$800 17" Gaming Laptop

[orionshadow]

Hello all,

I have looked at other peoples links and didnt see anything that really catered to me so I thought I would register and post what I was looking for. I am looking for a gaming laptop to use, it will not be moving much at all so no worries about weight. I would like to be able to play pretty much all new games on a decent to high setting. Games include WoW, SC2, Arkham Asylum etc. I appreciate all the help and hopefully can get a new laptop :-D

1_What is your budget? $800, would rather go down than up if possible

2_What is the size of the notebook that you are considering? Prefer 17" but if necessary can go to 15"

3_What screen resolution do you want? 1600+ I dont know the particulars for laptops resolutions

4_Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop? Either or - gaming focused

5_How much battery life do you need? Will be plugged up all the time, dont care

6_Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)? WoW, SC2, Arkham Asylum etc. Med High - High Settings

7_What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo / Video editing,watching movies, Etc.) Other than gaming the normal browsing and document creation

8_How much storage (H.D.D Capacity) do you need? I have a 1TB external that I am using, HD size isnt an issue

9_If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.
www.Newegg.com << My favorite site to buy from as their RMA process is the easiest.

10_How long do you want to keep your laptop? At least 2 years


11_What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ? DVD + CD writer

12_Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons. I dont have a favorite, I have had bad experiences with Dells and HP laptops, but mostly the cheap ones that family bought. No favorites as this is my first laptop/computer that I will be buying and not building myself

13_What country do you live in? "AMERRRRICA, F YA!!!!" (TEAM AMERICA WORLD POLICE)


14_Please tell us any additional information if needed. If you can help me I'd appreciate it. Currently looking at:
G72GX-RBBX05 Reviews arent too kind, but its right in my price range.

I would love a laptop that utilizes the new Intel I-# Chipline, but they seem to be out of my price range.

Thanks again for your help

- Orion

 

[lupinesithlord]

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/Online/SecondaryInventorySearch.aspx?rn=6821&SC=&c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh

refurbed dell $829

* Studio 17 - 1749 Laptop
* Processor: Intel Core i5-540M Processor (2.53GHz, 3M cache)
* Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
* 320 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
* 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz (2 DIMMs)
* 8X DVD +/- RW Drive
* 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650

 

[rpg123]

This sounds like what you're looking for, i3+5650+17" @ $699 from the egg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115796

 

[orionshadow]

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/Online/SecondaryInventorySearch.aspx?rn=6821&SC=&c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh

refurbed dell $829

* Studio 17 - 1749 Laptop
* Processor: Intel Core i5-540M Processor (2.53GHz, 3M cache)
* Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
* 320 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
* 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz (2 DIMMs)
* 8X DVD +/- RW Drive
* 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650

That link doesnt work

Any thoughts on:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6579158&CatId=4965
* The Asus G60JX-RBBX05 Refurbished Notebook PC is a 1080p High Definition Capable Entertainment Notebook.
* Intel Core i5 430M 2.26GHz processor and 4GB of DDR3 memory
* NVIDIA GeForce GTS 360M graphics with 1GB of DDR5 VRAM
* 16-inch widescreen display with a 1920 x 1080 (1080p native) resolution
* Enhanced gaming with 3D surround sound on EAX Advanced HD 4.0 and CMSS
* HDMI, USB 2.0, FireWire and eSATA connections
* Wireless 802.11b/g/n
* Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system

No one has commented on the G72GX-RBBX05 either. No one likes this model?
I havent kept up with Acer, and the ones I saw in the past were all generally POS models, I would like it to last at least 2 years.

THanks for the help.

 

[Saulot]

That link doesnt work

Any thoughts on:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6579158&CatId=4965
* The Asus G60JX-RBBX05 Refurbished Notebook PC is a 1080p High Definition Capable Entertainment Notebook.
* Intel Core i5 430M 2.26GHz processor and 4GB of DDR3 memory
* NVIDIA GeForce GTS 360M graphics with 1GB of DDR5 VRAM
* 16-inch widescreen display with a 1920 x 1080 (1080p native) resolution
* Enhanced gaming with 3D surround sound on EAX Advanced HD 4.0 and CMSS
* HDMI, USB 2.0, FireWire and eSATA connections
* Wireless 802.11b/g/n
* Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system

No one has commented on the G72GX-RBBX05 either. No one likes this model?
I havent kept up with Acer, and the ones I saw in the past were all generally POS models, I would like it to last at least 2 years.

THanks for the help.

There is a problem with that listing:
"16-inch widescreen display with a 1920 x 1080 (1080p native) resolution"
"Maximum Resolution: 1366 x 768"

Both of those phrases are on that page. You probably want to find out the actual native resolution from TigerDirect if you can before purchasing. You don't want to be surprised on that matter.

 

[orionshadow]

There is a problem with that listing:
"16-inch widescreen display with a 1920 x 1080 (1080p native) resolution"
"Maximum Resolution: 1366 x 768"

Both of those phrases are on that page. You probably want to find out the actual native resolution from TigerDirect if you can before purchasing. You don't want to be surprised on that matter.

Your right, the resolution is actually 1366 x 768.

 

[Saulot]

That is lower than you wanted, right? It's too bad; that looked like a great buy.

 

[lupinesithlord]

look under the studio 17 inch in the dell outlets, modify for i processors and 1 gig video they had a few earlier today, sorry the link broke.

 

[orionshadow]

Not a fan of Dell's offerings, so other than Asus and Acer ( which i personally do not like as Ive heard way too many horror stories about their laptops) is there nothing else in my range?

What about 15" laptops?

