Laptops - buying them?

[New Amerik]

Welp, my time to score cheap laptops and the like throughout Thanksgiving weekend are over. Too bad. I need to buy a new one, and as of now I'm a bit focused on stuff like payments, work, school, and bills to get a really good high end one....okay, or even a moderate version.

I've got myself a budget of only around $1,200 to get myself a budget laptop, and as I've rarely needed to do so in the past, i'd like to ask you guys any recommendations.

Now, I don't exactly need it for work. It's for personal use. Which means (don't judge me for this), all I really request it be able to do is play something like Red Alert 3 on high or even just slighty-above-average medium settings. (hey, don't be smirking. That game is awesome to me)

As for desktops, yeah, I would if i could, but price and literally size constraints prevent me from doing so. Oops.

Any suggestions?

[Concordeia]

Welp, my time to score cheap laptops and the like throughout Thanksgiving weekend are over. Too bad. I need to buy a new one, and as of now I'm a bit focused on stuff like payments, work, school, and bills to get a really good high end one....okay, or even a moderate version.

I've got myself a budget of only around $1,200 to get myself a budget laptop, and as I've rarely needed to do so in the past, i'd like to ask you guys any recommendations.

Now, I don't exactly need it for work. It's for personal use. Which means (don't judge me for this), all I really request it be able to do is play something like Red Alert 3 on high or even just slighty-above-average medium settings. (hey, don't be smirking. That game is awesome to me)

As for desktops, yeah, I would if i could, but price and literally size constraints prevent me from doing so. Oops.

Any suggestions?

Perhaps an XPS laptop? I think they're less expensive than Alienware.

[Dinner Theatre Actors]

I'd say avoid Acer laptops. I'm using one right now, and while its OK you have to either pay a lot to get it serviced or mail it to the manufacturer. So since this one is only a couple of years old, I'm looking for a replacement already. I'll see who recommends what.

[Anur-Sanur]

$1,200 seems like a lot for a "budget laptop".
you can get good laptops for well under that, just look around.
as to the Red Alert thing, M$ has a tool you can download to test how games will run on a certain computer, not sure if an older game like Red Alert will be on there though...

[Audentias Gryphus]

Don't get a laptop, it's not a smart idea compared to getting a desktop computer which has more processing power (usually ranging from 12.5 to 25 MHz faster) which means better graphics for games. Desktops are longer lasting than laptops. If you crack a laptop screen, you have to send it in to get fixed, and sometimes the replacement is a shabby one, made of plastic or polyurethane rather than LCD. With a desktop, you just replace the monitor, although screen cracking doesn't happen nearly as often. Laptops also have lots of battery problems. I have a six month old laptop, and the two batteries I have for it are completely ADP drained. It only works when plugged into the wall, i.e. exactly what a desktop computer is. Desktops generally also get you more bang for your buck. I got a one terabyte brand new Dell computer last month for just shy of $1000. Go desktop bro.

[New Amerik]

$1,200 seems like a lot for a "budget laptop".
you can get good laptops for well under that, just look around.
as to the Red Alert thing, M$ has a tool you can download to test how games will run on a certain computer, not sure if an older game like Red Alert will be on there though...

$1,200 as is that's the max I'm spending on something of this area. Of course, I'm looking for something with a relative balance of cheapness and ability, but I fully expect prices to approach that high. By comparing other computers, most in the range of $1000 or so seem okay, but i'd prefer a mass of opinions to help narrow down a few choices.

Don't get a laptop, it's not a smart idea compared to getting a desktop computer which has more processing power (usually ranging from 12.5 to 25 MHz faster) which means better graphics for games. Desktops are longer lasting than laptops. If you crack a laptop screen, you have to send it in to get fixed, and sometimes the replacement is a shabby one, made of plastic or polyurethane rather than LCD. With a desktop, you just replace the monitor, although screen cracking doesn't happen nearly as often. Laptops also have lots of battery problems. I have a six month old laptop, and the two batteries I have for it are completely ADP drained. It only works when plugged into the wall, i.e. exactly what a desktop computer is. Desktops generally also get you more bang for your buck. I got a one terabyte brand new Dell computer last month for just shy of $1000. Go desktop bro.

If I have the good fortune to stumble across a relatively compact desktop for near or under the set budget, I shall do so. Thank you for the advice. In this case, size does play a role, though not nearly as much as price.

