http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770 Giveaway of the Day Forums » Topic: A request for help/information on buying a laptop. en-US Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:12:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770/page/2#post-63222 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:51:38 +0000 Idunnobutiwastold 63222@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>To corroborate BentlyTCow's wry remark <a href="http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60618" rel="nofollow">http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60618</a> ~ Digg this news bulletin:<br /> DISNEY TO ACQUIRE MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT <a href="http://marvel.com/company/index.htm?sub=viewstory_current.php&#38;id=1343" rel="nofollow">http://marvel.com/company/index.htm?sub=viewstory_current.php&#38;id=1343</a> </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770/page/2#post-61853 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:48:40 +0000 ibwebb 61853@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>I received my discount from Kodak in the mail. Mine does not say there is a limit on how many times it can be used. It simply says to share it with my friends! Anyway, I know that one of you commented about maybe looking into the Kodak printers at one time. Sorry that my memory isnt letting me remember which. Anywho, I recommend if the price is good for you to look into the ESP-7 or ESP-9; both of which have the 'wireless' already in them. Past that they are suppose to be the same. Anyone you get you should be impressed with. I know that mine prints really fantastic. Here is the code for either or both of you if you want to use it. It is good on anything at the Kodak site it says:</p> <p>Enter Code: FRIENDSSAVE20</p> <p>It gives you an extra 20% off. Hope that it helps someone!<br /> Best Regards,<br /> ibwebb </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770/page/2#post-61442 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:53:24 +0000 ibwebb 61442@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Hey! Guess what came today (later in the day, but still today)? So far it is really nice. Though, I think I forgot all the time it takes to get it set up the way you want it... or at least the way I want it. I get use to all the stuff I had and everything were it was. Anyway, wanted to tell you all it was here and hope to have things going soon.. and be one here more.. and looking for repeats of what I had LOL.</p> <p>Also, I got an answer from someone on that wireless print server thing. Yes I need one that has the multifunctional or all in one in it (or that bi directional like you found). Simply, (as I had thought) a normal print server accepts as signal and the others can send and receive. </p> <p>See ya all soon and more,<br /> ibwebb </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770/page/2#post-61404 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:21:04 +0000 BentlyTCow 61404@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Well Kodak suggest this one, but it's $117 on amazon. Even their cheaper model is $80, $75 on ebay. I'd go back to the store you bought it from and ask their opinion. At least then, if it doesn't work, you can return it.</p> <p><a href="http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-locale=en_US&#38;pq-path=12511" rel="nofollow">http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-locale=en_US&#38;pq-path=12511</a></p> <p>There's this one, which is cheap enough and offers bi-directional support, which is what you need for scanning, but the website doesn't say if it supports Kodak (the list is outdated anyway so that could be why.)<br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-G-PrintServer-Multifunction-Printer-Support/dp/B000LSZ0Q0/ref=sr_1_92?ie=UTF8&#38;s=electronics&#38;qid=1249380693&#38;sr=1-92" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-G-PrintServer-Multifunction-Printer-Support/dp/B000LSZ0Q0/ref=sr_1_92?ie=UTF8&#38;s=electronics&#38;qid=1249380693&#38;sr=1-92</a></p> <p>I'd still just go to the store and see what they sell you. It's hard to say what'll work without going with the really expensive Silex option. </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770/page/2#post-61383 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:09:04 +0000 ibwebb 61383@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>That seems to be my problem. I have always just plugged in the cable and been fine. Now I am thinking about how nice wireless would be, but hate to find that I can send info to print, but can't scan and have it go to my laptop. Anyway, the printer I have is <a href="http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=12947&#38;pq-locale=en_US"><br /> Kodak ESP-5</a>. I have a few friend that have the ESP-3 and really are impressed with it. When I went to get it; they were claiming they were out of stock on them and offering the ESP-5 for the same price. It had more features and figured it was a deal. Not to mention on of those friends gave me their coupon code for 20% off an order from Kodak since he bought his there. I know that it is up to date and should work with a server. I just don't know the difference on different servers. I will keep looking when I can get on. I may *GULP* have to actually go ask someone that gets paid to know this stuff. LOL I do appreciate all the help and don't kill yourself if you don't know.