I need a new laptop. Help, please?

Question

I've been doing some searching for quite a while, and since my current laptop is breathing its dying breath, I need a new one. I'm rather picky when it comes to things such as this, because I want to get the best product for me.

I'm very into computer games. I don't play World of Warcraft or anything, but things such as The Sims 2 and Nancy Drew are both regularly played on my laptop that I have now. I would really like to have The Sims 3 someday, so I need my future laptop to have a sufficient amount of memory to support TS3 and still have enough left over for everything else.

Speed is also another thing that I really like. I don't like my Sims 2 games lagging or having Internet browsers freeze up or go very slow, so this is also another concern of mine.

I've really been wanting to be able to have a microphone built into my laptop, but my laptop isn't compatible with any microphones, really. So if my new laptop could have that, that would be great. I don't really need a webcam, but if it comes included with the microphone, I don't mind.

The screen size isn't really an issue, but I don't want it to be micro. I think my current screen size is 12" to 13" so anything in that range would be lovely. However, for example, if you had to choose between a 15" laptop that is significantly cheaper than a 17" screen, don't hesitate to send me the cheaper one.

Price is a big issue. We're going through a recession right now and I need something that I can afford but is also a wonderful product. I'd like to keep it in the 650 and under category. But if you find something else that better matches up that is a little bit more expensive, please don't refrain from suggesting it.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9377104&type=product&id=1218094855118

That was the laptop that I found mostly met my needs. I don't really mind that it doesn't have much battery life because I usually keep it plugged in anyhow. I just don't need it to die the minute I do unplug it.
Also, apparently this laptop overheats very quickly, which is a concern with games such as The Sims 2 and Nancy Drew, since those are two very prone to overheating.

Any other comments and suggestions are wonderful! Looks don't matter, by the way!

Answer 1

hey im buying a laptop today and i havent decided yet either but you should check out the ones im considering they are close to what you are looking for. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=cat13504&type=page&pageIdentity=searchDriven&useProductString=true&productString=1218093004316*1218094855118*1218093382123&unProductString=1218092959299&catId=

Answer 2

http://www.apple.com/macbook/



Okay, I know what you're thinking. I can't get a Mac. Don't worry, I thought the same thing, but then my aunt got me this computer (or it's equivalent, it's obviously advanced by now) 3 years ago for Christmas, and I have to say, I love it and will never go back to windows. The price is around $1,000 depending on how much you add to it, but it's worth every penny of it, because really if you but a Window's, you have to get all the software, the programs, the cords, spyware, all that. Mac comes with everything already on it and installed. Plus, it is super easy to set up. You hit the on button, type in a bit of info, and your ready to go. Also, they last longer and work better than any Windows computer I've ever had. 3 years and it still doesn't freeze up or have any glitches. To be fair, I have to tell you the downsides to, which are some games, especially older ones, that you already have, may not be compatible with a Mac. You can check, and if not, you can just by the version of them that is Mac compatible. My only other complaint has been it's a really crappy charger, but that's not really part of the computer, so...

Good luck finding a computer you love!



Edit- I also forgot to mention it has a built in microphone and webcam, which I have enjoyed more than anything! And it's great for pictures and video and (gasp!) the picture and video editing software is already installed!

Answer 3

Well judging by what i just read, i think i have the perfect laptops for you.



The one i use right now does everything that you want and i got it for $429. Its a Toshiba Satellite with Intel Pentium Processor. Has 224GB and a 2GB or 4GB ram. Has around 2-3hr battery life. I'm not sure the exact name though.



The one i have just seen is a dell Inspiron with Intel Pentium Processor. Has 256GB and a 4GB ram. Has a built in webcam but not sure about the microphone. 4.3/5 Star customer rating and it has around a 4-5 hour battery life. It costs $499 though.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1218089774785&type=product

Answer 4

Display Type: HD Ultrabright™ LED-backlit Display





Screen Size: 15.6"





Maximum Resolution: 1366 x 768





Memory Type: DDR3





Memory Size: 4GB





Capacity: 500GB





Drive Types: Hard Drive





Lifestyle: Home & Student





Condition: New





Operating Systems: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit





Startup Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® Vista Home Premium 64 bit





Operating System Licenses Included: Microsoft® Windows® Vista Home Premium





Platform: Notebook PC





Expansion Ports: N/A





Processor Brand: Intel





Processor Class: Core 2 Duo





Processor Type: Dual-Core





Processor Speed: 2.1GHz





Processor Number: T6500





Processor FSB: 800MHz





Processor Cache: 2 MB L2 Cache

Answer 5

If you like playing games then you need a Laptop with a 17" screen.



If you don't like your games lagging then you need a laptop with "NVIDIA GeForce graphics card".





I bought an Acer before and it works fine but the battery became useless after a few months and after the first year on full charge it only works for 15-20 minutes. And for some reason the casing cracks and I checked and found out many other people have the exact same problem.

Answer 6

I just got the Toshiba Satellite A505-S6960. It has 4GB Ram and 320GB harddrive. It's 16" screen. Built in CD/DVD player. It's awesomely fast. I only payed $680 + tax ( tax will vary by state)



I would recommend this laptop to anyone. But, also this is my first laptop, so i have nothing to compare it to.







Deathnz: I have the same computer just with more space and the battery life is 7 hours. I got it for 680$ plus tax