"Requirements" for a gaming laptop

[bjiceman]

So I'm in the market for a gaming notebook, but I want to make sure that I get all of the "required" attributes so a solid gaming system. ANY info would be helpful. I also want to be able to hook it up to my 32" LCD TV should the need arise.

Thanks!

 

[Tiamat]

The new Dell XPS should work ~ $3800

 

[bjiceman]

Originally posted by: Tiamat
The new Dell XPS should work ~ $3800

Kinda looking for a little more info component wise. 😉

 

[Schadenfroh]

1gb of ram minimum
dedicated graphics card with dedicated graphics memory (nvidia 7800 or above)
Intel Core Duo

check out the Dell XPS m1710 thread in this forum

 

[kainthelongshot]

Shadenfroh is right dedicated graphics cards is key.

I'll be honest with you, I've never really considered laptops (yes it is debateable) to be game platforms. Yes its mobile but thats where you pay the price and at many times an enormous price. Laptop cards are usually a step or two behind the fastest thing for a desktop. Just the way it works. If I were you and you very serious about gaming, I'd seriously consider a desktop arrangement. I would seriously evaluate whether you truely need the portability you are looking for. What conserns me about your post:

"I want to be able to play without worry!"

From that statement it sounds like you want all the eye candy and at the high rez and the insane AA. So it would seem that there really isn't a budget and true mobility may be a minor convienence. So here are my suggestions:
http://www.sagernotebook.com/pages/go_np5950.html
http://www.rockdirect.com/notebooks/xtremesl_cons.htm
http://web.eurocom.com/EC/ec_model_config1(1,172,0)
http://www.voodoopc.com/system/quotekitchen.aspx?productID=1083
http://www.itchannel.com.au/customer/ITC-Custom-Build.asp?Notebook=Metabox-740U
http://www.american-computer.com/TigerShark/index.htm
Just to give you a hint of the power you can get in a laptop. Keep in mind all of these are well above the 3k range and many can be up to 4-5K if pimped out properly.

Again, my personal opinion, its a waste. For the giant brick you want to game with and the amount you spend it would be better to buy a budget laptop for light gaming and get pimped out SLI SFF setup that will allow you the mobility without breaking you and your wallet.

 

[bjiceman]

Thanks kain, lots of good info.

Just for a bit of why I am considering this...
I'm a pilot that lives in Michigan, but based in DC. Therefore I spend 4 nights a week in a hotel room. I can't really game too much when I go home for 3 days as I would like to spend some time with my wife. 🙂

I would like to drop the cash into a sweet desktop, but I would never be able to use it. So you see my dilema...