Are these good laptops?

[Transportfan]

I'm looking into replacing my six-year old desktop with a laptop. I've had my eyes set on these two mainly for the price range. Would they be good for running Trainz '09 or '10?

1. HP Pavilion dv6-2130ca 15.6" Notebook

• Features:
• 2.13GHz Intel® Core™ i3-330M Processor; 3MB L3 Cache
• 4GB DDR3 Memory; Expandable up to 8 GB
• 500GB SATA (7200RPM) Hard Drive
• 15.6" Diagonal High-Definition LED HP BrightView Display (1366x768)
• NVIDIA GeForce G105M with up to 2287MB total available graphics memory with 512MB dedicated
• LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support
• Altec Lansing with SRS Premium Sound
• Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Connectivity: Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector), Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n WLAN
• HP Webcam with integrated digital microphone
• 101-key compatible with full-size keyboard with integrated numeric keypad
• Ports: 4 x USB 2.0, 4th port shared with eSATA, 2 x Headphone out, microphone-in, HDMI, VGA (15-pin), eSATA + USB 2.0, RJ -45 (LAN), notebook expansion port 3, IEEE 1394 Firewire (4-pin), Consumer IR (Remote Receiver), 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader
• ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
• Software included: Symantec Norton Internet Security™ 2010 60-day Trial, HP Support Assistant, HP PC Recovery, HP Advisor, HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection, Microsoft® Works, Microsoft® Office 2007 Home & Student 60-day Trial, Microsoft® Silverlight, HP MediaSmart, HP Webcam, Cyberlink DVD Suite, Adobe® Reader, Adobe® Flash, HP Games Powered by Wild Tangent
• Security: Kensington® MicroSaver lock slot, Power-on password, Accepts 3rd party security lock devices
• ENERGY STAR® qualified and EPEAT® Silver registered
• Mercury-free LED display
• HP Imprint with the Espresso Design in High-Gloss Black finish
• Includes HP Mobile Remote Control
• 6-Cell Lithium-Ion Battery
• Dimension: 1.33”/1.61”(H) x 14.90”(L) x 10.15"(D)
• Weight: 6.34 lbs
• 1-year limited warranty.

Specifications

Processor2.13GHz Intel® Core™ i3-330MMemory4GB DDR3Hard Drive500GB SATACD-DVD DriveLightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer SupportDisplay15.6" Diagonal High-Definition LED HP BrightViewOperating SystemWindows® 7 Home Premium 64-bitBattery LifeN/ANetwork Type10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN, Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n WLANGraphics ChipsetNVIDIA GeForce G105M; 512MB Dedicated Memory# of USB Slots4Ports4 x USB 2.0, 4th port shared with eSATA, 2 x Headphone out, microphone-in, HDMI, VGA (15-pin), eSATA + USB 2.0, RJ -45 (LAN), notebook expansion port 3, IEEE 1394 Firewire (4-pin), Consumer IR (Remote Receiver), 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader


2. Toshiba Satellite Pro S300L-01W 15.4" Notebook

• Features:
• 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6570 processor
• 4GB memory
• 250GB hard disk drive
• DVD Super-Multi Double Layer Drive
• 15.4" LCD display
• Windows 7 Professional 32/64bit with downgrade rights and media to Windows XP Professional
• 802.11 b/g Wireless LAN
• Integrated Webcam
• 2-year limited warranty

Specifications

Processor2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6570Memory4GB DDR2 (800MHz); Expandable to 8GBHard Drive250GB (5400 RPM) SATACD-DVD DriveDVD Super-Multi Double LayerDisplay15.4" Wide XGA TFT TruBrite Active Matrix Colour LCD DisplayOperating SystemWindows 7 Professional 32/64bit (Includes Downgrade Rights/Media to Windows XP Professional)Battery LifeN/ANetwork Type56K Data/Fax Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, Atheros 802.11 b/g WirelessGraphics ChipsetMobile Intel GMA 4500MHD with Up to 1340MB of Total Shared Video Memory# of USB Slots3Ports5-in-1 Card Reader, RJ-11, RJ-45, Microphone, Headphone, RGB


http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_category.asp?CatIds=72,73&name=CA_GE_Notebooks+Laptops

 

[saintjimmy]

While the graphics aren't great on either laptop, the first one is definitely better, as it has the faster/more optimized processor, along with DDR3 and a 7200 RPM hard drive. If you can only choose between the two, go for the first one. But look around. I'm sure you could find one with an nVidia GT 230M or ATI Mobility 5650 or something that would suit Trainz more.

