Curse

Pharoke · Jul 27, 2005, 05:46 PM // 17:46

So I will be getting a new laptop in the next couple of weeks. I am actually trying to decide between the Acer 8104 and Fujitsu 6210. Both have Centrino Processors and pros and cons for me, but that is not the reason of this thread. I am curious as to what you other GW fanatics are using as far as laptops and their respective specs. Also, I was wondering what settings you are using in game (ie. high, medium, screen resolution, AA, and whatnot)? Thank you in advance for the replies.

Algren Cole · Jul 27, 2005, 05:49 PM // 17:49

I don't play much GW on my laptop...as the laptop was built for the sole purpose of learning how to put laptops together..and was never intended to be used...but I have it installed and run max settings on the following specs:

CPU : AMD MOBILE ATHLON 64 3200+
MOTHERBOARD : SiS Chipset Mainboard
MEMORY : 1024 MB PC3200 400MHz DDR MEMORY (CORSAIR XMS NOTEBOOK MEMORY)
HARD DRIVE : 40GB 5400RPM ULTRA ATA 100 HARD DRIVE
VIDEO CARD : MOBILE ATI RADEON 9700 PRO 128MB VIDEO
SOUND : Creative Labs SB Audigy2 USB 24-bit External

Teklord · Jul 27, 2005, 05:55 PM // 17:55

Well I just ordered an Alienware that I'll be sometimes using to play games:

Area-51m 7700 Specs:
Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 550J Desktop Processor w/ HT Technology 3.4GHz 800MHz FSB 1MB Cache
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional with Service Pack 2
LCD Display: 17" WideXGA+ 1440 x 900 LCD Clearview Display - Xeno Grey
Motherboard: Intel® 915P PCI-Express Chipset
Memory: 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 533MHz - 2 x 512MB
Video Card: Area-51m 7700 ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON X800 with 256MB of DDR 3 memory
Hard Drive: Extreme Performance - RAID 0 - 120GB (60GB x 2) 5400 RPM ATA100
Primary CD ROM/DVD ROM: 24x10x24 CD-RW / 8X DVD Combo w/Software MPEG2 Decoder
Sound Card: Intel® High-Definition Audio (24-bit, 192Khz) with 7.1 surround sound
Communications: Integrated 10/1000Mb Gigabit Ethernet & 56K V.92 Modem
Wireless Network: External Wireless 802.11a/b/g PCMCIA Card
Mouse: Microsoft® IntelliMouse Explorer 4.0 - USB - Saucer Silver

I'll be running all graphics settings at MAX.

Pharoke · Jul 27, 2005, 06:49 PM // 18:49

Hey thanx guys. Nice setup there Teklord, if I could afford an Alienware I would get one. What I would really like to get is a VoodooPC laptop, but just can't convince the wife of it.
Acer Specs.
Pentium M 760(2.0GHz)
15.4" WSXGA+ 1680 × 1050
ATI Mobility RADEON X700 w/128MB Ram
100GB Hard Drive
1GB DDR2 533Mhz
8X Dual Layer DVD
Standard Laptop Keyboard

Fujitsu Specs.
Pentium M 750 (1.86Ghz)
17" WXGA+ 1440 × 900
ATI Mobility RADEON X600 w/128MB Ram
160 GB (80 GB x 2) hard drive Raid 0
512MB DDR2 533MHz - Being upgraded to 1GB
8X DVD, not dual layer
Full Size Keyboard

I am in a real bind trying to decide which one to get, the Acer has the better video card, screen resolution, and dvd burner. But the Fujitsu has the 17" screen decent video card and full size keyboard which I need(6'-4" tall w/big hands), and it is Raid0 configured which will make up difference in hd speeds. Also, the fujitsu w/mem upgrade is still cheaper than Acer. I am probably going to be using this mainly for gaming and dvd watching. Anyone elses input would be appreciated.

Teklord · Jul 27, 2005, 07:10 PM // 19:10

Either of those systems shouldn't even break a sweat when running Guild Wars. My desktop isn't too much more powerful then those in terms of processor. I've got some pretty fly Corsair extra low latency Ram, and I'm only running an older ATI 9600 128MB AGP card for graphics and have no issues at 1280 x 1024 with 2x AA.

