Ok, I'm graduating this year, and my aunt said she is going to get me a laptop for my graduation present. It's my decision what to get, and she is pretty well off, so I can get a really nice computer, so long as I don't get too out of hand. My brother got an HP which seemed pretty nice to me, so I think I might stay in that brand. Right now my plan is to go for Computer Science (with a cluster for gaming), although I haven't had too much programming yet because my school doesn't have any teachers that are even remotely competent in the field. Do you guys have any recommendations (if you feel I shouldn't go HP, just say otherwise, but please give me a reason)? Feel free to be specific with processor/RAM/memory upgrades and the like.
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Help me decide on a new laptop!
- Thread starter Skyshroud
- Start date
Superstar
Smash Champion
What type of gaming, small type or serious?
Small time, get something with at least an NVidia 9400M. I know the Macbooks now come with it, but I'm sure you can get some in the PC realm. Capable of playing many modern games nicely without that much power. You cannot change graphics cards on a laptop, so make sure you do not get an Intel chipset. "Extreme Graphics" my ***.
Quad Core 4Ghz + 18MB Cache, and 48GB RAM matters squat when your graphics card sucks.
Really, the point of a laptop is portability. Focus more on battery life than power, don't go for the 17" desktop replacements unless you like to stay glued to a plug. Also don't go for those 1500 dollar desktop replacements.
A cheap laptop and a gaming rig costs the same as a gaming laptop, more or less.
Small time, get something with at least an NVidia 9400M. I know the Macbooks now come with it, but I'm sure you can get some in the PC realm. Capable of playing many modern games nicely without that much power. You cannot change graphics cards on a laptop, so make sure you do not get an Intel chipset. "Extreme Graphics" my ***.
Quad Core 4Ghz + 18MB Cache, and 48GB RAM matters squat when your graphics card sucks.
Really, the point of a laptop is portability. Focus more on battery life than power, don't go for the 17" desktop replacements unless you like to stay glued to a plug. Also don't go for those 1500 dollar desktop replacements.
A cheap laptop and a gaming rig costs the same as a gaming laptop, more or less.
Should've clarified the gaming thing a bit more. I don't game too much on my computer (I'd prefer to play on the Wii/360 if possible), but I am going for (at least partially) game design. My degree will be Computer Science, but Pitt offers a cluster specifically to for people interested in working on game design. So I'm going to need something that will keep up with all of the programming stuff I'm going to be doing.
Oh, and since I will need a laptop (not toting around a desktop on a 5 hour drive that many times a year) for 4 years, it needs to be good for at least that long.
Oh, and since I will need a laptop (not toting around a desktop on a 5 hour drive that many times a year) for 4 years, it needs to be good for at least that long.
Superstar
Smash Champion
Ah, that helps explain things quite a bit.
Do you plan on lugging the laptop around places though, or leave it mostly holed up in your room as a desktop replacement and to chargers in classrooms? My suggestion matters a lot on this.
I'll give some general advice though so this post isn't a waste. For 2D graphics, there is little importance on a good graphic card, and if you have brains, you're mostly going to be working on 2D finished products. Very likely though, you're going to be making some 3D sandboxes or team 3D games later on in college. At that point, while the Intel GMA most computers IN GENERAL come with will work, it'll start to get very annoying. Make sure you're not getting Intel ANYTHING for graphics.
Minimum specs, at least 2GB of RAM, operating system doesn't matter [though with Vista you'll likely love to have 3GB], get a decent sized 120GB or more Hard drive, Intel Core 2 Duo of at least 2Ghz or so on each core. Don't get less than that.
Very likely I'm sure you want a desktop replacement though. Those run up more than 1500 dollars and have piss for battery life. Get AT LEAST a 15" screen if you plan on using your laptop a lot.
For SERIOUS 3D graphics design, a laptop of less than maybe $2000 will not work. You'll need desktop, but you're not going into 3D design, just computer science.
These prices are just ballpark figures. Exceptions may exist.
Do you plan on lugging the laptop around places though, or leave it mostly holed up in your room as a desktop replacement and to chargers in classrooms? My suggestion matters a lot on this.
I'll give some general advice though so this post isn't a waste. For 2D graphics, there is little importance on a good graphic card, and if you have brains, you're mostly going to be working on 2D finished products. Very likely though, you're going to be making some 3D sandboxes or team 3D games later on in college. At that point, while the Intel GMA most computers IN GENERAL come with will work, it'll start to get very annoying. Make sure you're not getting Intel ANYTHING for graphics.
