Laptop performance help (graphics cards)

Domikaze

Domikaze

CAGiversary!
Through a sale at circuit city I ended up picking this up:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/HP-P...99873/catOid/-12963/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

and to be honest, despite it being a really good price, I am really not thrilled with its performance game-wise (and I know, what do I expect with something off shelf and cheap)

To be honest, I am just looking to play something like TF2 smoothly at a good resolution. But with this laptop, although it can play it, it does so with tons of lag spikes, forcing me to have the lowest possible settings. However, even then, the game has a lot of lag.

Now my question is, is it because of its graphics card? I know that laptop graphics cards are ass generally speaking, but I never imagined a game like TF2 being that demanding. Even a game like Knights of the Old Republic gets a bit laggy from time to time and has framerate issues.

Luckily, I can still return the laptop and I am considering doing so and just buying a laptop off of HPs website. I still want it to be 14' (the only thing I am a bit stingy about) and I was wondering that if I got a laptop with a 128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS if it would make much of a difference? I am willing to spend the extra money on upgrading the processor, ram, and graphics card, but that is if the difference is substantial enough to warrant the extra money.

I just am afraid of returning this and forking over an extra $400 from what I spent just to find out that there is no real difference and games like TF2 and whatnot are still having trouble running. Any kind of advice someone can give me on this is GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!

::edit:: also, if anyone can provide some specs (processor, RAM, GPU, etc.) that could run a game like TF2 well I would really appreciate that as well! Thanks again!
 
Were you playing via Wireless LAN or with a cable. Framerates and lag can also be associated to dropped network packets from shady wireless connections.

FWIW, I have a laptop running a GeForce 6300 Go GPU and I've been playing WoW on it for 18 months. It doesn't cook like my desktop does but it does fairly well. If you want performance, however, then you will need to get the best money can buy in terms of a GPU. Even then, you might be disappointed. We have one of those fancy new Dell XPS laptops at work (the ones that have dual Nvidia cards in them) and even it has framerate issues. I can't explain why, it just does.
 
I'm actually surprised you were able to anything with that laptop. It has an integrated Intel video card. Not exactly made for gaming.

I did a quick search and came up with th is review:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4223

The reviewer claims he was able to get decent levels on the stress test with no filters on, but the settings on high. So if you lower those a bit (put a few on medium), you should be ok. For the record, I was able to run CS Source, but not TF2 (or at least get a decent frame rate) on my laptop and it has a x1400. I'm assuming that the 8400 is a bit more powerful than my card so I'd say there is a good chance that it will allow you to play TF2.

As daphatty said though, the lag might be whats causing your drop in frame rate. Try running a lan game (by yourself) and see if you still have the problem. If you're running wireless, see if a wired connection would do it.
 
These might help. The 8400m will smoke an intel integrated card but will still more or less suck. You can use the following coupons if you are going to buy an hp. You are better off waiting for some new Dell coupons and buying something from them, HPs are the worst computers I have ever had to deal with and the Indian call centers are much worse than Dell's.

HP Home has $300 off $1199 select HP Pavilion Notebook PCs with coupon code NB0300 [Exp 3/9]. Valid on dv2700t Special Edition Verve, dv2700t Broadband Wireless or dv6700t Special Edition Influx.

Step up to $400 off $1199 select HP Pavilion Notebook PCs with coupon code NB0400 [Exp 3/9]. Valid on dv9700z, dv9700t, tx2000z or HDX.
 
The 8400m will be better than what you have now, but it will still have problems with most games, unless you turn almost everything to low settings.

If you can find a laptop with a 8600m, it will make more of a difference.

Here is a dell that has a 8600m for $749 (originally $999 use coupon code KMQ?ZLS2RVWJ2K for 25% off!!):


http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DNCWMA1&s=dhs

You will need to add the video card in the config menu. While you are there, I would recommend upgrading the processor a little if possible.

If you have any questions, either reply here or PM, and I'll do my best to help.

Hope this helps.
 
TF 2 is actually kind of demanding. And your probably not even playing it the way it was meant to be seen with everything turned off. This laptop http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8651167&type=product&id=1195599780039 would roughly quadruple your performance or more and blow any 8400 or 8600 out of the water. hell it would even compete with some of those 3000 dollar gaming laptops from dell and the like. Its great gateway made a notebook with a 8800 gts for around 1300.
 
