GPU's better than an x1400 or GeForceGo 7400 for the same price?

Hey guys, first post. I just picked up an Acer 5672 from compusa (duo 1.66, 2gb ddr2, 120gb hdd, x1400, etc.) for $999 after rebates. A friend of mine rec'd the hp dv5000 core duo setup w/ the geforcego 7400 card which I heard is in the same league as the x1400 or even a bit better b/c nvidia drivers were better. So far the differences between the 2 seem like a wash but the Acer 5672 has a few more perks that compensate for the x1400 like the extra 1gb of ram, bluetooth, webcam (not that I use one), etc. Any idea how the two compare? I tried to search but couldn't find a direct comparison.

My friend tells me I will regret the x1400. He spec'd out a dv4000 w/ an ATI x700 card about 6 months ago and raves about HP's and their screens and speakers (I'll use headphones if I need better sound). I tried searching for laptops with a better vid card (i.e. x1600 or equivalent nvidia) but I'm assuming those will run at least another $300-500 more with less ram. I haven't opened the acer 5672 yet so can still return it but I knew they were getting low on stock so just picked one up for now.

I currently have a 1yr old Gateway w/ integrated graphics that I purchased for $699 with the intention of using it only as a web surfer. I recently installed WoW on it and, while it's playable, the system definitely gets very hot and almost struggles to run in high pop zones. When I'm running around outside alone though it's okay but it's probably still a little too much for that celeron chip. So as far as gaming, I don't really consider myself hardcore but it would be nice to be able to run stuff like Spellforce 2 (which struggles to run on my P4 1.7 desktop, 1gb ram, 4400ti card).

Thanks for all the responses.

 

The updated Acer 5672 is less than $1,100 with a 128MB X1600, and while not as fast as the 256MB version, is much faster than the X1400 or Go7400.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834115246

 

I'd take it back personally if you're still able to. Acer isn't known for high quality laptops - same with HP. Most laptops carried in retail stores are junk.

 

nice find. Out of stock though. You guys know how often Newegg gets new stock? I think I'll return that laptop and sit on the fence for a bit again.

 

any recommendations for something similar then at the same price?

 

Use that "Auto-Notify" feature and it will tell you. The 5672 is a very popular model so I imagine they would try to have it in stock as soon as possible.

 

Yeah I just bought my 5672 with the x1600 last week. SO I may have the last model they had . All I can say is it is a great lappy. Chaz is right in that the 256mb version is better but I can play all my games as well as all modern games on it. Definately a good buy!

 

the answer to this question is probably obvious to you guys:

How much inferior is the x1400 w/ 2gb ram compared to the x1600 w/ 1gb ram?

 

very to answer yours

 

well that was quick. Looks like they have one in stock already. Before I pull the trigger, it doesn't say if the unit is brand new or factory refurb. I'm assuming newegg sells all brand new stuff unless stated otherwise?

I was also wondering if you guys thought it was worth it to upgrade to 2gb of ram? I'd hate to have 2x512 DIMM's lying around but some reviews have said it made a huge difference. I was also thinking this was something I could do later if the laptop seemed a bit sluggish and I could always buy memory from a local retailer.

 

2GB of RAM is worth it for modern gamers an also for applications that are very demanding; Photoshop, etc.