<br /> ibwebb </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770/page/2#post-61367 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:00:34 +0000 BentlyTCow 61367@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>I don't know much about print servers.. I think it depends on the model of the printer, or at least the print server. From what I've read some have a web address on the local network that you can operate the scanner from. Otherwise it may be included in the software that comes with your printer.. What model is your printer? </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770/page/2#post-61340 Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:22:26 +0000 ibwebb 61340@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Wanted to leave a quick update...</p> <p>Again thank you to all of you and no I didnt forget you all. I took the free shipping and didn't think of upgrading it because I was too busy thinking what I great deal I got. LOL So, I am waiting for it to get here.. my bad. I checked the tracker and I think it should be here the beginning of this coming week. Then there will be no more excuses. </p> <p>I do have a quick question that I wanted to ask though. I have a printer and thought it was time to come into the present decade and go wireless on it. I usually just go in and plug the cable in if I need to print/scan. I started checking out wireless print servers and found a great deal. Yet, as I was about to add it to the cart I noticed that right below (at a good deal more) was one that said "multi functional" and then another that had "All in one" (both followed of course by the wireless print server). Then it hit me. If I want to be able to scan to my laptop I need one of those I bet. I have been looking about on at them and looking for a deal, but I have come across several articles/blogs/forum(elsewhere)comments that sound like they are doing it with a normal wireless print server. So, the question is: Do I need one of these others or is it possible with just the regular wireless print server? </p> <p>Thanks,<br /> ibwebb</p> <p>P.S. BTW yes, my printer is newer. I got it when I was going to replace my laptop the first time then the washer/dryer issue came up. So, still in box and waiting. </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770/page/2#post-61024 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:01:56 +0000 BentlyTCow 61024@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Hi ibwebb, glad to help! Sounds like you got a good deal! Especially compared to the prices of other 17" laptops. I hope you don't need to use that warranty this time :) That should support the 64 bit version of Windows 7, should you be so inclined. Be sure to give us the follow-up when you've got it! </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770/page/2#post-61010 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:24:08 +0000 ibwebb 61010@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Out of pure frustration (I am not good without my laptop/computer time) took out my dieing/dead laptop and fired it up in hopes to get it (somehow) to work and hold out a little longer. It actually came up and seems to be working so far. Though it still has all the 'fun' quirks and then some. Anyway, I wanted to get on her to make sure to thank BentlyTCow, AlexSJ, Hotdog3, Wiz, and anyone else who has helped me with all the information and time they have taken to search out deals and such. </p> <p>Now with that out of the way; I purchased me laptop today. Although, there were many great deal that many of you (and myself) had found many were gone already. Though, I did find a great deal that combined with my past purchasing from Geeks.com came out to be the winner. This is the one that I order (please read on before judging completely) <a href="http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=KC330UAR&#38;cat=NBB">HP Pavilion</a> . I called and talked to them and was able to get a better deal that what you see. I did get the free shipping as part of the deal too. The deal that I was able to get with it is an additional 10% off and (reluctantly) I bought 4g of ram (2 x 2g) for it at a REALLY great deal (that I am not allowed to give the detail off publicly and he said they would deny if anyone asked). On top of that; I had a 'coupon code' that SquareTrade had given me as a bonus for using them in the past that gave me 2 years of the 100% warranty at 10% less than the 1 year shown on the above page. So, all in all taking price and the deal into consideration this was by far the best deal of all.</p> <p>From what I have learned from you all, been told by my computer literate friends, and looked up on my own; this seems to be a solid system that will do everything I will want. The only things that it doesn't have that I wished it did is the 64 bit version and maybe a bit better graphics/video card. Though I have looked at a friends laptop with the same card and it looks wonderful to me.. no matter how many times he tried to show me the lower points of it were. LOL! </p> <p>Again thank you all very much and hope to be on lots more when it arrives!