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Small gaming laptop

Inspector Jihad

Inspector Jihad

Lifer
Is there anything else out there comparable with the Acer TimelineX 4820TG? It seems to be a good portable laptop with the ability to play games. I saw youtube videos of it playing Assassins Creed2, BF:BC2 and a lot of other games at native res. The fact that its only $750 on amazon makes it very appealing.
 
I'm assuming it comes with an i5-450M, HD 5650, and 1366x768 screen. If so, any laptop with those three specs will play those games.

The thing to note, of course, is the fact that the TimelineX series' build quality is sub-par. I've read numerous complaints about mushy keyboards, problems with the screen / bezel warping, etc. If specs are all you care about, the TimelineX offers a great package for not a lot of cash. If you want your computer to last a while and take some abuse, I suggest buying something other than an Acer (or low end Dell / HP / MSI / Gateway). That's the primary reason why I shelled out extra from my Envy 14 when the TimelineX had almost the exact same specs for a few hundred less. Of course, when you consider that my Envy 14 has one of the best screens available in a consumer notebook, a great keyboard, solid metal chassis, etc., the few hundred extra is perfectly justifiable IMO.
 
i have a timeline 3810. build quality is fine. there isn't any keyboard warp or flimsy case problems. i've taken the laptop with me to multiple states and countries since i got it in january and its still solid. maybe the build problem is with some of the newer models...but from what i understand, acer is doing much better in regards to its quality control.
 
i have the Acer 3820tg, and it doesn't warp, have mushy keyboard, etc. Feels like a very solid laptop. I know the new Dells XPS 14" has a nvidia 330 and a i5-460 processor, but costs slightly more for supposed better build quality. But in general, the Acer TimelineX series is a huge step above the quality of the other acers that might contribute to the reputation CursetheSky mentions.

a bit of advice- i'd avoid the Envy14 or Sony VaioZ option as both of those have underclocked GPUs which will give you lower performance compared to similarly spec'ed laptops, as well as a tendency to overheat.
 
That would be the laptop to get for the pricepoint. It is not flimsy, but it is very lightweight. I would get the HP Envy 14 over this, but they don't offer the radience screen anymore. So the only advantage is the metal body. (It's graphics are also gimped and most people can't even overclock the ATI to normal levels.)

The Acer overclocks easily without any noticeable heat increase. So you're looking at an easy 300Mhz difference in the core clock.

Just wish HP, Acer, Asus, etc. would offer a good 14" screen. I hate 768.
 
CurseTheSky said:
I'm assuming it comes with an i5-450M, HD 5650, and 1366x768 screen. If so, any laptop with those three specs will play those games.

The thing to note, of course, is the fact that the TimelineX series' build quality is sub-par. I've read numerous complaints about mushy keyboards, problems with the screen / bezel warping, etc. If specs are all you care about, the TimelineX offers a great package for not a lot of cash. If you want your computer to last a while and take some abuse, I suggest buying something other than an Acer (or low end Dell / HP / MSI / Gateway). That's the primary reason why I shelled out extra from my Envy 14 when the TimelineX had almost the exact same specs for a few hundred less. Of course, when you consider that my Envy 14 has one of the best screens available in a consumer notebook, a great keyboard, solid metal chassis, etc., the few hundred extra is perfectly justifiable IMO.
Click to expand...

I don't know why CurseTheSky keeps posting this FUD, maybe to try to justify his own purchase? No need, as the Envy is "not that bad". Sure, HP always rates at the bottom of the list for quality, (see squaretrade) and is the most unreliable brand out there, but at least the Envy "had" a good screen for a while.

The TimeLineX series is not sub par, and is a step up from the normal Acer line. Because the TimeLineX is not down clocked like the Envy is, it plays games much better than the comparably equiped Envy. No, not all i5-460m with HD5650's perform the same. In that class, Envy is below par, while TimelineX is normal. At notebookreview forums, many Envy owners have returned their unit and switched to one of the gaming TimelineX models, and are thrilled with the "upgrade".

I bought the 13.3" version of the TimeLineX and it was so great that a few weeks later I bought the 14" 4820TG to go along with it. This is from a Tech that works on laptops and other PC's for a living, not from someone just reading about them. Been working on them from the days of DoctorDos, before MS was formed. So consider this expert advice.

BTW, that 4820TG from newegg at $750 scored:
3dm2k6 = 10124 (750/1200), sm2-3857, sm3-4791, cpu-2979 (cpu-86, gpu-72c max)

You should google these laptops for more info.
notebookreview dot com is another website with good info, and owners of Envy and TimelineX are posting good and bad things about both, as well as other laptops. Nothing is perfect, but if you know what to expect before purchase, you will not be disappointed.

When looking at info, make sure you read "current info". Changes are always occurring, such as the Envy changing screens to low end, and the TimelineX switching to faster CPU's. (The following review is 2 days old.)

Here is a current review of the 3820tg, which is the same true specs (not downclocked to make it work like the Envy), and same build quality as the 4820TG.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Acer-Aspire-3820TG-Subnotebook-i5-HD5650.38666.0.html

Get one. You will be very happy you did.
 
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Save your money. Had one for 30 days til I returned it. Gamed a ton on it and it's the most frustrating experience ever. Screen is really cheap. Resolution is too low and just overall looks terrible. Forget playing any modern games with the graphics turned up. It has some things going for it and would be a good laptop for surfing the net and general stuff but you can get a netbook for that and get a real gaming machine too.
 
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