Need help finding a laptop < 1500$

[blackburn72419]

Hello, ill give you a little background on my search, im looking for a laptop capable of gaming at a high level (wow, warhammer, cod4), but also good for college this means id prefer a 15.4" screen and a lighter computer but i can deal if its not. Ive looked at Sager, ASUS, gateway & alienware thus far

1) What is your budget? 1500$ maybe a little more

2) What size notebook would you prefer? 15.4 " prefered

3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in? US

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? not really a big fan of dells, but not a big deal

5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? gaming, most likely going to school for engineering so it may see some more programs

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? taking it with me preferably

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? yes, WOW, warhammer, COD 4 & Comp. of heroes

8) How many hours of battery life do you need? i would like 2+ but its not too big of deal if its a little less

9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? nope

10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc. Prefer Windows XP, again not a big deal though.

Screen Specifics

11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen? widescreen, but again...not a big deal

12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer? WUXGA or WSXGA

13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non glossy screen? glossy and reflective but not a big deal
Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? its nice to have a nice looking laptop but not a big deal

15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? in the next few months and as long as possible

Notebook Components

16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 500GB? 500gb prefered

17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive? DVD, would like blue-ray

[PSRT]

Welcome, blackburn! I'm sure some people around here will be able to find just the machine for you. Below are a couple of recommendations from me. Ask any questions you have, and feel free to customize these builds to your liking. Oh, and if you're looking for someone to play Company of Heroes with, hit me up! I've been looking for people to play with.

Sager NP2096 Custom Laptop (Built on the Compal JHL90)
- 15.4" WXGA "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1280x800)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® P8600 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.40GHz w/3MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9600M GT DDR2 DX10
- None Standard
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory (Requires Vista 64-Bit to recognize Full 4GB)
- None Standard
- Standard Finish
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 500GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 8MB Cache)
- None Standard
- None Standard
- Internal 3-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS)
- Internal Bluetooth + EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5100 802.11 a/g/n
- None Standard
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- None Standard
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Carying Case Optional (Select if desired)
- Smart Li-ion Battery (9-Cell)
- None Standard
- None Standard
- None Standard
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- None Standard
- None Standard
- ~Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit Installed (64&32-Bit CD Included) w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's
- None Standard
- None Standard
- 1 Year Parts & Labor, Lifetime XOTIC PC 24/7 Toll Free Telephone Tech Support

$1293 before cash discount

This machine is probably one of the better deals you'll find around here when it comes to 15" laptops. It's got a decent video card, a fairly good processor, and 500GB of hard drive space. Of course, if you're willing to spend a little more, you could always opt into a more powerful processor, but going any higher is pretty expensive. I'm not sure how well this machine will be able to run AutoCAD, however, so you might want to check that out first.

Sager NP5793 Custom Sager Notebook (Built on Clevo M570RU-U / M571RU-U)
- 17" WUXGA "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1920x1200)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® T8100 45nm "Penryn" Core™2 Duo 2.1GHz w/3MB L2 On-die cache - 800MHz FSB
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9800M GTS DDR3 DX10 (User Upgradeable)
- None Standard
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 667 PC2 5300 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory (Requires Vista 64-Bit to recognize Full 4GB)
- None Standard
- NP579x Orange Frame Trim Color
- ~ 2X Blue-Ray Read/8X DVDRW Super Multi Combo Drive
- ~ 320GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache)
- None Standard
- None Standard
- Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo/SD/Mini-SD/MMC/RS)
- Internal Bluetooth + EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5100 802.11 a/g/n
- None Standard
- Built in 1.3Megapixel Camera
- None Standard
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- None Standard
- None Standard
- None Standard
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- None Standard
- None Standard
- ~Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit Installed (64&32-Bit CD Included) w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's
- None Standard
- None Standard
- 3 Year Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Based Toll Free Telephone Tech Support
(Labor Warranty through Xotic PC)

$1594 before cash discount

This is pretty close to the machine I just recently order, and it boasts a more powerful video card and better warranty at the expense of a smaller HDD (320GB) and a slower processor, which may be a problem for your engineering programs. Also, this is a 17" laptop, and a great deal for a machine of that size if you don't mind spending a little extra or lugging around that extra bulk. If you like, and you have the cash for it, the hard drive can be upgraded to 500GB for an extra $50, and the processor can be replaced with a 2,5Ghz variant for $175 more.