[quote name='GBmanNC']TF 2 is actually kind of demanding. And your probably not even playing it the way it was meant to be seen with everything turned off. This laptop http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8651167&type=product&id=1195599780039 would roughly quadruple your performance or more and blow any 8400 or 8600 out of the water. hell it would even compete with some of those 3000 dollar gaming laptops from dell and the like. Its great gateway made a notebook with a 8800 gts for around 1300.[/quote]

I have this laptop, and it is excellent. Highly recommended. It was on sale last week for $1199, and a few weeks ago for $1249. Hopefully more sales will come soon, but even at $1349, it is a great deal.
 
[quote name='UnderwaterMadman']These might help. The 8400m will smoke an intel integrated card but will still more or less suck. You can use the following coupons if you are going to buy an hp. You are better off waiting for some new Dell coupons and buying something from them, HPs are the worst computers I have ever had to deal with and the Indian call centers are much worse than Dell's.

HP Home has $300 off $1199 select HP Pavilion Notebook PCs with coupon code NB0300 [Exp 3/9]. Valid on dv2700t Special Edition Verve, dv2700t Broadband Wireless or dv6700t Special Edition Influx.

Step up to $400 off $1199 select HP Pavilion Notebook PCs with coupon code NB0400 [Exp 3/9]. Valid on dv9700z, dv9700t, tx2000z or HDX.[/quote]


Wow thanks for the heads up on the coupons!! I think I will definately use these! But do you know when (during the order) I put the coupon code in?
 
[quote name='poisonedpawn45']The 8400m will be better than what you have now, but it will still have problems with most games, unless you turn almost everything to low settings.

If you can find a laptop with a 8600m, it will make more of a difference.

Here is a dell that has a 8600m for $749 (originally $999 use coupon code KMQ?ZLS2RVWJ2K for 25% off!!):


http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DNCWMA1&s=dhs

You will need to add the video card in the config menu. While you are there, I would recommend upgrading the processor a little if possible.

If you have any questions, either reply here or PM, and I'll do my best to help.

Hope this helps.[/quote]

yeah, but the problem is, is that I want a laptop that is more mobile than something 17". Which seems to be impossible to have a laptop thats 14" that can play games well.
 
[quote name='thespamofpower']I'm actually surprised you were able to anything with that laptop. It has an integrated Intel video card. Not exactly made for gaming.

I did a quick search and came up with th is review:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4223

The reviewer claims he was able to get decent levels on the stress test with no filters on, but the settings on high. So if you lower those a bit (put a few on medium), you should be ok. For the record, I was able to run CS Source, but not TF2 (or at least get a decent frame rate) on my laptop and it has a x1400. I'm assuming that the 8400 is a bit more powerful than my card so I'd say there is a good chance that it will allow you to play TF2.

As daphatty said though, the lag might be whats causing your drop in frame rate. Try running a lan game (by yourself) and see if you still have the problem. If you're running wireless, see if a wired connection would do it.[/quote]


Thanks for the link! That was defineatly helpful!!!Is the 8400M integrated as well?
 
i have the 8400M GS integrated.. it pretty much sucks major ass.

I thought being atleast a 8 series card it would be better than the 7 go series... but it can barely handle anything. Dont be fooled by the "128mb". Atleast on mine windows detects it as 64mb. I could not allocate more memory to it either in the bios.

i get a 3.5 in vista for video performance

On top of that.. most laptops have a 5400 RPM drive which causes horribly slow performance in games for me.
 
[quote name='daphatty']Were you playing via Wireless LAN or with a cable. Framerates and lag can also be associated to dropped network packets from shady wireless connections.

FWIW, I have a laptop running a GeForce 6300 Go GPU and I've been playing WoW on it for 18 months. It doesn't cook like my desktop does but it does fairly well. If you want performance, however, then you will need to get the best money can buy in terms of a GPU. Even then, you might be disappointed. We have one of those fancy new Dell XPS laptops at work (the ones that have dual Nvidia cards in them) and even it has framerate issues. I can't explain why, it just does.[/quote]


Yeah, I think i should definately check out to see if its lag as well. Which, either way, I'm sure is playing some kind of part in it.

And thanks for the advice, I think my problem is that my expectations are probally too high.
 
[quote name='guyver2077']i have the 8400M GS integrated.. it pretty much sucks major ass.

