In need of a laptop

[Psycho18]

I've been browsing around my town's electronic stores for some high end gaming laptops, just something decent enough to play HL2, CS Source, etc....I'm going overseas 3jan07 so I need something durable and long lasting.

 

[imported_ToySoldier]

I did a 12 month tour in Iraq back in 2004 - 2005 (OIF 3). The sand storms are a BITCH over there. The sand which feels more like baby powder and get's into everything. Here's a video of what I'm talking about (requires DSL or Cable Internet)
http://www.mikelovesbrie.com/Assets/Movies/Sand_Storm.wmv

If your bored, I have other pictures from Iraq on my Website. I was a M249 Convoy Saw Gunner for CLPS's around Tikrit. I bought a laptop for $300 off Ebay so I could watch DVD's and play simple games like Age of Mythology. Needless to say... the dust took it's toll and it burned out after 6 months when I got home... even after cleaning it the best I could. That powder stuff get's everywhere.

If you want to spend some money then go for the "Tough Book" series from Panasonic. In my old job we provided support for the local police force... these things can take a beating. There were a few NCO's that asked for my advice about them and they worked out great over there. But they only played less demanding games then the ones you listed. You may have to call Panasonic for a dedicated MXM video option.

Here's a key quote from Panasonics website:
Moisture- and dust-resistant LCD, keyboard and touchpad
http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/fully-rugged.asp

Here is a website where you can buy them but search around for a possible better price:
http://www.toughonline.com

Here's an article that goes into more detail and other brands:
http://www.whatlaptop.co.uk/YWJ3qsxoJoyL1w.html

Moral of the story is... if you do get a "normal" high end laptop... expect issues with it due to the sand storms. When I go over there again, I'm gonna do the same thing... buy a Laptop for $300-$500 off Ebay to watch DVD's and play older generation 3D Games. An XBOX 360 might not be a bad idea either. There were quite a few guys who used them over there and everyone chipped in for a Large Screen TV at the PX or purchased their own. When we were leaving, the TV was donated to the Chaplain Moral Center.

SSG St.Jacques
Dco 735th
Combat Forward Support

 

[alimoalem]

i didn't find anywhere Psycho18 mentioned going to the middle east...am i missing something?

OP, Asus is known for their gaming laptops. also, check out newegg for laptops made by ibuypower. they had a 15.4" laptop with a 7600Go for ~$1250. not sure how the brand is but the price is good.

is there any budget ur looking at staying under?

 

[imported_ToySoldier]

Perhaps I assumed Iraq... usually going "overseas" is a codeword for Iraq or Afghanistan. If he goes anywhere else... he can simply buy one through the internet and have it shipped to him. Being overseas and buying a laptop is not really an issue when stationed in Germany or Korea... etc...

<edit> He used the word "durable". An interesting term if it will simply be for barracks use and the occasional field exersize. On the other hand... I hate predictions of the future but I'm fairly certain he will eventually go to Iraq or Afghan in the near to medium future assuming he is stationed in Germany or Korea.

 

[alimoalem]

lol i guess i am missing something...do you and Psycho know each other before the thread was created? i suppose my question was more along the lines of how you know he is in the military to begin with and needs it for use while stationed in another country overseas?

OP, what resolutions do you play at? and do you need full graphics details? if not, the MR X1400 and 7400 Go will suffice for your needs and will greatly increase the selection of laptops and brands for you to choose from

 

[MedicBob]

I agree with ToySoldier on the Panasonic ToughBook series if you are looking for "I need something durable and long lasting."

I also agree with the term "going overseas" generally means someplace not nice, hot, dusty, etc.

 

[IEC]

If he was going to study abroad I doubt he'd say "going overseas"

Although I could still be wrong. If your environment isn't extreme a normal laptop might cut it. Otherwise one built specifically for durability like a Toughbook will be necessary.

 

[imported_ToySoldier]

Originally posted by: alimoalem i suppose my question was more along the lines of how you know he is in the military to begin with

His signature ended with the following:

PV2 Paluszek
21b Combat Engineer

That means he is in a Combat Arms unit and holds the rank of Private (E2).

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: ToySoldier

Originally posted by: alimoalem i suppose my question was more along the lines of how you know he is in the military to begin with

His signature ended with the following:

PV2 Paluszek
21b Combat Engineer

That means he is in a Combat Arms unit and holds the rank of Private (E2).

i = owned

good eyes there ToySoldier

psycho, i'm not sure what to get so listen to what ToySoldier said...he really seems like he knows what he's talking about when it comes to these kinds of laptops

 

[imported_ToySoldier]

i = owned

good eyes there ToySoldier

psycho, i'm not sure what to get so listen to what ToySoldier said...he really seems like he knows what he's talking about when it comes to these kinds of laptops

LOL... happens to the best of us... speaking of military terms... home chicken has been MIA... after all this back and forth... I'd like to hear from him.

Tough Books are "Durable and Long lasting..." but the graphics suck. I'm having trouble finding a good dedicated graphics example.

Time for bed...

 

[cheesehead]

Originally posted by: ToySoldier

i = owned

good eyes there ToySoldier

psycho, i'm not sure what to get so listen to what ToySoldier said...he really seems like he knows what he's talking about when it comes to these kinds of laptops

LOL... happens to the best of us... speaking of military terms... home chicken has been MIA... after all this back and forth... I'd like to hear from him.

Tough Books are "Durable and Long lasting..." but the graphics suck. I'm having trouble finding a good dedicated graphics example.

Time for bed...

Heh. Even a civilian like me picked up that he's in the military.

I'm also inclined to go with a Toughbook. They're nearly bulletproof. (In fact, that may be an option on some models.)