[soulintent]

Hi i'm looking to buy a new laptop i was going to build it myself but had trouble finding places to buy barebone laptops and the parts needed. anyway, i can get a 10% discount through Walmart since i know someone who works their but will buy the best bang for the buck. So with that here's what i'm looking for..
Price: $300-$750
What i'll use it for: College papers, wireless internet, webcam, and some gaming it doesn't need to be a graphics monster just something that will achieve good graphics and run smooth. I know absolutely nothing when it comes to graphic cards so i have no idea what is better than what.

I know my price range is broad but looking for the most bang for my buck and if the differences between the $400 and the $600 laptop are worth it. Any help is really appreciated here are the ones i was looking at today....

1.HP Pavilion
Windows index ratings: CPU-7 RAM-7.4 Graphics-6.3 Gaming Graphics-6.3 Hard disk-5.9

2.Toshiba
Windows index ratings: CPU-6.1 RAM-7.6 Graphics-5.1 Gaming Graphics-5.8 Hard disk-5.9

3.Dell
Windows index ratings: CPU-7.1 RAM-7.4 Graphics-4.8 Gaming Graphics-6.3 Hard disk-5.9

Not sure if the index rating means anything significant but that's what i got.

[LiveBrianD]

Look at the Ideapad Z575. HP and Dell aren't particularly great, though Lenovo is. Get the A6-3400M model if you can. (note: I haven't tried this, but waldojim said that he was able to get a $300 discount off his $1600 laptop by talking to an agent with the chat feature. That might be worth trying.) The APUs have good basic CPUs and pretty good graphics by integrated standards. Also, the WEI scores don't mean much. (WEI is not a very good benchmark.) Besides, the main performance indicator should be how responsive it feels and such.

[coastie65]

Hi and welcome to the forums. If you squeeze a bit more in your budget, this one may be okay for what you want to do: http://www.tigerdire...0909&CatId=4939 . It won't handle the powerhouse games being released but wil do fine on lighter games.

[LiveBrianD]

coastie65, on 09 March 2012 - 07:45 AM, said:

Hi and welcome to the forums. If you squeeze a bit more in your budget, this one may be okay for what you want to do: http://www.tigerdire...0909&CatId=4939 . It won't handle the powerhouse games being released but wil do fine on lighter games.

He said he wants to do some gaming though, and that only has intel graphics.

[waldojim]

soulintent, on 08 March 2012 - 09:46 PM, said:

Hi i'm looking to buy a new laptop i was going to build it myself but had trouble finding places to buy barebone laptops and the parts needed. anyway, i can get a 10% discount through Walmart since i know someone who works their but will buy the best bang for the buck. So with that here's what i'm looking for..
Price: $300-$750
What i'll use it for: College papers, wireless internet, webcam, and some gaming it doesn't need to be a graphics monster just something that will achieve good graphics and run smooth. I know absolutely nothing when it comes to graphic cards so i have no idea what is better than what.

I know my price range is broad but looking for the most bang for my buck and if the differences between the $400 and the $600 laptop are worth it. Any help is really appreciated here are the ones i was looking at today....

1.HP Pavilion
Windows index ratings: CPU-7 RAM-7.4 Graphics-6.3 Gaming Graphics-6.3 Hard disk-5.9

2.Toshiba
Windows index ratings: CPU-6.1 RAM-7.6 Graphics-5.1 Gaming Graphics-5.8 Hard disk-5.9

3.Dell
Windows index ratings: CPU-7.1 RAM-7.4 Graphics-4.8 Gaming Graphics-6.3 Hard disk-5.9

Not sure if the index rating means anything significant but that's what i got.

When the Windows Experience Index works correctly, it can tell you a LOT about the machine. But it has to work correctly first. For example, that Dell with Intel HD 3000 graphics, you don't even want to look at a game using it.

