Buying a Laptop- Input needed.

**Beskar** · 09-01-2010, 03:21

Originally Posted by Xiahou

My opinion? Trying to spend extra money to buy a "future proof" laptop is a waste. I'd just get the cheapest thing that will meet your needs. Laptops are a major ripoff on the price/performance scale.

Problem is, most laptops struggle to run the simplest of games. Though for "future proofing" laptops is definitely not the right area.

However, with good specs, a good computer can last quite a time. I bought a £1000+ desktop two and a half years ago and I am running everygame I have on high/ultra. Makes you wonder how much better is the latest nvadia sli'd, when my GTX8800 is still at high/ultra performance in games.

**Xiahou** · 09-01-2010, 21:58

Originally Posted by Beskar

Makes you wonder how much better is the latest nvadia sli'd, when my GTX8800 is still at high/ultra performance in games.

Ugh, SLI is another waste of money....
But I agree, on desktops it's much easier to squeeze more longevity out of them. A well planned desktop can leave room for future upgrades that can keep it performing well for a number of years- there's just not much upgrading to be done on laptops.

**Meneldil** · 09-01-2010, 22:01

Well, this thread will come in handy, since my aforementioned laptop officially died in painful circumstances. I'm just gonna grab one that can play EU3/Vicky2 and let the desktop handle the big games.

**Beskar** · 09-01-2010, 22:21

My one (£400~) can handle EU3 and Vicky2, though admittedly, a bit on the slow side. Only upgrade I would suggest of that would be for it to have its own graphics card.

**tibilicus** · 09-02-2010, 00:31

So, should I be worried I received my first BSOD within two days of having my new machine? Why must computers be such a continuous nightmare? Why?

**Xiahou** · 09-02-2010, 01:12

Originally Posted by tibilicus

So, should I be worried I received my first BSOD within two days of having my new machine? Why must computers be such a continuous nightmare? Why?

It's certainly not good. But, it depends what's causing it. I've seen antivirus programs that cause BSODs before. If you can host the minidump file somewhere I'll take a look if I get some free time.

**tibilicus** · 09-02-2010, 01:25

Originally Posted by Xiahou

It's certainly not good. But, it depends what's causing it. I've seen antivirus programs that cause BSODs before. If you can host the minidump file somewhere I'll take a look if I get some free time.

How would I go about doing that?

And, come to think about it. It did occur hours after installing some new AV and Firewall software. The fact the monitor started going "patchy" though made me think it was a graphics problem. Running a diagnostic found nothing however.