HELP! Looking for an affordable gaming laptop!

Im looking for a laptop specifically for the purpose of playing World Of Warcraft as well as CounterStrike and other online games. I also sometimes play The Sims and other lower demand games.

Basic Requirements:
17" screen
Long battery life (at least 3 hrs)
10 key pad on the keyboard (can live without it but would love to have one)
AT LEAST 1 GB ram (preferrably more)
AT LEAST 120 GB storage (5400 rpm or faster)
AT LEAST 1.8 GB processor (preferrably AMD)
Dedicated graphics card-as powerful as I can get within my budget (none of that shared crap)
802.11 wireless card built in as well as a port for ethernet
Decent integrated sound card
Weigh less than 10lbs

I would like to spend $1300 or less if I can get away with it and have something that still performs well running the abovementioned programs. The operating system doesnt matter to me because Im going to nuke the hard drive and load a clean install of either XP or Vista home premium (I own licenses for both) I would also like something that runs relatively cool (part of the reason I prefer AMD)

Any suggestions or information would be really helpful! Thanks!

 

Im looking for a laptop specifically for the purpose of playing World Of Warcraft as well as CounterStrike and other online games. I also sometimes play The Sims and other lower demand games.

Basic Requirements:
17" screen
Long battery life (at least 3 hrs)
10 key pad on the keyboard (can live without it but would love to have one)
AT LEAST 1 GB ram (preferrably more)
AT LEAST 120 GB storage (5400 rpm or faster)
AT LEAST 1.8 GB processor (preferrably AMD)
Dedicated graphics card-as powerful as I can get within my budget (none of that shared crap)
802.11 wireless card built in as well as a port for ethernet
Decent sound card
Weigh less than 10lbs

I would like to spend $1300 or less if I can get away with it and have something that still performs well running the abovementioned programs. I can wait a little longer and save up more if I have to in order to get a laptop I will be happy with that will last me at least 5 yrs.

The operating system doesnt matter to me because Im going to nuke the hard drive and load a clean install of either XP or Vista home premium (I own licenses for both) I HATE all the preloaded CRAP computers come with these days. 13 copies of AOHELL, spyware out the yingyang, etc

I would also like something that runs relatively cool (part of the reason I prefer AMD)

I want to be able to burn cds and dvds relatively fast.

It will be travelling with me a lot of the time (boyfriend's house, coffee shops, etc)

Also needs to be pretty to look at. I'd love a black shiny piano-looking finish or maybe a matte grey/blue or silver. Accent lights on the keyboard and such are also a nice touch. No ugly orange/red/green wierd shaped outer casings either.

No preference on the screen or resolution except anti-glare but I think most of them are these days anyways.

I really like some of the models I have seen from Toshiba. I have also seen some interesting ones from Fujitsu. I prefer not to have Dell or HP or any cheap unknown brand.

I would buy online from a well-known reputable company such as Frys or Newegg but only if they have a reasonable return policy in case I dont like it. I would also consider going to a store such as best buy to see the unit but then buy the very same one online to get it cheaper. I dont mind refurb if theres a warranty and all the parts are there.

Also, any suggestions on a decent external mouse as well as one of those table things you can put on your lap to support the laptop and keep from burning your legs?

Any help would be really appreciated!

 

Dell E1720 or Vostro?

check out newegg

 

Try looking/posting in this forum

http://forum.notebookreview.com/forumdisplay.php?f=16

It is called What Notebook Should I Buy. I got some quick reponses when I posted my request there.

 

^^ he´s right....... anyway check dell laptops

 

post in "What Notebook Should I Buy?" forum.

 

Here ya go, free shipping too.

Oops, after tax it goes over the $1300 budget, but that can be remedied by taking out the webcam and bluetooth, or downgrading something else.

 

Please do not post multiple threads again, it is not allowed on this forum. Read the forum rules before you post. Both of your threads have been merged into one.

 

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. Sorry I posted twice, I was hoping I would reach a larger audience by posting in 2 different sections. Wont happen again.

Also, I found out I get a discount on Dell through my work so perhaps I could get a deal.

However, I have heard some bad things about the durability and reliability of Dell laptops. Does anyone have any thoughts on that?

I've also been looking at the Toshiba Satelite p200 as it has the 10 key keyboard as well as the 17" screen with better specs than the Dell. It comes with ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 2600 with 256MB GDDR2 discrete memory
+ up to 255MB allocated shared graphics memory using ATI HyperMemory™ technology. Which, from what I've read, is more than enough for WOW and CSS.

Is Toshiba a better brand than Dell?

Thank you all again for your help. I know a lot about desktop hardware but am just starting to get my feet wet learning about laptops.

 

Dell laptops are pretty sturdy and reliable. My cousns E1505 has been good to him and the material is good although the keys on his keyboard are starting to wear off so there is no friction when he types anymore, it just slides in a sense.

 

I think I found her!

Toshiba Satellite P200/P205

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T7100 (1.8GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB)

Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic 32-Bit (will be replaced with my personal copy of Vista Home Premium)

Onyx Blue Metallic Casing with Embossed Toshiba Logo

2048MB PC5300 DDR2 667MHz SDRAM (1024MBx2)

17.0" Diagonal Widescreen WXGA+ TruBrite® display (1440x900)

ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 2600 with 256MB GDDR2 discrete memory
+ up to 255MB allocated shared graphics memory using ATI HyperMemory™ technology

80GB HDD (5400rpm, Serial-ATA) + 120GB 2nd HDD (5400rpm, Serial-ATA)

DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive

Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (802.11a/b/g)

Bluetooth® Version 2.0 +EDR

harman/kardon® stereo speakers

(6-Cell, 4000mAh) Lithium Ion battery

$1,295.20 Total

W00T!
Also they have a deal right now you get these free after rebates:
Toshiba 1GB USB 2.0 High-Speed Flash Drive
Epson Stylus CX5000 All-In-One Printer
Toshiba 5-Pocket Ballistic Nylon Carrying Case

Is it worth $129 more to get the (9-Cell, 6000mAh) Lithium Ion battery???
Any idea how much time this adds?

 

Sure you don't wanna get the Vostro?

I assume the wait time would be the reason not to, and if it's Dells reputation you're worried about, their machines are good, but they get the bad reputation from crappy outsource customer service.

 

Dells build quality is awesome but just make sure you buy it from them.