Forums-> Technical Forum-> Laptop assistance:
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blmbox

blmbox
Since 548 Days

2008-09-07 01:35:49 Laptop assistance

My mate's hooking me up with a laptop, and I needed to say what the minimum requirements of it should be. Here's what I put:

- 2 to 4 GB of RAM
- 50 to 150 GB hard drive memory
- Windows Vista
- Intel Core II duo processor

Does that all sound good as a minimum?

And I haven't said anything about the graphics and video card yet. What should the minimum be for them?

I probably sound like a dumbass who knows nothing about laptops and requirements. Well, that would be correct. :D

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LEBATO

IS WRONG LEBATO - IS WRONG
Since 1339 Days

2008-09-07 03:55:06

So.....can you set the minimum to whatever you want? :D

Anyways, that 50GB Hard Drive, I don't think they even make those anymore, so go for the 160GB minimum. Other than that, well, it really depends right?

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PlumbDrumb

Still drinking PlumbDrumb - Still drinking
Since 1210 Days

2008-09-07 04:12:01

For graphics, whichever is the best M class Nvidia card they provide:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_m_series.html

also, I think computer putter together'ers only provide 4 gigs of Ram if you opt for the 64 bit OS, but then you get both 32 and 64 bit disks with it usually, so it's not a big deal.
Acert93

Mr. Bad Cop Since 1188 Days

2008-09-07 07:14:02

Watch out for NV GPUs right now ... they are on the brink of a potential recall due to thermal death on their mobile GPUs. Look at the Dell and HP extended warranty lists recently announced.

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PlumbDrumb

Still drinking PlumbDrumb - Still drinking
Since 1210 Days

2008-09-07 11:29:04

Awe, that sucks. What is it, a heat issue?

I was looking at getting a laptop too but I don't want some guaranteed POS :/
GriftGFX

He can also
ban your ass! GriftGFX - He can also<br>ban your ass!
Since 1217 Days

2008-09-07 11:51:32 In reply to PlumbDrumb (2008-09-07 11:29:04)

Posted by PlumbDrumb
Awe, that sucks. What is it, a heat issue?

I was looking at getting a laptop too but I don't want some guaranteed POS :/
It's attributed to heat, but just what sets it off. I have yet to hear many complaints about the 9800M, at least from specific vendors (Sager, eMachines, etc), but I'm not sure who or what is completely safe at this point. The Crossfire 3870 Whitebook is looking more and more tempting.

I just wish the 4800 was coming to mobile sooner. Still, Crossfire 3870M should best a single 9800M GTX, and at a considerably simular, if not cheaper price point.
PlumbDrumb

Still drinking PlumbDrumb - Still drinking
Since 1210 Days

2008-09-07 12:09:15

A lot of them don't even have an ATi solution, which sucks.
GriftGFX

He can also
ban your ass! GriftGFX - He can also<br>ban your ass!
Since 1217 Days

2008-09-07 12:20:07 In reply to PlumbDrumb (2008-09-07 12:09:15)

Posted by PlumbDrumb
A lot of them don't even have an ATi solution, which sucks.
Most don't. ATI hasn't been a major playing the laptop game for a while, but they're trying to get back in on the upper tier again. The HD 3800 is pretty new to lappies. The OCZ Whitebook seems to be the best thing coming that supports it:

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Gamer_Xtreme_M1...

The price is compeditive, at least. With the dual 3870 it should really compete in performance with single chip 9800M models, but I guess we'll only see for sure once some reviews hit. OCZ hasn't shipped this to resellers yet, they should start showing up next week.

I wish it had a DVI port instead of VGA.. but I guess I could just get a HDMI to DVI cable anyway :/ Otherwise, it looks very nice. It's Arima, via OCZ though.. and I'm not sure how the build quality will compare to the likes of Sager/Clevo. I guess we'll see soon!

Oh, and I love that it has a backlit keyboard.
blmbox

blmbox
Since 548 Days

2008-09-07 15:18:08 In reply to LEBATO (2008-09-07 03:55:06)

Posted by LEBATO
So.....can you set the minimum to whatever you want? :D

Anyways, that 50GB Hard Drive, I don't think they even make those anymore, so go for the 160GB minimum. Other than that, well, it really depends right?
Probably, but i've got a lot of other stuff that needs paying for in the next couple of months. He just said to set the minimum to whatever I want, but i'm like "well, that's going to affect the price of it isn't it?"

Anyway, I guess all I want it to do is be able to run smoothly and play games on fairly decent settings. I plan to get Spore and Diablo III when that comes out, and probably Dragon Age as well.

I used to be a PC gamer quite a bit when I had a decent computer, but now I want to get back into it.

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To escape criticism - do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.
GriftGFX

He can also
ban your ass! GriftGFX - He can also<br>ban your ass!
Since 1217 Days

2008-09-07 15:38:00

The more I look into the new Arima/OCZ model the more I'm intrigued. I can't wait to see some Mobile 3870 Crossfire benchmarks. I think it should easily beat the single 9800M GTX, and who knows, maybe even compete readily with the 9800M GT in SLI.
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