Request for help choosing new laptop
 

Hey TFP-techers!

Many of you know that I'm not a n00b when it comes to computing. I've been building high-end gaming rigs for a LONG time (around my fourth or fifth system I "splurged" for an original Monster 3D card the week they came out). However, I'm about to embark on the second laptop purchase I've ever made and could use some tips, hints and suggestions.

Right now I'm looking at three basic options, a Toshiba Satellite X205-SLix, a Dell XPS or a Vigor Gaming Artorius. There are a variety of needs and desires, questions and concerns I have here. So, let's lay out it's intended uses in order:

1. Schoolwork (a no brainer, obviously... any lappy can do this)
2. Engineering/Science Work (MatLab, CAD, et cetera)
3. Photography (Mostly looking for resolution and clarity of display)
4. Gaming (I won't have a LOT of time for gaming, but i'd still like the option)
5. Movies (I'd like to be able to do 1080i/p, but I don't know how much this will actually matter in the long run)

I'm curious about any experiences people have had with the above series laptops. I trust Toshiba quite a bit. I know Dell, don't love them but know a lot of people who are happy with their XPS'. Vigor Gaming I know very little about but have seen a reasonable number of positive reviews on.

I prefer a 7200RPM drive (though a faster SATA or SAS-type drive would be great)

How much difference in gaming does the jump from 8700M GT to 8800M GT (512MB) make? Lasereth?

The absolute most I'm willing to spend is $3000. I'd prefer to spend less, obviously, but I plan on having this laptop (and no desktop at all) for at least four years. Another reason i like the XPS is it's modularity and Dell's willingness to offer components after the initial purchase. What other companies are good like that?

I've looked at VoodooPC and LOVE their lines, but DAYMN are they pricey.

Have any other questions, please let me know. ANY advice on this topic is appreciated.

Oh, on that note, what about processors? Say from T7300 to T7700, how much does performance change? There are piss poor amounts of reviews on mobile procs and video cards. It's rather disappointing.

Lastly, HDMI-out would be lovely (but isn't 100% required).

Thanks!

If you're planning on gaming on it make sure it get the 8800. The CPU you could probably go to the 7300 without a big performance loss. Make sure it has 2 GB of ram at least. Other than that I'm clueless about laptops. :)

look at HP's laptops.. i just bought a fully loaded entertainment level laptop from them, it has two 7200rpm hard drives, 17 inch screen, plays HD stuff, has the HDMI port, blue ray, etc. i've been playing games on it and the graphics are pretty darn good. I've logged plenty of hours on both HP's and Dell laptops, but i've found a happy spot with my HP laptop :-)


HP's extreme multimedia laptops have some unneeded stuff like the screen tilts at angles and stuff like that, soo don't forget to check out the 'entertainment' level laptops.



http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh.../psg/notebooks