One personal comment about the Acer. That res is impressive... but on a 15.4" screen? Things'll be pretty small. I'm always a fan of RAID... and as for Dual layer burning well I can only think of one somewhat common use a person would need that for. In the end, its all on you though bud.

Pharoke · Jul 27, 2005, 07:49 PM // 19:49

It is just difficult to make a choice. As I said before they each have their pro's and con's . I knew they would both be able to run GW, both of them are nearly nicer than my desktop. I guess what i may have to do is find some lappy's at the local Best Buy/Circuit city with similar features and check out the displays and resolution settings to get a real good idea of what I want. Yeah I was thinking 1680 × 1050 on a 15.4" would be kinda small too, but I guess I won't know till I play with some. My desktop sys runs GW on high with 4x AA and all the goodies turned on and I would like the laptop to do the same. I have read some reviews of both of them though no real user reviews of the Fujitsu yet and they both seem to work great for gaming (especially the types of games I play). Might also be a determining factor of price, but we'll see.

Algren Cole · Jul 27, 2005, 07:55 PM // 19:55

I, personally, wouldn't purchase either...as both companies are kinda crap...but if I had to choose one or the other I'd go with acer over Fujitsu...only because I've had multiple fujitsu hardware malfunction problems in the past...other than the full size keyboard the acer is a better computer for your needs anyway.

Pharoke · Jul 27, 2005, 08:23 PM // 20:23

Yeah, I have also noticed that the Acer comes with XP Pro, Bluetooth enabled, and smart card authentication. Starting to go in that direction. Funny, I used to sell Fujitsu laptops a long time ago and never heard a single comlaint about them and my brother in law has 3 of them (not the one I am looking at or even close to it). Fujitsu's hard drives on the other hand are a completely different matter as I used to sell those also and they are pure crap.

Algren Cole · Jul 27, 2005, 08:30 PM // 20:30

lol..they were hard drives that failed...I'm very selective in my hardware I completely write off any company that I feels hardware failed before it should have...and I never again consider purchasing anything from them.

However...we used to get issued Acer laptops as corporate laptops for a company I worked for about 6 years ago doing some consulting...and I never had a single problem with it. So I'd opt for the acer(especially considering its specs are significantly better)

Good Luck with either choice

Yen-lo-wang · Jul 27, 2005, 08:41 PM // 20:41

Acer used to be so-so quality on PC's, but since they moved to laptops, I've never recommended any other brand. They run cool, they have good technology under the hood (or keyboard, as it is), and for what they have, they are AFFORDABLE beyond belief. Example: the Acer Ferrari, a gamer's dream in a laptop, cost $2,000 or so when it came out. An equivalent laptop form any other company? $2,300-$2,500.

Pharoke · Jul 27, 2005, 08:48 PM // 20:48

Yeah, the acer seems to be nudging out the fujitsu for my choice. I did also look at the new ferrari and the only real differece between it and the 8100 is the processor and the 8100 is a little cheaper. I would like to get the Ferrari because I am such an AMD fan, but once again money becomes a slight issue. I am going into town tomorrow and look at few different laptops to get a feel for the monitors and keyboards. The only thing I can't get over is the Acers native resolution 1680 × 1050 might be kinda nice for gaming.

Pharoke · Jul 29, 2005, 03:43 AM // 03:43

Ok, finally made a decision. Going to go with the Acer's little brother the TM8103. Only difference is 1.86 Centrino and 512MB ram, and I can get another 512 from newegg for about $50.00, so this is the one I am going with. Will be ordering in the next 2 weeks or so and I will let you know how GW and other games run on it.

Pharoke · Aug 03, 2005, 04:49 PM // 16:49

HaHa, so I thought I made a choice and now while doing some generic laptop reading I come across the Pro-Star 3724/Sager 3880. Doesn't it just figure. I can gat WUXGA 1920 x1200 15.4", Pentium M 2.0, 100GB 5400rpm HD, 1GB Ram, 8X DVD Recorder w/Lightscribe, Networking options galore. All for the low price of $1785.00, so whatcha all think of that?