<br /> Best Regards,<br /> ibwebb </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770/page/2#post-60965 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:24:10 +0000 BentlyTCow 60965@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>ibwebb, here's that same 'nicer' Gateway on Amazon, comes in at $549.70 instead of $603 with tax and shipping from Best Buy.</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-M-6888U-15-4-Inch-Silver-Laptop/dp/B001V5JAOK/ref=sr_1_577?ie=UTF8&#38;s=pc&#38;qid=1248643918&#38;sr=1-577" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-M-6888U-15-4-Inch-Silver-Laptop/dp/B001V5JAOK/ref=sr_1_577?ie=UTF8&#38;s=pc&#38;qid=1248643918&#38;sr=1-577</a></p> <p>Also, some people are confirming free Windows 7 upgrades with this now:</p> <p><a href="http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?threadid=1455781" rel="nofollow">http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?threadid=1455781</a> </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770/page/2#post-60824 Sat, 25 Jul 2009 11:07:28 +0000 hotdoge3 60824@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p><a href="http://gizmodo.com/5254525/the-three-things-you-really-need-to-know-about-ram" rel="nofollow">http://gizmodo.com/5254525/the-three-things-you-really-need-to-know-about-ram</a></p> <p>Maximum PC tests and answers the three biggest questions you have about RAM: How much better is DDR3 than DDR2? Is high-speed RAM worth it? How much RAM do you really need?</p> <p><a href="http://www.maximumpc.com/article/feature/experiments_memory_ram_myths_put_test?page=0%2C0" rel="nofollow">http://www.maximumpc.com/article/feature/experiments_memory_ram_myths_put_test?page=0%2C0</a> </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770/page/2#post-60790 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:38:33 +0000 BentlyTCow 60790@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Hey, that one looks great! I hope it comes back in stock soon! I'll continue watching out but I don't think you'll find a better one than that! </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770/page/2#post-60787 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:27:00 +0000 ibwebb 60787@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Stole my daughter's laptop to check in and check email. I got really excited about one I got an email about (and several from a friend about it should meet the 'exception rule on $). Unfortunately, when I went to look in on it.. it was sold out. Though the code doesn't say it expires; so I put myself on the notify me if it comes back in stock. Somehow I don't think it will though. I'm going to post the link here incase it does. So, opinions on if you agree with my two friends that are urging me to push past my budget on it or not let me know. BTW this would be the extreme ceiling of the budget, but from what I have learned from here and others.. seems really great.</p> <p><a href="http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/July-0-2009/Laptop24/index-landing.html?nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL072409&#38;cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL072409-_-email-_-E0-_-Laptop&#38;cm_lm=ibwebb@yahoo.com"><br /> Acer</a></p> <p>See ya all as soon as possible!<br /> ibwebb </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770/page/2#post-60703 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:45:32 +0000 BentlyTCow 60703@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Paul, I just assumed it was a matter of 'great minds think alike' :)</p> <p>ibwebb, I'll keep digging but I like those two Gateways best so far... The two you posted are both sold out now. :/ I'll keep an eye out and see if anything good pops up by Monday morning and let you know then.</p> <p>-Duane. </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60675 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:11:30 +0000 ibwebb 60675@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Just wanted to let you all know that I will be checking this as often as I can to see what is posted. I REALLY appreciate everything all of you have done. It is really great to see all the help I have received here. Unfortunately, the motherboard has finally given up I think. I am using my daughter's right now, but it is like trying to take a gun from a police officer. So, not sure how much I will be able to get on or answer, but it is all appreciated; for the help and all the knowledge I have gained as well. I have marked down 3 or four of the above laptops to look into and hope to be ordering either Monday or Tuesday. So, until them everyone have a great time and see you all soon!</p> <p>ibwebb </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60670 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:12:46 +0000 hotdoge3 60670@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p><a href="http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/07/microsoft-windows-7-is-done-on-its-way-to-manufacturers.ars" rel="nofollow">http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/07/microsoft-windows-7-is-done-on-its-way-to-manufacturers.ars</a></p> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-core_(computing)" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-core_(computing)</a></p> <p>See Advantages &#38; Disadvantages </p> <p><a href="http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/04/22/amd_dual-core_games/" rel="nofollow">http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/04/22/amd_dual-core_games/</a></p> <p>AMD: dual-core not for gamers... yet</p> <p><a href="http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/22/windows_7_aug_rtm_family_pack/" rel="nofollow">http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/22/windows_7_aug_rtm_family_pack/</a></p> <p>Windows 7 prepped for August 6 release, The next big date will be October 1, when non English-language versions of Windows 7 will be made available.