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    How did I do?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by JaxJon, Jul 4, 2008.

  1. JaxJon

    JaxJon Newbie

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    Okay, so I was looking for a laptop under $1200. My criteria was:

    CPU: 2.0 GHz or higher Penryn series
    RAM: 3GB+
    GPU: 9500 GS/8600GT
    Screen size: 15.4" or smaller

    That was all that was really important to me. I enjoy gaming, but enjoy game development even more. This includes 3D modelling suites (3D Studio), animation, photoshop, etc.. Often I run a few programs at a time (3D Studio + Photoshop + MS Visual Studio, etc. So a good CPU and ample RAM were important.

    I had my sights set on the ASUS F8SN-B1 for $1099.00. Moments before making the purchase I stumbled upon the Toshiba A305-S6844, which apparently can only be found at newegg.com ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834114459 ).

    The specs are as follows
    CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 2.1GHz
    Screen: 15.4" WXGA
    RAM: 4GB DDR2
    HDD: 320GB 5400 RPM
    GPU: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 512MB
    It also has Harmon/Kardon speakers, HDMI output, and wireless N.

    Obviously everything but the GPU met my criteria, but I discovered the HD 3650 is as good as, if not better than, the 9500M GS--is this true?

    Also, I am very pleased with the 320GB of disk space.

    Anyway, I paid neweggs price of $1149.00 and received free shipping.

    What do you guys think? How did I do?
     
    JaxJon, Jul 4, 2008
    #1
  2. HaloGod2007

    HaloGod2007 Notebook Virtuoso

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    yes it trades blows with the 9500m gs
     
    HaloGod2007, Jul 4, 2008
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  3. Eric04

    Eric04 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Eric04, Jul 4, 2008
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  4. JaxJon

    JaxJon Newbie

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    Yeah, I was really considering that model. You do get the faster processor, at a trade off of the HDMI output and HDD space and $50 cheaper-and there was free shipping on the Toshiba. So really there is a difference of about $70.

    Also, I like the sleek black look of the Toshiba-even though I hear its a fingerprint magnet.
     
    JaxJon, Jul 4, 2008
    #4
  5. WILLY S

    WILLY S I was saying boo-urns

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    The HD3650 is better than the 8600m GT and worse than the 8700m GT. Looks like a great deal although i've seen people getting gateways with the 8800m GTS for $1100 recently :\
     
    WILLY S, Jul 4, 2008
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  6. JaxJon

    JaxJon Newbie

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    Yeah I've seen those gateways...great GPU, but cpu is a bit lacking. (Merom series). Also I believe the greatest deals are on the 17" screen models
     
    JaxJon, Jul 4, 2008
    #6