 

[DeRiCo]

Not sure what your price range will go up to, but I have one of these Twinhead laptops and it is the best I have ever used.

http://www.twinhead.com.au/index.asp

They might sound a bit pricey but it has never let me down.

Runs everything I have tried so far.

Trainz 2010 even works good on it due to the graphics setup.

Mine is a few years old now but still performing good.

They were originally designed for the army and are very tough, even can be dropped off a table and still work. I have not tried it though.

Dennis

 

[RRSignal]

Do you need a laptop? A desktop will usually get you better specs for less money. And if you're up to building your own, you will do even better since you don't have so much pre-installed junk and often better-optimized parts.

That said, I agree the first one looks good. Just remove the WildTangent adware/spyware unless you know how to properly contain it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WildTangent

 

[Transportfan]

While the graphics aren't great on either laptop, the first one is definitely better, as it has the faster/more optimized processor, along with DDR3 and a 7200 RPM hard drive. If you can only choose between the two, go for the first one. But look around. I'm sure you could find one with an nVidia GT 230M or ATI Mobility 5650 or something that would suit Trainz more.

My present computer is an HP Media Center m1070n with a Pentium 4, 2.8 GHz CPU, 1.5 Gig Ram, and an ATI X1600 Pro VC, and I'm running Trz '06. I assume the HP laptop would run '09 or '10 at least as well?

Is a dedicated VC better than an integrated one?

 

[saintjimmy]

I am pretty sure that the laptop would be just about as good as your desktop. Heck, even my laptop can run Trainz 2006 with no problems whatsoever.

My laptop specs:
HP dv6-1260se
AMD Turion ZM-85 2.3 GHz processor
4 GB DDR2 memory/RAM
500 GB 5400 RPM hard drive
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 1 GB DDR3 graphics/video card

Oh, and to answer your last question, yes, a dedicated video card is far superior to just having integrated graphics.

Here's basically how it works:
Integrated graphics run off of the motherboard and use the main processor and RAM for power, so basically the processor renders it's own graphics (which is very noticeably slower). On the other hand, with a dedicated graphics card, the main processor sends the information to the card to be rendered there at a much higher speed.

Hope this helps!

 

[Matttheduckman]

I wish I had chosen to purchase a desktop the last time I bought a laptop. I wanted to use it so I could game wherever I wanted, although it backfired as the battery lasted a good 3 hours with a game running a 256mb dedicated gfx card (mind you the laptop is now 2+ years old). I now use it on a desk, listening to it's fan go "hyper-speed", and I could probably cook a decent steak on it thanks to the heat from the slow HDD.

Unless you're moving around a lot, I'd still suggest a desktop mate

 

[johnwhelan]

Lap tops are made to use less power so you get better battery life. You pay a premium for parts that use less power.

The downside is to keep the heat under control you use slower parts and also you use slower parts to extend the battery life.

For the same or less cash a desktop will offer you much better performance. Getting a laptop that has enough performance can be a problem, especially with assets that are not optimised for performance. You may need to run it on a desk anyway so the air vents get enough cooling air through them, beware burnt knees.

Cheerio John

 

[cascaderailroad]

You know...Really...A HP laptop, that has 4Gb ram, and a 500GB hard drive, with 1Gb of dedicated graphics memory, costs @ $700 off the shelf.

If that won't run TS2010...I think they better re-invent the simulator. So that you don't have to tear apart & re-build your own Laptop with top of the line retro-fitted parts, or buy a $3700 millitary model.

Get real guys...it's just a video game...You don't need a Super Computer to run it...or do you now ? ? ? ? ?