I thought being atleast a 8 series card it would be better than the 7 go series... but it can barely handle anything. Dont be fooled by the "128mb". Atleast on mine windows detects it as 64mb. I could not allocate more memory to it either in the bios.

i get a 3.5 in vista for video performance

On top of that.. most laptops have a 5400 RPM drive which causes horribly slow performance in games for me.[/quote]

Damn, that really sucks, but is really useful info. But I was wondering, could you elaborate a bit more with how it actually sucks with some examples of games and whatnot? I am really interested in hearing it from someone who has the 8400M GS. And what are your laptops specs?
 
try lowering your res'z after some quick googling it seemed like people reached playable levels with alot of recent-ish games.

But seriously, about 2 years ago will be the higher end of your sweet spot in games.

remember, pay attn to the fact that I didnt say they would look pretty, Im merely saying they are playable.

As far as TF2 is concerned, you should be able to run it, half decently.

I havent looked at the link, but maybe the cpu isnt up to par.
 
[quote name='Domikaze']Damn, that really sucks, but is really useful info. But I was wondering, could you elaborate a bit more with how it actually sucks with some examples of games and whatnot? I am really interested in hearing it from someone who has the 8400M GS. And what are your laptops specs?[/quote]

If you are familiar with the 3dmark game benchmark software, (www.futuremark.com), here is a table from notebookreview.com giving example scores:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3881&review=Dell+Inspiron+1420+Notebook+Computer+%28Core+2+Duo+T5250+1%2E5GHz%2F80GB%2F1GB%29

(scroll down a bit)

To compare, your built in video card will probably get around 300-500 in 3dmark06 (roughly)
 
[quote name='poisonedpawn45']If you are familiar with the 3dmark game benchmark software, (www.futuremark.com), here is a table from notebookreview.com giving example scores:

http://www.notebookreview.com/defau...k+Computer+(Core+2+Duo+T5250+1.5GHz/80GB/1GB)

(scroll down a bit)

To compare, your built in video card will probably get around 300-500 in 3dmark06 (roughly)[/quote]

Thanks for the link! But I have to admit, I really don't know what I'm reading with these 3dmarks. But this is a solid laptop, how do you think it would handle games though? The HP I am thinking of getting is practically the same specs, do you think there is any difference between that and a dell?
 
Alright, I hit the motherload. Check out this huge thread at notebookreview:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=142951

Pages and pages of every 8400m question imaginable, answered.

Same specs will roughly equal the same performance, brand or not. There may be minor differences, but nothing too major.

Most important factors for gaming are the video card, CPU, and ram. Go with the best video card you can first, the fastest CPU second, and the most ram third.
 
[quote name='poisonedpawn45']Alright, I hit the motherload. Check out this huge thread at notebookreview:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=142951

Pages and pages of every 8400m question imaginable, answered.

Same specs will roughly equal the same performance, brand or not. There may be minor differences, but nothing too major.

Most important factors for gaming are the video card, CPU, and ram. Go with the best video card you can first, the fastest CPU second, and the most ram third.[/quote]

Also important to remember ram can easily (and cheaply)be added, cpu somewhat easily changes but the video card generally can't. So if you plan to game at all, the video card is the most important thing to look at.
 
[quote name='poisonedpawn45']Alright, I hit the motherload. Check out this huge thread at notebookreview:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=142951

Pages and pages of every 8400m question imaginable, answered.

Same specs will roughly equal the same performance, brand or not. There may be minor differences, but nothing too major.

Most important factors for gaming are the video card, CPU, and ram. Go with the best video card you can first, the fastest CPU second, and the most ram third.[/quote]

Wow, it took me a while, but I read that whole thread. It seems like a 8400M GS is worth upgrading from what I have, but the 8600GT is really whats worth having. But I don't know if I want a big bulky laptop. Now I am wondering if I should stick with a HP Pavilion dv2000 or a dell XPS
 
[quote name='GBmanNC']Also important to remember ram can easily (and cheaply)be added, cpu somewhat easily changes but the video card generally can't. So if you plan to game at all, the video card is the most important thing to look at.[/quote]

yeah definately
 
I have a Nvidia 7600 Go in my laptop and I can play TF2 (and the other games in the orange box) at 1440X900 with everything turned all the way up (anti-aliasing off though) with just about no frame rate drops (except for a couple of the more intense scenes in HL2: EP2).
vista rating of 4.6 for gaming graphics.
 
[quote name='Domikaze']Wow, it took me a while, but I read that whole thread. It seems like a 8400M GS is worth upgrading from what I have, but the 8600GT is really whats worth having. But I don't know if I want a big bulky laptop. Now I am wondering if I should stick with a HP Pavilion dv2000 or a dell XPS[/QUOTE]

Don't get an XPS, just get a regular dell. Save the money, it's the same performance.

