Getting a Laptop for College

[d3lt4]

I am looking for a laptop for college and I have found 2. Both from cyberpowerpc.com.
The xplorer x5-3900, and the xplorer x5 6800, and I don't know which to get until I have a few questions answered.

Which is better an ATI HD 2400, or an NVidia mobile 8600 gt 512mb?
And how would I go about getting a better battery for the laptop?

edit:X5-3900
X5-6800

 

[IlllI]

1. depends on what you mean by better. but for gaming : 8600 > 2400

2. did you look on the second page? it gives you an option to upgrade to a bigger battery

 

[RESmonkey]

Check some reviews, first. Cyberpower and iBuypower are always questionable.

 

[d3lt4]

Thank you clanden, I meant better for gaming on #1, and that's the answer I was looking for.
On page 2 they only give you an option for 2 batteries, not a longer lasting one, which is what I am wondering about.

@ RESmonkey, thanks for warning me. If you have any other suggestions as to where to buy powerful cheap laptops that would be much appreciated.

So does anyone know about an aftermarket battery on the x5-6800?

 

[DarkRogue]

For the first question, try this link:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/M...chmark-List.844.0.html

As for the second one about aftermarket batteries... getting them (usually from Hong Kong/China) is risky as they're sometimes poorly made or faulty and can burst on fire or explode.

 

[Brainonska511]

If you wanted a 14" notebook with a midrange card:

Asus F8 with a Radeon 3650 for $999.99: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16834220303

You can also get it with the 9500M GS for $950: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16834220331

According to the website DarkRogue linked, the 9500M GS scores 3700 on 3dMark06 while the 3650 scores about 3450. From what I've heard, the ATI 3650 is better for laptop gaming than the 8600M.

 

[RESmonkey]

Originally posted by: d3lt4
Thank you clanden, I meant better for gaming on #1, and that's the answer I was looking for.
On page 2 they only give you an option for 2 batteries, not a longer lasting one, which is what I am wondering about.

@ RESmonkey, thanks for warning me. If you have any other suggestions as to where to buy powerful cheap laptops that would be much appreciated.

So does anyone know about an aftermarket battery on the x5-6800?

You will probably pay $100-200 more, but checkout the Lenovo Thinkpad T61p. It has workstation graphics card that is a little bit better than a 8600m GT.
If you want cheaper, then get a Dell m1530, +25% off coupon, and you'll have a good laptop.

The cyberpower has a WXGA LCD, which I don't recommend (it's only 720p).

Another tip: Never buy RAM from laptop retailer (just customize w/ stock RAM that is the cheapest option). You can upgrade to say 4GB for $60 or less on NewEgg.

 

[gaiden2k5]

I would stay away from Cyberpower Ibuypower, i dont know this but some say they are actually under the same management/mother company. regardless though read your reviews and you will know that ppl complained about their quality... their cheaper price come off from cutting corners in things you get from them.

-if you are a regular joe that go online to chat/email/projects/word processing/movies HD2400 or HD2600 is more than you need
-if you are into older games ATI HD2600/Nvidia 8400m should be fine
-if you are a pwner get settle for nothing less than 8600GT(nvidia) im not sure about ATI side...

laptop (on budget): HP DV series $800 or less
laptop (performance): Dell 1530 stock config, Dell 1502, Dell Vostro 1500, Lenovo T series
laptop (gaming): Sager, Dell M1730, M1710, Alienware

my 2cents

gl

 

[d3lt4]

thanks for the help.
I was looking for something with at least a t8100 c2d, 2gb ram (which I could just upgrade at newegg), a tf2 playable gpu, and 160gb HD 7200rpm. And I would prefer no OS.
My budget is $1200.

Should I just wait until montevino comes out? Because that is my new plan as of today.

 

[preslove]

Get a dell mini inspiron when it comes out (the cheapest one should be about $300) and then spend the $900 on a budget gaming desktop. Buying a gaming laptop for college is just plain silly. It will be a pain in the ass to take it to campus because of its weight, and it will be out of date within months. With the mini inspiron you'll be able to take it to class easily, since it will weigh less than most textbooks, and with the desktop you'll be able to upgrade it regularly and have a nice big display at home.

 

[IlllI]

thats probably a good idea. 50% of the time would probably not be used for gaming anyways (class notes etc). and you could build a gaming desktop with much better specs for less

 

[d3lt4]

Well the problem is that I will be going to Korea, and I can't take a desktop with me. Otherwise I wouldn't even be getting a laptop. I don't really want to play games all that much. I just can't stand the idea of 6 months without even the option of playing a few rounds of team fortress 2.
I am just going to wait a few more weeks and see what intel's new platform does to the market, unless there is some great deal that I come by really soon.