Laptops

VEGAS · Post by **VEGAS** » 25 Oct 2006, 09:48

Hi all,

I am thinking of purchasing a laptop but I want it to ideally replace my home desk PC so we can free up a room and have a mobile capability with it.

The machine ideally has got to be powerful, is dual core the way forward with laptops? Something that will run FS9 (not too concerned about FSX TBH), and play fast 3D games. Also it has to have a wi-fi feature and ideally a 80GB HD or above.

My knowledge of desktop PC's is rather basic and know even less about Laptops. I do know that performance Laptops cost quite a bit more that just conventional and less powerful notebooks. Hence the reason I am asking here, to avoid getting my hat nailed on in the high street.

I have started scanning sites like DELL and MicroDirect and even dare I say it PC WORLD! But I know there have been some horror stories so basically I need a pointer to get me going.

Budget is a maximum of Â£1000. Any one know a good place to start looking or offer a HU?

Cheers in advance

jamesstables · Post by **jamesstables** » 25 Oct 2006, 10:39

I've just got a HP Pavilion ZD8000 for bringing to uni with me.
It was just under 1000 but that had a bit off because it was ex-display.
FS9 is very smooth locked at 25fps

Its Pentium 4 3.4gig
1 gig ram
256mb Radeon mobility x600
and about 160gig hd

Post by **Garry Russell** » 25 Oct 2006, 10:48

On thing to rember Eddie is laptops are not reaally expandable like the PC

So the set up you get will have to do what you want from day one.

Garry

VEGAS · Post by **VEGAS** » 25 Oct 2006, 10:52

Garry Russell wrote:On thing to rember Eddie is laptops are not reaally expandable like the PC

So the set up you get will have to do what you want from day one.

Garry

Someone at work said the very same mate. I guess your pretty much stuck with the spec once you've decided.

I like the way DELL can spec your machine for you but I don't know what they are like as a provider.

JimCooper · Post by **JimCooper** » 25 Oct 2006, 16:57

DELL XPS are superb for FS2004 as they have an nVidia 7900GS graphics card. Only trouble is they START at Â£1400
http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstor ... pnotebook3
I don't think you'll get a really decent gaming laptop under a Grand though!
Regards

Jim

ianhind · Post by **ianhind** » 25 Oct 2006, 17:35

I would think that dual core has to be the way to go with a laptop - that was the original Intel plan - reduced power requirement and less heat but with as much grunt as the existing P4.

PCPro mag has a comparative review of nine Dual Core laptops this month - just had a quick look and it seems to be a balance of screen size, graphics capability, battery life, keyboard. They tested Acer, Evesham, Fujitsu, Hi-Grade, Mesh, MSI, Sony, Toshiba and Zepto models.

Obviously you can add an external monitor and keyboard for home use but that adds to the space required.

For info the Sony VAIO VGN-FE31H was their Labs Winner at Â£804 inc VAT (http://www.morecomputers.co.uk was their source). Uses a GeForce Go 7400 graphics card if that means anything to anyone. Brightest screen in test.

VEGAS · Post by **VEGAS** » 25 Oct 2006, 22:18

Ok thanks for the advice so far guys.

Here is one I have been looking at which has whetted my appetite.

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/793050

What do we think?

Charlie Bravo · Post by **Charlie Bravo** » 25 Oct 2006, 23:02

VEGAS wrote:Ok thanks for the advice so far guys.

Here is one I have been looking at which has whetted my appetite.

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/793050

What do we think?

Very poor graphics and a small screen, you'll be disappointed.

Take a look at the Acer Aspire 9802WKMi for Â£923.90 or the Acer Aspire 9513WSMi for Â£1129.50.

At the end of the day, if it's going to replace a desktop, you'll want something like the Aspire 9513WSMi otherwise you'll just find it won't do what you want it to do.

Both models available at http://www.shopacer.co.uk

VEGAS · Post by **VEGAS** » 26 Oct 2006, 08:31

Hi CB,

Thanks for the HU. Will give em a look in mate.

ATB

VEGAS · Post by **VEGAS** » 04 Nov 2006, 17:15

Just an update guys. I went for the ACER 9513WSMi in the end. A tad over budget but for the extra Â£100.00 the spec was leagues ahead of the nearest priced rival.

The GFX (nVidia 7900 512MB) and overall speed is very impressive and seems to run the more frame rate hungry Aircraft much better than my old system.

Now all I have to do is start re-installing everything(groan!) as I complied lots of rubbish in the FS9 folders and its better for me to start from scratch. :sad:

Thanks to all who gave advice, especially CB who gave me the HU on the machine and the set-up.

Will post some screenies soon.