This might sound stupid...

I'm very interested in picking up an R3, and will mostly be using it for older games. I'm wondering if I could squeak bye with the 6870 video card, 4GB RAM (Upgrade later on my own) and with a SSD I'll install as well. Here are the specs. The ONLY games I will be playing are Counter-Strike Source, World of Warcraft, Diablo2/3(When it comes out) and League of Legends. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. Any input would be appreciated.

Processor Intel® Core™ i7 2630QM 2.0GHz (2.8GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
LCD Panel 17.3-inch WideHD+ 1600 x 900 60Hz WLED
Memory 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz (2DIMMS)
Hard Drive 320GB 7,200RPM HDD
Video Card 1GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon™ HD 6870M
Internal Optical Drive Slot-Load Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Wireless Cards Wireless 802.11 g/n
Sound Options Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio

This laptop isn't going to be run on wireless, as I prefer wired for my gaming machines. Also, it won't be leaving my desk, so portability isn't a concern. Most likely going to run video out to a 24 inch 2ms monitor, so 900 resolution isn't a huge concern. Any input, suggestions, or ideas would be appreciated. The games aren't super demanding, but I like the AW17x and think I could justify it with the wifey

 

You might want to factor longevity into your purchase. Its easy to say you'll only play those few games now...

...but later you may not feel the same way.

 

If history repeats itself, these are the games I enjoy playing. I have Xbox/PS3 for everything else. As far as computer games go, it's RPG's like WoW and LoL that I'll be playing. I just want to know if this setup would be decent for that and word processing.

 

if it just sits on your desk and your hooking it up to a monitor why not a desktop?

 

I like the option to relocate it from time to time, and do travel quite frequently. It's going to be an all in one, but I like the AW look and feel.

 

i think so the 6870 is just as powerful as the 460m from reading through numerous benches, it will take care of your RPG needs fairly easily. i think if your not going to be playing the newest games at the highest settings then the basic R3 config is all you need.

 

I have been playing bullestorm, homefront at max setting on the M17XR3 with my setup with no problems at all the 460M does the job. also 3D movies look great.

 

You should post in the WNSIB section...

Also, for your needs, you could get by with a 14" notebook. Couple of suggestions are ENVY14 or 4820TG. Even the 3820TG if you don't mind sacrificing an optical drive. GL!

 

The $250 for the 6970m upgrade may be worth it if you plan to keep the laptop for over a couple years and plan on playing more demanding games than what you listed (like Blizzards new MMO 'Titan' , although no one knows what it is).

Otherwise if your looking just to save money on it for now, the 900p screen is still nice for when your not using your external and the 6870m is still a great card and should run all the games you listed very well.

 

6970 is not available in Canada. I asked the Dell rep and they have no idea when it will be available. Ridiculous

 

They should have it soon. But I thought I saw a couple people from Canada say they got a rep to put in the order for them by calling in a couple times. If u try a few reps one of them may do it for you. Check around I could have sworn they were from Canada. If not it should be there soon