Hi AD! So, I'm trying to find the best laptop for the money for 400 bucks. Originally, i purchased a Compaq CQ60-419WM (linked for more detail) laptop for $325 (the wal-mart laptop), and it has an 2.10 GHz AMD Sempron SI-42 Single Core Processor 3GB RAM Nvidia GeForce 8200M GPU However, i might sell it to my friend for the same price and buy a new one if i can get a better one for just a little more (no more than $400 dollars). I found the Compaq CQ60-420US (linked for more detail) which is the "same" computer for about $400 (e-bay), but instead it has 2.00 GHz Intel Pentium Dual-Core Processor T4200 3GB RAM Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M So, I think it's more than obvious that the processor in the 420US is much better, but i'm wondering which one will run games better. The 419WM scores a 4.6 on the WEI for gaming graphics on Windows 7, which already isn't too shabby. I heard the worry with the Intel GMA 4500M is having proper driver support. What do you guys think? Also, if you can suggest another laptop similar in price range of these (considering e-bay as well, not just "retail" price) that would be better, i'd appreciate that as well. Thanks!!
both will probably run games horribly, but the 4500 will be slightly better. Dont even think u can play call of duty 4 with it, maybe on low settings u might get something playable. Second laptop will definitely run games better, but i warn u, dont get it for gaming purposes.
yeah, laptops and gaming just don't mix...especially laptops in the $400 range. its like buying a honda and expecting it to perform like a BMW.
Thanks for your replies! Yes, I understand that either of them are far from "cream of the crop" as far as video cards go; this is merely a laptop for school, and i'm only looking to run games like Warcraft III and Left 4 Dead and etc, both of which run pretty well as it is on the 8200M (WC3 runs at max settings smoothly). I am far from expecting to run some of the top of the line new games. I was just wondering as to which one is technically better, simply because I have the option of getting a little better laptop (maybe?). So, would anyone else agree that the Intel 4500 is the better card? I just keep hearing horror stories about the terrible driver support, which could pretty much render it an obsolete card. I appreciate your advice!
Warcraft 3 is ancient, and will run on an 8200 fine. left 4 Dead isn't going to run very well on either though. The balance you basically have here is that the 4500M is an absolutely dreadful performer and can't really play any games at all. By contrast, the 8200M is a slightly better performer, but isn't going to be as reliable as the intel chipset (most nvidia laptop graphics chips have a lifetime of 3 years or less). If you can find a laptop with something like a mobility radeon HD3200 you'd be better off.
Thanks for your input Sammorris! I was mostly pleased with how the 8200M performs (in consideration to what i'm getting the laptop for...i commute, and i'll use it to kill time when stuck on campus), but if a slightly better laptop will work out better in the long run, that might be a better consideration. I just have a tight budget (who doesn't, haha!), and so with that, what laptop would you suggest then? I'm guessing i might have to sacrifice 1GB RAM to help afford other better hardware. I'll be sure to do some research myself, off to class right now though. THANKS!
Don't sacrifice memory with Vista or windows 7, they eat RAM. Trouble is, the only decent laptops that come with solid graphics processors are the ones for around $550 and already come with 3GB of RAM ish. That might be a bit of a stretch.
Yea, i know what you mean =( So in that case, what would be your recommendation? I'll have to go uber bargain hunting!! Haha, i'll be doing some research and see if I can find anything.
I found the same Acer laptop for $380 ($405 after tax), with a 2 day back-to-school special Best Buy offered online only, which ended at midnight tonight...got it just in time =) I feel pretty good about it. Thanks so much Sammorris for your aid again...always giving me great advice for my desktop and laptop needs ;-)
