Laptop capable?

V

Vulch

n00b
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Nov 26, 2006
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Alright so I'm going to college next year and need a laptop. Since I can't afford to buy or build my own desktop along with the laptop I have some questions.

So the minimum requirements are:
1.2 GHz
2 Gb RAM
80 GB HD space
Graphics Card with 256 mb RAM

They also reccomend (don't have to) to have Vista.

So basically I am looking for some reccomendations. I like to play games (competively) in some of my spare time, so it would be nice to have a capable laptop. My friend has a Dell e1705 Inspiron and gets roughly 30 frames on Call of Duty 2 on DX9 and probably 125 constant or above on DX7. Originally, I was thinking of staying with XP, because the display driver issues I've heard of with Vista and how it had not been fully tweaked. But, another game I was also looking into is Halo 2 Vista. This would be 1 reason I'd actually like to include Vista.

I have talked to people who suggest buying a CRT monitor with a decent refresh rate for cheap and keep that in my dorm to play games on. I already have a mx518 and keyboard that Im bringing with me.

So I know laptops can hold games, I have a price range of around 1000-1200+ dollars.
 
So why can't you get a desktop again?

My recommendation, upgrade/make a desktop that will cost the same or less than the laptop and it will be faster.
 
Because its college and I need to carry it around to classes (I think?) and such? I can't afford a laptop and a desktop.
 
In my experience (I'm starting my third year in the fall) Laptops are handy but not a requirement. If I was asked to choose between my Lappy or my Desktop I would choose the desktop.
 
I don't know how good of a student you are, but i bet you won't be doing much note taking in class, you'll probably be surfing the web and using an IM client

if you really want to game you should get a desktop, and if you want, you can build a small form factor one

if you're still interested in a laptop with in the 1000-1200 price range with a 256mb video card, then take a look at the asus s96j

list of asus resellers

also check out the

compal hel80
 
I'm a computer science major and even there, like 2 kids bring their laptops to class.

You won't do it anyway, just get a desktop.
 
I am in my MBA program and everyone brings their laptops to class when we meet. Granted all we do is IM between one another with the occassional note taking.... A lappy will not be a requirement for most classes and if you live in a shady dorm...well... lappy=easier to disappear. I would stick with a desktop or if you are really set on getting a lappy make sure that your parent put it on your insurance so that in the event of a theft it is covered (granted will depend on the insurance plan you guys have). Also, another good idea is to go to the Dell Outlet and check out their refurbed machines, could save you some dough and that way you can upgrade where needed. Choice is completely up to you though....
 
+1 for you don't need a notebook in college, but if you want one look at the ASUS S96J, it is pretty much the only decent "gaming" notebook within your budget.

If you don't like the stock color check out gentechpc.com.........they'll paint it for you. :D
 
There are lots of people with laptops where I go to school, but nobody brings them to class. I think I've seen one guy with a laptop in class so far. And this is in a university with a very healthy tech environment and gigantic CS curriculum.

My suggestion: get a laptop if you want the convenience to take it to different places. But you really won't need it for classes. That's what cheap journal + mechanical pencil is for.
 
+1 on not getting a laptop. I bring mine to class everyday to take notes and my grades have slipped slightly. I dont pay attention and i mostly read digg stories or forums.
 
Yup, half-way through my graduate degree and I do own a laptop. . . Still don't take it to class with me though, not even one-note is easier for note-taking than a good old pencil and paper. It's nice at work though, since I have something more akin to an office job.

But yeah, unless your college / major actually *requires* a laptop, because some do, don't feel like you have to have one.
 
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