technology Recommend me a laptop

[Harmonic Revelations 8,835]

 So, next month I am getting a new laptop, and I wanted to tell you some info and see what you'd recommend.

 

 

1.) My budget is five hundred dollars, I'm poor and can't just go out and buy a very expensive laptop

 

2.) It needs to be able to run games decently (Not necessarily modern games, I mostly play Halo CE, Garry's Mod and Left 4 Dead 2)

 

3.) Should be able to run Windows 7 Home Premium decently

 

4.) A charger that fits a Toshiba Satellite LTE should also fit this

 

In case you are wondering why I don't have any more requirements than that, it's because I have the know-how to swap out components with my old laptop if need be.

 

 

Any suggestions? I just don't want to make the wrong purchase.

Edited April 19, 2013 by Harmonic Revelations

[deadprofile 1,122]

With any computer, you can always modify it to play games better.  I am not sure how knowledged you are modifying a computer so it's hard to recommend a computer.

 

I am impressed with the Toshiba brand of computer, I have a Satellite labtop that is over 5 years old now.  I call it my "ZombieCompy" because I've really put it to the test (albeit unintentionally).  It's been thrown out a 2 story window (by a 4 year old), had multiple beverages spilled on it, survived Windows (I really don't like it, plus it got over 5000 malware and virus' when I had for only 2 months, with very meager internet use), and even with 60% destroyed harddrive and a battery life of 15 minutes (when fully charged), it's still kicking...oh and linux made everything better.

 

I have a desktop that a friend and I built, though right now it can't even play videos without lagging (it's made from old school computers and I'm too lazy to buy better stuff right now). 

 

My main computer is an ASUS Eee PC 1015PN-PU27-RD 10.1-Inch Netbook (Red)  and picked that one out through a great deal of research.  The only game I play is Minecraft, and so I wanted a small computer that can at least play that....though I had to get a memory upgrade which didn't really cost that much.

 

 

I'd just do a great deal of research, use Consumer reports, and google good gaming pc's that have the specifics you want.  There's much more information out there....If you can switch out components, I'd recommend getting a cheap thing, and modify it to exactly what you want.  In my eyes, it saves money in the long run....

[Harmonic Revelations 8,835]

With any computer, you can always modify it to play games better.  I am not sure how knowledged you are modifying a computer so it's hard to recommend a computer.

 

I am impressed with the Toshiba brand of computer, I have a Satellite labtop that is over 5 years old now.  I call it my "ZombieCompy" because I've really put it to the test (albeit unintentionally).  It's been thrown out a 2 story window (by a 4 year old), had multiple beverages spilled on it, survived Windows (I really don't like it, plus it got over 5000 malware and virus' when I had for only 2 months, with very meager internet use), and even with 60% destroyed harddrive and a battery life of 15 minutes (when fully charged), it's still kicking...oh and linux made everything better.

 

I have a desktop that a friend and I built, though right now it can't even play videos without lagging (it's made from old school computers and I'm too lazy to buy better stuff right now). 

 

My main computer is an ASUS Eee PC 1015PN-PU27-RD 10.1-Inch Netbook (Red)  and picked that one out through a great deal of research.  The only game I play is Minecraft, and so I wanted a small computer that can at least play that....though I had to get a memory upgrade which didn't really cost that much.

 

 

I'd just do a great deal of research, use Consumer reports, and google good gaming pc's that have the specifics you want.  There's much more information out there....If you can switch out components, I'd recommend getting a cheap thing, and modify it to exactly what you want.  In my eyes, it saves money in the long run....

Oh trust me, I'm typing this on a Toshiba that's screen is literally falling off (One of the hinges came out) and the screen itself is tilted diagonally to the left, yet it still works. I would hope for a Toshiba that has slightly better specs than the one I have now, but more importantly one that isn't falling apart.

 

Also Windows doesn't cause problems for me. I assume you got scammed by one of those fake virus programs that says you have several thousand viruses.

 

I'm sure it needs at least a good processor for me to start with, since without one any upgrades I make will be useless.