</p> <p>The official launch is scheduled for October 22.</p> <p><a href="http://what-is-what.com/what_is/dual_core_processor.html" rel="nofollow">http://what-is-what.com/what_is/dual_core_processor.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-versus-Windows-or-32-bit-versus-64bit-1349.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-versus-Windows-or-32-bit-versus-64bit-1349.shtml</a> </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60665 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:05:45 +0000 Paul F. Quantum AKA "The Dragon" 60665@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Sorry about that BentlyTCow, I must be getting old or my prescription glasses need an update! </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60648 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:23:12 +0000 BentlyTCow 60648@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Hi Paul, that was the first one I posted, further up above. </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60628 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:58:35 +0000 Paul F. Quantum AKA "The Dragon" 60628@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>@ ibwebb and BentlyTCow, I found another Gateway for less ($499.99) on the Best Buy site.</p> <p>Compared to the $549.99 priced one that BentlyTCow links to, this one is less stellar in the GPU arena as it uses the ATI Radeon HD 3200 (Class 3) but it offers a few extras in other departments.</p> <p>Like the newer Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 45WXGA high-definition LED-backlit display with Ultrabright technology (with a pixel resolution of 1366 x 768) compared to the other one's WXGA widescreen with Ultrabright technology (with 1280 x 800 resolution).</p> <p>It also has the Wireless-N Networking protocol on top of the B+G offered in the other.</p> <p>This means your signal can reach a longer distance around your home, office and in Wi-Fi spots.</p> <p>Finally, it is ENERGY STAR Qualified making for less possible power consumption.</p> <p>Here is the link: <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9370441&#38;type=product&#38;id=1218093004316&#38;ref=09&#38;loc=01&#38;srccode=cii_5766179&#38;cpncode=25-1032288-2">Gateway Laptop with AMD Athlon X2 Dual-Core Processor</a></p> <p>Have a good afternoon</p> <p>Quantum Dragon AKA Paul </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60618 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:09:00 +0000 BentlyTCow 60618@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Ah, that stinks about the sale. Yeah, I had heard that about Gateway, but I doubt it affects their reliability any. Especially if you have a third party warranty. Dell owns Alienware, now, too. Eventually everything will be owned by Microsoft, Apple, TimeWarner, and Disney. Oh, and Google. </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60603 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:51:53 +0000 Paul F. Quantum AKA "The Dragon" 60603@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Thanks for the info, BentlyTCow</p> <p>Darn, that Acer I talked about was on special until today @ $449.99 and would have made a great deal but now it's back @ $599.99 (Not so great).</p> <p>Yes, that Gateway is even better in the GPU and RAM department, just a bit less on screen size than the Acer I proposed and all around good.</p> <p>Did you know that Gateway is now part of the Acer Group ?</p> <p>Along with Packard-Bell (and E-Machines that was bought out by Gateway before they were swallowed by Acer), they form the new Acer Worldwide.</p> <p>Ciao</p> <p>Quantum Dragon AKA Paul </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60588 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:59:48 +0000 BentlyTCow 60588@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Hi Paul, thanks for all the info. The notebookcheck.net website is the one I've been referring to as well. The Acer you've posted is nice, but is identical to the Gateway I posted earlier, except the Gateway has 4gb of ram and is $100 cheaper ($499). It's also $150 more than the one ibwebb posted ($449 vs $599).. was it the correct one?</p> <p>ibwebb, if you're going to get your own warranty take a look at this Gateway:</p> <p><a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9415019&#38;type=product&#38;id=1218101172646" rel="nofollow">http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9415019&#38;type=product&#38;id=1218101172646</a></p> <p>quick specs: Core2Duo T6400 2ghz, 4gb ram, 320gb hard drive, ATI Mobility HD 2600 with 512mb dedicated video ram, dvd-rw, etc. for $549.