 

[death_relic0]

well if ur going for new and non refurbished/non recertified.. then i have 3 suggestions

1: $780
gateway P-7815u FX series
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6241357&RSort=4&csid=ITD&body=#ReviewStart

it probably has the best graphics card u can get under $800 for a new notebook, although its resolution is a bit lower what u want (1440x900). its draw back is the processor, not really a strong processor..

2: $811 after shipping ($760 including shipping after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834157298

this has 5650, the second best graphics card u can get under $800. unlike Option 3, it have a triple core rather then quad core processor but has 9 -cell battery is cheaper after rebate

3:
has quad core processor (its faster then the lower end core i5's, but slower hten the higher end core i5's) and 5650, which is the second best graphics processor u can get under $800.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115792

if you are planning to go for refurbished or recirtified i would recommend the following. HOWEVER , u intend to use the laptop for 2 years, in which case i wouldnt recommend a refurbished or recertified. if u do get one though, u should DEFINATELY get square trade warranty or the risk is HIGH. warranty will cost like $130, which leaves ur budget to $670. but that too is enough i guess.well here are my suggestions for both, if u get warranty or not

1:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5753605&SRCCODE=GOOGLEBASE&cm_mmc_o=VRqCjC7BBTkwCjCECjCE

its resolution is low for 16 inches (1366x768), processor is not all that great, but THE GRAPHICS CARD IS AMAZING! gtx 260m, that is a NICE CARD!

2:
http://www.amazon.com/Asus-G60JX-RBBX05-Notebook-Manufacturer-Refurbished/dp/B003WUXMVY
well this llaptop has already been mentioned. but again,gts 360m just isnt comparable to gtx 260m .

3: keeping a budget of like $670 for the notebook and $130 for the warranty, you could buy ur notebook from ebay?

for example these two, the bidding shouldnt go beyond $700, and u will have a goot notebook with more then a year warranty

http://cgi.ebay.com/ASUS-G71Gx-RX05-Mint-Cond-17-Gaming-Laptop-64bit-Vista-/230519779782?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item35ac0cb1c6

http://cgi.ebay.com/Loaded-Fast-Gaming-Laptop-ASUS-G71GX-C2D-2-53Ghzx2-17-/370427895788?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item563f391fec

 

[orionshadow]

Thanks for the list! Also 15" laptops arent ruled out.

Is recertified really that bad? I like the ASUS G Series G72GX-RBBX05 NoteBook

The reviews arent too kind to it, but i really like the specs. Aside from not having an iCore processor its pretty nice.

I really like the backlit keyboard as I game alot in the dark. Does the Gateway P-7815u FX come with one? Or any of the others you would recommend?

THanks for your help again

 

[death_relic0]

well recertified arent all that bad, if ur lucky u may get a good piece. its true the chance of 'geting lucky' isnt all that low, but are u willing to risk it? the thing attractive about recertified products is always the price to specs ratio.. so no surprise there.

sorry man i dont believe the gateway has a backlit keyboard.

btw i believe some warranty companies do provide extended warranty which u can purchase well after the laptop has been purchased, provided the manufacturer warranty hasnt finished. but im not sure, better to do ur research first regarding this.. so u can get a laptop and collect money and before 3 months get extended warranty..

on another note, usually if a notebook runs for 3 months without trouble, it should run for another year without trouble. so if u see even the slightest malfunction, EVEN THE SLIGHTEST, dont hesitate, call them up and tell em to change ur laptop. ya i know im not helping, probably confusing u even more , but these are the facts....

 

[death_relic0]

hey i just noticed this laptop, if 15inch isnt out of the question, this will fit ur budget.. including warranty it should be about $800. downside, 15.6 inch screen, p7350 processor which isnt very strong. good side, GTX 260M, very nice graphics processor.

original price $650, warranty should be about $100 from square trade (Get square trade btw, its supposed to be the best)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6500360&SRCCODE=GOOGLEBASE&cm_mmc_o=VRqCjC7BBTkwCjCECjCE

 

[orionshadow]

One of my friends actually owns the G51VX and it runs VERY hot. Its a good laptop, but having to deal with heat out of the box is something I know will lead to its downfall within less than a year.

 

[death_relic0]

well i believe square trade and/or other good warranty services provide 3 years of extended warranty .. so shouldnt be much of a prob..

this for example http://www.amazon.com/SquareTrade-3-Year-Laptop-Warranty-600-700/dp/B001N84LZ8/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1283687609&sr=1-4

its 3 year warranty by square trade. although its for new electronics, squaretrade might give it to u for refurbished as well, u will have to call them up first to confirm. if u read the reviews, u can see that they have given it to people for refurbished equipment as well

 

[orionshadow]

I definately like the Square Trade option and will check them out today. Having that warranty will definately ease my mind about getting a refurb.

So it looks like the G72GX is leading, so other than Asus, no other laptop has the backlit keyboards, because that is actually a selling point for me.

Thanks.

Orion

 

[death_relic0]

well its not like no other laptop has backlit keyboards. toshiba, dell, and most other brands do give back lit keyboards, but those models just arent in our range. also, they usually dont have many well priced refurbished models selling.

also, if ur going for the refurbished, make sure u do these two things
1: during the first month, put the notebook through hell. by that i dont mean run it under ur car , i mean run heavy games, applications, etc, and if u find even the slightest thing worrying, call asus up.

2: the 3 year warranty of square trade are "usually" only for new notebooks, like those i pointed out that were from amazon. somewhere at the end of the square trade warranty page (at the amazon site) u will see the conditions. one of them being that the warranty is for new notebooks, if u want it for a refurbished, call them up first before purchasing the warranty (the number is given on the page). so be sure to call them up.

 

[orionshadow]

Best answer selected by orionshadow.