Thinking of a new laptop.

MrSpock2002 · Aug 28, 2007, 07:38 PM

As you all probably know by now, I only use laptops for the versitility and my travels. I want to stick with HP as I love my machine now, and I've had nothing but great things when it comes to their laptops.

My machine has had extremely hard use from gaming, to being on everyday sometimes 18+ hours. By all means it should be dead Jim. But she's still kicking and better then ever. Except when it comes to gaming. Right now the X600 is a great little card, and can play LOTRO, and other demanding games on High settings with 2xAA at 1400x900 really well. But as you know that will change the begining of next year with the new games coming out requiring Vista/DX10.

Anyways take aloook at this:
HP 17" Pavilion dv9580us Laptop PC w/ Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7300 - Wal-Mart

Even on the HP site to build one similiar would be roughly $3,000. Alienware, Dell, Gateway can not even touch this machine for anywhere near the price of this one.

What do you think?
$2,000 you get a great DX10 card, HD-DVD, HD Display (same as mine and is great!) etc.

Not to mention Vista Ultimate!

**Iria** · Aug 31, 2007, 03:31 PM

The problem with DX10 cards in laptops right now is they all a 128bit bus. Even the fastest one so far -- the 8700GT, can't compete with the 7950GTX -- although it does support DX10, which the 7950 does not. I've been holding out for a (hopefully) 8800 with a 256bit bus. Although there is one laptop that I've seen that has dual 8700s - and that is faster than a single 7950, but wouldn't compare to dual 7950s.

And it costs an arm and a leg (the dual 8700 system). I think it's XtremeNotebooks or some such using a Clevo-based system.

YAYitsAndrew · Aug 31, 2007, 04:58 PM

I say hold out as long as possible before buying the new laptop. Between now and the time games come out that you need dx10 for, there might be cheaper prices or better hardware.

That's what I've been doing for the xbox360. I've known since I heard about the game that I want Assassins Creed, but I haven't bought a 360 yet. My prize for waiting? I'll have an HDMI output, bigger hard drive, extra heatsinks, and (fingers crossed) 65nm cpu. And all I did was wait a year.

YAYitsAndrew · Aug 31, 2007, 05:06 PM

Oh, just to give you another brand to look at, I'm really happy with my lenovo thinkpad t61. They just released or announced (I forget) the t61p. It's basically my laptop but with a nvidia graphics solution instead of an onboard one. I know next to nothing about nvidia so you're on your own from here :P

Tipstaff · Aug 31, 2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YAYitsAndrew

Oh, just to give you another brand to look at, I'm really happy with my lenovo thinkpad t61. They just released or announced (I forget) the t61p. It's basically my laptop but with a nvidia graphics solution instead of an onboard one. I know next to nothing about nvidia so you're on your own from here :P

Actually, I wouldn't get the T61p. The graphics card is an nVidia Quadro FX (as are all the T series except for 1 model). That means OpenGL only... unless you do some hacking.

Falstaff · Sep 1, 2007, 09:41 AM

I expect a new dimension of enjoyment playing space invaders...you go get that HP...LOL

swimtech · Sep 2, 2007, 10:21 PM

Frankly, for just a shade over 2k, looks like a good value if it holds up - don't have any personal experience with HP though - but the features for the money look very good. I would consider adding the extended warranty too.

A Gateway NX860XL is price competitive, but has a faster 7900GS DX9 card - although not DX10, and the 17" screen can be either 1920x1200 or 1680x1050 for the same price.

MrSpock2002 · Sep 3, 2007, 11:51 AM

Well what made this special is the fact it came with things like a tv tuner, hd dvd drive, vista ultimate, etc.

My HP that I run now has been the best laptop I've ever owned. This thing is a tank, for being on nearly 24/7 for going on 18 months it's worked great, zero problems. I just keep er cleaned out and she treats me great. I love HP, you always get more for the cash, and their displays are just superb.

thegave · Sep 6, 2007, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YAYitsAndrew

I say hold out as long as possible before buying the new laptop. Between now and the time games come out that you need dx10 for, there might be cheaper prices or better hardware.

That's what I've been doing for the xbox360. I've known since I heard about the game that I want Assassins Creed, but I haven't bought a 360 yet. My prize for waiting? I'll have an HDMI output, bigger hard drive, extra heatsinks, and (fingers crossed) 65nm cpu. And all I did was wait a year.

Is that the Elite you're referring to? Or are all new 360's going to receive some sort of upgrade?

I'm a bit torn between a 360 and a new gaming laptop. I'm not much of a console gamer so I expect to be terrible, but all my friends who are telling me to go 360 say that I'll improve and that 360 is the better choice for games.

Does anyone have any idea when the mobile DX10 cards will start running on a 256bit bus? Will we have to wait until the next gen of cards like the nvidia 9xxx or would they update the existing 8xxx series with the new bus?
Why are the new cards 128bit anyway?