Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Computer Desktop crashed...thinking about these two laptops

EnigmaEnigma Member UncommonPosts: 11,384

Ive narrowed my laptop search down to two options.  The reason why I am picking a laptop versus a desktop is simply because I am enrolling in an MBA program this January and I figured....what the heck. I can do some gaming and take it with me to school and to work.

Here's my first option:

http://explore.toshiba.com/laptops/qosmio/X305/X305-Q706 Price: 2000 USD

Pros: Fast for a laptop. 4 gigs ram, nice video card (two NVIDIA® GeForce® 9800M GTS SLI). Four fans under base of laptop...insane.

Cons: ugly as hell. Heavy (almost 10 pounds), and a very small HD (320 GB) and a average resolution of 1440 x 900

Second Option:

http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529668159.php Price: 2000 USD

Pros: Very fast w/ 4 gigs of ram, fast 400gb HDs, great video resolution (1900x1200)

Cons: Heavy (9.2m lbs) ok video card (NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800M GTS with 512MB of GDDR3 discrete video memory)

So what do you all think?

 

People who have to create conspiracy and hate threads to further a cause lacks in intellectual comprehension of diversity.

Comments

  • DekronDekron Member UncommonPosts: 7,360

    Neither.

    Xplorer X7-7700 Notebook

    # *BASE_PRICE: [+1535]

    # ADAPTER: Universal AC-DC Adapter

    # BLUETOOTH: Built-in MS-6837D Bluetooth 2.0 EDR

    # BATTERY: 6-cells Li-Ion Battery Pack 4400mAh (MS1722)

    # BAGS: Free Deluxe Carrying Bag for 17 Inch Notebook

    # CPU: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Mobile P8600 Dual-Core Processor @ 2.40GHz 1066FSB 3MB L2 Cache [-120]

    # CD: 8X DVD REWRITABLE DRIVE

    # FLASHMEDIA: Built-In 4in1 Media Reader

    # FREEBIE_OS: None

    # HDD: 320GB 5400RPM SATA150 HARD DRIVE [+26]

    # INVERTER: NONE

    # KEYBOARD: BUILT-IN KEYBOARD

    # MOUSE: BUILT-IN TOUCHPAD

    # MODEM: BUILT-IN 56K V.92 FAX MODEM

    # MOTHERBOARD: Mobile Intel PM45 + ICH-9M Chipset Mainboard

    # MEMORY: 4GB (2x2GB) PC6400 DDR2-800 SODIMM Memory (Mushkin [+20])

    # NOTEBOOK: MSI MS-1722 Notebook 17" Widescreen WSXGA+ 1680x1050 Pixels w/ NVIDIA GeForce GO 9600M-GT 512MB Video, 2.0 Mega Pixels Webcam, Intel Penryn, & Intel 5300 802.11a/g/n Wireless

    # NOTEBOOK_COVER: MSI MS-1722 Notebook Cover (Original Color)

    # NB_LCD: 17" WSXGA TFT Display 1680x1050 Pixels Resolution LCD

    # NETWORK: Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Network Card

    # NB_TRAVELKIT: NONE

    # OS: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional w/ Service Pack 3 [+61]

    # PRINTER: None

    # PRINTER_CABLE: None

    # RUSH: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS

    # SERVICE: STANDARD 1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY AND 24/7 LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT

    # SOUND: BUILT-IN AC 97 SOUND

    # SPEAKERS: BUILT-IN STEREO SPEAKERS SYSTEM

    # TVRC: None

    # USB: 3 x USB2.0 Port Connectors

    # USBHD: NONE

    # VIDEO: Built-in NVIDIA GeForce Go 9600M-GT 512MB DDR Video

    # VIDEOCAMERA: Built-in 2.0 Mega Pixel Webcam

    # WNC: Intel WiFi Link 5300 a/b/g/n Wireless Adapter

    # _PRICE: (+1522)

    # _view_: detail

     

    www.cyberpowerpc.com

    This is just over $1500 and equal on some, better on most. Don't be fooled because it is not a "brand" name.

  • Varlok91Varlok91 Member Posts: 396

    I warn you, 17-inch laptops are a pain to lug around all day. Even 15 inch laptops can get to you after a little while.

    What you could do is buy a netbook book like the EEE PC 1000HA to take to class and have a big laptop at home, but to each his own if you decide not to.

    I might suggest this though if you want to lighten the load a bit:

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220379

    Only 6.2 lbs, fast hard drive, good vid card, good resolution, power-efficent processor, etc.

