I have been looking into getting a custom built laptop from either www.ABSPC.com or www.ibuypower.com, or a similar website...
I am looking for something along these lines. I want a 64bit processor for use with 64bit linux, but also an adequate gaming system.
AMD64 3200+
at least 512mb PC-3200
MR9700 Pro
15" to 15.4" (17" would be too big, 14.1" too small)
Depending on other options, such as a DVD burner or CD-RW/DVD-ROM, the price ranges from $1600-$1850.
Now, I have read about the upcoming MR9800 graphics chip that will only be avialabe in Dell XPS systems for the first month. I am wanting a fast laptop for gaming, but I will settle for just a MR9700 if it is cheap when the 9800 comes out. When should the MR9800 chips hit the market, and for what price?
Also, right now the Mobile AMD64 chips are the 130nm socket 754 chips, but AMD is just now releasing the 90nm Socket 939 chips. I have read some articles saying that the performance difference is negligable, but I am wondering how the prices will fall here too. Since I will probably not be upgrading the cpu in my notebook, having an older socket 754 chip isn't a problem if it is justifiably cheaper than a newer socket 939 with about the same performance. Also, how much less power consumption would a 90nm cpu have than a 130nm chip? When can I expect to see the 90nm socket 939 chips widely available?
Most of the games I play use a standard 4:3 apsect ratio, so if I got a 15.4" widescreen with a 16:10 ratio, how would my games be affected? I know that LCDs tend to llook fuzzy when not in their native resolution, so will I be stuck between a fuzzy screen or a distorted one?
Most 15.4" screens seem to use 1280x800 as the standard. How is this as far as quality? I would like a 1440x900 capable screen if I could find one in my budget, but I am sure that it would suck the juice out of the battery even faster...?
Lastly, since I am mainly a Linux user, I will probably get an OEM copy of WinXP Home (since it is the least of a rip-off) to replace the copy of Win98SE I am still using for gaming. I would like to give as little money as possible to Mr. Bill, so I am thinking I should wait for the 64bit Windows to go along with the processor capabilites, that way I don't have to buy XP then have to buy an upgrade. Any availabe details right now on a 64bit version of Winblows?
I am looking for something along these lines. I want a 64bit processor for use with 64bit linux, but also an adequate gaming system.
AMD64 3200+
at least 512mb PC-3200
MR9700 Pro
15" to 15.4" (17" would be too big, 14.1" too small)
Depending on other options, such as a DVD burner or CD-RW/DVD-ROM, the price ranges from $1600-$1850.
Now, I have read about the upcoming MR9800 graphics chip that will only be avialabe in Dell XPS systems for the first month. I am wanting a fast laptop for gaming, but I will settle for just a MR9700 if it is cheap when the 9800 comes out. When should the MR9800 chips hit the market, and for what price?
Also, right now the Mobile AMD64 chips are the 130nm socket 754 chips, but AMD is just now releasing the 90nm Socket 939 chips. I have read some articles saying that the performance difference is negligable, but I am wondering how the prices will fall here too. Since I will probably not be upgrading the cpu in my notebook, having an older socket 754 chip isn't a problem if it is justifiably cheaper than a newer socket 939 with about the same performance. Also, how much less power consumption would a 90nm cpu have than a 130nm chip? When can I expect to see the 90nm socket 939 chips widely available?
Most of the games I play use a standard 4:3 apsect ratio, so if I got a 15.4" widescreen with a 16:10 ratio, how would my games be affected? I know that LCDs tend to llook fuzzy when not in their native resolution, so will I be stuck between a fuzzy screen or a distorted one?
Most 15.4" screens seem to use 1280x800 as the standard. How is this as far as quality? I would like a 1440x900 capable screen if I could find one in my budget, but I am sure that it would suck the juice out of the battery even faster...?
Lastly, since I am mainly a Linux user, I will probably get an OEM copy of WinXP Home (since it is the least of a rip-off) to replace the copy of Win98SE I am still using for gaming. I would like to give as little money as possible to Mr. Bill, so I am thinking I should wait for the 64bit Windows to go along with the processor capabilites, that way I don't have to buy XP then have to buy an upgrade. Any availabe details right now on a 64bit version of Winblows?