Minimum specs, at least 2GB of RAM, operating system doesn't matter [though with Vista you'll likely love to have 3GB], get a decent sized 120GB or more Hard drive, Intel Core 2 Duo of at least 2Ghz or so on each core. Don't get less than that.
Very likely I'm sure you want a desktop replacement though. Those run up more than 1500 dollars and have piss for battery life. Get AT LEAST a 15" screen if you plan on using your laptop a lot.
For SERIOUS 3D graphics design, a laptop of less than maybe $2000 will not work. You'll need desktop, but you're not going into 3D design, just computer science.
These prices are just ballpark figures. Exceptions may exist.
Well, I won't have to lug the computer too far. It'll mainly just be my classes and my room, and then I have to tote it back home during breaks and for the summer. At home, I have a station where I have all of the necessary connections, so I'm pretty much just going to park it there.
As for classes, I'll be taking at least an intro to computer graphics (although that is an area for personal interest to me, as I'm an active artist, so I may take more). I'll also be taking a bunch of programming courses, and some AI classes.
I'd like for the laptop to last 4 years until I get through school, if possible.
As for classes, I'll be taking at least an intro to computer graphics (although that is an area for personal interest to me, as I'm an active artist, so I may take more). I'll also be taking a bunch of programming courses, and some AI classes.
I'd like for the laptop to last 4 years until I get through school, if possible.
toon_marth
Smash Ace
just get a macbook and dualboot windows or linux via boot camp if you need it. That way, you get the quality hardware of an apple machine, with the software options of the other two OS'. Personally I'm going to get a macbook, dualboot windows xp and get an external hard drive and make in run ubuntu linux. All three OS on the go.
Spade1
Smash Apprentice
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2009
- Messages
- 189
I'll be honest with you man, if you would prefer to play on the 360... PLAY ON THE 360.
In terms of general gaming quality, you would need a BEAST LAPTOP - I MEAN A DESTROYER OF ALL WORLDS LAPTOP, to match the quality of games brought by the 360.
I would check out some notebook review forums to get a feel for what people are saying about different laptops. Most of Hp's stuff is good from what I hear...
In terms of general gaming quality, you would need a BEAST LAPTOP - I MEAN A DESTROYER OF ALL WORLDS LAPTOP, to match the quality of games brought by the 360.
I would check out some notebook review forums to get a feel for what people are saying about different laptops. Most of Hp's stuff is good from what I hear...
Uh, no thanks. Why pay all of that extra money just for the brand name? Comparable (power wise) Macbooks are an exorbitant amount of money. Plus, I've heard from many people that have had trouble with their Macs. I'm going to need to run Windows anyway (since I'm going to be doing programming), so I might as well save some coin.
So, I guess I'll add in no Mac suggestions please.
Superstar
Smash Champion
That, and a Macbook wouldn't suit you. It'll be your main comp, and they only come in 13" until you get the Macbook pro, which is more similar to what you want but more expensive.
For programming, I feel much more comfortable with an actual machine, but I live at home, not in a dorm, so I can have such a luxury. I might not like dragging a full computer to and from college 2-3 times a year and during "breaks".
Though...
You're going to need a good amount. I can't look for laptops well myself, but the specifications hold, just...get a little more CPU, maybe 2.2Ghz or 2.4Ghz Duo, and a 17" screen. Try to shoot for a 200GB+ Hard drive if you can get it, RAM can stay at 2GB, just make sure it's not using all the upgrade slots though, but try for 3GB. CPU, RAM, and the HD are upgradeable on laptops [CPU isn't on Macbook], so you might be able to upgrade to a better dual core over the years [not a quad I think].
That Intel GMA warning though, keep that at the highest of your list. Many computers bring it, and they don't tell you. It has to say NVidia or ATI graphics.
For programming, I feel much more comfortable with an actual machine, but I live at home, not in a dorm, so I can have such a luxury. I might not like dragging a full computer to and from college 2-3 times a year and during "breaks".
Though...
I don't design graphics myself, but I hear you need beast computers for such a job [3D graphics, your intro will likely be 2D]. I really fear a laptop would give you quad core or a beast graphics card without overheating or dying when you look at it the wrong way. But I might be overstating, just judging by more informed quad core reviews on Newegg, and certain people's comments on computing power. XD
You're going to need a good amount. I can't look for laptops well myself, but the specifications hold, just...get a little more CPU, maybe 2.2Ghz or 2.4Ghz Duo, and a 17" screen. Try to shoot for a 200GB+ Hard drive if you can get it, RAM can stay at 2GB, just make sure it's not using all the upgrade slots though, but try for 3GB. CPU, RAM, and the HD are upgradeable on laptops [CPU isn't on Macbook], so you might be able to upgrade to a better dual core over the years [not a quad I think].
