Laptop Recommendations

[dgo93]

My current laptop:

HP G60-125NR Notebook PC
NVIDIA GeForce GO 8200M
AMD Turion Dual-Core RM-70 2.00 GHz
3.00 GB RAM
32-bit Windows Vista Home Premium

On top of all of that, it is about 4 years old that has gotten its fair share drops and knocks, wear and tear along with a few viruses and exposure to some heat. It has no hope of running any of the modern games that are available on Steam. It barely runs Minecraft (even with Optifine installed). Terraria slows down and lags occasionally but fine otherwise. I downloaded the demo for Cladun x2 and the thing slowed to a crawl.

So, any recommendations for a cheap (US$ 500-600) laptop that would be able to run the above mentioned games on at least Medium settings with no problem?

If more information is needed I will try to provide it.

[Nickolaeris]

Where do you live? Without knowing that, I can give only common recommendations.
First, I'd recommend Acer or Toshiba laptops - at this price they have best offers. Like http://us-store.acer.com/product/acerproduct.aspx?prodid=258 - ths one will be able to run not only the games you've mentioned, but almost every modern game, in Low-Medium settings (processor wll be bottleneck, but for such price it's good).
Second, I'd strongly recommend selecting Intel-based laptop, rather than AMD. I guess someone may disagree, but in my opinion, Intel CPUs are much better - at least on laptops (and at least they're much cooler).
If you need only Minecraft and Terraria, dedicated GPU is not necessary - 3rd generation Core i5-i7 CPUs (in 4-digit CPU model number, first digit resembles generation, like i5-3210) have integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics, which can easily handle Terraria and Minecraft (you can search for gameplay videos of Minecraft on Intel HD 4000 on youtube). So you can get cheaper or lighter laptop (Dell even offers ultrabook for $599 - Inspiron 14z).
As for dedicated GPU, both NVidia and AMD Radeon are good, if you'll get stuck when choosing between 2 or more - check this http://www.notebookcheck.net/Comparison-of-Laptop-Graphics-Cards.130.0.html Higher is better.
You can add me, so we can discuss it in private:)

[Stenwulff]

In general you could get better hardware from a $400-500 Desktop then a laptop ofc...but not sure if ur looking for mobility. Intels are the best over an AMD based on calculations and multi-tasking (i am an AMD fan tbh.. and use a FX-6100) but... i can agree fully on the intel side. Althought intels can be expensive and may go outside your budget. Id looking into Asus or Acer, I dont like off brands much (like acer) but to stay in ur range thats probably the best bet. HP's are good but load way to much crap being factory based on there laptops which slow it down anyways. Look around on (Newegg.com or Tigerdirect.com) those are 2 big electronic company's that offer great prices/Laptops/and warrenty's). I've personally used newegg and can assure there good. Just make sure if its strictly for gaming u look at the CPU Ghz/cores (2.6-3ghz+, and 2-4cores) also ram 4-8GB's is enough for modern gaming (most laptops now adays have 4-6) and as well as Graphics (you cant go wrong with an AMD or Nvidia) good brands ofc, integrated Intel ones...from my experience tend to give lag and lack performance after 4-5 months). Hard drive is all on you and well the rest is pretty much pre-set in all laptops. This is all ofc my oppinion but i hope it helps :D. Good luck on your search, you shouldnt have any issues now adays with how fast technology prices go down at finding a better laptop then ur current :).

[Vynn Tage]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834215552 for $500 you could go with this acer. It has an nvidia 630m and an i3 (my acer has an i3 2350m with intel hd 3000 and i can play fallout 3 on medium settings at 1024x768 smoothly) it won't be that $1000 soul powered monstrosity but it will be able to play some modern games. I suggest checking out what newegg, staples, and tiger direct may have on sale before deciding on any laptop though.

[jacob]

1.get a loan
2.get a razer black widow
3.ultimate future proofing.

[dgo93]

Nickolaeris eredeti hozzászólása:

Where do you live? Without knowing that, I can give only common recommendations.
First, I'd recommend Acer or Toshiba laptops - at this price they have best offers. Like http://us-store.acer.com/product/acerproduct.aspx?prodid=258 - ths one will be able to run not only the games you've mentioned, but almost every modern game, in Low-Medium settings (processor wll be bottleneck, but for such price it's good).
Second, I'd strongly recommend selecting Intel-based laptop, rather than AMD. I guess someone may disagree, but in my opinion, Intel CPUs are much better - at least on laptops (and at least they're much cooler).
If you need only Minecraft and Terraria, dedicated GPU is not necessary - 3rd generation Core i5-i7 CPUs (in 4-digit CPU model number, first digit resembles generation, like i5-3210) have integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics, which can easily handle Terraria and Minecraft (you can search for gameplay videos of Minecraft on Intel HD 4000 on youtube). So you can get cheaper or lighter laptop (Dell even offers ultrabook for $599 - Inspiron 14z).
As for dedicated GPU, both NVidia and AMD Radeon are good, if you'll get stuck when choosing between 2 or more - check this http://www.notebookcheck.net/Comparison-of-Laptop-Graphics-Cards.130.0.html Higher is better.
You can add me, so we can discuss it in private:)

I live way out here in Jamaica. I'm not buying it out here. Physical copies of games/Desktops/Laptops/Tablets cost a fortune out here. Thank you for the advice you and the other three posters have given me. I have been searching around the sites that were suggested and I have found some Asus and Acer laptops with decent price and the specs that were suggested. To be honest I'm not that concerned over graphics as long as the game runs smooth. Also, the first link in your post does not lead anywhere. Maybe you typed something wrong?

[Nickolaeris]

It's the same Acer laptop Jared recommends. I guess it's the best choice:)

[Vynn Tage]

Nickolaeris eredeti hozzászólása:

It's the same Acer laptop Jared recommends. I guess it's the best choice:)

I did not notice that lol.

[Nickolaeris]

Jared eredeti hozzászólása:

Nickolaeris eredeti hozzászólása:

It's the same Acer laptop Jared recommends. I guess it's the best choice:)

I did not notice that lol.

I just copied link from Acer Store, and have not checked it:( It's really broken Dx

On topic - hadn't found anything decent in Jamaica online stores (only with integrated graphics and for terrible prices), so I guess your only choice is to buy laptop with delivery... Good thing that with this $499 laptop you'll have about $100 left for delivery - more than enough.

[dgo93]

Yup, I told you about the prices out here.

I haven't saved up all the money yet, so, in the mean time, I'll just keep looking but that Acer is looking like the best choice so far. Thanks for all the advice.