Buying a laptop!

[noobster]

So...I'm buying a new laptop soon and seeing as how i know NOTHING about laptops (which ones are better etc) I figured I'd ask some people that do.

I've got a $1000 or so dollar budget and I'm interested in being able to do some fairly decent gaming on it as well, so I'm trying to get a pretty powerful computer for the money. but at the same time I want it to be portable enough to carry around easily (like a 15.4 maximum).

From what I've heard, Dell or HP is the way to roll on this but I'd love to hear your input.

(wasn't sure if it goes here or in IR considering it's a pretty general question but feel free to move if it's more suited for there)

thanks beforehand

 

[UberMunch]

Let me start off by saying hello from a fellow San Diegan.

On the laptop situation, I would definately go with an hp. I have an hp pavillian (the newest one) though its screen size is much bigger than what you would want it has good graphical capabilities. (nvidia graphics card)

i got mine at costco. they actually have a pretty good selection of laptops (mostly hps but they are the best). i would definately browse their website for the size and specifications you are looking for. mine has almost the best in every feature and i got it for 1000 dollars. (it was on sale though)

if you have the money the apple macbooks are supposed to be really good. they have all the user friendly mac stuff but can now also boot windows.

 

[serebii_attacker]

I'm so glad someone posted this also. I'll be leaving for Iraq in 5 weeks. I work for a contract company for the marines. I am thinking about buying a laptop also. I have $1500 to spend. Help would really be appreciated. I may run games occasionally. Maybe wow. Or some other form of mmorpg. Probably not considering the amount of training i've been doing with pokemon. Either way, I do want to be able to run it if I do decide to. Thank you.

 

[Vidd]

Decide what minimum hard drive space etc. you want and then look at the varying details such as panel brightness, HD speed, matt/glossy screen finish, battery life and the keyboard because they are what separates them.
I've seen at least a few powerful laptops with absolutely crap keyboards that just spoil it and others with a beautiful screen and around 1-2 hours of battery life.

I've heard good things about Dell and HP but I couldn't recommend a certain model. Have a browse in a local shop just to see them displayed, if you can.