Gaming Laptop Recomendation

[Senbonzaku101]

I'm looking for laptop suggestions that can do the following:

CPU+RAM Capable of Running (Firefox+Documents simultaneously):
Browse Internet (Latest Firefox)
Handle Documents (Open/Microsoft Office run at reasonable speed)
Play videos (Windows Media Player 11)

~80-100GB HDD
~64-128MB VRAM
B+G Wireless Card
Optical Drive OR PC Recovery through Boot Menu
At least 1 USB Port
VGA/S-Video Connection
SD-Card Reader (Preffered, but Optional)


As far as OS is concerned I wish to run Windows XP Professional at the least, may dual-boot with Linux. Mostly be used when away from home or when desktop isn't available, so economical screen size. (My thought was 12-14") Weight, battery life more than 4 hours, bluetooth capabilities, webcams, or most other frills are not issues.

I'm looking to spend anywhere from 250-350 USD, refurbished or new.

I know you all will not be extensively researching any of these factors to tailor to my specifications, but any input towards a laptop would be greatly appreciated as I've got a lot of other pressing issues on my plate. Thank you to anyone who answers, and I hope to work with you all to find a laptop that suits my needs.

 

[Scorpei]

Within your price range you will probably end up with a netbook. Which of those you want you have to check for yourself.

If I apply the EURO=US DOLLAR rule you might also get a 'normal' laptop at the top of your price range but that would have a bigger screen (say 15,4 inch). Aside from that, if you want small and portable, there are very nice laptops out there but they are more expensive (around the 500-600 mark, still only carrying an IGP though).

 

[Senbonzaku101]

Size wouldn't really be a problem, as long as it had good enough specifications. I think I have seen a few refurbished laptops around 350 USD. I always hear netbooks are just that, for the internet and very light projects, so I'm hoping that you all know some that don't fit that stereotype too roughly.

 

[Deleted member 35947]

A netbook would actually suit most of those requirements. Some of them are also able to decode 720p and 1080p h.264 video, as they have a dedicated chip to do it via hardware. The only downside may be the screen size. Most would be around 10.1" or so.

 

[Senbonzaku101]

That sounds good, I never thought it'd be capable of HD video. I think that as long as the netbook is upgradeable (RAM/CPU wise so as not to become obsolete) and has a reasonable HDD size, I'd be fine with it. Are there any netbook recommendations?

Edit: I'm seeing a bunch of 200 USD deals on Ebay. The only concern I have is the low VRAM specs. How well does shared RAM work with video?

 

[Scorpei]

That sounds good, I never thought it'd be capable of HD video. I think that as long as the netbook is upgradeable (RAM/CPU wise so as not to become obsolete) and has a reasonable HDD size, I'd be fine with it. Are there any netbook recommendations?

There are, afaik, no netbooks capable of CPU upgradability. Generally speaking updating a laptop's CPU is a no go (even when it is possible, laptop CPUs aren't generally sold to the general public much and are thus relativly quite expensive). As for a laptop / netbook suggestion thread, I think one is going on right now in this topic

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