It seems to me you are looking in the wrong place for a laptop. I realize that Wal-mart has cheap machines, and machines that may seem to give you more for your money, but please understand that 99 times out of 100, there is a reason it is being sold at Wal-Mart and not a reputable dealer.

For a light gaming machine, about $550, I would start here. You can pick up a quality machine, with the A6 AMD processor, and it will handle light gaming fairly easy, while offering 4 to 5 hours of battery life.

Another option would be this one.. The Intel i5 and the Nvidia 630m will both net you a better gaming experience. Again, you also end up with a quality machine and decent battery life.

One last machine depending on how much style means to you: Lenovos answer to the mac book pro. This is a 14" machine in an aluminum body with an Intel i3 and AMD 6470 video card. This will not be a gaming monster by any means, but like the first machine I listed, it will do better than Intel IGP, and handle just about any game on lower quality settings. Again, tossing this option out there, only because of the build type (it is a beauty), and it fits in your price range.

[coastie65]

LiveBrianD, on 09 March 2012 - 04:11 PM, said:

coastie65, on 09 March 2012 - 07:45 AM, said:

Hi and welcome to the forums. If you squeeze a bit more in your budget, this one may be okay for what you want to do: http://www.tigerdire...0909&CatId=4939 . It won't handle the powerhouse games being released but wil do fine on lighter games.

He said he wants to do some gaming though, and that only has intel graphics.

I have the same thing in my Laptop and although it isn't a graphics powerhouse, it will play games Ok, but not the real heavy stuff that has been coming out of late. It will probably play the earlier Mass Effect game as well as the Neverwinter's Night stuff and a host of other older games. Your post is less than helpful and contributes nothing to the thread as it is erroneous and misleading. Until you have actually had some hands on use of the HD3000 graphics, perhaps it is best to refrain from passing judgement on it.

This post has been edited by coastie65: 10 March 2012 - 08:56 AM

[waldojim]

coastie65, on 10 March 2012 - 08:49 AM, said:

LiveBrianD, on 09 March 2012 - 04:11 PM, said:

coastie65, on 09 March 2012 - 07:45 AM, said:

Hi and welcome to the forums. If you squeeze a bit more in your budget, this one may be okay for what you want to do: http://www.tigerdire...0909&CatId=4939 . It won't handle the powerhouse games being released but wil do fine on lighter games.

He said he wants to do some gaming though, and that only has intel graphics.

I have the same thing in my Laptop and although it isn't a graphics powerhouse, it will play games Ok, but not the real heavy stuff that has been coming out of late. It will probably play the earlier Mass Effect game as well as the Neverwinter's Night stuff and a host of other older games. Your post is less than helpful and contributes nothing to the thread as it is erroneous and misleading. Until you have actually had some hands on use of the HD3000 graphics, perhaps it is best to refrain from passing judgement on it.

ok, I do have it. I do have experience with it. And I would NOT use the HD3000 to play anything released in the last 5 years. Shoot, I cant even convinve myself to play half life 2 on it, and that is well over 5 years old. Suggesting to the op that he needs to pay attention to the video card is a smart move. Much more so than pretending that the hd3000 either has the hardware or the drivers capable of modern gaming.

[coastie65]

waldojim, on 10 March 2012 - 11:21 AM, said:

coastie65, on 10 March 2012 - 08:49 AM, said:

LiveBrianD, on 09 March 2012 - 04:11 PM, said:

coastie65, on 09 March 2012 - 07:45 AM, said:

Hi and welcome to the forums. If you squeeze a bit more in your budget, this one may be okay for what you want to do: http://www.tigerdire...0909&CatId=4939 . It won't handle the powerhouse games being released but wil do fine on lighter games.

He said he wants to do some gaming though, and that only has intel graphics.