    --------------------------------
    Desktop - AMD 8450 Tri Core, 3 gigs of DDR2 800 RAM, ATI HD 3200 Graphics, Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
    Laptop (Dell Latitude E6400) - Intel P8400, 2 GIGs of RAM, Intel X4500, Windows XP Professional

  • Tyres100Tyres100 Member Posts: 704
    Originally posted by Enigma


    Ive narrowed my laptop search down to two options.  The reason why I am picking a laptop versus a desktop is simply because I am enrolling in an MBA program this January and I figured....what the heck. I can do some gaming and take it with me to school and to work.
    Here's my first option:
    http://explore.toshiba.com/laptops/qosmio/X305/X305-Q706 Price: 2000 USD
    Pros: Fast for a laptop. 4 gigs ram, nice video card (two NVIDIA® GeForce® 9800M GTS SLI). Four fans under base of laptop...insane.
    Cons: ugly as hell. Heavy (almost 10 pounds), and a very small HD (320 GB) and a average resolution of 1440 x 900
    Second Option:
    http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529668159.php Price: 2000 USD
    Pros: Very fast w/ 4 gigs of ram, fast 400gb HDs, great video resolution (1900x1200)
    Cons: Heavy (9.2m lbs) ok video card (NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800M GTS with 512MB of GDDR3 discrete video memory)
    So what do you all think?
     

     

    Not such a good choice. Why go sli on a notebook? That is a gimick, if your going to do high resolution gaming on newer age games using DX10 then stick with a desktop which will offer better performance. If you want a decent game laptop with good features then don't overlook the Gateway game series for under $1500

    Here is a link to one www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp  This one offers a much better Nvidia onboard video card which runs cooler then the 8800 and is single card solution which scales better on almost all games versus SLI which only does you justice for going max resolutions up to 1900x1200 on full settings in game.

    The 9800m GTS in sli with that notebook specs you supplied will still fail to run even crysis at max settings with sustainable playable frame rates of 45+.

    My system runs crysis at over 55 FPS at 1680x1050 on max settings and I have 4870X2. So just to warn you that even the sli system you mentioned will struggle and most games will be a hinderance on performance over a single card solution. Not to mention the heat you will get from that setup. SLI on a notebook is well stupid.

    Who let you in the VIP section?

  • whistlinjoe2whistlinjoe2 Member Posts: 70

    You are gonna be throwing around a lot of cash when you do this, so make sure you are comfortable with what you are getting and do a lot of research.  This is a good place to get some great information and feedback. These guys are enthusiasts and won't be telling you at every turn that you should be getting a desktop and that laptop performance is crap and SLI in a laptop is 'stupid'. (BS btw...sorry heh).

    http://forum.notebookreview.com

    The true desktop replacement is gonna be expensive and you are going to loose a whole lot of portability.  I own this model and am extremely pleased with it.  However, I would not want to lug it around very often.  The configuration options are impressive and it uses a desktop CPU.  I use this on my lap with two 7200 RPM drives, a quad core processor and an 8800M GTX and heat IS NOT an issue (I am using a laptop cooler -zalman nc2000- for assistance).

    http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np9262-ultimate-custom-laptop-built-clevo-d901c-p-2273.html

     

    A more portable less and less expensive option from the same manufacturer:

    http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np5796-custom-notebook-built-clevo-m570tu-p-2415.html

    It doesn't pack quite the punch is still a best.

     

    Lots of reseller market these same laptops (Clevo chasis): Voodoo PC, Falcon NW, PCMicroworks, etc.  It is a dependable, high performance brand. 

    Most importantly, make sure you get a level of customer service you are going to be comfortable with.  

  • EnigmaEnigma Member UncommonPosts: 11,384

    thanks Dekron

    It looks like a great laptop. Question tho.....are there actual fans in that laptop to compensate for all that heat?  The two I listed had a crapload of em. Just curious. I may end up getting the one you linked up

    People who have to create conspiracy and hate threads to further a cause lacks in intellectual comprehension of diversity.

  • DekronDekron Member UncommonPosts: 7,360
    Originally posted by Enigma


    thanks Dekron
    It looks like a great laptop. Question tho.....are there actual fans in that laptop to compensate for all that heat?  The two I listed had a crapload of em. Just curious. I may end up getting the one you linked up

     

    I'd imagine so. Stock fans for CPU and GPU for sure, but I don't know if there are extra. You can also customize. There are several under $1500 that would serve your purposes.