Look at the business laptops they have too. Sometimes there is a deal there.
 
[quote name='UnderwaterMadman']Don't get an XPS, just get a regular dell. Save the money, it's the same performance.

Look at the business laptops they have too. Sometimes there is a deal there.[/quote]


I was checking out that website you send and found this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...TC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Notebooks-_-ASUS-_-34220277

Any thoughts about it? I found this review on it:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=222056

and it seems to perform quite well. What do you think?
 
[quote name='Domikaze']I was checking out that website you send and found this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...TC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Notebooks-_-ASUS-_-34220277

Any thoughts about it? I found this review on it:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=222056

and it seems to perform quite well. What do you think?[/QUOTE]

It's not bad but I have seen similar specs for about $800 before. Geforce 9500 = Geforce 8600, just so you know. Asus laptops are supposed to be pretty solid. Processor is a little slow.
 
[quote name='UnderwaterMadman']It's not bad but I have seen similar specs for about $800 before. Geforce 9500 = Geforce 8600, just so you know. Asus laptops are supposed to be pretty solid. Processor is a little slow.[/quote]

Would you happen to know anything with similar specs for a good price? The only thing I am stingy about is I don't want some massive 17" laptop. I think the biggest I am interested in is 15"
 
[quote name='Domikaze']Would you happen to know anything with similar specs for a good price? The only thing I am stingy about is I don't want some massive 17" laptop. I think the biggest I am interested in is 15"[/QUOTE]

After looking around right now I can't find any really good deals. Dell stopped offering the 15" inspiron with the 8600gt and I don't really have time to go hunting for something better. You can look at the dell outlet and check what they have. I am sure there is something comparable for cheaper. But the ASUS is still a good comp.

If you really want to game on a laptop though your only real choice is to go 17" and pick up the gateway from bestbuy or fork out $2600 for the 15" alienware with the 8800gtx.


EDIT:

Dell had a Vostro 1500 coupon that expired yesterday that would have given you a faster 15" laptop for $750. If you wait a day or two the deal might resurface. A good thing about the vostro is that you can choose Windows XP or Vista!
 
Just got an email from Dell, this deal is for today only (2/28)

Dell Vostro 15.4" laptop for $748, with 8600M GT (add the card in the config screen)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...&oc=bqdjk1d&s=bsd&dgc=EM&cid=27997&lid=640546

Stats are:

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5270 (1.4GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA LCD Display
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 DIMM
160GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
8X CD/DVD+RW Read and Burn CD and DVD
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8600M GT
Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Wi-Fi Mini Card
 
[quote name='Domikaze']Damn, that really sucks, but is really useful info. But I was wondering, could you elaborate a bit more with how it actually sucks with some examples of games and whatnot? I am really interested in hearing it from someone who has the 8400M GS. And what are your laptops specs?[/quote]


Any benchmark info you need. I can run 3d mark and let you know what the score is.

My lappy is a similar hp laptop. Ill get the exact specs later
 
[quote name='poisonedpawn45']Just got an email from Dell, this deal is for today only (2/28)

Dell Vostro 15.4" laptop for $748, with 8600M GT (add the card in the config screen)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...&oc=bqdjk1d&s=bsd&dgc=EM&cid=27997&lid=640546

Stats are:

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5270 (1.4GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA LCD Display
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 DIMM
160GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
8X CD/DVD+RW Read and Burn CD and DVD
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8600M GT
Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Wi-Fi Mini Card[/quote]


damn thats a great deal. But I read that this is like an 8lb laptop. Is that true?!
 
[quote name='Domikaze']damn thats a great deal. But I read that this is like an 8lb laptop. Is that true?![/quote]

Weight & Dimensions
42 mm x 358.7 mm x 269 mm (1.65" x 14.12" x 10.59"). Preliminary starting weight at 2.87 kg (6.33 lbs)
 
[quote name='guyver2077']Any benchmark info you need. I can run 3d mark and let you know what the score is.

My lappy is a similar hp laptop. Ill get the exact specs later[/quote]

that would definately be helpful, but I am not too sure what benchmarks are when i look at numbers and whatnot.
 
[quote name='UnderwaterMadman']After looking around right now I can't find any really good deals. Dell stopped offering the 15" inspiron with the 8600gt and I don't really have time to go hunting for something better. You can look at the dell outlet and check what they have. I am sure there is something comparable for cheaper. But the ASUS is still a good comp.

