musho3210

Ok, basically due to my dumb decision on buying an E-machines desktop computer and the fact that its failed 4 times (which makes us liable for a new desktop e-machines, but this is going off topic) I've decided to get a new computer. I would have built my own desktop, but seeing the fact that im going off to college in 2 years, I might as well get a laptop/notebook.

Basically, i want power, performance, speed and most importantly, due to E-machines, reliability is on the top of the list.

Basically i want lots of RAM, I'm the type of guy who has lots of programs up at once and also start up a lot of programs automatically when i turn on my computer. My current e-machines is labeled with 1gb RAM, I'd probably want something with 3-4 gigs of ram.

As a forewarning, before i go on about what i want etc. I don't know a whole lot about computers, so if i get any information wrong, I have nothing wrong with you guys/girls correcting me or giving me your insights because you think the laptop that i want sucks.

Anyway, video card, I don't know too much about these things, but basically i want a pretty good one. Sims 3 is coming out next year (and i probably wont get my laptop until maybe even summer of next year) and it seems like a big game. So i would obviously want a computer that can handle high graphics. An upgradeable one would be great too, in case new video cards come out and i would like to upgrade it.

Processor, im running with an AMD 3400+ or something like that, 2.2ghz, 1600mhz FSB, and 512k L2 Cache. Basically, my opinion on it now is that it sucks. Everything takes forever to load, I can't even play battlefield 2, and dont get me started on Call of Duty, i can only play Call of Duty 2 on safe mode, otherwise i get something like 10 FPS (i dont know if that has to do with my processor though, again, im no expert at these things).

Hard drive, no biggie, i have a 500 gig external harddrive, so anything around 200+ gigs of hard drive space would do fine for me. Im good at deleting unwanted/unused files.

Accessories, built in webcam, speakers etc. all nice, i'm pretty sure most laptops have these but i will need a built in wireless router, 4+ USB ports, don't need a blu-ray player or anything (I have a PS3) and basically the usual accessories. Battery life is not that important, a moderate battery life would work (dont want a low battery life to the point where i will need to upgrade it etc.).

Anyway, final words, RELIABILITY, RELIABILITY, RELIABILITY. And QUALITY QUALITY, QUALITY. I cant stress those enough. Customer service would be nice, and an international brand, i may be going out of the country (USA) for college and may want service there.

Feel free to put your opinions in, i may have just said some of the dumbest things and could be all wrong on the processor and RAM and stuff, if i did, please tell me, and i apologize.

BTW, im a huge Sony fan, and alienware seems awsome but ive been hearing terrible things about their customer service. But heck the laptop you may recommend me could be a asdlgjhasdfkasdfh brand....

jdbennet

alienware = dell

__________________

Quote:

I am not an expert so try what i say at your own risk

cohen

I can give you a few recommendations.... what is your budget???

I never knew that, learn something new everyday

__________________
Cohen

diduknowthat

Stop looking at laptops now if you're serious about not getting your laptop until summer next year. It's just pointless as laptop will change SO much in a year's time.

__________________

Media - Gaming Hybrid PC
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
4GB G.Skill DDR2 800 Memory | 400GB WD SATA HD
eVGA 8800GT 512mb Graphics Card
X-Fi Xtrememusic Sound Card
Hauppauge HVR 1800 MCE TV Tuner
Scythe Ninja | AC Accelero S1 Passive heatsink
CM Elite 340 mATX Case | Noctua NF-S12 Fans

liusland - myminicity

PHATSPEED7x

My sister had great luck with a Sony Vaio laptop for 4 years of college. She has a Mac now. So if you have the money go with a mac.

__________________

cohen

Agree there

__________________
Cohen

musho3210

Well, like i said, i dont know much about laptops and computers and stuff, heck i dont even know where to start. Asking questions early will start to give me a general idea, so i can make a proper decision. I mean, i bought an e-machines, that was the dumbest thing i could have done in computing choices, i bought the e-machines because i saw a big hard-drive and i thought that would be an awsome computer, i knew nothing about video-cards and stuff.

If i know what i would buy NOW, then LATER I will be able to make the choice myself, or somewhat by myself. Say you tell me to buy a.... Premium Machines (made up company in my head i think) 3000 now. And I look into it, see its specs, look up reviews, look up videos of it online etc. Then you guys give me a few more options, i compare them all, etc. Anyway, its to the point where i know enough about laptops and stuff for me to make an educated decision. Plus i might not be serious about getting it next year, my computer could die out any day and the warrenty ends next february, so i might even need a new computer in Feb.

Its a learning experience .


Anyway, no macs for me, ive used a mac, sure they are reliable like everyone has said, and i do believe them, and i do believe the stuff about less viruses, but i just hate the operating system, its just not my thing.... Im also a gamer and i hear macs arent the greatest gaming computers....

Anyway, budget wise, something around 1,500, dont really want to spend more than 1,600.