markatto

So basically, I've been stuck on my $350 toshiba for about 18 months. Several major (and after some research, difficult/expensive to fix) things are broken on it (hardware, not software problems)- The wireless card randomly cuts out every couple minutes, the USB ports don't work, and the gpu randomly stops responding for a short period every once in a while.

Basically, I want to know what options I have for a low-end (ish) gaming notebook. If I can't find a deal that I like, I will probably go with the new MSI wind, and cut out the gaming aspect entirely.

The primary use of this machine will be programming- It will not be my primary machine (I have several desktops at home and at work, and the imacs at school at least have big screens,) and it will never need to compile any significant amount of code. (Most of my big projects are in java anyway, and my sig rig plows through the C++ haha)

As for gaming, I want something that can get as close to 100FPS on CS:S as possible- I would use it as an extra machine at my house and as a lan party/hanging out machine- my only other truly competent machine is my sig rig, which is water cooled and VERY heavy.

A decent resolution would be nice- It helps to fit as much code on the screen at once as possible- but I honestly find that some of the super-high resolution laptop screens make text hard to read, and lower res = more fps anyway. Basically, for a 15.4'' 1280x800 is fine, but if I pay for a 17'', I'd like 1680x1050 (but no more!)

Processor wise, a T8100 or better would be preferable, and 8600 graphics are preferable. If it's too slow, I might as well go with the aforementioned wind. Battery life is the only other big thing- I'd REALLY like to be able to work outdoors sometimes.

Price: Lower = better, even at the cost of system specs. I'm on a budget here! Windows is NOT a necessity- I'm a linux guy anyways. $1000 ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM

I know this is wordy, but I like to think out loud. Thanks for putting up with me - there is an abundance of knowledge on these forums, so I'm sure that SOMEONE has some secret notebook knowledge

Thanks,
Mark

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*Current 3DMark06 score: 19311*


Looking for:
8600m or better notebook for cheap