Alright all, in the search of a new laptop computer, starting to think more seriously about it now and have a few questions; 
I’ll outline my purposes for the machine to qualify the spec in your minds. Gaming machine is more so what I’m looking for, I want to run CAD programs and have the option of running newly released games, I don’t intend to fundamentally upgrade the laptop in future (since its so awkward) so higher end components to ensure longevity are a preference. Portability is not a major issue, and battery life is not a concern given the demands of the components I propose the use of (average >2 hours)
I have roughly £1500 to spend (approx. $3000) I don’t particularly want to spend that much, but if it proves worthwhile, then I would consider the expenditure.
a)[Software perspective] Firstly, is it the right time to buy? With Windows Vista well under development am I wasting my time purchasing XP again?
b)[Processor Considerations] For the most part I have looked at Intel chipsets, however AMD seem to be more predominant in the higher end market, do you each have considerations or reservations with regards to these manufacturers? Which suits the job of multitasking and gaming processes best against the costs? Intel using DDR2 a real consideration?
c)[Processor Models] If Intel seems to be the clear choice, what grade of processor should be looked at? Dual core is the new option for laptops but would it suit a high end model better than the older available models? +2 gig is that I feel I am after, worthwhile paying that extra (when considering longevity)?
d)[RAM] I want to push the boat out and opt for 3 gig of RAM if the laptop supports it, in my experience its been the most cost effective upgrade, is DDR still the boy or is SD making a come back, is it likely that laptops will be released with the 3 gig option soon? I have seen very few.
e)[Graphics Card] This is a grey area for me, nVidia or ATi? 512 seems to be the choice or is dual 256 on SLi a better approach. The latest graphics cards generally are well over priced, but I still want something that will last, tough one.
f)[Manufacturer] I have scouted a few big and small names here’s the run down, add to it?;
- First look was the Dell XPS (people generally have low opinions of Dell, I need to know why other than service reasons) if the sale comes with their double memory offers and free shipping is this a decent option? Is the laptop itself relatively good value for money?
- Alienware; not sure what model again processor choices hindered my progress, is this manufacturer worthwhile considering? Seemingly better value than Dell but I’m not entirely sure.
- Acer; again not familiar with range, but seem to offer better value, however do they produce a higher end module?
- Ibuypower.com? customise of doom? Worthy or not? Sell to uk?
- Rock Computers is another, expensive though
No doubt there are a host of others, advice on which of these (even if not to buy with) would be helpful, including a reason why.
I know this seems a lot, I’ve tried to make it as clear as possible, with the split topic areas (i.e. a, b, c etc) its intended that people with specialist knowledge can input in their areas (i.e. graphics enthusiast answering part “e”) thanks for the help anyone can offer, I appreciate the time you may spend answering.
Thanks
I’ll outline my purposes for the machine to qualify the spec in your minds. Gaming machine is more so what I’m looking for, I want to run CAD programs and have the option of running newly released games, I don’t intend to fundamentally upgrade the laptop in future (since its so awkward) so higher end components to ensure longevity are a preference. Portability is not a major issue, and battery life is not a concern given the demands of the components I propose the use of (average >2 hours)
I have roughly £1500 to spend (approx. $3000) I don’t particularly want to spend that much, but if it proves worthwhile, then I would consider the expenditure.
a)[Software perspective] Firstly, is it the right time to buy? With Windows Vista well under development am I wasting my time purchasing XP again?
b)[Processor Considerations] For the most part I have looked at Intel chipsets, however AMD seem to be more predominant in the higher end market, do you each have considerations or reservations with regards to these manufacturers? Which suits the job of multitasking and gaming processes best against the costs? Intel using DDR2 a real consideration?
c)[Processor Models] If Intel seems to be the clear choice, what grade of processor should be looked at? Dual core is the new option for laptops but would it suit a high end model better than the older available models? +2 gig is that I feel I am after, worthwhile paying that extra (when considering longevity)?
d)[RAM] I want to push the boat out and opt for 3 gig of RAM if the laptop supports it, in my experience its been the most cost effective upgrade, is DDR still the boy or is SD making a come back, is it likely that laptops will be released with the 3 gig option soon? I have seen very few.
e)[Graphics Card] This is a grey area for me, nVidia or ATi? 512 seems to be the choice or is dual 256 on SLi a better approach. The latest graphics cards generally are well over priced, but I still want something that will last, tough one.
f)[Manufacturer] I have scouted a few big and small names here’s the run down, add to it?;
- First look was the Dell XPS (people generally have low opinions of Dell, I need to know why other than service reasons) if the sale comes with their double memory offers and free shipping is this a decent option? Is the laptop itself relatively good value for money?
- Alienware; not sure what model again processor choices hindered my progress, is this manufacturer worthwhile considering? Seemingly better value than Dell but I’m not entirely sure.
- Acer; again not familiar with range, but seem to offer better value, however do they produce a higher end module?
- Ibuypower.com? customise of doom? Worthy or not? Sell to uk?
- Rock Computers is another, expensive though
No doubt there are a host of others, advice on which of these (even if not to buy with) would be helpful, including a reason why.
I know this seems a lot, I’ve tried to make it as clear as possible, with the split topic areas (i.e. a, b, c etc) its intended that people with specialist knowledge can input in their areas (i.e. graphics enthusiast answering part “e”) thanks for the help anyone can offer, I appreciate the time you may spend answering.
Thanks
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