrated graphics could be used for gaming, but AMD has done it. It is a very well balanced system.

no joke, i looked at getting this same laptop when i went to bestbuy the other day. does bestbuy do a back to school sale? if so, i may wait and buy it then.