Need Help Finding Laptop ~ $750.00

[imported_Kudos]

I can't seem to make a decision. It's tough finding a laptop when you're on a budget.
The most intensive thing I'll be doing with the laptop is playing Oblivion. It doesn't need to be pretty, just needs to work. I'll be doing picture editing also, and making spreadsheets, but other then that just surfing the net and watching mpeg's and such.
I know I need dedicated graphics, something that supports Direct3D.
Right now I'm looking at the HP dv5000z series.

I'd like an AMD 64 processor, but other then that I'm flexable on the other specs. XP Home would work for me, a 40 Gig HD would work fine, and as long as is has 512mb or more of memory, and can handle playing Olbivion I'll be happy

 

[aceO07]

After reading the Anandtech review of Oblivion.. good luck. Only the very top cards are able to do it 'well'.

 

[imported_Kudos]

yeah, I read that review...

I'm more hoping to be able to just play the game, all options on low if need be - but I only have ~750.00 to spend =/

 

[pkme2]

Wait until you have more to spend. You need the right processor, video card and RAM. Costs more than what you have budgeted now.

You asked for advice, so why don't you wait.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Try paging John Titor, he'll bring you one.

 

[imported_Kudos]

I actually just went out and bought one last night, my gf wanted to sell her laptop, so I figured what the heck, I'll try out the HP dv5000

well, it plays oblivion fairly decently. Not anything amazing though. No high resolutions, settings on medium. Not choppy at all yet, but I haven't gotten to an oblivion gate.

And it works for everything else I need it for.

I'm planning on waiting until I have more money to spend on something with a better video card though, and this laptop will be for my gf.

Until then, I'm rocking this one