Author Topic: Notebook suggestions? (Read 283 times)

Max · « **on:** October 17, 2006, 08:43:59 AM »

#1 16 yr old son informed us that he wants a notebook for Christmas. He's already got a 1.5 yr old Dell Dimension 4700 but you know kids.

Whe asked which notebook young gamer wants, he points us to a $2.5K Dell XPS rig. Having just visited the Dell website I came up with this system for $1.7K

InspironE1705
Intel Duo core 2 mb cache/1.83 ghz/667 mhz FSB
17" wide screen
2 GB shared dual ch DDR2 SDRAM at 533 mhz
120 GB HD @ 5400 rpm
8x CD/DVD burner
256 ATI Mobility Radeon
Integrated Sound Blaster
$1,723

What HE Wants ---

XPS M1710
Intel Duo core 2 ghz/667 mhz/4mb
17" ultra sharp screen
2 GB DDR2 SDRAM/667mhz
60 GB HD @ 7200 rpm
256MB Nvid Geforce
integrated audio
24x cd burner/dvd combo
$2,524

Son has a 19" flat panel so the "ultra sharp" XPS screen seems like a mute point. His main gaming interest is America's Army

Worth the extra $$$? Any other rigs we should be considering?

Thanks

Schutt · « **Reply #1 on:** October 17, 2006, 12:03:53 PM »

Both times you have not listed what video card it really is. But that is the most important fact on these.

Performance wise a Desktop PC would be way faster & cheaper, added bonus that he cant accidantly damage / get it stolen while hes in school with it. But you probably have that ruled out already.

DREDIOCK · « **Reply #2 on:** October 17, 2006, 03:42:14 PM »

At 16 he doesnt need a laptop yet (Not trying to be rude,just my opinion)
Save that for college. Even then he doesnt NEED a laptop.
But at 18 he will be a bit more responcable then he is at 16.
Just based on my experiance

no offence ment

Max · « **Reply #3 on:** October 18, 2006, 08:03:40 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Schutt
Both times you have not listed what video card it really is. But that is the most important fact on these.

My bad -
system 1 - 256 mb ATI Mobility Radeon X1400

system 2 - 256 mb Geforce NV256 Go 7900 GS

Max · « **Reply #4 on:** October 18, 2006, 08:08:56 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by DREDIOCK
At 16 he doesnt need a laptop yet (Not trying to be rude,just my opinion)
Save that for college. Even then he doesnt NEED a laptop.
But at 18 he will be a bit more responcable then he is at 16.
Just based on my experiance

no offence ment

No offense taken

I'm just the poor schlub known as step-dad. Supposedly his paternal father and I are supposed to split the cost. Frankly there are more pressing matters in the MAX household than a laptop for a kid who already owns his own desktop. However if his pop wants to spring for a laptop, I was hoping to steer him in the right direction.

forHIM · « **Reply #5 on:** October 19, 2006, 12:04:18 PM »

I have the Dell Inspiron 9400 (read 1705) with the GS 7900 and the Audigy option, 100 GB HD, 2 GB RAM, and DVD burner. I play AA and get good frame rates with slightly above average settings on graphics. I haven't spent time tweaking the system or AA to get the most out of it.

Mine was purchased through our Dell rep as it is my business system and therefore has the 4 year accidental care, next business day, and MS office basic for around 2300 about 4 months ago.

What I'm trying to get at is the 1705 should meet his wants if you decide to get it for him.