  • megafluxmegamegafluxmega Member Posts: 138
    Originally posted by Tyres100

    Originally posted by Enigma


    Ive narrowed my laptop search down to two options.  The reason why I am picking a laptop versus a desktop is simply because I am enrolling in an MBA program this January and I figured....what the heck. I can do some gaming and take it with me to school and to work.
    Here's my first option:
    http://explore.toshiba.com/laptops/qosmio/X305/X305-Q706 Price: 2000 USD
    Pros: Fast for a laptop. 4 gigs ram, nice video card (two NVIDIA® GeForce® 9800M GTS SLI). Four fans under base of laptop...insane.
    Cons: ugly as hell. Heavy (almost 10 pounds), and a very small HD (320 GB) and a average resolution of 1440 x 900
    Second Option:
    http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529668159.php Price: 2000 USD
    Pros: Very fast w/ 4 gigs of ram, fast 400gb HDs, great video resolution (1900x1200)
    Cons: Heavy (9.2m lbs) ok video card (NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800M GTS with 512MB of GDDR3 discrete video memory)
    So what do you all think?
     

     

    Not such a good choice. Why go sli on a notebook? That is a gimick, if your going to do high resolution gaming on newer age games using DX10 then stick with a desktop which will offer better performance. If you want a decent game laptop with good features then don't overlook the Gateway game series for under $1500

    Here is a link to one www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp  This one offers a much better Nvidia onboard video card which runs cooler then the 8800 and is single card solution which scales better on almost all games versus SLI which only does you justice for going max resolutions up to 1900x1200 on full settings in game.

    The 9800m GTS in sli with that notebook specs you supplied will still fail to run even crysis at max settings with sustainable playable frame rates of 45+.

    My system runs crysis at over 55 FPS at 1680x1050 on max settings and I have 4870X2. So just to warn you that even the sli system you mentioned will struggle and most games will be a hinderance on performance over a single card solution. Not to mention the heat you will get from that setup. SLI on a notebook is well stupid.

     

    gaming laptops are a gimmick in general, stupid kids.

  • wonderwhoitswonderwhoits Member Posts: 128

    http://www.dell.com/outlet

    Have you considered "certified refurbished" laptops from Dell?  I got an Inspiron 1520 that came with 1gig of ram, an 8600M GT card, a T7300 C2D @ 2Ghz and an 80 gig hard drive for 600 bucks.  It comes with a warranty.  I dropped 60 bucks on 2 2gig sticks of ram and now I have a 600 dollar gaming laptop.  Not the best, but can't be beat for the price.

    Here's an example I just pulled off the site:

    $1,809.00 XPS M1730 Crimson Red Intel Core 2 Duo - 2400 Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate 17" screen 200 GB Free Fall Sensor Hard Drive (7200 RPM), 4 GB RAM, DVD/RW, AGEIA PhysX Physics Accelerator;NVIDIA SLI Dual GeForce 8700MGT with 512MB GDDR3 Memory Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini Card Laptop

    P.S.  You have to wait a while for a good deal to pop up and when they show they are going literally within minutes, the discount also depends on the model.  Higher end stuff is discounted less it seems.  I got that Inspiron at that price last year by the way- might as well have been brand new, not a scratch on it.  Have been using it to play FPS games at work.

     

  • yiwaxia111yiwaxia111 Member Posts: 1
    Originally posted by Enigma


    Ive narrowed my laptop search down to two options.  The reason why I am picking a laptop versus a desktop is simply because I am enrolling in an MBA program this January and I figured....what the heck. I can do some gaming and take it with me to school and to work.
    Here's my first option:
    http://explore.toshiba.com/laptops/qosmio/X305/X305-Q706 Price: 2000 USD
    Pros: Fast for a laptop. 4 gigs ram, nice video card (two NVIDIA® GeForce® 9800M GTS SLI). Four fans under base of laptop...insane.
    Cons: ugly as hell. Heavy (almost 10 pounds), and a very small HD (320 GB) and a average resolution of 1440 x 900
    Second Option:
    http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529668159.php Price: 2000 USD
    Pros: Very fast w/ 4 gigs of ram, fast 400gb HDs, great video resolution (1900x1200)
    Cons: Heavy (9.2m lbs) ok video card (NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800M GTS with 512MB of GDDR3 discrete video memory)
    So what do you all think?
     

    I choose no.1

     

  • skeaserskeaser Member RarePosts: 4,215

    I saw cyberpower suggested in this thread. I have never dealt with them, but I have seen a lot of negative reviews and complaints. It's your choice, but I would suggest doing research before you buy from cyberpower, who also operates under many other names.

    Sig so that badges don't eat my posts.


  • tvalentinetvalentine Member, Newbie CommonPosts: 4,216

    i pick number 1 also.

    if you got the second one, you wouldnt have as much GPU power. You would be trading resolution for a video card ......

    image

    Playing: EVE Online
    Favorite MMOs: WoW, SWG Pre-cu, Lineage 2, UO, EQ, EVE online
    Looking forward to: Archeage, Kingdom Under Fire 2
    KUF2's Official Website - http://www.kufii.com/ENG/ -

Sign In or Register to comment.