Best Laptop for Gaming $1000

Hey all,

Wondering what you people suggest for a laptop around $1000 that will be able to run most of the new games at decent specs! Screen-size minimum 15'. I was thinking about the Vostro 1500, upgrading to the 8600M GT, with the SXGA+ screen, and maybe the 7200RPM HD.

Let me hear it! I just got my credit card, and it's a bit stiff - I want to break it in a bit.

Thanks
Ash

 

Use a coupon to make a $999 config with T7250, 1GB of RAM (upgrade yourself to 2GB), XP and 8600M GT. HDD is your choice but I prefer a 250GB 5400 over a 120-160GB 7200 anyday.

More resolution can be good, but don't forget that the more pixels you have to fill the slower your games will run.

 

Thanks for the reply

Hm, about games running slower on a higher-res screen: since the res that one runs a game at can be changed in-game, does it really matter what default resolution the screen is when just in Windows?

And by the way, assuming you are talking about a $999 Vostro setup?
And may I ask why you'd choose the larger, slower HD? Heat/sound volume?

 

You can run a lower resolution but on an LCD, if you do not have an option to prevent it from stretching the image, that's exactly what it will do. Pixels will be larger, and the image quality degrades heavily.

A 250GB HD has 2x125GB platters. Higher density means more data can be read off the drive in the same amount of time. The truth is, the 7200RPM drives currently available for notebooks aren't noticeably faster in read/write than a higher density 250GB 5400RPM HDD. They do have faster access times which does make a difference, but for the prices currently offered I don't see it being worth it.

They also run warmer, consume more power, and make more noise. Those are the 3 things I don't want in my notebook. I'll leave the high RPM drives in my desktop.

 

Ah, I see! Where might this option be found? In the GFX display settings in Windows, or any given game?
For the setup you just suggested, what would be the best (biggest (inches), highest-resolution, etc) screen that you recommend?

Oh, and right on about the HDD.

Any others out there have some suggestions for a $1000 rig?

-Ash

 

I went with 1440x900 because its a little more than 1280x800, but not too high like 1680x1050. I think if I tried to game at that resolution on these little notebook VGA cards it would really start to choke.

 

Ah, the $999 setup you suggested was for your Inspiron 1520? Why might ya recommend that over the Vostro 1500?

 

It's the same thing but black and may be cheaper

 

Sorry - you're saying the Inspiron is black, and may be cheaper?
Can't you change the color? I'm not sure what ya mean

 

I went with the Inspiron because I got a $1499 config for $999 plus a $200 gift card.

 

Hm actually yeah, about that... I searched for that coupon you mentioned, but can't seem to find it. Then again, this is my first time tackling a task like this, so my methods might not be the best. I pretty much just know google :x

EDIT: Found this M1530, for $1191 + $200 gift coupon (the M1330 is at the top - scroll down a bit to see the M1530):
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=241997&t=692738

The only downside I see is the screen (the only option available is a Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch LCD (1280x800) - a bit low res, right?). But it comes with T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache), the 8600M GT, a 250GB HDD (or 160GB 7200RPM for same price), and a 3Yr In-Home Service, Parts Labor warranty.

Would love to know what you think

-Ash

 

The coupons change all the time. This deal was in mid to late November. The best coupon at the moment for Inspirons is $300, which is still good.

Also there was a thread here about that XPS deal yesterday...

 

Ah, right on - I see that now.
Though, would you mind linking me to the Inspiron coupon? I have the XPS and Vostro ones.

Thanks for your help, Soul.

 

Xps M1530 Ftw!!

 

Yeah, the XPS M1530 seems to be a great deal now. Especially with the new screens coming in the next month.

But I'd still like to check out the Inspiron coupons - can't seem to find them. If anyone knows, let me know

Close to making a decision, thanks all!