 

[Transportfan]

I now use it on a desk, listening to it's fan go "hyper-speed", and I could probably cook a decent steak on it thanks to the heat from the slow HDD.

Unless you're moving around a lot, I'd still suggest a desktop mate

I'd mostly be using it on a desk (as a tower and would even use my existing monitor and keyboard as they're bigger), but want the portability.

 

[Transportfan]

You know...Really...A HP laptop, that has 4Gb ram, and a 500GB hard drive, with 1Gb of dedicated grapics memory, costs @ $700 off the shelf.

If that won't run TS2010...I think they better re-invent the simulator. So that you don't have to tear apart & re-build your own Laptop with top of the line retro-fitted parts, or buy a $3700 millitary model.

Get real guys...it's just a video game...You don't need a Super Computer to run it...or do you now ? ? ? ? ?

I hope you're right...except for that last question!

 

[belgian46]

Hello Transportfan,

Check out this link http://www.notebookcheck.net/Compari...rds.130.0.html

You will find a comparison of Graphical cards.

For playing games - class 1 and 2 graphical cards should be used.

so the graphical card in the HP notebook is better than the graphical card in the Toshiba notebook ( GMA4500 not advisable for gaming )

On the other hand - If you want to construct a route and If you prefer buying a notebook - then I would advise to lookout for a graphical card with 1 gb dedicated memory.

I have two pc's - desktop and notebook - and I have Trainz2009 and Microsoft Trainsimulator.

MY Notebook = Aspire 7540G ( Amd Turion X2 M500 ( 2.2GHz , Graphical card = ATI 4570 ( 512 dedicated memory ) -640 GB HD - 6GB memory.

The graphical card in the notebook isn't sufficient for construction of routes in Microsoft trainsimulator.

Construction of routes in Trainz2009 is possible.

For constructions of routes in Trainz2009 and MSTS - I use my desktop PC with a graphical card of 1GB dedicated memory.

One good tip : if you have an external HD - put a copy of your trainz 2009 map ( folder ) on it.

Before buying a new notebook at your local computershop - take your external hd with you and ask the salesman/woman to start the trainz.exe file on a configurated notebook with a gaming graphical card of 512MB/1GB dedicated memory. So you can compare the difference.

Best regards

:wave:

 

[conductor1945]

run TRS2010 on a Laptop

You know...Really...A HP laptop, that has 4Gb ram, and a 500GB hard drive, with 1Gb of dedicated graphics memory, costs @ $700 off the shelf.

If that won't run TS2010...I think they better re-invent the simulator. So that you don't have to tear apart & re-build your own Laptop with top of the line retro-fitted parts, or buy a $3700 millitary model.

Get real guys...it's just a video game...You don't need a Super Computer to run it...or do you now ? ? ? ? ?

Yes I fully agree with you. At home I've got a (I think I have) a rather fast desktop Intel I7 920 4 G mem. 1 G graphics card ATI raedon 4670 and several dedicated harddisks. Basicly bought to run TS smoothly.
The results are different. A big network with over 20 locs with wagons running is not as smooth as I expected.
But. I am lucky, I can afford to spent 3-4 month in wintertime on a Campsite in the very south of Spain. In my caravan there is not enough place for a laptop with screen, keyboard etc etc. So I am looking for a laptop to run TS 2010 on. ( And when possible, rather smoothly, yes ?)
Therefore I am looking for a Laptop .


See your comment.

 

[djt]

Here is one that you might take a look at -


http://www.anandtech.com/show/3662/asus-g73jha2-affordable-xlsized-gaming



I've got some results of running TS2010 on a three year old Dell M1710 laptop (2.3GHz Core 2, 4GB of RAM and a Go 7950GTX) that I will be putting up soon. The performance isn't even half of what I get with my i7/975 based desktop but at least I can take a look at my sims/games while I'm away.


That Asus mentioned above will perform a hell of a lot better then my Dell.

 

[conductor1945]

Hello Transportfan,

Check out this link http://www.notebookcheck.net/Compari...rds.130.0.html

You will find a comparison of Graphical cards.

For playing games - class 1 and 2 graphical cards should be used.