If you have any questions, let me know!

[Justin_W@XoticPC]

Here are two possible configurations which may also work well for you. The Asus notebook will be a little over your $1500 price range but the Asus notebook will give you the best performance overall. If you have any further questions feel free to e-mail me :)

Sager NP2096 Custom Laptop (Built on the Compal JHL90) (http://www.xoticpc.com/product_info.php?products_id=2409%7B76%7D647%7B187 %7D1757%7B94%7D1074%7B92%7D2423%7B88%7D2410%7B186% 7D734%7B93%7D2044%7B193%7D657%7B112%7D656%7B98%7D1 295%7B96%7D2434%7B168%7D1453%7B116%7D1416%7B117%7D 890%7B120%7D703%7B110%7D2486%7B169%7D1449%7B119%7D 1898%7B100%7D734%7B164%7D1441%7B107%7D1539%7B106%7 D1688%7B121%7D1532%7B108%7D710%7B109%7D711%7B170%7 D1591%7B173%7D1175%7B167%7D1452%7B103%7D1869%7B113 %7D1413%7B111%7D1414%7B69%7D2520)
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® T9400 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.53GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 35 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9600M GT DDR2 DX10
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory (Requires Vista 64-Bit to recognize Full 4GB)
- Standard Finish
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 320GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache)
- Internal 3-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS)
- Internal Bluetooth + EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5100 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Carying Case Optional (Select if desired)
- Smart Li-ion Battery (9-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- ~Windows XP Pro SP3 w/ Drivers, Utilities CD
- 1 Year Parts & Labor, Lifetime XOTIC PC 24/7 Toll Free Telephone Tech Support

Sub-Total: $1,428.00



ASUS G50VT-A2 (http://www.xoticpc.com/product_info.php?products_id=2480%7B161%7D1411%7B7 6%7D1743%7B187%7D1416%7B94%7D1903%7B92%7D2451%7B88 %7D1090%7B186%7D734%7B93%7D2459%7B112%7D656%7B98%7 D1798%7B96%7D2461%7B97%7D2461%7B168%7D1453%7B116%7 D1416%7B117%7D1915%7B120%7D703%7B110%7D2486%7B169% 7D1449%7B119%7D1898%7B100%7D734%7B164%7D1441%7B107 %7D1879%7B106%7D1691%7B121%7D694%7B108%7D710%7B109 %7D711%7B170%7D1492%7B173%7D1880%7B167%7D1452%7B10 3%7D1514%7B113%7D1413%7B111%7D1414%7B69%7D1775)
- !! FREE !! UPS GROUND SHIPPING (Use Coupon Code FREESHIP in Checkout)
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050)
- ASUS Zero Bright Dot (ZBD) Pixel Guarantee
- -Intel® T9400 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.53GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 35 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9800M GS DDR3 DX10
- - 4,096MB (Corsair, Kingston, Major Brand) DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMs) Dual Channel Memory
- Standard Finish
- - Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X DVDRW Drive w/ Software
- - 320GB 7200RPM WD or Seagate (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s)
- - 320GB 7200RPM WD or Seagate (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s)
- Internal 8-in-1 Card Reader: MMC/SD/Mini-SD/XD/Memory Stick/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo
- Internal Bluetooth + EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5100 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Asus G Series Matching Backpack made by Targus
- Smart Li-ion Battery (6-Cell)
- Asus G Series Matching Logitech Mouse
- ~Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's - ENS
- 2 Year ASUS GLOBAL Warranty, 24/7 Tech Support, 1 Year Accidental Damage Coverage & 2-Way Pre-Paid Overnight Shipping for Repairs

Sub-Total: $1,582.00

[Anewbus]

Here are some more example configs to get you going::)

Sager NP2096 Custom Laptop (Built on the Compal JHL90) (http://www.xoticpc.com/product_info.php?products_id=2409%7B76%7D647%7B187 %7D1757%7B94%7D1074%7B92%7D2424%7B88%7D2410%7B186% 7D734%7B93%7D2044%7B193%7D657%7B112%7D656%7B98%7D1 295%7B96%7D2481%7B168%7D1453%7B116%7D1416%7B117%7D 890%7B120%7D703%7B110%7D2486%7B169%7D1449%7B119%7D 1898%7B100%7D734%7B164%7D1441%7B107%7D1539%7B106%7 D1688%7B121%20)
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® P9500 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.53GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9600M GT DDR2 DX10
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory (Requires Vista 64-Bit to recognize Full 4GB)
- Standard Finish
- ~Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
- ~ 500GB 5400RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 8MB Cache)
- Internal 3-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS)
- Internal Bluetooth + EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5100 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Carying Case Optional (Select if desired)
- Smart Li-ion Battery (9-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- ~Windows XP Home SP2 with Drivers and Utilities CD
- Sager 3 Year Parts & Labor Warranty, Lifetime Sager Toll Free Support