That Intel GMA warning though, keep that at the highest of your list. Many computers bring it, and they don't tell you. It has to say NVidia or ATI graphics.
eman
Smash Apprentice
When it doubt Newegg!
toon_marth
Smash Ace
You can boot up windows as the main OS, you know. But suit yourself. Thats just me. I'd prefer to not deal with all the virus' for windows out there. I can see where your coming from with the price issue, though. Their lowest price is $999 for their weakest MacBook.
Well if you are looking for a
There are plenty of good ones out there.
Zolga Owns
Smash Lord
This.
Heres some ones you might like.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...32 4022 1039323203 103980230&name=16" - 16.4"
Superstar
Smash Champion
@Toon - If you know what you're doing you can avoid the virus issue with Windows. Or rather, kill it before it gets too nasty. Whenever I scan I always get 1 or 2 low priority spyware [no viruses], but when I scan other people's houses I see 500+ articles of Spyware.
Thems are some good laptops. I'll just say a few things to help you [OP] out [incase you don't know about these things]:
- A 120GT is the same as a 9500GT, I assume the portable types are the same as well.
- GT > GS. GTX > GT but you won't likely find GTX in laptops.
I don't know about ATI cards, so someone else would need to say comparisons from that end. Notebook realm especially.
[Also, on the left bar, change 16" to 16.4" for more options]
Thems are some good laptops. I'll just say a few things to help you [OP] out [incase you don't know about these things]:
- A 120GT is the same as a 9500GT, I assume the portable types are the same as well.
- GT > GS. GTX > GT but you won't likely find GTX in laptops.
I don't know about ATI cards, so someone else would need to say comparisons from that end. Notebook realm especially.
[Also, on the left bar, change 16" to 16.4" for more options]
toon_marth
Smash Ace
I know what I'm doing. I'd just like to be relieved of it altogether. All I did on my laptop was check e-mail and do school work. I scanned everyday or two. Still got a virus. Luckily I was able to remove it but now I'm getting an error and I can't log in.
Nobody has MacBooks- nobody makes virus' for them. Well, its probably not accurate to say nobody but it's next to none. There's nothing a PC can do that a Mac can't, when I'll have the freedom of all three main OS'.
Superstar
Smash Champion
There's nothing a Mac can do that a PC can't. XD It goes both ways man.
For basic functions there is literally no difference in OS. You can argue that you have Windows and Mac, but putting Windows into your mac counts as turning it into a PC, and for almost every Mac program you can get a Windows, or even Linux version. And even then, there are ways to put OSX on a Windows machine as a dual boot, albeit illegal [DRM].
For EMail and School Work Linux is an option. Once I fix the thing where I got files in the end of partition, I might install it to my laptop and use it as my main OS there. If only Pidgin made the tasbar entry blink on new message though. =/
For basic functions there is literally no difference in OS. You can argue that you have Windows and Mac, but putting Windows into your mac counts as turning it into a PC, and for almost every Mac program you can get a Windows, or even Linux version. And even then, there are ways to put OSX on a Windows machine as a dual boot, albeit illegal [DRM].
For EMail and School Work Linux is an option. Once I fix the thing where I got files in the end of partition, I might install it to my laptop and use it as my main OS there. If only Pidgin made the tasbar entry blink on new message though. =/
toon_marth
Smash Ace
Exactly. Well, there's iMovie, then there's *shudder*....Movie Maker.
I just find macs more entertaining. 
But you're right, there isn't much difference in OS', but my school program (online school, yes) requires the use of windows XP or Vista. I just want Linux cause it sounds and looks cool and what the heck its FREE.
Superstar
Smash Champion
Movie Maker Vista is actually fine, I use it a lot. XP though, you need codecs if you want HD and there is no 640X480 option there anywhere. iMovie though is a really good program.
What a Macbook Pro has that is actually really good though is it's battery life. OP, try looking for a better battery as well as a laptop. Without a good battery, it kinda kills the meaning of a laptop [mine's low end, and 2 hours on the lowest power setting is so LIMITING. Low end comp too].
I don't know anything about buying other batteries, though.
What a Macbook Pro has that is actually really good though is it's battery life. OP, try looking for a better battery as well as a laptop. Without a good battery, it kinda kills the meaning of a laptop [mine's low end, and 2 hours on the lowest power setting is so LIMITING. Low end comp too].
I don't know anything about buying other batteries, though.
Luchini
Smash Rookie
what's the point in having a mac running windows? Leopard is so awesome
rabbt
Smash Journeyman
My roommate got en EeePC. It's pretty awesome.