Edited April 19, 2013 by Harmonic Revelations

[Paianis 489]

A ThinkPad Edge should do, but of course I'm biased because I already own a T510 myself. No idea about the power plug thing, but all of your other requirements it should satisfy just nicely.

 

You can get alot more performance for your money if you simply build a desktop gaming rig from scratch; there's really not much option in terms of $500 laptops that are dedicated to gaming.

[NightOwl 912]

http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Satellite-C855D-S5135NR-PSCBUU-003007-15-6-Inch/dp/B00B4GGZQ2/ref=sr_1_78?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1366396599&sr=1-78

 

Found this model for you. Toshiba are a really good brand. This is a tad over your budget but it has some good specs on it. It isn't running Windows 7 though.

[deadprofile 1,122]

Gaming dedicated systems are way too expensive....i have a friend who spent $4,500 on a gaming computer (he's in his 50's and is a HEAVY fps player).  That's why I'd just say to buy a cheapo one, and modify the internal specs until you get a decent gaming computer of your own make.  Newegg is amazing, and pretty decent in $$$, so you should have an easier time making a gaming computer for your price than purchasing one.  I've never made a full on GAMING computer, so don't take my word for it, however, for the computer I have built (only put $200 into it), it just needs a few more components to make a decent gaming computer (those parts cost about $200 all together, so a $400 desktop isn't too bad to say the least).  For now, it does all I want it to, with 3 different operating systems and more memory than I will ever need...

 

good luck trying to find a computer with Windows 7.  With 8 out, they're really throwing 7 to the curb....

Edited April 19, 2013 by Treble Bolt

[Milk Wave 454]

I'm sure it needs at least a good processor for me to start with, since without one any upgrades I make will be useless.

A good processor to start with huh?

 

Go for an AMD A6 dual core all the way to the AMD A10 quad occasionally found in Toshibas. If you're going to be playing games on it then the Radeon HD graphics on those processors completely excel the Intel graphics.

 

I managed to get the laptop im using now with an A8 quad for $450 instead of $700, and it runs Fallout 3 at 40-60 fps.

 

Heck, whatever @@NightOwl recommended you is actually very good right there. Though it may run hot to the extreme, it will still run games at mid-high settings while on the internet.

Edited April 19, 2013 by Moon Wave

[Harmonic Revelations 8,835]

A good processor to start with huh?

 

Go for an AMD A6 dual core all the way to the AMD A10 quad occasionally found in Toshibas. If you're going to be playing games on it then the Radeon HD graphics on those processors completely excel the Intel graphics.

 

I managed to get the laptop im using now with an A8 quad for $450 instead of $700, and it runs Fallout 3 at 40-60 fps.

 

Heck, whatever @@NightOwl recommended you is actually very good right there. Though it may run hot to the extreme, it will still run games at mid-high settings while on the internet.

I actually have exactly those specs in the computer I am using at this exact moment.

 

I have a dual-core AMD A6 Processor with a 3100 Radeon HD Graphics Card

[Milk Wave 454]

I actually have exactly those specs in the computer I am using at this exact moment.

 

I have a dual-core AMD A6 Processor with a 3100 Radeon HD Graphics Card

sweet.

 

The only difference then would probably be the GPU then, since it has the new Radeon HD 7520 instead of the older 3100.

[Harmonic Revelations 8,835]

http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Satellite-C855D-S5135NR-PSCBUU-003007-15-6-Inch/dp/B00B4GGZQ2/ref=sr_1_78?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1366396599&sr=1-78

 

Found this model for you. Toshiba are a really good brand. This is a tad over your budget but it has some good specs on it. It isn't running Windows 7 though.

I think I'm going to end up getting this one, it meets all of my needs.

 

Thanks for showing this to me, I'm sure I can afford the costs.

Edited April 19, 2013 by Harmonic Revelations

[A Blithering Div 247]

I'd advise you to wait a bit actually as both Intel and AMD have new CPUs dropping very soon (end of June the latest) and some old stock may go on sale.

[DusK 1,264]

I think I'm going to end up getting this one, it meets all of my needs.

