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    Build quality and reliabliblity with the 6860FX?

    Discussion in 'Gateway and eMachines' started by mysticstryk, Jun 23, 2008.

  1. mysticstryk

    mysticstryk Notebook Consultant

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    I was considering the dell xps 1530 with the 8600m GT GDDR3 for a laptop but then started considering the gateway 6860 FX from best buy.

    First off, if I buy this I will immediately upgrade the cpu to a T9300.

    The only demanding game I will play on this that I really care to have max settings out of is oblivion. So as long as it plays this game max I'm good.

    I will also be bringing this to college with me.

    However, I'm a bit worried about the build quality of the laptop. I have played around with it at best buy and its not the sturdiest laptop I've used.

    How is the build quality? Reliability? Will it easily last me AT LEAST 4 years or more? I treat my electronics really well, so I'm not worried about dropping it or anything, but I will be using it a lot.
     
    mysticstryk, Jun 23, 2008
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  2. dtwn

    dtwn C'thulhu fhtagn

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    To be honest, most laptops might not last you 4 years or more.

    If you're really that interested in the P6860FX, I would recommend shelling out extra for the extra warranty from Gateway.

    It's not the sturdiest laptop, but it's chassis is reasonable. The biggest issue I have with it is the screen. That flexes insanely.
     
    dtwn, Jun 23, 2008
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  3. littlegamer360

    littlegamer360 Notebook Guru

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    Well some laptops could last you 4 years or more, depending on what you are looking for them to do in 4 years.

    If you are looking for something to game on in four years, you might be out of luck unless you get one with a video card that is swapable, not soldered on to the motherboard like Dell or Gateway's are. But those will also cost you an arm and a leg. My desktop is just over 3 years old and the only thing I've upgraded is the RAM in it and it still plays most of today's games, maybe not highest settings, but definitely playable.

    If you are looking to be able to use it it four years from now, I don't think you can go wrong with either laptop. I don't know any laptops from four years ago that can't still do word processing, surf the internet, and use instant messenger, so with those you're golden.

    Just play out all your options and see which one is a better value for what you need it to do.
     
    littlegamer360, Jun 23, 2008
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  4. el168

    el168 Notebook Consultant

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    I have used Dell laptops and Sony laptops and they are pretty sturdy-lasting many years of abuse. The are several reasons for buying the 6860FX:
    1. price/performance
    2. gpu 8800 GTS
    3. upgradeability

    I don't think this computer can survive too much abuse. However, the performance is very good for the price you pay for it.
     
    el168, Jun 24, 2008
    #4