</p> <p>A few people seem to have had trouble getting support from Gateway, I'm guessing because it's an outlet laptop. Everyone else says it's great. Also, it doesn't *appear* to be eligible for the Windows 7 upgrade, but other than those two things it's a great spec'd laptop, miles better than the other ones. It even has a dedicated class 2 video card ;)</p> <p>"Class 2 - Midrange Graphics Cards - These cards should be able to display all current games with fluent framerates but not all with high detail settings. Especially demanding games like Crysis, Age of Conan, or Mass Effect are only playable with lower settings. Less demanding (and older) games, like Fifa 08, Command &#38; Conquer 3, or Battlefield 2142 can be played with higher detail levels."</p> <p><a href="http://www.notebookcheck.net/ATI-Mobility-Radeon-HD-2600.3771.0.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.notebookcheck.net/ATI-Mobility-Radeon-HD-2600.3771.0.html</a> </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60572 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:36:19 +0000 Paul F. Quantum AKA "The Dragon" 60572@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>@ibwebb: When buying a laptop today, you have to realize that you will probably get stuck with some form of Vista! *</p> <p>The sweet spot (where hardware and software work well together) in this case would be 3 GBs of RAM (but you also can get by with just 2 GBs if you are not a multitasker!)</p> <p>* When you buy, check with the store if they will offer the (almost OR entirely) free upgrade to Windows 7 when it comes out, there are rumors that every NEW computer bought with Vista after the end of June will get this special.</p> <p>AS for CPUs (Central Processing Unit or Heart of the computer I.E. VIA C7, Intel Core Duo/Core 2 Duo, Turion 64x2 and Athlon 64), as long as you stay away from Via, Intel Atom, Celeron and Pentium (they are older and less able to run the newer Operating Systems (OS) efficiently), you will not feel that much difference at your price range.</p> <p>Of course, Core 2 Duo is a evolution of core Duo from Intel and Turion is a better laptop chip than Athlon but all this makes a rather limited impact in affordable laptops.</p> <p>What really makes a difference is the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) put inside (or should we say alongside) the CPU, this piece of hardware commonly called a Graphics Card (or rather in this case, a Graphics Chip hardwired (soldered or etched) on the Motherboard) can make the laptop work splendidly (or dreadfully) depending on the type of Graphics chip and subsystem used.</p> <p>For an explanation on the different kinds, check here: <a href="http://www.notebookcheck.net/Comparison-of-Graphic-Cards.130.0.html">Comparison of GPUs (Graphic Processing Unit)</a></p> <p>Concerning 64-bit computing, it is the coming future but you have to understand that it will probably play just some 32-bit games really well and most of them will not gain anything (and might even in fact lose something in the trade) and if you have older 16-bit games, they won't play at all in 64-bit (unless you install a virtual system like Virtualbox or the likes).</p> <p>Regarding cores (the number of hearts) in the CPU, you presently have four flavors ( Solo, Duo, Trio and Quad I.E. 1, 2, 3 or 4 cores ), most games will only use one core, certain newer games will be optimized for two cores and optimization is very rare in three and four cores at the moment.</p> <p>This will probably change in the coming years but it is not exactly around the corner. </p> <p>Let me finish this by giving you a few more sites to check out for help and by showing you actual laptops you can buy (including one you mentioned) with my commentaries on the GPU.</p> <p>For reviews and help deciding, look at these two sites:</p> <p><a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/?tag=hdr;snav">CNET Reviews and advice on notebook and laptop computers</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.pcworld.com/products/computers/laptops.html">PC World Reviews and advice on notebook and laptop computers</a></p> <p>The first machine you mention: <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115556"> Acer Aspire AS4530-6823 NoteBook</a> has a 14.1" screen and a Class 3 GPU (or Low-Midrange Graphics - Lower end of Graphics for users who want to play games. New games should run on these cards, but only with decreased details and mediocre resolution.)</p> <p>For info on this GPU, look here: <a href="http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-9100M-G.11351.0.html">NVIDIA GeForce 9100M G</a></p> <p>You should consider this one instead: <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115572"> Acer Aspire AS5536-5883 NoteBook</a> which has a 15.6" screen and a Class 3 GPU that is a little teenie weenie bit better and all that for the SAME price.</p> <p>For info on this GPU, look here: <a href="http://www.notebookcheck.net/ATI-Radeon-HD-3200.9591.0.html">ATI Radeon HD 3200</a></p> <p>The newer Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500MHD (sometimes also called GMA X4500 HD or other combinations) is also a Class 3 GPU which is DirectX 10 capable onboard adapter in the GM45, GE45 and GS45 chipset of the Centrino 2 platform (Montevina). The chip has no dedicated graphics memory, but takes dynamically an amount from the main memory (up to 384 MB).</p> <p>Compared to the predecessor GMA X3100, the GMA 4500MHD has two more shaders and a 33 MHz higher core clock speed. Therefore, the chip is noticable faster than the older one (especially in 3DMark06). Still, the performance is just on par with the entry level dedicated graphics cards and therefore not suited for demanding games. Some older games like Fear can be played in low details and low resolutions.