Laptop with decent graphics?

[mrapoc]

Hey guys

My current inspiron 1501 laptop has a dwindling battery (ubuntu even detects it as broken or damaged as it only holds 45% charge or some crap)...and replacement batteries are a rip off!

Im just looking into new laptops to last me the next few years for HND/UNI which may act as a temporary replacement for my desktop whilst im away

What kind of prices we looking at for a laptop with a decent graphics card? I hate my current/other laptops with onboard graphics not even capable of running any visual effects - laggggy!

Not necessary for running games but I suppose that would be a little plus!

Any recommended buys?

 

[DavidT]

If you don't mind the smaller 13" screen Size, Dell's newer Studio XPS has the option of a 9500M chip. There is also HP's HDX series of laptops which come with a 9600M GT chip.

You won't be able to get much oomph out of either, but they should perform much better than any Intel integragrated solution.

 

[monkey7]

If it's just for the visual effects (i.e. not gaming): LeNovo ThinkPad SL500. Make sure to watch the variant type though, as both screen res and gpu can differ. Model I'm referring to is this one. 15.4" screen @ 1680x1050 powered by an nVidia 9300m.

 

[mrapoc]

Well my current laptop has ATI 1150 integrated graphics or somthing like that

My ubuntu graphics have to be set to none or just using the browser is laggy

I couldnt like with xp or vista on it as it was so laggy >.<

 

[aok]

Why a laptop? Building a PC is so much cheaper than a laptop, also better rig too.

 

[FarFarAway]

But it's not a laptop is it?

 

[monkey7]

Why a laptop? Building a PC is so much cheaper than a laptop, also better rig too.

Ever tried traveling 2-3 hours a day with your 30kg rig + monitor? Right

 

[mrapoc]

Indeed ^

I need a laptop for when I start my HND in september this year for programming, database work etc.

I also want something a bit more comfortable to use as in the current one feels underpowered. Sure im not gaming but you can actually feel lag in day to day menus and stuff

 

[zak4994]

Price limit?

If there isn't I would tell you to go get an Alienware lol.

 

[DavidT]

Price limit?

If there isn't I would tell you to go get an Alienware lol.

Alienwares aren't meant for mobility in my opinion. They're more-less desktop replacement notebooks. It would be a pain carrying a ~10lbs laptop around all day.

 

[zak4994]

The I'm guessing mid-way.

What size screenie?

 

[monkey7]

But the question wasn't answered yet; what's your price limit? And what screen res, hdd size, max. weight etc.?

 

[mrapoc]

Price limit - erm

Im a student so ill only pay for something extremely worth it (as in not an extra £200 for next model up processor for 2 seconds faster loading)

Soooo midrange £500 ish area. Screen size deffo widescreen, not a small 11 inch one - 17"? HDD size not too important...160gb? Weight...the lighter the better tbh

Main things for me would be performance and weight. Dont care about looks and as long as the screen aint too small/big

 

[monkey7]

Have done some filtering on a dutch pricewatch:

- Budget (intel gpu though): Acer Extensa 5620-2A2G16Mihttp://tweakers.net/pricewatch/226026/acer-extensa-5620-2a2g16mi.html#tab:info

- Middle (bit harder to find probably): Asus X56TR-AP039Chttp://tweakers.net/pricewatch/223781/asus-x56tr-ap039c.html#tab:info

- Top: Sony Vaio VGN-NS21Z

- High resolution: LeNovo thinkpad SL500

You can find the prices by clicking the "Prijzen" tab on the specifications page.