Any Suggestions?
- Thread starter Kris94
- Start date
Kris,
Check these out:
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/...piron-r-special-edition?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
There are also the next model up.
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/xps-laptops?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
After that you'll start paying the steep price for the Alienware machines, which can get really, really expensive.
Remember these are still laptops and will not have the performance of a desktop no matter how much you put into them. The components are smaller, run hotter in a smaller space, and cannot be upgraded (usually) once the machine is built.
John
Check these out:
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/...piron-r-special-edition?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
There are also the next model up.
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/xps-laptops?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
After that you'll start paying the steep price for the Alienware machines, which can get really, really expensive.
Remember these are still laptops and will not have the performance of a desktop no matter how much you put into them. The components are smaller, run hotter in a smaller space, and cannot be upgraded (usually) once the machine is built.
John
For gaming, I think a Desktop is the Gold standard. A laptop, unless you spend some big bucks for a gaming laptop, is going to be a major step down.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2020688,00.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2020688,00.asp
I never bought a off shelf PC.
I found a honest computer tech (Like New PC Denver Co.)and he builds all my systems.
I even get to go in the "back room"
I had to cutback on other stuff to afford them, but to me it was worth it.
All the way retired
UNION_semi truck driver.
Gerry
Never could figure out why they call it a semi truck.
I found a honest computer tech (Like New PC Denver Co.)and he builds all my systems.
I even get to go in the "back room"
I had to cutback on other stuff to afford them, but to me it was worth it.
All the way retired
UNION_semi truck driver.
Gerry
Never could figure out why they call it a semi truck.
I agree, Bob. This is why I mentioned the caveat of using a laptop. Since he's in the military, this maybe the reason why he wants one. I'm guessing at this point on this.
Gerry,
I did only once. After that I either had someone put a system together for me when I didn't have the time, or I built the system myself. The place that offered the best custom-built systems for my use is www.pcsforeveryone.com. They put together the system for me as I specified by the parts, and as I specified at the time, no OS because I already had Windows NT4.0 Workstation for the box. The motherboard has since been replaced, since this was a Pentium III, but the case is still viable, and may see a new motherboard one of these days.
John
tolansherwood
New member
I fully agree with Bob on desktops being the best for gaming, since component upgrades and replacements can be easily done for those by anyone with reasonable dexterity and reading skills. If it HAS to be a laptop, shop around a bit. Dell is good, but both Toshiba and Asus have better service reputations, even though they may hit the wallet a little harder. Technical support and service have to be major considerations for gaming capable laptops because the best of designs will have a far greater heat dispersal problem in such a small space for the type of components (i. e. high end video card) gamers usually wind up needing for their games.
I was in the Navy when I got my first "computer", a 64k TRS-80 with a 19" RCA television for a monitor. Okay in the barracks but had to put them in storage whenever we deployed, couldn't bring that kinda crap aboard a ship. If they had laptops and train simulators back then I would have bought the best Alienware available that would fit in a standard berthing locker or seabag. For active duty military I suspect portability is a priority, with all the moving around you do having to pack up a desktop every time would be nuts.
I would make that recommendation too. Where I was working, the company will not purchase anymore Toshibas for that reason. I, along with the other techs, came out in full force against them. I was the most verbal because any Toshiba machines I had dealt with had the cooking problem including the one and only one that I owned. That one too cooked enough to shut its self down for good. The machines are too expensive, and with the amount of computer pressure that programs such as Trainz puts on them, the last thing someone needs is a machine to die too soon.
John
We had and still have one... About 1 month after we had it, the HDD crashed on it... Then it does not matter what your doing, even writing up a simple school reasearch report, it would get really hot and shut down on its own! Always made working on it a lot harder!
If you plan to run a trainz simulator on it, it better have a good on board video card in it with at least 6 gb ram and a processor that is at aleast as powerful as an Intel duo core 3.2 ghz or better. Other wise you will be awfully dissapointed. The last time I checked--a laptop with that much power cost at least $800.00. To be sure there are other laptops out there but they are a toy---not a serious computing device.
[FONT=.HelveticaNeueUI][/FONT]HP ENVY Dv6-7215nr Notebook PC
Key Features:
Windows 8 .64 bit OS
2.4GHz with turbo speed up to 3.4 GHz for processor. Intel Core i7 3630QM
NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M
8GB DDR3 RAM
750GB SATA(7200RPM) Hard Drive Space
Would this be okay with TS12? I hope so. My issue is the lag. Not to mention when I've edited the running numbers on most of Jointed Rail's Rolling Stock, sever lagging for up to 5 minutes to load a single rail car would happen, or freezing and crashing of the game would occur. I'll have to buy a mouse most definitely and Microsoft Office maybe; if it's not on there. Total price is $829.99 without shipping. It's ready to roll and I'd like a final opinion before I buy.
Key Features:
Windows 8 .64 bit OS
2.4GHz with turbo speed up to 3.4 GHz for processor. Intel Core i7 3630QM
NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M
8GB DDR3 RAM
750GB SATA(7200RPM) Hard Drive Space
Would this be okay with TS12? I hope so. My issue is the lag. Not to mention when I've edited the running numbers on most of Jointed Rail's Rolling Stock, sever lagging for up to 5 minutes to load a single rail car would happen, or freezing and crashing of the game would occur. I'll have to buy a mouse most definitely and Microsoft Office maybe; if it's not on there. Total price is $829.99 without shipping. It's ready to roll and I'd like a final opinion before I buy.
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The graphics might be a problem on this see benchmarks:
http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html
The GT630m scores 710 whereas the GTX 550 card is 1915.
Ken
http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html
The GT630m scores 710 whereas the GTX 550 card is 1915.
Ken
This is pretty close to the specs of my Alienware machine. The only thing is a laptop like this is pretty expensive. Mine sure was a couple of years ago.
John
Define expensive, this cost me about $799 without tax. Most Alienware machines are above $1200, I thought. What is the OP willing to spend?
I think Kris was looking to spend in the under $1,000 mark.
I spent close to $2500 for my machine. I agree this is expensive, but then again a laptop capable of doing what we want a machine to do will cost a lot. This machine is the equivelent to Dell's Precision Workstation series. The only difference being this machine actually has the better video card. I have their flagship M17x.
Why I got this machine? For awhile this was my only machine until I could build a desktop. I spent about 90% of my time traveling and still wanted to use Trainz and other graphics intensive programs. The only thing is it weighs more than I do, and I can barely lift it!
John