New here, need some advice...

I have been quietly observing the various forums in here and I decided to finally leap in and ask for some assistance on purchasing a new laptop with gaming capabilities.

My real question is: which computer would play these games- Sims 2 (doesn't have to be on highest settings), Civ IV, and Roller Coaster Tycoon 3, while still maintaining a somewhat lighter weight (around 5 pounds or so if possible).

I also like the 14.1" screen so it is easier to transport to school if needed.

Is this possible? I am willing to spend $1600 and would use it primarily for those games, internet, and school work (word-which I can buy separately from school).

I have been looking at many computers but am not sure what to buy. The only company I will absolutely NOT buy from is Dell. I own one and will never make that mistake again-but that's a different story.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.

-Carrie

 

Hello twitchcat - welcome to NotebookReview.com.

Those games don't have very high requirements, and you can get a notebook that plays them for both under a 14" display and your budget of $1,600.

Dell doesn't have any 14" notebooks with decent graphics anyway, so that wouldn't be an option.

At the top of your budget, I would really look into the Asus W3V - 14" 64MB X600, beautiful design. There are two reviews of it on this site, be sure to check them out.

Under your budget - www.RawPowerPC.com has the MSI-1022, with a Go6200 and 14" display.

And one more to add to the list is the Compal EFL-30 with the Go6400. It is avaliable at www.PowerNotebooks.com - their only 14" model.

The Go6400 is pretty much the same as the X600 in terms of performance, so either of those would be fine, and the Go6200 is a notch under them.

Cheers

 

Would any of the HP or Sony be good for those games? I wasn't sure if integrated graphics (128mb) plus at least 1gb of ram would play them or if I really needed a dedicated graphics card.

I know that is probably a dumb question but I just want to make sure I get a really good one so I don't get screwed like I was before with Dell.

Thanks again for your input-the Asus is so pretty, but the power button is on the outside I see. Would that be a problem when transporting it?

-Carrie

 

Carrie, I'd really go for a dedicated card . . an integrated card would barely run those games [at least the Sims 2] at the lowest settings . .

Those notebooks I suggested - Compal EFL-30, MSI-1022, and especially the Asus W3V, are better than Dell's quality.

Not sure about the power button; I'd take a look in our Asus forum and see what you can find in there.

 

So the 64mb would be okay even though that is on the minimum requirements for those games? Also, where would I be able to buy one? I noticed that you can't buy them directly from the company. Are there any good reputable companies out there where I could purchase one if I decided to do that?

Also, if I did get a HP and got a 15.4" dv5000, would that be a good enough graphics card?

Sorry for all the questions, I am just very anxious about buying a new notebook.



-Carrie

 

Yeah, don't worry about asking questions.

Well, the HP dv5000z has the Radeon Xpress 200M, which, although it is capable of 3D, is not designed for it, I wouldn't get it for gaming. If you are interested in the dv5000z, I would take a look at the Compaq V4000t - it has the 128MB X700, which is 4 x as fast as the X200M, and 1.5-2x as fast as the Go6400/X600. However, it is much bigger than you originally wanted at 15.4".

The Compal EFL-30 you can get at www.PowerNotebooks.com -their only 14" model.

The MSI-1022 - www.RawPowerPC.com.

Both are very reputable and have good service.

If you plan to game more often than not, a 15.4" notebook would be advisable. You get much more power, although you pay for it in size. I would definitely make an attempt to go see a 15.4" and a 14" in person at a local computer store - Best Buy has a bunch on display.

One other notebook to take a look at is the Quanta MW1 - 15". Also on PowerNotebooks.com. It's called the PowerPro G3:11 on there.

Cheers