i need advice on buying a laptop

[fix-this!]

ok im selling my desktop pc and trading it in for a laptop. i think i may want to stay with an hp or gateway maybe even a dell ? my price limit is $800 although id like to keep it lower than that if possible.

heres what im in need of as far as specs :

intel or amd 2.0ghz & up

3-4gb of ram... prefer 4gb.

either a ati or nvidia dedicated graphics card / chipset.

200-250gb hdd

webcam / decent speakers

dvd + rw

screen size is optional but id prefer a 15" or 17"

can you guys recommend any good ones that may meet my needs but stay within my budget ?

[alisalem]

I went with AMD because they have better mobile graphics than Intel.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping...nfig_id=1474422

[McDave]

Do you really need 4gb of ram? If we used Sir Ali's config I would personally put in 2gb of ram instead of 4gb and choose the dedicated graphics card. Oh and add the a/b/g/n wireless and would take you to $815. Really for a laptop with dedicated graphics I don't see you getting anyting much cheaper.

Currently HP have some free upgrades on the intel versions and would have a bigger hard drive, free upgrade to 3gb ram but getting a dedicated video card would take you over the $800 (+100 for nvidia 9200 and +200 for 9600) and there is no a/b/g/n wireless option.

Edited September 7, 2008 by McDave

[fix-this!]

can't really go over $800, i saw some good deals at best buy last night for $699- $749 with the specs i require. i think if you order from the manufacture they cost more ? :o

[alisalem]

Do you really need 4gb of ram? If we used Sir Ali's config I would personally put in 2gb of ram instead of 4gb and choose the dedicated graphics card. Oh and add the a/b/g/n wireless and would take you to $815. Really for a laptop with dedicated graphics I don't see you getting anyting much cheaper.

Currently HP have some free upgrades on the intel versions and would have a bigger hard drive, free upgrade to 3gb ram but getting a dedicated video card would take you over the $800 (+100 for nvidia 9200 and +200 for 9600) and there is no a/b/g/n wireless option.

In that case I'd go Intel.

[fix-this!]

In that case I'd go Intel.

id prefer intel but ive owned an amd laptop before. seems to me my best bet may be either ebay or just go to best buy / circuit city. we are closing in on the holidays and im sure there will be some good sales. first i have to sell my desktop system in order to buy the laptop. :D

[McDave]

You could also conisder the dell studio 15, the base model comes in at $699, a bit cheaper than the HP.

[fix-this!]

looks like so far the best deals are at best buy. :o

[McDave]

So what have you currently got in your shortlist?

[notuptome2004]

how about this one http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...d=1211587729687

[fix-this!]

how about this one http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...d=1211587729687

yeah thats one i saw the other day i think it actually is cheaper than that, i believe it was on sale. :woot:

[alisalem]

The graphics card sucks balls I guess.

[McDave]

One requirement you said you need is a dedicated graphics card. The HP that was linked form best buy does not have one.

Are you replacing the computer listed in your signature? If you are there is going to a big diffrance between your 8800 and the 9600 nevermind any intigrated solution.

[chrispinto]

i know you're in the USA, but i'd highly reccommend the Samsung R510 (if it's availablethere, and not an EU only model)

2ghz c2d, 4 gig ram, hdmi

only problem i see for you is it's an Intel x4500 graphics chipset, not dedicated.

[fix-this!]

One requirement you said you need is a dedicated graphics card. The HP that was linked form best buy does not have one.

Are you replacing the computer listed in your signature? If you are there is going to a big diffrance between your 8800 and the 9600 nevermind any intigrated solution.

as long as the laptop has a decent graphics chip like ati or nvidia im fine, im not a big gamer myself. i just want to steer clear of any intel graphics chips. yes im selling my current rig in my sig and then going to buy a laptop. i have a tight budget though im afraid can't really go over $750.