Two Laptops

[JHallas]

Hey everyone,

Ok, I'm shopping for two laptops.

First: My sister needs a laptop that can run Architectural Desktop which has minimum requirements of 128mb video card and 2GB ram. She also wants a 17" monitor at least. She wants the cheapest thing that can satisfy these requirements as a laptop.

Second: One of my friends wants a laptop that's decent enough to be able to play counter-strike source and other games based on the source engine. Doesn't have to play it on high settings, but decent on low or medium. Also, wants to spend as little as money as possible.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
JH

 

[onlyCOpunk]

hp, dell, lenovo, asus. you'll want to look for dedicated video cards, none of the Intel graphics crap.

 

[Rottie]

I can think you might find 17 inches notebook with reasonable low price from Gateway I forgot model but I know it is Gateway for your sister and your friend.

 

[slugg]

For your gaming friend, the Dell XPS M1530 with coupons (just google "Dell Coupon Codes"). Make sure to pick the NVIDIA 8600GT video card. GREAT laptop! Great price too, depending on how you configure it.

For your sis, tell her to reconsider getting "the cheapest thing that can satisfy these requirements as a laptop" because she'll obviously be using this in a professional or academic environment. Personally, I'd go for something more RELIABLE and go ahead and pay the price premium for a higher quality machine. That being said, for the money, the Dell Vostro 1700 or Vostro 1710 are some great 17 inch laptops. Just make sure to configure them with the NVIDIA 8600GT. If she's a student or member of one of Dell's endorsed organizations (like IEEE, for example), you can call Dell when ordering to get a discount.