min. laptop specs?

butch81385 · March 15th, 2006, 10:42 PM

ok, so i need to buy a laptop before august. i will probably buy it closer to august so i can get the best bang for the buck, but i was wondering what the min. laptop specs i would need.
basically I would like it to perform similarly to my current desktop:
a64 2800
1 gig of ram
ati 9600

i will need it for your basics (email, word, etc), Autocad, maybe a couple structural modeling programs, and gaming.
for gaming i would like to be able to play BF2, COD2, etc, however i would be content on playing them at the lowest settings

i also want this to be as cheap as possible

any tips?

**RobRich** · March 16th, 2006, 12:12 AM

Notebook memory is relatively cheap, so that is not a problem. Notebook graphics have came a long way in recent months, so again that is not a huge problem. Processing power is also not a huge issue. I recommend looking for an Intel Core Duo or Athlon 64 model. Go for an extended run battery, and maybe even a second battery if you are going to be using the notebook while on the go. Also, it is a personal preference, but I also like a good widescreen display when using a notebook - 15" or larger is definitely recommended.

Do you have a brand preference? That is about the only big deal here, as you should be able find a model meeting your criteria for under $1500.

butch81385 · March 16th, 2006, 12:29 AM

no brand preference... probably will go with amd as they are cheaper (if it is similar to desktop pricing ranges). how well do the integrated graphics hold up? i have heard of some being able to play the games mentined... otherwise the x1400 seemed to be relatively cheap and i assume would perform on par with my 9600.... will probably be using the laptop plugged in most of the time so battery life isnt a huge deal.

do you think there is anything closer to $1000 or so?

**RobRich** · March 16th, 2006, 12:45 AM

Most affordable AMD notebooks are going to be Turion 64 models. Pricing is generally competitive with the Intel Pentium M, though the industry standard in August should be the Intel Core Duo, which is a quite powerful dual-core chip. In the notebook scene, Intel has the lead right now in regards to performance and power efficiency.

Before anyone slams the brand, I am just using this as an example of current OEM prices:

http://www.gateway.com/products/gcon...nx860&clv=Btn1

For $1200 you can get a Core Duo processor, 17" display, and GeForce Go 7600 graphics. Not bad IMO, and you can do better by shopping around, especially for a similarly equipped 15" notebook.

LaptopExtreme · March 16th, 2006, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by butch81385

ok, so i need to buy a laptop before august. i will probably buy it closer to august so i can get the best bang for the buck....
any tips?

Ok well I'd start doing the research maybe a couple months before August. There should be a new lineup of systems by then. Newer Duo Core models (aside from the refreshed ones out now), and 64-bit Duo is scheduled for summertime.

butch81385 · March 16th, 2006, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaptopExtreme

Ok well I'd start doing the research maybe a couple months before August. There should be a new lineup of systems by then. Newer Duo Core models (aside from the refreshed ones out now), and 64-bit Duo is scheduled for summertime.

well, there is a small chance that i might buy it at the beginning of summer (beginning of may) and I like to be informed before hand so i can watch the emerging technology and know what performs better. Also, i am curious as to what the min. specs i would need, not necessarily which exact computer to buy. If i know the minimum specs of what I want know, either I can get something better in August, or I can get a computer with those specs cheaper in August.

as for the duos. what exactly are they, where do the perform better, is it necessary/worth the cost. etc.

LaptopExtreme · March 16th, 2006, 12:42 PM

I would say it's very much worth the cost. It's a great multitasking processor, I've tested similar systems with the same specs, minus the processor of course. And you can actually feel the boost in performance. Not only in multiple programs alone, but actual start up of programs too. Swapping from one program as big as "Photoshop" with a large clip board to "Illustrator" is a snap - no bottle necking or choking.

**RobRich** · March 16th, 2006, 12:53 PM

You already have a handle on base specifications: 1GB memory, dedicated graphics, ~$1000 budget, etc.

The big question mark is processor. As it stands now, the Intel Core Duo is your best choice for combined notebook performance and efficiency. For simplicity’s sake, think of the Core Duo as a dual-core processor based upon an updated version of the Pentium M architecture.

Here is a decent review:

http://www.anandtech.com/mobile/showdoc.aspx?i=2663

Naturally, there should be a Intel mobile core refresh by the time Q3 comes around, usually meaning higher core frequencies and a few additional options like 64-bit support enabled.

AMD is planning to launch a dual-core Turion 64 later this quarter, but performance and pricing remains to be seen. Until such a launch takes place, I would strongly recommend looking into an Intel Core Duo notebook configuration.

SoloCamo · March 16th, 2006, 01:01 PM

Yea, Rob has got it right. The Core-Duo is without a doubt your best bet now a days.

Bizkitkid2001 · March 16th, 2006, 01:10 PM

My Grandpa bought a Gateway Laptop with a 3800+ AMD64 and the Radeon 9550 Mobile with 64mb of dedicated video memory about 3 months ago. I loaded up the COD2 Demo and the Doom 3 Demo. The COD2 demo could be ran at 1280x1024 on the highest settings with no AA or AF and still get a solid 30fps. The Doom 3 demo could be ran at 1280x1024 and on Medium settings and still run smoothly above 30fps.

This is just to give you an idea of what a similair specced laptop as what you are looking for handles the newer games.