Need suggestions on a new gaming laptop?

Question

As a web designer and gamer I'm looking for a reliable fast computer to run demanding programs like Adobe Photoshop, World of Warcraft and virtual game emulation servers. I'd also like to forget the meaning of the word lag while doing some 40-man raids in World of Warcraft. Don't bother saying Alienware because I've already decided the price is not an option.

I'm looking for a minimum:

120GB Harddrive (160GB+ preferred)
1GB RAM expandable to 2GB
AMD 2GHz+ preferred
Separate numeric keypad a MUST
15.4" Screen size (17" preferred)

What I'm not sure about is the graphics card. Most people say NVidia GeForce Go 7200+. Also what is the difference between integrated graphics and uhh.. unintegrated?

Only thing I have seen similar is a Dell Inspiron E1505 but it doesn't have the separate keypad.

I'm hoping to get away with most of the above for $1200-$1500. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Answer 1

Gaming and Notebook are usually opposite of each other. But if you need gaming and Notebook, first think the name you do not want to mention, then XPS, then Sony, then Dell. Integrated means part of MB, as opposed to descrete graphics card. Make sure you do NOT get turbocache memory that shares RAMM. Seperat keypad can be purchaced for 20 bucks, NOT a big deal. The 1505 is a nice little unit, my GF has one, but I wouldn't really game on it. Maybe you should build yourself a LANPARTY box. Less portable, more customizable, more bang for the buck and there are no directx10 vid cards out yet. You could get a REAL mid to mid-high end vid card (high end vid cards are NOT portable) and 4g ramm.

Answer 2

I could get you the perfect system for you then. I custom build laptops and desktops and I could help you out. Just check out the following laptop system.

For $1850 (there are options to make it cheaper) you get the following:

Casing:
MSI MS-171772 (L735) IT HAS THE SEPARATE NUMBER PAD

Screen:
17” WXGA/WSXGA+ Widescreen Glare TFT Display

CPU (Both are dual core, like core duo or core 2 duo):
AMD Turion 64 x2 TL-60 2.0GHz
AMD Turion 64 X2 TL56 1.8GHz ( Subtract $100)

RAM:
2GB (2 x 1GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel
1GB (1 x 1GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) ( Subtract $35)

Video Card:
NVIDIA GeForce GO 7600 256MB

Optical Drive:
Built-in Super-Multi Drive (supports DVD RAM)

Hard Drive:
HITACHI Travelstar 5K160 160GB 5400 RPM 8MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive

Camera/Mic:
Built-in 1.3 Mega Pixels CMOS Camera

OS:
Windows Xp Home or Vista Basic
add $60
XP Pro or Vista Premium or XP Media Center
add $110
Vista Ultimate

LAN/Modem:
Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet LAN and modem

Wireless LAN and Bluetooth:
802.11b/g WLAN
Bluetooth connection

PC Cards Slot:
Express Card x 1, PCMCIA2.1, Type II x 1

Card Reader:
XD/SD/MMC/MS/MS-Pro 5-in-1 Card Reader

I/O Ports:
VGA Output (DVI) x 1 , TV-out (S-Video) Port x 1
USB 2.0 Port x 3, IEEE 1394 Port x 1
Mic-in Port x 1, Headphone Out x 1; SPDIF Output x 1
Modem Port x 1, LAN Port x 1

Audio:
Realtek ALC 883, SoundBlaster™ Compatible

Short-Cut Keys :
Power on, Wireless LAN on/off, Internet, Email, Camera/Search Key

Battery Pack & Life:
Li-ion 6 cells battery (4800mAh)

Dimensions:
15.59" (W) x 10.94" (D) x 1.304~1.38" (H)

Weight:
< 8.5 lbs (complete system)


Now consider the systems price. Nothing beats it.

I hope to see a message from you very soon!

Answer 3

Look at officemax.com and their laptops. They have a 17" everex laptop that has AMD X2 1.6 with Nvidia go 7600 for less than $900 two HD slots so its free reign, and you can always just add an external mouse and Keyboard.

Answer 4

Macbook pro!

kidding.... but you know you can get numeric pads that plug in to USB ports. That would probably work with your dell.

But if you really are in to web designing and need reliability, I'd go with a mac.

Answer 5

you can get a USB key board for a numerarical keyboard
and if you want a computer to stay fast save a min to the harddrive
try a exterior hard drive to store it all on
if you are looking for cutbacks, i dont think the WOW expanstion
was worth it.

Answer 6

You could try to build a gaming laptop by yourself (Not recomended), you could hire someone to make it for you, just Google "Custom gaming laptops", but I would recommend going to Dell.com, looking at one of the XPS laptops, and customizing it to fit your needs. For the numeric keypad, you could get a USB one.

Answer 7

You should get a Toshiba notebook. Some of their notebook have keypads. I'm warning you not to get a Dell.

Answer 8

Go to any computer website and customize one,
www.dell.com
www.toshiba.com
www.hp.com
and any onthers you can think of