Trying to find budget gaming laptop

[philfry]

I currently have an Asus UL30VT. The screen is distorted and it seems the lcd needs replaced so I'm sending it back to Asus to get it fixed. But it got me thinking that this laptop just hasn't been what I expected. I liked that it was an ultra-portable that I thought would be OK for some games. It can't seem to keep up with the games due to the ULV CPU.

Any ideas for what laptop to get to replace it ?

I've been looking at the Dell Studio XPS 16 and the HP Envy 14. I like the design of both but am probably leaning towards the Envy because of the GPU is a 5650.

Here is what I'm looking for :

• Core i5/Core i7 CPU
• Decent GPU that can handle TF2 and L4D2
• Weight under 8 lbs
• Chiclet keyboard if possible

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[EvilComputer92]

I had pretty much the same requirements and I'm going to get the Envy 14 for a combination of gaming and schoolwork/notetaking.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Check out my Envy 14 review here: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2099531. It's long, but worth the read if you're going to plunk down $1000+.

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend it. It's the best PC notebook I've ever used. Solid build quality, great screen (make sure you opt for the 1600x900 Radiance display, worth every penny), and good specs.

It won't play every game on the face of the planet at great settings, but it should have no trouble with TF2 and L4D2. You may have to turn a couple things down to keep the FPS up during large fights, but it'll get the job done. It's also small enough (14.5") and light enough (~5lbs) to carry around from class to class, and the battery life is around 4 hours of general use. For the money, you're not going to find anything better aside from perhaps a MBP 13, but you lose the gaming capability.