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    Light + cool + GPU = possible?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by claudione314, Jul 4, 2006.

  1. claudione314

    claudione314 Notebook Deity

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    I'm wondering...

    Portability (<5 lbs) + cool and quiet + dedicated GPU = POSSIBLE?

    That must be an utopia if I've ever seen one. Or am I missing something?

    Personally, I care for the "lap" part in "laptop" and don't need my thighs scorched. I also like to think "portable" means something. And if those mean I have to give up a GPU and make do with integrated... so be it, reluctantly... but I'm wondering if the above combination is or will ever be at all possible.
     
    claudione314, Jul 4, 2006
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  2. cbrviper

    cbrviper Notebook Guru NBR Reviewer

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    cbrviper, Jul 4, 2006
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  3. claudione314

    claudione314 Notebook Deity

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    Yeah, it was one of those I was looking at, but these reviews put me off:

    "The M1210 didn't get as hot as the Apple MacBook . . . but the bottom definitely got warm to the point I wouldn't want it on my lap" (abaxter's review)

    "gets slightly warm during regualr work and very warm when playing game" (NBR user)

    "The notebook did feel warm after an hour of use" (PCMag)

    Are these over-exaggerations? Actual temps would help, of course...
     
    claudione314, Jul 4, 2006
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  4. cbrviper

    cbrviper Notebook Guru NBR Reviewer

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    hmm im not sure, i havent actually used one

    but im guessing, in such a small package with ANY dedicated GPU it will get at least somewhat warm.

    Will be hard to find something with the power you need, without any heat at all. To me a certain amount of heat isnt a bad thing, i guess it comes down to how much is too much for you

    My laptop gets warm to the touch but not hot, no where near hot enough to be annoying tho
     
    cbrviper, Jul 4, 2006
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  5. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    Charles P. Jefferies, Jul 4, 2006
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  6. tears_for_fears

    tears_for_fears Notebook Consultant

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    I have the m1210, and it doesnt "scorch my thighs". It may get a little warm, but nothing too uncomfortable. And a book, or even a piece of cardboard can fix that.
     
    tears_for_fears, Jul 4, 2006
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  7. mZimm

    mZimm Notebook Evangelist

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    The biggest thing you have to look at is when are you going to be gaming? Personally, I won't be gaming with the notebook sitting on my lap, because most of the time it's on my lap is when I'm on battery; and we all know that gaming on battery just sucks the life outta the thing. I hardly ever game with the computer on my lap, but maybe that's because I have a 17" computer.
     
    mZimm, Jul 4, 2006
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  8. sheff159

    sheff159 Notebook Deity

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    Of course a 12' notebook with a dedicated graphics card is going to create heat. All notebooks create heat. But like mzimm said, are you going to be gaming with it on your lap? If your going to be doing things like internet surfing or word processing on your lap, then its fine.
     
    sheff159, Jul 4, 2006
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  9. claudione314

    claudione314 Notebook Deity

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    I know. :) Hence why I said this might have been an utopia.
    And yes, I am most likely going to be gaming with it on my lap. I suppose I'm just going to have to try one and see for myself just how hot it gets.

    That one is on top of a very short list, that also includes the M1210. I'd rather do away with the SZ, as I hear Sony battery replacements are very expensive.
     
    claudione314, Jul 4, 2006
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  10. sheff159

    sheff159 Notebook Deity

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    Im suprised you said you would game on your lap. May I ask how? I mean battery life is an issue, but does your lap have the stability needed for gaming, and are you going to game with a touch pad? I couldnt imagine playing almost any game with a touch pad.
     
    sheff159, Jul 4, 2006
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  11. claudione314

    claudione314 Notebook Deity

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    Simulation, turn-based strategy, point-and-click adventures... definitely playable with a touchpad. I'd never do any serious fps, of course.

    As for gaming on my lap, there are many comfortable positions, such as...

    http://elearning.tafe.tas.edu.au/images/splash2.jpg
    http://www.soton.ac.uk/iss/img/landscape/TOPIC_your_account.jpg

    I prefer the latter. It's stable enough for me. Battery life is not an issue, as often I can plug it in (girlfriend's house, friend's house, mobile house, camp, etc.) Let's say I like to take it *anywhere* and be able to play *anywhere*. ;)
     
    claudione314, Jul 4, 2006
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  12. Paul

    Paul Mom! Hot Pockets! NBR Reviewer

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    I game with my 17" in my lap when I'm at home. When I'm at school it sits on my desk of course. But it doesn't bother me at all. It doesn't get that hot either. I am sitting in a recliner though, and that helps a lot. I usually can't have this beast in my lap when I'm sitting with my legs hanging down.
     
    Paul, Jul 4, 2006
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