If you really want to game on a laptop though your only real choice is to go 17" and pick up the gateway from bestbuy or fork out $2600 for the 15" alienware with the 8800gtx.


EDIT:

Dell had a Vostro 1500 coupon that expired yesterday that would have given you a faster 15" laptop for $750. If you wait a day or two the deal might resurface. A good thing about the vostro is that you can choose Windows XP or Vista![/quote]

With that ASUS laptop, do you think the processor will really make a big difference at the power that deal is at?

Also, another random question, if given the choice, vista or XP?
 
I have a T7500 Core 2 Duo 4GB Ram 8400 GS M1330 XPS Notebook and TF2 runs swimmingly. I really suggest going for the 8600 GT if you can though

sadly the M1330 didn't have an option, but what the hell, it's an ultra portable and that's what I really wanted in a notebook.
Plus it was only $800 after tax and ram upgrade :)
 
[quote name='Zoglog']I have a T7500 Core 2 Duo 4GB Ram 8400 GS M1330 XPS Notebook and TF2 runs swimmingly. I really suggest going for the 8600 GT if you can though

sadly the M1330 didn't have an option, but what the hell, it's an ultra portable and that's what I really wanted in a notebook.
Plus it was only $800 after tax and ram upgrade :)[/quote]

Cool. How many inches is your laptop screen?
 
[quote name='poisonedpawn45']The M1330 is a 13" screen[/quote]


Hey I was just wondering what you thought of these specs:

SYSTEM COLORTuxedo Blackedit
PROCESSORIntel® Core™ 2 Duo T7250 (2MB cache/2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB)edit
OPERATING SYSTEMGenuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Editionedit
LCD AND CAMERAGlossy, widescreen 15.4 inch LCD (1280x800) & 2.0 MP Cameraedit
MEMORY2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)edit
HARD DRIVESize: 120GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Driveedit
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVESlot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)edit
VIDEO CARD256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GTedit
WIRELESS CARDSIntel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-cardedit
BATTERY OPTIONS56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Batteryedit
SOUND OPTIONSIntegrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Editionedit
FINGERPRINT SCANNERFinger Print Reader XPS M1530edit


The only thing I am wondering, is it worth upgrading to a 2.2 dual core with 4MB cache? I really don't know what the is really haha.
 
[quote name='Domikaze']Hey I was just wondering what you thought of these specs:

SYSTEM COLORTuxedo Blackedit
PROCESSORIntel® Core™ 2 Duo T7250 (2MB cache/2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB)edit
OPERATING SYSTEMGenuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Editionedit
LCD AND CAMERAGlossy, widescreen 15.4 inch LCD (1280x800) & 2.0 MP Cameraedit
MEMORY2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)edit
HARD DRIVESize: 120GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Driveedit
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVESlot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)edit
VIDEO CARD256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GTedit
WIRELESS CARDSIntel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-cardedit
BATTERY OPTIONS56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Batteryedit
SOUND OPTIONSIntegrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Editionedit
FINGERPRINT SCANNERFinger Print Reader XPS M1530edit


The only thing I am wondering, is it worth upgrading to a 2.2 dual core with 4MB cache? I really don't know what the is really haha.[/quote]

Those are great specs. A 2.2 dual core with 4mb cache would speed up your windows/application experience a bit more, but it won't be hugely significant for gaming. I like the specs you have listed, it would make for a great portable gaming system.
 
[quote name='poisonedpawn45']Those are great specs. A 2.2 dual core with 4mb cache would speed up your windows/application experience a bit more, but it won't be hugely significant for gaming. I like the specs you have listed, it would make for a great portable gaming system.[/quote]

Cool. Thanks for all the help man, you and underwatermadman especially have been such a great help. I will keep you updated
 
[quote name='Domikaze']Cool. Thanks for all the help man, you and underwatermadman especially have been such a great help. I will keep you updated[/QUOTE]

Dell Business has $500 off of Vostro 1500's right now!!!!!!