TOTAL = $1494.77 with cash discount


FORCE 3310 (Built on COMPAL JHL90) (http://www.xoticpc.com/product_info.php?products_id=2455%7B76%7D650%7B187 %7D1757%7B94%7D1074%7B92%7D2447%7B88%7D2410%7B186% 7D734%7B93%7D2490%7B193%7D657%7B112%7D656%7B98%7D1 799%7B96%7D2461%7B168%7D1453%7B116%7D1416%7B117%7D 890%7B120%7D702%7B110%7D2486%7B169%7D1449%7B119%7D 1898%7B100%7D734%7B164%7D1441%7B107%7D1539%7B106%7 D1688%7B121%20)
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1680x1050) `
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy-
-Intel® P9500 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.53GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9600M GT DDR2 DX10-
- 2,048MB DDR2 800MHz KINGSTON HyperX Matched Kit - Low Latency CL5 (2 SODIMMs) Dual Channel Memory SPECIAL!
- Standard Finish-
- Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X DVDRW Drive w/ Software-
- 320GB 7200RPM WD or Seagate (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s)
- Internal 3-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS)
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5100 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Carying Case Optional (Select if desired)
- Smart Li-ion Battery (9-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- -Windows XP Home SP2 with Drivers and Utilities CD
- 3 Year Complete Care Full Parts / Labor Warranty - Next Business Day Shipping both ways - Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Telephone Tech Support

TOTAL = $1476.34 with cash discount


ASUS N50VN-B1B (http://www.xoticpc.com/product_info.php?products_id=2525%7B161%7D1411%7B7 6%7D1951%7B187%7D1416%7B94%7D1903%7B92%7D1987%7B88 %7D1993%7B186%7D734%7B93%7D1645%7B112%7D656%7B98%7 D1907%7B96%7D2461%7B168%7D1453%7B116%7D1416%7B117% 7D1915%7B120%7D703%7B110%7D2486%7B169%7D1449%7B119 %7D1898%7B100%7D734%7B164%7D1441%7B107%7D689%7B106 %7D1691%7B1%20)
- !! FREE !! UPS GROUND SHIPPING (Use Coupon Code FREESHIP in Checkout)
- 15.4" WXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy LED Screen (1440x900)
- ASUS Zero Bright Dot (ZBD) Pixel Guarantee-
-Intel® P8600 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.40GHz w/3MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 25 watt - ENS- 1,024MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9650M GT DDR2 DX10
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory --
- Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X DVDRW Drive w/ Software-
- 320GB 7200RPM WD or Seagate (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s)
- Internal 8-in-1 Card Reader: MMC/SD/Mini-SD/XD/Memory Stick/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo
- Internal Bluetooth + EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5100 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio
- Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (6-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader-
Asus USB Optical Mouse-
-Windows XP Home SP2 with Drivers and Utilities CD
- 2 Year ASUS GLOBAL Warranty, 24/7 Tech Support, 1 Year Accidental Damage Coverage & 2-Way Pre-Paid Overnight Shipping for Repairs

