Needed: Laptop; Strong Performer, Reliable

[GhandiInstinct]

Toshiba and Dell come to mind when searching for a gamer laptop and such.

I've had experience with Sager and Toshiba. What I'm really looking for is a customizable laptop. Would anyone suggest any companies that specialize in customizable laptops?

 

[silverbuyer]

Originally posted by: GhandiInstinct
Toshiba and Dell come to mind when searching for a gamer laptop and such.

I've had experience with Sager and Toshiba. What I'm really looking for is a customizable laptop. Would anyone suggest any companies that specialize in customizable laptops?

Not so sure about Toshiba, but Dell, ABS Mayhem, Acer Ferrari, etc. might make more of a gamer's laptop than Toshiba, but why even get a laptop if you're into gaming? Do you know what kind of a Desktop you could buy/build for $2K?

 

[GhandiInstinct]

Do you know what kind of a Desktop you could buy/build for $2K?

100% true, but, why does anyone get a laptop? Because they can't carry their desktops everywhere. But the laptop won't be used primarily for gaming, using the term "gaming laptop" implies a laptop that can do it all = )

 

[silverbuyer]

Originally posted by: GhandiInstinct

Do you know what kind of a Desktop you could buy/build for $2K?

100% true, but, why does anyone get a laptop? Because they can't carry their desktops everywhere. But the laptop won't be used primarily for gaming, using the term "gaming laptop" implies a laptop that can do it all = )

I know they can do it all, but do you really want to play farcry with the keyboard in the park? I'd just buy a $1K desktop and a $1K laptop or something along those lines.

 

[WackyDan]

If you want reliability.... Then you go ThinkPad.... They are great all around notebooks.

If you want more gaming performance... well, the ThinkPad won't help you at the moment. I stress at the moment.

If you want inexpensive, and perhaps better graphics... Dell is where everyone else turns.

 

[GhandiInstinct]

After researching various companies for laptops I have settled on DELL being the most attractive.

For $2600 one can get a 6800 ultra, 1gb of ram and a 76o M. That's cheaper than anyone on the net.

Or do I dare go look in CircuitCity/Bestbuy???

Tum! Tum! Tum!

 

[silverbuyer]

Go with Dell, but stick with the default amount of RAM (256mb or whater) and upgrade yourself. You can get cheap RAM from Newegg. I assume you're looking at the mid range XPS for $2660, but have you looked at the 9300 at all? It would save you some money and I think it would still make a worthy gamer with the 6800 graphics card. If you have the money to spend though, go with the XPS. It looks nicer IMHO, but it's what's on the inside that counts. LOL.

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: silverbuyer
Go with Dell, but stick with the default amount of RAM (256mb or whater) and upgrade yourself. You can get cheap RAM from Newegg. I assume you're looking at the mid range XPS for $2660, but have you looked at the 9300 at all? It would save you some money and I think it would still make a worthy gamer with the 6800 graphics card. If you have the money to spend though, go with the XPS. It looks nicer IMHO, but it's what's on the inside that counts. LOL.

Only One thing to consider though. Go with the Dell Ram and they will support you if it causes problems.....

Go with third party ram, and they can dis-own you on support.... All vendors do it.

 

[silverbuyer]

Originally posted by: WackyDan

Originally posted by: silverbuyer
Go with Dell, but stick with the default amount of RAM (256mb or whater) and upgrade yourself. You can get cheap RAM from Newegg. I assume you're looking at the mid range XPS for $2660, but have you looked at the 9300 at all? It would save you some money and I think it would still make a worthy gamer with the 6800 graphics card. If you have the money to spend though, go with the XPS. It looks nicer IMHO, but it's what's on the inside that counts. LOL.

Only One thing to consider though. Go with the Dell Ram and they will support you if it causes problems.....

Go with third party ram, and they can dis-own you on support.... All vendors do it.

Hogwash. You can add third party RAM and your computer will still be supported and covered under warranty by Dell, but they just won't cover or support the added RAM should it fail. Also, if you have computer problems they may ask you to take out the third party RAM and replace it with the original dell RAM to troubleshoot. Assuming you want the 700m, you'll pay $180 extra just for 2x512 when you could do it yourself for $90+/-. If you want to upgrade to 2gb then you're in luck because they only gouge you by about $350-$400. If you've got that kind of money to waste, then go ahead and throw it down the drain, but it's not worth it!

 

[Hisma]

the best bet would be the XPS Gen 2.
You could have gotten one for under $2000 shipped back when they had the 40% off coupon, it unfortunately expired on Thursday.
I got an XPS Gen 2 that was configured for $2800 for $1700. Not bad at all for a high-end gaming laptop. I would suggest either waiting for another 40% off coupon (they may start another coupon in the next week or so), or get the 9300 with a $750 off coupon & load it up. A fully loaded i9300 is almost as strong a performer as an XPS Gen 2, and you can get it at only $2000, that is if you buy your RAM through newegg.
That is how I would do it... but I you'd be taking a chance if you waited for the 40% off because it may not come around again any time soon.