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Up to Discussions in Laptops
15 Replies Last post: Oct 22, 2006 3:06 AM by matchbox2022   1 2 Previous Next
Click to view GISam82's profile New Member
GISam82
9 posts since
Oct 5, 2006
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Oct 5, 2006 3:49 PM

I need a laptop! go figure. ($5000 budget)

I'm looking for the best SERIOUS gaming laptop to date right now that is preferably around 4000 but within a budget of up to 5000 american dollars. I'm in Iraq right now (I fly UAVs in the army) and I need a computer that is RELIABLE so I don't have to send it back to the states every other month leaving myself helpless. Hopefully you can recommend something? I was about to click the "order" button on an alienware aurora but I stumbled across a post here saying how they break all the time. Please help me out by giving me your input!! private message me or reply!! Thanks!

-Sam Benfer-

PS

19" monitor would be lovely. :)

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Click to view jbking's profile Member
jbking
967 posts since
Aug 29, 2006
1. Oct 6, 2006 7:30 AM in response to: GISam82
One idea would be to look at the Dell XPS M2010 for a huge laptop that some wouldn't think of as a laptop that has a 20.1" screen. Another idea would be to look at places like VoodooPC that also have some nice laptops. I did order a desktop from VoodooPC back in mid-September and will be waiting another month at least it seems for it since they have a backlog and generally take a month to ship out a system just to give that warning upfront.

Just a couple ideas,
JB

(Who has a HP dv4000 laptop that is just OK for his little gaming needs)

Home Desktop: VoodooPC Hexx. AMD Athlon FX-60, 2 GB RAM, 2 x 250 GB HD, 7900 GTX video card. Home Laptop: HP dv4000, Pentium M, 2 GB RAM, 80 GB HD, ATi 700 Radeon Mobility
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Click to view GISam82's profile New Member
GISam82
9 posts since
Oct 5, 2006
2. Oct 6, 2006 8:25 AM in response to: GISam82
laptop
I'll look into the dell, anything else I should look into? If not i'm getting the dell tonight around mignight (4pm eastern)
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Click to view GISam82's profile New Member
GISam82
9 posts since
Oct 5, 2006
3. Oct 6, 2006 8:29 AM in response to: GISam82
hey
I just looked at the video card for it, its only a 256 and it won't let me customize higher, I need atleast 512 and was going for duo so i could get a gig. What are your thoughts? and thanks for answering!
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Click to view jbking's profile Member
jbking
967 posts since
Aug 29, 2006
4. Oct 6, 2006 8:46 AM in response to: GISam82
Well there may be some boutique type places like Falcon Northwest, VoodooPC 909 or VoodooPC 709 for a few other ideas. Also, another set of ideas could be found over on CNet's list.

Initially I thought that budget was high though looking some of Voodoo's big laptops which are the 2 linked above you could make a laptop that just costs a ton it seems.

Regards,
JB

Home Desktop: VoodooPC Hexx. AMD Athlon FX-60, 2 GB RAM, 2 x 250 GB HD, 7900 GTX video card. Home Laptop: HP dv4000, Pentium M, 2 GB RAM, 80 GB HD, ATi 700 Radeon Mobility
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Click to view bobb1589's profile New Member
bobb1589
3 posts since
Oct 6, 2006
5. Oct 6, 2006 8:56 AM in response to: GISam82
customize an HP
Configure a HP dv9000t
not sure if it will save any of what i just customized its a good price for the power
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Click to view jreagles16's profile New Member
jreagles16
15 posts since
Sep 2, 2006
6. Oct 6, 2006 3:27 PM in response to: GISam82
look into northwestern falcon, alienware and hp. They are the recommend by most.
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Click to view GISam82's profile New Member
GISam82
9 posts since
Oct 5, 2006
7. Oct 6, 2006 4:48 PM in response to: GISam82
about the voodoo
the voodoo once again offers 256 or an upgrade to 512 via 2 256s for 350$, Is that really enough to handle high frame rates seamlessly?
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Click to view TheNameless's profile New Member
TheNameless
787 posts since
Aug 5, 2006
8. Oct 6, 2006 4:56 PM in response to: GISam82
Alienware's m9700 offers dual 512 MB cards. I've only had a few problems with Alienware's support, but I have to say, their computers themselves are extremely powerful.

Good by nature, but evil by my own free will.
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Click to view GISam82's profile New Member
GISam82
9 posts since
Oct 5, 2006
9. Oct 6, 2006 5:20 PM in response to: GISam82
ok
alright, XPS M1710, or the alienware, this will be the final answer, the NWFalcon was insanely expensive for the same specs as alienware and XPS. So, whats it going to be? I leave it to you.
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Click to view bobb1589's profile New Member
bobb1589
3 posts since
Oct 6, 2006
10. Oct 6, 2006 9:01 PM in response to: GISam82
ive heard bad things about alienwares just be careful with that . the problem is dells also seem to be problem ridden. and on top of that Dell owns Alienware. so i really am not a dell/alienware fan. HP seems to be the best out there
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Click to view ArchsageVal's profile New Member
ArchsageVal
75 posts since
Aug 21, 2006
11. Oct 7, 2006 2:31 PM in response to: GISam82
Get a dell m1710, it offers almst 3 hours of battery life, and 2nd highest frame rates, 1st for 17 inch laptops. XPS service is alright, not great, but its a good buy for 3.5k. Going for a 19 inch+? Get voodoo envy u909. Need a portable gaming unit? Thinkpad t60 or falcon fragbook. I own all of them, never buy a dell except m1710, and m90. Never buy alienware, period. They have sucked ever since dell bought them. Also, dual graphics cards dont improve frame rates at all. RAID doesnt either. Those are only good for desktops. Get 1 HD, 1 G card, andan extra battery :P
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Click to view bobb1589's profile New Member
bobb1589
3 posts since
Oct 6, 2006
12. Oct 7, 2006 4:06 PM in response to: GISam82
^agreed
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Click to view GISam82's profile New Member
GISam82
9 posts since
Oct 5, 2006
13. Oct 9, 2006 12:05 PM in response to: GISam82
thanks
Thanks so much for your input guys, I got the M1710 from dell and it should be to me in Iraq around the 25th of october (i had to route it through my mom since they don't do the APO thing) Maybe once I build my bank account back up I'll comsider the fragbook, but the army just doesn't pay me enough to have that come anytime soon. haha You guys take care. And thanks again!!

Sam
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Click to view snakej's profile New Member
snakej
2 posts since
Oct 14, 2006
14. Oct 14, 2006 8:25 AM in response to: GISam82
don't touch alienware
don't touch alienware. their customer support is pitiful. bought an Alienware Area 51, 766 laptop less than 2 years ago and have had heat and video problems from the start. they refuse to support this system after less than 2 years! companies they refer you to for help say "sorry we can't help you". Real great, huh? Now I have a $3000 paperweight!!
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