looking for a laptop

[shadowofthesun]

My budget is not huge, and I was looking at the dv6000t, with a go 7400. Money is probably the first priority, with gaming taking a backseat. The configuration I was looking at has a C2D, 1 gig ram, 80 GB HDD, and the 7400. At several websites, the 7400 is classed as a very slow card. Now obviously it is on the low end, but exactly what level of performance will I see? My other choice is the more expensive dv9000z, with a similar C2D, 1 gig ram, 80gb HDD, and a 7600. The 7600 is a good card, but is it worth the extra 200 dollars I will be spending? Anyay, thanks in advance


EDIT: Alright, quick update, I could save a bit of money by dropping RAM to 512 and then installing the other 512 myself. How would I go about finding out what kind of DDR2 ram to buy? HP website is no help.

DOUBLE EDIT: ugh. HP sucks. All memory is "Dual Channel" meaning I get 2x 256 on the 512 version, and my upgrade path only puts me at 768 mb of RAM. I guess it's back to the 1GB 2x 512 then. If it is configured as dual channel, will it operate at 1 gb of ram or 512 mb's of ram that is twice as fast? thanks

 

[Brainonska511]

Low end graphics are about a step or two above integrated. You will be able to play games, but I think playable would be on the lowest settings, and certainly not at native resolution.

What do you plan on doing with this notebook? What is your budget?
If you want to carry it around a lot, look towards smaller sized notebooks. If you have a desktop with decent graphics, you could probably skip out on getting the graphics card for the notebook and just game on the desktop.

 

[shadowofthesun]

Thanks Brainonska for your reply-
It won't be carried around much. It's really meant to be a DTR, with the occasional high school debate tournament. My Inspiron 1100 is pretty hefty, but its a 14 inch- is 17 inch really that big? I think i'll have to go down to CompUSA and hold one just to get the feel of it. Budget is still undecided but the 7400 is at 900 dollars and the 7600 is at 1100 (was lower, but my memory idea went bust- see above edit). 1150 is probably the upper end, since I'm not paying for it and all. Also, it's going to be my only computer, so gaming on the desktop won't be an option.

 

[kile22]

I would look at the dell e1505, same cpu, gig of ram, and two different video card upgrades. $898 with the ati x1400 video card. I'm kind of partial to dells though.

EDIT: price is with a core duo not c2d. $973 with c2d

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: shadowofthesun
Thanks Brainonska for your reply-
It won't be carried around much. It's really meant to be a DTR, with the occasional high school debate tournament. My Inspiron 1100 is pretty hefty, but its a 14 inch- is 17 inch really that big? I think i'll have to go down to CompUSA and hold one just to get the feel of it. Budget is still undecided but the 7400 is at 900 dollars and the 7600 is at 1100 (was lower, but my memory idea went bust- see above edit). 1150 is probably the upper end, since I'm not paying for it and all. Also, it's going to be my only computer, so gaming on the desktop won't be an option.

IMO, compared with a 14", a 17" is HUGE. 17" are ~8-10lbs (add a little more if you plan on carrying an adapter).

But since your budget is so low, you don't really have many options for choosing notebooks with midrange graphics in a smaller package. Those notebooks (with 7600/7700/X1600/X1700) range in price from ~$1200 - $2000, depending on the features.

You'll be able to play games on the 7400Go, but it won't be anything spectacular (in FPSes), and you'll have to turn down settings in other games. Since money is such a concern, I'd go with the smaller of the two and get the 7400Go in the DV6000T.

You may want to look at the Dell Inspiron E1505 with a MR X1400 (ATI counterpart to the 7400Go). You can usually get Dell notebooks for a fairly low price, especially if you combine them with coupons (Google: Dell Coupons).

Also, look into the Dell Outlet. In the outlet store, they tell you why it is in the outlet. The Scratched and Dented can be hit or miss, but the other type are usually really good (and covered by the standard Dell warranty). Also, the Outlet is known for great deals. Heck, you may be able to get an E1705 with a 7900GS in your price range (if you choose to go with a notebook of that size).

 

[Brainonska511]

Dell Outlet Example:
E1505:
C2D @ 1.66GHz
80GB HDD
MR X1400
1GB RAM
DVD+-RW
Wireless Card
15.4" WSXGA+
$860 (Certified Refurbished)

 

[shadowofthesun]

thanks kile22 and Brainonska511- budget and requirements aren't yet finalized, so I'll definitely look into the suggestions presented, maybe go down to the local CompUSA and get a good feel for some of the choices. Thanks for all your help, I'll let you guys know when/if I make my final decision.