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Jilt_Soda
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« on: October 31, 2009, 05:31 PM »

I've seen quite a few laptop selection help threads, but I think my situation is specific enough to warrant a new thread. If I'm wrong feel free to delete this.



I'm looking for the most powerful netbook I can find. The only real caveat is that its really got to under (or at least close to) 12 inches. I've read quite a few reviews but getting some input from real people who have used these kinds of netbooks would be nice. I'm trying to find one that can handle moderate gaming (WoW, Spore, maybe tf2) and watching/editing video. I realize that netbook processors are not exactly powerhouses but my ever optimistic soul insists that there must be a netbook that will meet my needs.
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Badgerconda
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« Reply #1 on: October 31, 2009, 05:52 PM »

Why a Netbook? Netbooks by definition can't really game. But there are small laptops that will fit the bill; they won't be cheap, most likely. What kind of price range are you looking at? If nothing else, you can pick up a Tx-series HP tablet laptop; they're 12.1 inches, reasonably fast, and most have an HD3200 graphics chipset, which is far from ideal, but will handle every game you listed on low settings in a more-or-less playable way.

If you can give us a better idea of what you're looking to spend, it will be easier to make recommendations.
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Jilt_Soda
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« Reply #2 on: October 31, 2009, 07:22 PM »

As far as cost, less than 1000 would be nice. I could go a bit over if those extra dollars get me a serious upgrade. I was looking for a netbook because I need something small and portable I can take with me basically everywhere. I'm going to be using it a lot for note taking and web browsing, I just know I'll want to do other things on it. I mention gaming because I know that's what will tax the system the most, and therefore what I need to look for. I'm not shopping for a gaming laptop; I'm shopping for a tiny laptop that can manage some games so I can surreptitiously do dailies in my government class.
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Badgerconda
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« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2009, 08:14 PM »

You'd be surprised how small and portable you can get full sized laptops now. here's a couple of 13.3 inches (really compact and light; you'd be surprised) that are quite powerful, and have passable graphics card, both under a grand:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834147925

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834157044

With both of those you've got plenty of RAM, better processors than you'll ever find in netbooks, and the HD3200 graphics I mentioned in my first post.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4961973&CatId=2508

That one is a little over a thousand, but an amazing deal. That's one of the fastest processors you can get in a laptop, with good graphics, and another 13.3" model. I'd actually buy this one myself if I were in your shoes because that processor in that size of a laptop could easily sell close to 2 grand in most stores.

If you're dead set on being 12 or smaller, an HP 12.1" tablet might be best. you can customize those on HP's website and find them in most retail computer store. they range anywhere from 700 and up, and pretty much always have a dual core turion processor and HD3200 graphics. Not a powerhouse machine, but passable for basic games.

All of the above have real dual core processors (not that Atom garbage) with DVD drives, etc. Any of them would be a way better choice than a netbook for average use, or any kind of gaming. So you see, if you poke around a little, you can find a good computer in a small package.
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Jilt_Soda
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« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2009, 09:15 PM »

I guess that's really the problem I'm bumping up against. As a student, I need my laptop to be tinny tiny itsy bitsy, but I really hate the idea of sacrificing functionality, at least so far as that I can't do dailies in my poli sci class.
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Badgerconda
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« Reply #5 on: October 31, 2009, 09:42 PM »

The same surface area as a textbook and half the thickness is too big for you to carry around?
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ZacDilone
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« Reply #6 on: November 19, 2009, 02:09 AM »

The simple, unavoidable truth is represented here:

CPU Benchmark Chart

Take a look at where the Atom Processors (the ones found in most netbooks) lie...just barely above "crap" and below "tolerable."  Don't get me wrong--I use an Asus EEE 901 for surfing and office apps, but there's no way in hell I'd ever try anything graphic intensive like gaming or video editing. 

I'd advise looking at the smallest regular notebook you can find with a dual-core processor.  Just my opinion...
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I'm always thinking one step ahead. Like a carpenter that makes stairs.
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