I am getting ready to shop for a laptop. I am not very good on what I need and unfortunately it's really hard for me to understand if the guys at the stores are just trying to sell me a system or if they really are being helpful so I am asking for help/advice here. I don't want to spend anymore than $800. (don't know if that's possible or not?) I am an adventure gamer and casual. I want to be able to play games like Runaway 3 (which I still can't get running on my PC) so I need to make sure that I a good graphics card, lots of memory, etc. Am I asking too much for $800. I just want a good computer that I can trust and play my games on as I play alot. Any suggestions?
Barbara

Well my system is about 18 months old now but is has
Dual Core AMD Athlon
Nvidia 8200
500Gig harddrive (original one was about 200gig I think)
3gig memory.

If you are getting a machine with Vista or Win 7 32 bit then I would get at least 2 but preferably 3 gigs memory. If it`s 64 bit then you might need more (someone else who uses 64bit will know)

Played Runaway 3 no problem (it isnt a resource hungry game anyway), in fact its playd everything Ive thrown at it.

Mine was about 400 quid (not sure what that is in $$$$) but I would imagine you would be able to get one with better graphics, and given the Americans get better value for money anyway you will probably get a bigger spec boost in other areas of the machine as well.

For a gaming laptop try to avoid the Intel line of graphics processors (they just seem to have more issues than nVidia).

Here's a fairly good example of what to look for in that price range (the model below is a bit over what you want to spend, but worth the extra money):

Alienware M15x

Here's another (a little better for less) -

Toshiba - Qosmio Laptop

Runaway 3 doesn't have very high system requirements and pretty much any current ATI or Nvidia video card will work with it. What other games are you hoping to play on the computer?

Thank you both. Both very helpful. I don't mind spending a little more if I have to to get a good laptop, I just want to make sure that the folks at the stores selling them aren't just trying to make me pay more for something that just isn't worth it. That's why I like to get advice from those who know so at least I know if they a selling my a load of.....well you know? Thanks again. Great help.

Jenny100....I don't have a game in mind but I want to be able to play whatever game comes around without having to worry wheter my system can handle it. My PC has played everything I've wanted to except for Runaway 3. I played the others with no problem. Don't know why I can't play this one. I know there is a fix on their site, but even after installing that, I can't get it to play so just gave up. Spent $50 and can't play the game. That hurts alot considering I'm a single mom with not alot of money. Not complaining cause it happens, but I would like to try to prevent it as much as I can. I have considered getting a new PC instead, but my daughter wants a laptop and I think eventually it would be good for both of us so I'll keep my PC and get a new laptop.

To get a feel for what you can get for around $800, you might try going to the hp website and checking out the dv6t series. You can put one together with a Core i3 processor, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB hard drive, 64-bit Win 7 and upgrade to either a 512 MB Nvidia 105M for $799 or a 1 GB Nvidia 320M for $899.

Customize HP dv6t Laptop

If you stick to casual and adventure games, something like that would be more than adequate. Try the Dell, Gateway and other brand websites too. That way when you go to the store, you will have a better idea of what to expect. I agree with staying away from the Intel GMAs which seem to on just about every mid-range laptop out there.

Draclvr Thanks. I will go to HP site. Forgot all about them.
Barbara

Jenny or Inland will know more about the Core i-3 and video options, but maybe that will help you get a feel for what to look for when you go to a store and a salesperson starts trying to talk you into something!

If you're looking for an endorsement - I've got an HP (DV-8125NR), and I'm quite happy with it, it's a real workhorse.

I didn't purchase it for gaming, but it does play them fairly well considering it's only equipped with an ATI Xpress M200 (w/128 MB dedicated Video ram).

They're typically priced quite competitively with the other OEM's so don't count them out.

I won't Inland. Thanks. I like HP so that's what I'm looking at now. Thanks for the endorsement.
What's the differemce between 64 bit and 32 bit and which is the better?
Barbara

You're probably going to have to settle for the 64 Bit edition - it seems to be the OS of choice for newer PC's.

I typically avoided that version because I don't always run signed drivers and the 64 bit edition requires them (but I'm not the probably not the norm, I run various drivers when I'm testing games.)

It has higher hardware requirements, but can address more memory (which is not a bad thing). There are compatability issue though, but there are frewer and fewer of them these days.

Thanks...got it. No problem. I appreciate your help and advice. It can get confusing when you don't know all that you should, but everyone has been quite helpful.

Barbara

Here are some reputable places that will explain the terminolgy and what effect they have:
www.consumersearch.com/laptops/important-features
www.pcworld.com/article/125647/how_to_buy_a_laptop.html

And here are consumersearch's recommendations:
www.consumersearch.com/cheap-laptops

By the way, I love consumersearch and check with them on all sorts of stuff. They've never steered me wrong. Highly recommended.

Also, you might want to keep an eye on techbargains. Folks from all over the net report sales and specials here. Lots of brands frequently have discount coupons, especially Dell.
www.techbargains.com/

If you truly need to be mobile, you'll also need a carrying case. I wouldn't go over a 15.6" screen. Also, if you're going to be using it in the car a lot, like for GPS, you'll want a car (DC) power supply. If it's strictly for home use in one place, I'd get a desktop. You'll get a lot more for your money, the ergonomics are much better, and its much more upgradeable and maintainable.

I think the graphics are probably the most important consideration, and integrated Intel is bottom of the line. Anything from ATI or NVidia will be better. If you stick to the name brands you should be able to find something to fill the bill.

Albert

P.S.
Oh, one other thing I forgot to mention is laptop speakers sound terrible, so you'll want some kind of external sound. Either headphones or a small set of travel speakers. Even a cheap set of either will sound Much better. I simply mention some of the accessories you might be interested in so you can factor them into your budget. The only one you need to get on the road is the case, you can add the other stuff as budget permits. But trust me, if sound is important to you, so is this post.

Albert