 

Thanks for showing this to me, I'm sure I can afford the costs.

 

Games will run terribly on it. The AMD Radeon HD 7520G struggles in games that aren't even all that demanding on their lowest settings.

 

http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-HD-7520G.71728.0.html

 

You might be able to get 20-ish FPS in L4D2 if you keep it on its lowest settings, and slightly better framerates in GMod on its lowest settings, but, eh, it's not gonna be good. Halo's a super-old game, though, so you should have no probs there.

 

The issue is that you simply can't get a good gaming laptop for 500$. Hell, it's a contest for many tech websites to build a $500 gaming desktop, and building your own desktop brings with it a significantly lower price point than any comparably-specced laptop. Honestly, I'm kind of surprised that someone with "the know-how" to swap laptop components isn't aware of that, considering how difficult that is to do.

Edited April 20, 2013 by DusK

[Gay Bird 421]

I don't know much about laptops. I would usually recommend a desktop for gaming, but you won't be playing too hardware intensive games. Asus makes really good laptops, I also think Samsung makes some really good laptops too. Like dusk said, 500 is not really going to get you anything good enough for games. You might want to save up a little longer. Another option is to build yourself a desktop. They tend to be almost twice ad powerful as their laptop counterparts. If you don't absolutely need the portability then this would be the best option. Otherwise, a bigger budget laptop would be fine. Otherwise you won't be getting any gaming ability.

[FireFox 82]

I just bought a laptop a few months ago from newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314004).  It's a bit out of your budget, but it games well (diablo 3 and WoW maxed, and 1125/6062 in 3dmark fire strike/cloud gate).  The Nvidia optimus technology allows the automatic switching between the discrete 730m and the integrated hd4000.  I would suggest you save up a little longer and get something similar.

[Harmonic Revelations 8,835]

Games will run terribly on it. The AMD Radeon HD 7520G struggles in games that aren't even all that demanding on their lowest settings.

 

http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-HD-7520G.71728.0.html

 

You might be able to get 20-ish FPS in L4D2 if you keep it on its lowest settings, and slightly better framerates in GMod on its lowest settings, but, eh, it's not gonna be good. Halo's a super-old game, though, so you should have no probs there.

 

The issue is that you simply can't get a good gaming laptop for 500$. Hell, it's a contest for many tech websites to build a $500 gaming desktop, and building your own desktop brings with it a significantly lower price point than any comparably-specced laptop. Honestly, I'm kind of surprised that someone with "the know-how" to swap laptop components isn't aware of that, considering how difficult that is to do.

Believe it or not, but for someone like me, 20 FPS is bearable, and still better than the framerate I play at now.

 

I don't need a "Good" gaming laptop, I need "a" gaming laptop.

[CloudsdaleCompanion 342]

One question: Does it have to be new?

 

If you also consider refurbished or used models you might get something really decent for 500$. You said you know how to replace parts/upgrade etc. and your Toshiba is currently falling apart?

 

Then I can recommend you a used Lenovo ThinkPad. Not only are they built like tanks, they are also easily serviceable. Of course, the only problem might be: You want to game.

 

Now ThinkPads are business laptops and not meant for gaming. However, there are some workstation models with dedicated graphics cards. Sadly, only the newer (very expensive) models have higher end GPU's.

 

If you can live with the FireGL V5700 you might want to check out these two offers: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lenovo-ThinkPad-W500-15-4-Core-2Duo-2-8GHz-4-GB-RAM-320GB-Win-7-Pro-Office-2007-/151031323234?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item232a2b1a62

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-ThinkPad-Lenovo-W500-2-8GHZ-T9600-WUXGA-1920X1200-8GB-RAM-ATI-FireGL-Finger-/111055856911?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item19db71e50f

 

 

Mind you, they both have very strong CPU's and superb displays. The W500 used to cost around 2000$. That's real quality right there.

 

I strongly advise you to read this very good and detailed review first: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Update-Lenovo-Thinkpad-W500-Notebook.12551.0.html

 

(Careful, two parts! Part one is linked in the intro)

Edited April 20, 2013 by CloudsdaleCompanion