Closest Thing to a MacBook Pro?

I'm looking to buy a new computer, and I want something with at least a 9600M GT or better, as I'll be gaming on it. However, I'll also have to be lugging it around college all day. So, I was wondering if there are any Windows notebooks less than an inch thin / less than 5 pounds (screen size doesn't matter).

I've seen the LG P310, but I don't know how to get it (I'm in the U.S.).

Anyway, thanks for any help!

P.S. I wasn't sure if this would go in the 'What Notebook Should I Buy?' forum, but I figured the GPU experts would be here. Nevertheless, feel free to move it wherever.

 

The 14" Asus N81 has an Ati 4650 which is easily more powerful than the 9600 GT. Weighs 5-6 pounds.

 

the Macbook? (not pro version)

 

Sony FW? I think that is quite nice if your into 16''...

 

If you want to game, you have to be ready to give a bit on the weight thing.
Good GPUs require cooling and that means either heatsinks or fans and a chassis to handle it.

Why is there this fascination with <5 lbs?

I'm not exactly a "Mr Universe" contender, but I notice no difference at all between 6-7lb or 4-5lb laptops as both are so light it doesn't matter anymore.

You don't "lug" a 7lb object.
If it makes you even remotely uncomfortable to lift a 7lb object, please go see your doctor as you are sub-humanly weak.

The average 12-pack of soda weighs well over 10lbs and I have never seen a college student even THINK about how much it weighs and even drag it all over campus...

If apple made a 1lb laptop, I bet everything heavier would be "lugging".

 

Unless you get a MacBook Pro.

No, I understand what you're saying, but it's a common argument from people who don't themselves actually carry a computer around all day every day. It doesn't seem like much of a difference, but ask any MacBook Air or other netbook owner, and they'll tell you that when you have to lug it around all the time, there's an unimaginable difference between 4.5lbs and 3lbs.

 

hmmmm I never notice much of a difference carrying my MBA or my Toughbook or one of my netbook rigs, and some days I wind up packing them for miles checking network or optic cables. if you find 5-8 pounds heavy for a day go back to the gym.

and id second the N81 its a nice overall machine, if you need extra bat time just get a second battery

 

People need to re-assess the terms "too heavy" not in terms of capacity, but in terms of comfort and efficiency. For a student, the laptop is rarely the only thing they're going to carry around. If you're a student with say 2-3 1000 page textbooks, an extra 5-7lbs WILL cause extra discomfort; it's just a question of how much a person can tolerate. Also note that bags are limited in size and heavy notebooks tend to be big as well, therefore they take up more space. Believe me, taking around more than 2 bags on a person isn't the epitom of "comfort".

I honestly think both sides misjudge the other one. One side just complains about weight and the other just calls them "weak".

Oh and I'll second the suggestion for the N81 since it's the smallest laptop with an HD4650 which bets the 9600M GT in the Macbook Pro. The Vaio FW is also another option if you want to consider something bigger(it's not that much heavier though).

 

Then what was the point of buying the MacBook Air?

 

Because i support both platforms and use a rather large variety of systems .. I like the MBA for acting as a quick VNC server I can temporarily clip into some building automation and managememt systems while running solaris and tying its magsafe cable straight into the existing DC power supply ( I dont use a brick ). Its a handy tool for diagnosing HVAC circuit problems