[Killing is My Business]

Being a university student, a laptop is essential to me. I spent a long time looking into laptops and determined a few things: 15.6" laptops are over-rated, low-end prices bring low-end hardware, and certain brands actually are superior even though they have the same manufacturer (Look up Quanta and Compal Computers). If you want moderate gaming ability look for mobile graphics cards in the ATI Radeon Mobility HD 5650 or higher, or Nvidia GT 330M or higher. If you do any serious work (ie multiple Excel, Word, and/or programming tasks at once) you'll want an Intel processor (which are much more energy efficient and more powerful than AMD at this juncture). The current high-end Intel processors are Core i5, which are all dual cores with 4 threads. The Core i3 is the low end of their new processors, and usually have dual cores, but with only 2 threads. The Core i7s are tricky. If the first number of its name is greater than 6 (ie 7-9) is a quad core with 8 threads. Avoid these, they have horrible battery life. The i7s starting with 6 (ie i7-640M) are dual cores with four threads, and offer a very good power/battery ratio at the expense of cost. Another important aspect to consider is the screen... Do you watch movies? If so you'll probably want a larger screen with a high resolution (1600x900 or 1920x1080). Another important aspect, are you going to be lugging this around? If so, look for smaller laptops like the Dell XPS 14, Sony VAIO EA, Acer TimelineX 3820tg, or even the Macbook Pro 13. Larger screen laptops include: the Dell XPS 15/17, Dell Studio XPS 16, Sony VAIO F, Asus G53 models and even the Macbook Pro 15/17. All of these models offer decent graphics processors with Intel processors. Some of them have very high quality screens, so do your best so search for reviews before you decide on a single model. If all else fails, formulate some more opinions on intended use and head on over to [url]NotebookReview's Forum[/url] and ask for in the proper sections. I have a Sony VAIO FW (16.4" with a 1920x1080 screen) and it has worked wonderfully for the last year and half.

[Audentias Gryphus]

Just don't buy anything at a office store. Make sure you buy online with full customizable abilities, where you can see your price as you go. Dell and Apple are willing to go the extra mile to see you buy a small investment from them.

Actually, I take it back about Apple. But Dell, man. Go with them. Desktops start as low as $800. This single laptop here is an astoundingly low $300. http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-mini1018/pd

[Conserative Morality]

Just don't buy anything at a office store. Make sure you buy online with full customizable abilities, where you can see your price as you go. Dell and Apple are willing to go the extra mile to see you buy a small investment from them.

Actually, I take it back about Apple. But Dell, man. Go with them. Desktops start as low as $800. This single laptop here is an astoundingly low $300. http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-mini1018/pd

Dell? Every Dell I've had has been sub-par. He has the cash, he should dish out for a HP. A good place to start.

[Audentias Gryphus]

Just don't buy anything at a office store. Make sure you buy online with full customizable abilities, where you can see your price as you go. Dell and Apple are willing to go the extra mile to see you buy a small investment from them.

Actually, I take it back about Apple. But Dell, man. Go with them. Desktops start as low as $800. This single laptop here is an astoundingly low $300. http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-mini1018/pd

Dell? Every Dell I've had has been sub-par. He has the cash, he should dish out for a HP. A good place to start.

I still say that using the monetary assets available to him, he could make an investment in a high quality desktop computer. The main reason is that they are longer lasting compared to laptops.

[Anur-Sanur]

Don't Macs have some of the best battery life among laptops?
I hate my Toshiba laptop because its battery goes out after 30 minutes.
So yeah, don't get a Toshiba. They are also loaded with software you don't want like AOL and Norton.

[Katganistan]

Don't get a laptop, it's not a smart idea compared to getting a desktop computer which has more processing power (usually ranging from 12.5 to 25 MHz faster) which means better graphics for games. Desktops are longer lasting than laptops. If you crack a laptop screen, you have to send it in to get fixed, and sometimes the replacement is a shabby one, made of plastic or polyurethane rather than LCD. With a desktop, you just replace the monitor, although screen cracking doesn't happen nearly as often. Laptops also have lots of battery problems. I have a six month old laptop, and the two batteries I have for it are completely ADP drained. It only works when plugged into the wall, i.e. exactly what a desktop computer is. Desktops generally also get you more bang for your buck. I got a one terabyte brand new Dell computer last month for just shy of $1000. Go desktop bro.

What did you do to your batteries? Seriously. My laptop's a couple of years old and it still has a couple hours on the single battery I have for it.

Desktops are not very portable.

[Thurask]

Try here.

[Audentias Gryphus]

Don't get a laptop, it's not a smart idea compared to getting a desktop computer which has more processing power (usually ranging from 12.5 to 25 MHz faster) which means better graphics for games. Desktops are longer lasting than laptops. If you crack a laptop screen, you have to send it in to get fixed, and sometimes the replacement is a shabby one, made of plastic or polyurethane rather than LCD. With a desktop, you just replace the monitor, although screen cracking doesn't happen nearly as often. Laptops also have lots of battery problems. I have a six month old laptop, and the two batteries I have for it are completely ADP drained. It only works when plugged into the wall, i.e. exactly what a desktop computer is. Desktops generally also get you more bang for your buck. I got a one terabyte brand new Dell computer last month for just shy of $1000. Go desktop bro.