I have the same thing in my Laptop and although it isn't a graphics powerhouse, it will play games Ok, but not the real heavy stuff that has been coming out of late. It will probably play the earlier Mass Effect games ( not 3 ) as well as the Neverwinter's Night stuff and a host of other older games. Your post is less than helpful and contributes nothing to the thread as it is erroneous and misleading. Until you have actually had some hands on use of the HD3000 graphics, perhaps it is best to refrain from passing judgement on it.

ok, I do have it. I do have experience with it. And I would NOT use the HD3000 to play anything released in the last 5 years. Shoot, I cant even convince myself to play Half Life 2 on it, and that is well over 5 years old. Suggesting to the op that he needs to pay attention to the video card is a smart move. Much more so than pretending that the hd3000 either has the hardware or the drivers capable of modern gaming.

Hey wj, I was assuming he was taliking about playing some light games and the HD3000 package is fine for that. I am going to install Morrowind and see what happens with that. I did try Fallout 3 and it did fine until I clicked to start a new game then it crashed. No big surprise although I think I had the settings rather high. It is a much better Integrated graphics package than I've previously seen , that's for sure. I'm not so sure it would handle The Witcher either and that was released in 2005. It sure has heck didn't play on an Nvidia 8400GS so I went to the 8600GT ( I made a big mistake in not doing my homework when I bought the 8400GS to replace a 7600GS that died ). With his budget, he is goingto be limited and Briam=n comes in and completely ignored that aspect and suggest some $1000 + thing. Then he comes in with that second Comment about the gaming and it being an Intel IGP as if it was a kiss of death. The poster never said what kind of games he was going to play and the HD3000 is fine for some, just not the heavy hitters for sure. I haven't really tried anything in mine except for FO3 and that was a bust and pretty much expected.


UPDATE: I have Oblivion up and running on the Laptop at Medium settings and it is doing fine and looks good.

This post has been edited by coastie65: 10 March 2012 - 04:13 PM

[waldojim]

coastie65, on 10 March 2012 - 03:50 PM, said:

Hey wj, I was assuming he was taliking about playing some light games and the HD3000 package is fine for that. I am going to install Morrowind and see what happens with that. I did try Fallout 3 and it did fine until I clicked to start a new game then it crashed. No big surprise although I think I had the settings rather high. It is a much better Integrated graphics package than I've previously seen , that's for sure. I'm not so sure it would handle The Witcher either and that was released in 2005. It sure has heck didn't play on an Nvidia 8400GS so I went to the 8600GT ( I made a big mistake in not doing my homework when I bought the 8400GS to replace a 7600GS that died ). With his budget, he is goingto be limited and Briam=n comes in and completely ignored that aspect and suggest some $1000 + thing. Then he comes in with that second Comment about the gaming and it being an Intel IGP as if it was a kiss of death. The poster never said what kind of games he was going to play and the HD3000 is fine for some, just not the heavy hitters for sure. I haven't really tried anything in mine except for FO3 and that was a bust and pretty much expected.


UPDATE: I have Oblivion up and running on the Laptop at Medium settings and it is doing fine and looks good.

http://www.uesp.net/...livion:Oblivion
As Oblivion is 6 years old, my comment remains unphased. Especially considering that it is 6 years old AND being run on medium quality. What does Half Life do to that poor machine? Don't worry about it, I already know that my 5700LE (2003) is more powerful.

As for drivers, I think you spotted the issue relatively quickly there with Fallout 3. Intel drivers are great for everyday tasks. Not for gaming. As for Brian, he does go way over the top. I posted up several machines though that easily fall into the range listed by the OP, and have more than enough power to game. They also have the drivers to pull it off. If the poster needs even more gaming power, and isn't worried about a quality machine, Acer sells a couple models with even more powerful video cards in the $600 range.

[LiveBrianD]

How am I going over the top? The machine I recommended is right around his budget (Ideapad Z575, exact same model you mentioned).

[coastie65]

LiveBrianD, on 10 March 2012 - 05:53 PM, said:

How am I going over the top? The machine I recommended is right around his budget (Ideapad Z575, exact same model you mentioned).

Hey Brian, I missed that and checked. You are giving up processor speed. This one should be alright: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16834215245 .