</p> <p>Compared to other modern integrated graphic cards like the AMD ATI Radeon HD 3200, the GMA 4500M HD noticably slower and provides less optimized drivers for games so it is NOT one I recommend.</p> <p>I hope this helps</p> <p>Quantum Dragon AKA Paul</p> <p>@BentlyTCow: This might be good for you too! </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60571 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:33:49 +0000 GMMan, A+, Game Modder 60571@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Bit of an advice on Intel graphics: they're not so bad, though their performance isn't as good as a nVidia or AMD card. These days, it's passable for most tasks, though it won't perform well for Aero and might crash on some fancy 3D apps (system or app, if it runs then usually system). However, for your purposes, if you don't planning on using Aero or play any fancy 3D games, then an Intel card is not much of a problem and you can probably trim the price on your laptop. However, do think of the future...</p> <p>On my old Dell (~2005), it's using one of those Intel graphics chip. Only supports DX6, no Pixel Shader. Can only get max 8MB dedicated VRAM through my BIOS. Newer games won't run, ~2002 games run slow (Half-Life 2), and with more sites using full Flash animations, this card can't keep up. Things have improved lately, and a lot of PC manufacturers are ditching cheap Intel for cheap ATI or nVidia. Those cards can manage basic graphics, but not more advanced ones. The reason that I push for great graphics is that I can't stand anything below 25 FPS, but I do acknowledge that everyone have different requirements and budgets. </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60560 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:00:33 +0000 ibwebb 60560@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>@GMMan:<br /> Honestly, no.. I am not looking for those type of graphics. Most of my games are older and as much as I hate to admit it.. most of the newer games are too much for me. I get lost with all the controls, forget I'm playing and not watching a movie, or just get overloaded by it all. Remember I grew up when circles were a HUGE thing to happen (I still have my Atari and occasionally like to fire it up!) LOL Really, though if I could even afford it most of that would be wasted on me. Right now I have ATI Radeon HD 2400 that came with mine and it has been able to do anything I have wanted and more. Also, BentlyTCow is correct. I am looking to keep it between $400-$500 only going over a small bit if it is really a great deal I can't pass up.</p> <p>@AlexSJ:<br /> That one looks nice except that it has the Intel graphics card I have been warned to avoid and it is a bit above where I am hoping. I am not too worried about having a huge hard drive. I have an external 750Gb drive already and before I get rid of this laptop I will take the 260Gb drive out of this to keep either as another external or if available internal. I am not worried about the open box either. The warranties that I buy (through SquareTrade) replace anything/the whole thing if anything is wrong. Also, Geeks and NewEgg both are really good about there stuff being checked/good before letting it out. Though, usually I do get the refurbished, but can't imagine it is much different. </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60552 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:35:55 +0000 AlexSJ 60552@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Hello Iwebb:<br /> I'm not so sure about the HP, it's open box. Having to mail it in when something is wrong could be a real pain. Here is a Dell I just saw, has a huge hard drive (Costco, Item # 428681)..http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11481247&#38;cm_mmc=BCEmail_431-_-FOCUS-_-8-_-Dell1545, but it might be just above what you have available to spend.<br /> The problems with the games I had on Vista 64 bit, Vista home 32 bit was always ok.<br /> Greetings, AlexSJ </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60547 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:10:48 +0000 BentlyTCow 60547@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Ah, unfortunately that's our price point, so we must stick to it. </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60546 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:35:26 +0000 GMMan, A+, Game Modder 60546@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>No, I can't. Of course, it's a trade off. Better graphics or lower price. </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60545 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:56:58 +0000 BentlyTCow 60545@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>GMMan, can you suggest something like that for around $500? </p> http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/5770#post-60540 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:31:46 +0000 GMMan, A+, Game Modder 60540@http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/ <p>Hmm.. to me, both the laptops in your list have average graphics. Remember that you need something quite decent if you want Aero and other graphics intensive programs such as full 3D games. </p>