You can get this for under $800:

Vostro 1500 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic
LCD Panel 15.4 in Wide Screen SXGA+LCD Display w/TrueLife™
Memory 1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 DIMM
Video Cards 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8600M GT
Hard Drive 250GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
Integrated NIC and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader
Optical Drive 8X CD/DVD Burner w/ double-layer DVD+R write capability, w/ Roxio Creator
Sound Card High Definition Audio 2.0
Wireless Cards Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Wi-Fi Internal Card
Camera No Webcam Option
Bundle Microsoft® Works 9. Does NOT Include MS Word
MediaDirect Dell Exclusive MediaDirect™ Instant Play Software Application
1st Software No Pre-installed Anti-Virus/Security Software
Primary Battery 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Limited Warranty, Services and Support 1 Year Basic Limited Warranty plus 1 Year Mail-in Service
Installation Services No Onsite System Setup
Dell DataSafe Online Data Backup 10GB for 1 Year Online Data Backup by Dell DataSafe
Automated PC Tuneup 1 Year Dell Automated PC Tuneup
Network Assistant Dell Network Assistant
Purchase Intent Purchase is not intended for resale.
Processor Branding Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Labels Windows Vista™ Basic
 
[quote name='UnderwaterMadman']Dell Business has $500 off of Vostro 1500's right now!!!!!!

You can get this for under $800:

Vostro 1500 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic
LCD Panel 15.4 in Wide Screen SXGA+LCD Display w/TrueLife™
Memory 1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 DIMM
Video Cards 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8600M GT
Hard Drive 250GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
Integrated NIC and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader
Optical Drive 8X CD/DVD Burner w/ double-layer DVD+R write capability, w/ Roxio Creator
Sound Card High Definition Audio 2.0
Wireless Cards Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Wi-Fi Internal Card
Camera No Webcam Option
Bundle Microsoft® Works 9. Does NOT Include MS Word
MediaDirect Dell Exclusive MediaDirect™ Instant Play Software Application
1st Software No Pre-installed Anti-Virus/Security Software
Primary Battery 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Limited Warranty, Services and Support 1 Year Basic Limited Warranty plus 1 Year Mail-in Service
Installation Services No Onsite System Setup
Dell DataSafe Online Data Backup 10GB for 1 Year Online Data Backup by Dell DataSafe
Automated PC Tuneup 1 Year Dell Automated PC Tuneup
Network Assistant Dell Network Assistant
Purchase Intent Purchase is not intended for resale.
Processor Branding Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Labels Windows Vista™ Basic[/quote]

Damn! Thats awesome!!! How long is this deal gonna last? And do you know anything about the actual build of the vostro 1500? I heard it was big and bulky. Have you heard anything about it? Also do you think I should go Vista or XP with this?
 
[quote name='Domikaze']Damn! Thats awesome!!! How long is this deal gonna last? And do you know anything about the actual build of the vostro 1500? I heard it was big and bulky. Have you heard anything about it? Also do you think I should go Vista or XP with this?[/quote]

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3918

(review of the Vostro 1500).

I prefer XP, although my laptop has vista. Vista is needed for DirectX 10 games, of which most perform worse than their DX9 counterparts.

I would pick XP, but it is up to you of course.
 
My biggest advice when buying notebooks is try to buy it with as little ram and as little HD space as you can customize it to because they will rip you off on that.

I downgraded my ram from 2GB to 1GB and got $230 for that. I then went to frys and bought 4GB of ram for $59 AR. Both ram and HD are incredibly easy to replace.

As for Domi, I'd always go for the best battery you can.

As for DX10 gaming on notebooks, don't even bother if that's a concern at this time. Unless you're paying through the roof for one of the extremely high end cards. In the end you're best performance/visual bang for the buck is by setting it at DX9.

It's kind of amusing how my 8400GS supports DX10, but i'd never use that option with hellgate london on my notebook.

As for my M1330 it's the first time I bought an XPS notebook, and it's quite a decent jump from my inspiron 700m which served me well for 3 years.
It almost feels like jumping from a budget notebook to a true solid one (though I paid the same for both). The M1330 is a great balance between mobility and gaming. After all I never expect to play Crysis on the go. But being able to play guild wars/hellgate/TF2/quake wars on the go is fantastic.

However in the end I don't travel much and the main catalyst for me upgrading was that my dad needed a notebook so I gave him my old inspiron 700m.
one disappointment for me is even though the m1330 has a larger screen (700m is 12 inches), The body size looks much larger (though thinner and the same weight). On the flipside the slightly longer body allows for easier typing than the 700m.
 
[quote name='poisonedpawn45']http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3918

(review of the Vostro 1500).

I prefer XP, although my laptop has vista. Vista is needed for DirectX 10 games, of which most perform worse than their DX9 counterparts.

I would pick XP, but it is up to you of course.[/quote]


Hey I was checking out logicbuy.com and found this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...=AFC-C8Junction-_-Notebooks-_-ASUS-_-34220286

What do you think of this? Is the graphics card any good? Is it better/worse than the 8600GT?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
bread's done
Back
Top