[coastie65]

waldojim, on 10 March 2012 - 05:27 PM, said:

coastie65, on 10 March 2012 - 03:50 PM, said:

Hey wj, I was assuming he was taliking about playing some light games and the HD3000 package is fine for that. I am going to install Morrowind and see what happens with that. I did try Fallout 3 and it did fine until I clicked to start a new game then it crashed. No big surprise although I think I had the settings rather high. It is a much better Integrated graphics package than I've previously seen , that's for sure. I'm not so sure it would handle The Witcher either and that was released in 2005. It sure has heck didn't play on an Nvidia 8400GS so I went to the 8600GT ( I made a big mistake in not doing my homework when I bought the 8400GS to replace a 7600GS that died ). With his budget, he is goingto be limited and Briam=n comes in and completely ignored that aspect and suggest some $1000 + thing. Then he comes in with that second Comment about the gaming and it being an Intel IGP as if it was a kiss of death. The poster never said what kind of games he was going to play and the HD3000 is fine for some, just not the heavy hitters for sure. I haven't really tried anything in mine except for FO3 and that was a bust and pretty much expected.


UPDATE: I have Oblivion up and running on the Laptop at Medium settings and it is doing fine and looks good.

http://www.uesp.net/...livion:Oblivion
As Oblivion is 6 years old, my comment remains unphased. Especially considering that it is 6 years old AND being run on medium quality. What does Half Life do to that poor machine? Don't worry about it, I already know that my 5700LE (2003) is more powerful.

As for drivers, I think you spotted the issue relatively quickly there with Fallout 3. Intel drivers are great for everyday tasks. Not for gaming. As for Brian, he does go way over the top. I posted up several machines though that easily fall into the range listed by the OP, and have more than enough power to game. They also have the drivers to pull it off. If the poster needs even more gaming power, and isn't worried about a quality machine, Acer sells a couple models with even more powerful video cards in the $600 range.

It was set at Medium by default as it didn't recognize the GPU. I'l play with it some tomorrow and see what I can get out of it. Oblivion may be 6 years old, but it isn't exactly a lightweight game either.

[waldojim]

FWIW, if it were me, I would probably rock the Z570 - depending on which 630 video card it got. Once again, Nvidia released 2 completely different cards with the same model number. Only this time, it is impossible to tel which one you get.

[LiveBrianD]

coastie65, on 10 March 2012 - 06:10 PM, said:

LiveBrianD, on 10 March 2012 - 05:53 PM, said:

How am I going over the top? The machine I recommended is right around his budget (Ideapad Z575, exact same model you mentioned).

Hey Brian, I missed that and checked. You are giving up processor speed. This one should be alright: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16834215245 .

I have to question Acer's quality though. The acer monitor I have is a complete POS, terrible viewing angles, color, etc, and when I asked their support what settings I should use for 6500K color (industry standard) they clearly were clueless, wasting my time, but wouldn't admit it. I'm definitely not recommending them now...

[coastie65]

LiveBrianD, on 10 March 2012 - 06:32 PM, said:

coastie65, on 10 March 2012 - 06:10 PM, said:

LiveBrianD, on 10 March 2012 - 05:53 PM, said:

How am I going over the top? The machine I recommended is right around his budget (Ideapad Z575, exact same model you mentioned).

Hey Brian, I missed that and checked. You are giving up processor speed. This one should be alright: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16834215245 .

I have to question Acer's quality though. The acer monitor I have is a complete POS, terrible viewing angles, color, etc, and when I asked their support what settings I should use for 6500K color (industry standard) they clearly were clueless, wasting my time, but wouldn't admit it. I'm definitely not recommending them now...

Can't speak for the monitors, but the PC's seem to do well ( much better than Dell and some others ). I have two Gateway Laptops ( under Acer's umbrella ) and they do very well . Haven't run across too many incidents involving the Aspire ( less than a lot of others, including HP ).