Just a graphics card question

So after being on this forum (and others for some time) I have learned a great deal about the m15x. As I should before buying one no? Anyways I know Im not much of a gamer but If the most graphic intensive thing that I will be going is playing shadowrun or watching a movie should I get the 8800 or the 8700?
Recently I learned that the card wont bump up the preference If the things Im doing aren't graphic intensive enough and am wondering If these are demanding enough.

Would I notice a difference between the 8800 and 8700 anyways with mostly this level of graphics related things ?

 

Yes you would notice a difference

 

What kind of movies? If Blu-ray or 1080p, then you might want to opt for the 8800M GTX just to be safe. 2x 8700's are still weaker than 1 8800, so if possible, even if you might not max it out, would be safer to go with the 8800 just so you don't have to worry about limitations.

 

The 8800m gtx is almost twice as faster than the 8700m gt which is basically an overclocked 8600m gt. I would say that if you get the 8800m gtx, you would be able to run games perfectly without lagging at least for 2 more years from now. It will be more future proof relatively than the 8700m gt. So go for the 8800m gtx.

 

No not getting the blu-ray player.

[gushy moment]
But thanks for all the quick responses guys! One the reasons I like this forum is cuz people are ALWAYS on and responding.
[/gushy moment]

Anyways I was just worried about not getting the full performance out of my 8800 but it looks like its still the ****

 

Yeah, I wouldn't worry about it at all. If you can get it, definitely consider it. It's just that much better.

 

i was able to watch 720p videos on the integrated card pretty ok. you dont need a 8800 to watch hd movies....

 

very true.... True HD movies does not require that much graphics. I can play crysis fine in High settings on my 8700m GT. I tried Very High once and it does not gave me more than 5-6 fps but with High settings it was 17-18fps which is quite decent in high settings.

 

I think the 8700 is fine if you don't mind not running things at the highest settings and if your not a gamer and chances are you won't care about longevity (better to upgrade sooner anyway) I did and would recommend an 8700 so you save 350 bucks I still run all the games I want just fine I would imagine my battery life and reliability/longevity will be better with this card as well

 

Well right now I am still saving for the laptop because im wating for the alien exchange giftcard to get to my house (taking foever) Right now Im about $150 away from the 8800. If I don't get it then I'm just waiting for the gift card. I think if I save $150 by the time I get it then Ill get the 8800 if not then I won't delay any longer and get a nice bag and lock.

 

If you're not a gamer, this is not the laptop for you. There are many thiner, lighter, and cheaper laptops that are more practical.

The notion of using an 8800 over an 8700 for the purpose of Bluray as suggested is absurd. Current integrated cards and entry-level dedicated options can handle Bluray movies.

I would save your money and spend no more than $1500 on a nice multimedia laptop with an 9600m GT.

 

Heard that, Done this. Not news

 

Don't worry about that. There is nothing wrong with having a little overhead in case for that rainy day when you'll need it. You don't want to be slapping yourself silly because you decided to get the 8700 GT the day you realized you needed that 1% more power than it could provide.