May 26, 2004

Computer Update

Update: Jeff wants his gaming computer to be a laptop, so we can all be one big happy family of laptop users. Or something like that.

Any advice on a descent gaming laptop that isn't insane in the cost category (like, under $1000)?

Posted by Liz at May 26, 2004 7:17 AM
Comments

By definition, laptops normally make bad gaming machines. IIRC, the extra graphics chips/boards and heavy processing power are hell on batteries and make the machine need more cooling, increasing battery drain further. Also, unsurprisingly, laptops get hot--I say that as a happy laptop user.

I wish I had better news for you.

Posted by: Ginger at May 26, 2004 10:19 AM

I agree with everything Ginger says.

In addition, laptops usually lag the desktop world in graphic card power and capability. When we bought ours a few years back, I couldn't get a laptop with anything higher than a 16 mg video card. Nvidia was just coming out with their 64 mg staples and 128 mg brand-new cards at the time, and I had a 32 in my desktop. We got as best we could on a budget -- can't remember if it's an 8 or 16 mg card on the laptop. It plays Diablo 2 really poorly.

Question becomes -- will the "game" part be for D2x only? Or will it need the power to handle newer games?

Posted by: Patrick at May 26, 2004 12:46 PM