What did you do to your batteries? Seriously. My laptop's a couple of years old and it still has a couple hours on the single battery I have for it.

Desktops are not very portable.

I made a mistake in that, I meant battery. Multiple passing trains of though tend to have collisions. It's rumored that if you don't let your battery charge fully before its first use it runs dry a lot quicker, and I didn't do that. I use my laptop as a secondary computer for storing school related files and things like that. My Dell is reserved for games, internet, etc.

[DaWoad]

Welp, my time to score cheap laptops and the like throughout Thanksgiving weekend are over. Too bad. I need to buy a new one, and as of now I'm a bit focused on stuff like payments, work, school, and bills to get a really good high end one....okay, or even a moderate version.

I've got myself a budget of only around $1,200 to get myself a budget laptop, and as I've rarely needed to do so in the past, i'd like to ask you guys any recommendations.

Now, I don't exactly need it for work. It's for personal use. Which means (don't judge me for this), all I really request it be able to do is play something like Red Alert 3 on high or even just slighty-above-average medium settings. (hey, don't be smirking. That game is awesome to me)

As for desktops, yeah, I would if i could, but price and literally size constraints prevent me from doing so. Oops.

Any suggestions?

Asus. They have a great (really great) customer service team, generally have pretty well put together laptops and are moderately priced. Honestly 1200 is significantly more than you need to pay for what you want. That being said, need more info. What size of screen, do you have any preference on screen type and what are you planning on using it for aside from red alert 3

[Conserative Morality]

I still say that using the monetary assets available to him, he could make an investment in a high quality desktop computer. The main reason is that they are longer lasting compared to laptops.

Eh, he might do a lot of traveling though.

[Newmanistan]

Compaq.

I've owned four laptops in my life. The first, an HP which gave me a good few years. The second, a Toshita, which was a complete waste of money. Absolutely horrible. I went back to HP for my third, and it was nothing but a headache and I got rid of it after 6 months.

All of the above cost me around $1000.

Then I want to Compaq. Spent about $300. Best laptop I have ever owned.

My desktop is a Compaq as well... never a problem.

[Mike the Progressive]

Get a Macbook. If you can't afford it, put the rest of it on a credit card.

[Concordeia]

Compaq.

I've owned four laptops in my life. The first, an HP which gave me a good few years. The second, a Toshita, which was a complete waste of money. Absolutely horrible. I went back to HP for my third, and it was nothing but a headache and I got rid of it after 6 months.

All of the above cost me around $1000.

Then I want to Compaq. Spent about $300. Best laptop I have ever owned.

My desktop is a Compaq as well... never a problem.

The only problem I really have with my Compaq (a Presario CQ60 laptop) is that it doesn't have enough processing power to do gaming effectively, so my games tend to lag even when I set the graphics to their lowest settings.

[Conserative Morality]

Get a Macbook. If you can't afford it, put the rest of it on a credit card.

Why would anyone get an overpriced piece of junk like a Macbook? I mean, I realize some people don't deal well with sharp edges, but are you really willing to spend an extra $500 just to have your computer white, smooth, and with a little apple logo on it?

[Germonica]

http://www.amazon.com/N61JQ-XV1-16-Inch-Versatile-Entertainment-Laptop/dp/B0041RRVOG/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top#multitask

That's what I am getting.

[Conserative Morality]

The only problem I really have with my Compaq (a Presario CQ60 laptop) is that it doesn't have enough processing power to do gaming effectively, so my games tend to lag even when I set the graphics to their lowest settings.

Yeah, I've had three Compaqs. Nice budget machines, but you won't be playing Crysis with them.

[Geniasis]

I've never been a huge fan of HP, but this doesn't look too bad.

[The United Good]

I still use a Compaq from the '90s. Slow on graphics, but amazingly reliable.

[Mike the Progressive]

Get a Macbook. If you can't afford it, put the rest of it on a credit card.

Why would anyone get an overpriced piece of junk like a Macbook? I mean, I realize some people don't deal well with sharp edges, but are you really willing to spend an extra $500 just to have your computer white, smooth, and with a little apple logo on it?

Pretty much. The interface is brilliant. It's both sleek and sexy. Not to mention if your not a fan of their OS (which I'm not), you can get a program where you can dual boot it with Windows. Or even Linux.