Preparing for QuakeCon

[FerraraZ]

I've registered for quakecon and now doing some of the planning stuff with me and my friends but one problem. I DONT HAVE A PORTABLE solution!!! My macbook is for work and that certainly wont be coming with me and my desktop case is just huge and heavy, it is something I certainly dont want to check on a plane let alone lug in a rented van.

I guess I'm looking for a laptop that can handle the games that will be played there. I'm not saying I need bleeding edge here guys but a dedicated videocard is a must in this scenario. I was thinking of selling my 20gb PS3 to sort of get some money but really my budget is around 600 for this. Am I out of luck? I've been following the woot off (www.woot.com) and waiting for a laptop that fit my taste but so far they've just been bargain bin laptops.

 

[MarcVenice]

No way 600$ buys you a gaming laptop, unless you plan on playing RTS games at low settings only ...

You could build a mATX rig for 600$, especially if you reuse some of your 'old' parts.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: FerraraZ
I guess I'm looking for a laptop that can handle the games that will be played there.

my budget is around 600 for this.

Am I out of luck?

Yes.

 

[DSF]

If you can stretch your budget and you're willing to overclock, you might be able to build a portable desktop using something like a cube case.

 

[JasonandBecky]

You could certainly get a very nice used SFF type system that would perform pretty nice for that price range. Lots of Shuttles for sale that run Opteron/X2/P4's.

 

[jkresh]

if you have a recent macbook pro then using bootcamp is your cheapest option (and unless you use bootcamp for work you shouldnt have to worry about problems, outside of potential hardware damage in the trip or at the con)

 

[Davegod]

what about getting a new PC case, something smaller and aluminium (but reasonably sturdy). Use the packaging it comes in to protect the PC during transport. At least you'd also be getting something that has benefits after QCon.

Failing that try a Shuttle that will take your current parts. It'll be most convenient to transport, you may end up preferring it after the show or can get something back via ebay.

Possibly you can hire a monitor?