One good tip : if you have an external HD - put a copy of your trainz 2009 map ( folder ) on it.

Before buying a new notebook at your local computershop - take your external hd with you and ask the salesman/woman to start the trainz.exe file on a configurated notebook with a gaming graphical card of 512MB/1GB dedicated memory. So you can compare the difference.

Best regards

:wave:

Good advice. As not a Grafic card specialist I get lost in all specs and benchmarks. To keep it simple; are there references to games listed on the check list which are comparable or equal to the needs of TS2010 ?
In Gamesworld Trainz is rather unknown.

best regards

 

[djt]

To keep it simple; are there references to games listed on the check list which are comparable or equal to the needs of TS2010 ?

TS2010 is primarily CPU dependent so another game that is CPU bound could work as an example. The performance with FS2004 or FSX (if listed) would be a decent comparison.

 

[john259]

The processing power of the graphics processor is also extremely important for 3D programs such as Trainz and that's where most laptops fail to deliver. Putting in a powerful GPU involves not only the cost of the chip itself but also that of getting rid of the considerable heat it gives off.

John

 

[djt]

The processing power of the graphics processor is also extremely important for 3D programs such as Trainz and that's where most laptops fail to deliver. Putting in a powerful GPU involves not only the cost of the chip itself but also that of getting rid of the considerable heat it gives off.

John

Sure when it comes to image quality, if you want to run high resolution with high levels of AA yes you're going to need a decent GPU, but as with any CPU dependent game the processor is what mainly impacts the performance.

 

[Transportfan]

I finally bought a laptop last Saturday, an

HP dv7-2273cl 17.3" Notebook. It's supposed to be great for gaming.

Here are the specs:

Processor2.20GHz Intel Core2 Duo ProcessorT6600Memory4GB DDR3; Expandable to 8GBHard Drive500GB (7200RPM) SATACD-DVD DriveLightScribe Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD±R/RW Double LayerDisplay17.3” Diagonal HD+ High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1600 x 900)Operating SystemWindows 7 Home Premium 64-bitBattery LifeN/ANetwork Type10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet, Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN, 56k ModemGraphics ChipsetATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 with up to 2815MB Total Available Graphics Memory with 1024MB Dedicated# of USB Slots3 + 1

 

[djt]

Here are some results with the Dell M1710M with TS2010 (Build 42203/SP2) and RailWorks (v104.5b). Both TS2010 and RailWorks were installed on a fresh install of Windows 7 Ultimate 64 with all the latest updates along with the latest drivers for the hardware.


The screen shots of TS2010 were taken with 4x “in-game” AA and 16xAF, all options in TS2010 at their maximum settings using the laptops native resolution of 1920x1200.


The RailWorks screens were taken with 4x “in game” AA and 16xAF enabled in the video cards control panel. All options in RailWorks were set at their highest level at1920x1200 resolution.


The comparison screen shots were taken on an i7/975, ASUS Rampage II Extreme, 6GB DDR3 1600, ATI 5870 based setup. They were taken at 1920x1080 resolution, 8xAA/16AF again with every option at it's highest setting in TS2010 and RailWorks.



To start out here are the exact specs on the laptop taken from CPU-Z -



http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/7640/capturevi.jpg


http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/6594/capture3gm.jpg


http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/3786/capture4n.jpg


http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/7279/capture5xz.jpg




The M1710 used is almost identical to the one used in this Anandtech review-


http://www.anandtech.com/show/2226




TS2010 (Dell M1710) -


http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/6268/trainz2010042015085835.jpg


i7/975 Desktop -




http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9682/trainz2010040101074874.jpg








http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/9568/trainz2010042015091847.jpg


http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6052/trainz2010040101080729.jpg




http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/7462/trainz2010042015110151.jpg


http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2059/trainz2010040101183978.jpg




http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5320/trainz2010042015122584.jpg


http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1366/trainz2010040101193876.jpg




http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5320/trainz2010042015122584.jpg


http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1366/trainz2010040101193876.jpg




http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/2913/trainz2010042015134060.jpg


http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9629/trainz2010040101203869.jpg