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I build my own computer from parts I choose, you can imagine my frustration when having to choose a laptop for the first time.

I'm not looking for anything too fancy, just the standard "away from home" laptop to do some basic single-player gaming (Bioshock, Half-Life 2, etc).

I'm trying to get the most "bang for the buck" and I've discovered this for a what I'd say being a decent price, or so I believe.

I'm trying not to break the 1k$ mark, but I will if the computer is really sexy. xD



Don't limit yourself to that site, but if you do feel like helping me out and searching for a better laptop, search for something I can get at a retail store. I don't have the time or patience to deal with internet shopping with something like this.

Thanks in advance.

i wouldn't bother with a laptop, there out of date before you get them home,
having had a laptop for awayfrom home gaming, i'll tell ya now, build a shuttle gaming rig instead, yeah it's not as easy to carry a monitor, but you can get rather nifty 'gaming glases' to use intead of a monitor and the shuttle probably just as light as decent gaming lt.
get a decent' kboard and mouse, and away you go,

As much as I hate to say it, Dell will get you the best computer for the cheapest, and you can customize it how you like.

I say the best, if you Really want to look, check out your local PC stores for ex-display models.

Just make sure you get one with a geforce. Ati's mobility radeons are still rubbish and don't get me started on intel.

for the games you want to play make sure you get a 2ghz or higher C2D too, because then you'll be able to play them on battery for longer (the computer can be set to reduce the CPU speed on battery, and since the clock speed hit will be less significant, then it's more value for money)

depending on what else you want to do, you might want a high resolution screen too. For graphic design on-the-go, I've found that 1440x900 to be the sweet spot of price and function. Higher is of course better but then you'll be running games at lower settings to compensate for the higher resolution.

I've gone to another store, and-

First off I'll reply to you guys xD

Well, I know a portable gaming rig would, in-the-end, be a lot smarter, and worth-while purchase (for portable gaming), I know how useless laptops are for gaming. But it's primary purpose will be University use, and I highly doubt lugging a mini-PC around will be possible on campus to all my classes. Honestly, I'd rather buy a 9800GT x 2 then a laptop, but that won't help me with Uni xD

and.. Dell.. *shudders*

The store where I went to is also a Dell dealer, the manager says he can ship over the Dell of my chice within 10 days so that'd be great.


Well, while at that store I found this very sexy laptop. (The only one in the store without an intel integrated video card.) But at a 1,350$ price tag, its a bit out of my target range, but that doesn't mean I'm not considering it.

As I said, this laptop's primary purpose is for University use, gaming will only be a secondary function. This will be my first and only laptop purchase, I don't plan on buying another laptop until this one's screen stops working and the battery explodes.

This is exactly why I want a gaming laptop though, as a gaming laptop it'll be high performance, and last me a good 4 years. And as my one and only laptop, I want it to last as long as possible. :p

I'll be looking over Dell *shudders* computers shortly.

hey i got a dell laptop

seriously if your looking at spending that kind of money get a dell, look here

That's better than mine.

And it's like half the price ._.

damn exchange rate.
damn USA laptops with USA keyboards.

Damn.. I'm not allowed to customize my own laptops. I quickly got a 1200$ laptop up to 4000$ with my customizations.

Laptop "upgrades" are to 'effing expensive to justify. I think I'm sticking with the ASUS.

Canadian laptop.. ASUS is taiwanese though V__V

If I want the USA price I get the USA keyboard

yeah weirdly enough i got a usa kboard at uk prices (about £3) when i was in uni, it's still slotted down the side of my wardrobe as a system builder/spare, i did use it for quite a while, it was handy however cus my old workplace seemed to have a job lot of them, so i was already used to the silly silly layout

I got a Dell Precision M90 from my school and it works pretty well. The worst part about it is the video card, but it still manages pretty well. I think this model was actually a bit outdated on the graphics card when I got it due to some sort of contract BS between Dell and my school. According to some people, the 80GB hard drive is pretty good for a laptop though, but it's only an extra $200 to add in 350GB of space, so if you can save some money by getting a 40GB laptop and expanding it yourself, I'd definitely recommend that route.

Big bonus, the 1920x1200 screen resolution is smexy as all hell. I can have a fully visible website page open next to Word and be able to read both perfectly without alt+tabbing between them.

Gaming-Dell XPS, Alienware

Everything Else- Hp

I've picked up two very loaded XPS M1330's (4GB ram, T8300, LED screen, discrete graphics card, etc) for under $1300 each. M1530s are similarly priced but with better equipment. You can't just go to Dell's website and buy something... find a good deal first.

Here is the laptop that I bought for myself. I acutally got it on sale at Best Buy for $1,399. Not a bad deal overall but if you trying to stay under 1k then I would advise going Dell or HP.