Laptop for Phoenix sim.

[Arwel]

Need to get a new laptop for Phoenix and other sims I have. It also needs to be able to pick up an internet signal on its own.

What do you guys recommend as i know nothing about computers at all.

[Allen Key]

Laptop

Hello Mate
just ring up Dell UK and tell them what you want the laptop to do and they will build you one to your spec.

Chat later

Dave [IMG]http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/testvb/images/icons/icon7.gif[/IMG]

[Milamber]

My Sony Vaio, Sony VAIO PCG-8161M, 20" display is my Internet/Phoenix Sim laptop. A bit pricy, but Superb.

M.

[trillian]

One of the main things when running graphic intensive software like Phoenix is the graphics card. I have always had best luck with Nvidia cards and my work colleague what plays lots of games also prefers Nvidia.

This computer is a laptop (Rock Extreme 770) and is running an Nvidia Geforce 7950 GTX graphics card, Core2 Duo 2.6 gig processors, 2 GB RAM, Windows XP pro with service pack 3 and a 200GB 7200rpm hard drive. I can run Phoenix with everything set to the max and it runs silky smooth. (display is 17" and runs at 1920X1200 pixels)

[msssltd]

Whatever you buy, make sure it has a dedicated 3D video processor. Basically there are three choices of laptop graphics at the mo.
1. Intel GMA4500, is the most common but it's crap for Phoenix.
2. ATI Mobility Radeon (HD4330), good for Phoenix.
3. NVidia Mobile (G102M), good for Phoenix.

ATI are currently slightly ahead of NVidia in the game of benchmark leapfrog. In real World use you are unlikely to notice. Personally I prefer NVidia as I have had too many problems with buggy ATI drivers and ATI chips blowing up prematurely.

The Dell Inspiron 15 is pretty good value at the moment. The only upgrades worth buying are the Intel 802.1bgn WiFi and perhaps the 3Yr Advanced in home warranty.
[url=http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?b=&c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&kc=NRS15454&l=en&m_30=321942&oc=N0054508&rbc=N0054508&s=dhs]The Dell Online Store: Build Your System[/url]

I myself would go for this Asus, cos it's an NVidia chip, has a better base warranty and comes with 802.1bgn WiFi as standard.
[url=http://www.asuslaptop.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=K50IN-SX270V]Asus K50IN-SX270V, Multimedia Mainstream, K50IN-SX270V- Discount Laptops Asus Sale Laptop Uk Best Buy Notebook Computer deal[/url]

Alternatively buy a Mac Book Pro and install XP on it...Like wot I did.

[Arwel]

Ok, went to PC World today and had a look at this:-

[url=http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/hp-pavilion-dv7-3110ea-04127268-pdt.html]HP Pavilion DV7-3110ea at cheap prices | PC World[/url]

[sacko]

A grand! Seems a bit overpriced for the spec.

[CookieMan]

Mate,

From experience hp notebooks have a tendency to get their LCD's and wifi's messed up on and off. Wifi simply stops working time and again... most certainly not saying it happens to all of them BUT, yeah... it happens to a lot. [I've seen - worked with hp for a while]... Im hoping and guessing they've rectified this issue but nevertheless, telling to keep it in mind... just in case!

Personally, I use a Sony VGN notebook. 4Gb RAM, 14in, 400Gb HDD, Intel CORE 2 DUO Processor, P8400 @GHz, Graphics Card: NVIDIA 9300M GS. Vista Home Premium.

Works like a gem.
:cheers2:

[chockymonster]

You'll rarely get a bargain from PC World.
I'm a mac user and occasionaly use my Macbook Pro for phoenix (if my wife is hogging the imac!)
Have a look on the dell outlet store [url=http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=dfo&]Dell Outlet - Refurbished Computers/PCs: Laptops, Desktops & Servers | Dell UK[/url]

You can get some great deals, you just need to compare the spec to the main website to see what the graphics card options are.

[Grant_beltcp]

I've just bought a new laptop, a HP 1060ea 15 , at £1100 it's pricy but really pretty good.

I wouldnt buy a laptop with older dual core processors, the new i5/i7 intell processors are a huge leap forward and well worth getting.

I was certain i was going to buy a macbook pro - but they cost a fortune in comparison to a windows based computer, and all my programs run in windows so kinda pointless for me.

Then I had a go on pheonix on a mac... damn I HATED it in comparison to this thing - and that was runnijng off the top spec brand new 17" macbook pro. It had the tiniest lag that just got annoying (could only tell running them side by side) but it felt abit weird. It wasnt as smooth either.
Running high end 3d modelling software didnt run anywhere near as well on the mac either.

My sony I had before this was a good laptop - but the quality of it was absolubtly sh*te too. My other HP has far out-lived my sony, by a long way!

This new one, the HP 1060ea 15 is an all aluminium casing, so much tougher than standard, and its layed out just like a mac, with multi-touch pad which is usefull for alot of things. Types so much better than the sony ever did and looks awesome.

If your budgets around the £1000 mark, I would look out for one of these - it is way overspec for just running pheonix though (i use mine for alot of 3D rendering)

[Ewan]

Makes that I have used Dell for many years, the vostro laptops are cheap and capable, have one I use for work and hasnt missed a beat.

Currently on a Toshiba at home bit heavy but a good solid performer. HP is also usually pretty good.

One make that I would recomend that you avoid is Acer, practically everyon that I have met with an Acer has had lots of problems with them.

You should be able to get a good laptop that is reasonable for under £600.

If you can get a quad core processor, min 4gb memory and min 250gb disk with dedicated graphics card you should be fine.

[Hangar-7]

[quote=sacko;468819]A grand! Seems a bit overpriced for the spec.[/quote]

+1 from here.

I use Toshiba Satellite Duel Core processor etc.... Pheonix works fine with the graphic card came with the Laptop.

I budgeted for a better graphic card (Gforce, Nividia) but happy with the Toshiba's won grahic card so use the money to buy a 22 inch Toshiba LCD TV. I also use it in my 32 inch LCD TV and it works fine.

Cheers[IMG]http://www.rcheliaddict.co.uk/testvb/images/icons/icon7.gif[/IMG]

[gramey]

:)Nearly 3 years ago I bought my daughter an HP Pavillion lap top which although somewhat outdated now was a good spec then. To date she has not had a single problem with it, despite being a teenager who uses it and abuses it. I recently bought my son a Sony Vaio lap top and so far that's been very good as well, it has a better graphics car than the HP, probably due to being much newer. I found it quite difficult with Dell to spec a lap top and keep anywhere near the base price of the models they advertise so in the end gave up and bought the two above. I know those that work with and repair these machines have a better knowledge than I do but I'd happily buy either again based on the constant hammering these two have taken from two teenagers. As long as you get one with dedicated graphics card with decent memory you should be fine.:)