TOTAL = $1455.00 with discount


ASUS N50VN-C1S - PRE ORDER (http://www.xoticpc.com/product_info.php?products_id=2526%7B161%7D1411%7B7 6%7D1951%7B94%7D1903%7B92%7D2451%7B88%7D1993%7B186 %7D734%7B93%7D1645%7B112%7D656%7B98%7D1907%7B96%7D 1471%7B168%7D1453%7B116%7D1416%7B117%7D1915%7B120% 7D703%7B110%7D2486%7B169%7D1449%7B119%7D1898%7B100 %7D734%7B164%7D1441%7B107%7D689%7B106%7D1691%7B121 %7D694%7B10%20)
- !! FREE !! UPS GROUND SHIPPING (Use Coupon Code FREESHIP in Checkout)
- 15.4" WXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy LED Screen (1440x900)
- ASUS Zero Bright Dot (ZBD) Pixel Guarantee-
-Intel® T9400 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.53GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 35 watt - ASUS Default Processor
- 1,024MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9650M GT DDR2 DX10
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory --
- Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X DVDRW Drive w/ Software-
- 320GB SATA 150 5400RPM Hard Drive - Asus Default Hard Drive
- Internal 8-in-1 Card Reader: MMC/SD/Mini-SD/XD/Memory Stick/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo
- Internal Bluetooth + EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5100 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (6-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- Asus USB Optical Mouse-
-Windows XP Home SP2 with Drivers and Utilities CD
- 2 Year ASUS GLOBAL Warranty, 24/7 Tech Support, 1 Year Accidental Damage Coverage & 2-Way Pre-Paid Overnight Shipping for Repairs

TOTAL = $1402.62 with discount


ASUS M50VM-B1 (http://www.xoticpc.com/product_info.php?products_id=2441%7B161%7D1411%7B7 6%7D646%7B187%7D1416%7B94%7D1903%7B92%7D2451%7B88% 7D2453%7B186%7D734%7B93%7D1645%7B112%7D656%7B98%7D 1907%7B96%7D1471%7B168%7D1453%7B116%7D1416%7B117%7 D1915%7B120%7D703%7B110%7D1729%7B169%7D1449%7B119% 7D1678%7B100%7D734%7B164%7D1441%7B107%7D689%7B106% 7D1691%7B12%20)
- !! FREE !! UPS GROUND SHIPPING (Use Coupon Code FREESHIP in Checkout)
- 15.4" WXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1440x900)
- ASUS Zero Bright Dot (ZBD) Pixel Guarantee-
-Intel® T9400 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.53GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 35 watt - ASUS Default Processor
- 1,024MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9600M GS DDR2 DX10
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory
-- Standard Finish-
- Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X DVDRW Drive w/ Software-
- 320GB SATA 150 5400RPM Hard Drive - Asus Default Hard Drive
- Internal 8-in-1 Card Reader: MMC/SD/Mini-SD/XD/Memory Stick/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo
- Internal Bluetooth + EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 1.3Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (6-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- Asus USB Optical Mouse-
-Windows XP Home SP2 with Drivers and Utilities CD
- 2 Year ASUS GLOBAL Warranty, 24/7 Tech Support, 1 Year Accidental Damage Coverage & 2-Way Pre-Paid Overnight Shipping for Repairs

TOTAL = $1451.12 with discount


ASUS L50VN-B1 (http://www.xoticpc.com/product_info.php?products_id=2531%7B161%7D1411%7B7 6%7D646%7B187%7D1416%7B94%7D1903%7B92%7D2451%7B88% 7D1993%7B186%7D734%7B93%7D1645%7B112%7D656%7B98%7D 1907%7B96%7D1471%7B168%7D1453%7B116%7D1416%7B117%7 D1915%7B120%7D703%7B110%7D2486%7B169%7D1449%7B119% 7D1678%7B100%7D734%7B164%7D1441%7B107%7D689%7B106% 7D1691%7B12%20)
- !! FREE !! UPS GROUND SHIPPING (Use Coupon Code FREESHIP in Checkout)
- 15.4" WXGA+ "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright Glossy Screen (1440x900)
- ASUS Zero Bright Dot (ZBD) Pixel Guarantee-
-Intel® T9400 45nm "Montevina" Core™2 Duo 2.53GHz w/6MB L2 On-die cache - 1066MHz FSB 35 watt - ASUS Default Processor
- 1,024MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 9650M GT DDR2 DX10
- ~ 4,096MB DDR2 800 (2 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory -
- Standard Finish-
- Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X DVDRW Drive w/ Software-
- 320GB SATA 150 5400RPM Hard Drive - Asus Default Hard Drive
- Internal 8-in-1 Card Reader: MMC/SD/Mini-SD/XD/Memory Stick/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo
- Internal Bluetooth + EDR
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 5100 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 1.3Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (6-Cell)
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- Asus USB Optical Mouse-
-Windows XP Home SP2 with Drivers and Utilities CD
- 2 Year ASUS GLOBAL Warranty, 24/7 Tech Support, 1 Year Accidental Damage Coverage & 2-Way Pre-Paid Overnight Shipping for Repairs

TOTAL = $1499.62 with discount