Mika08

Unfortunately I can't get a macbook because it's too expensive. My mom told me I can only get a laptop that isn't over $600. However, I want to be able to play games and multitasks and all that good stuff.

What do you recommend I buy?

olgita

You can't get a laptop for gaming (unless we're talking minesweeper) under $600. You can, however, build your own desktop that will be suitable for some of the more dated games for under $600.

baobab

a macbook is horrible for most gaming anyway! it uses integrated graphics.

Actually for laptops around your price limit there isn't much choice except settle for integrated graphics.

Compaq Presario C769US Notebook PC - Intel Pentium Dual-Core T2370 1.73GHz, 802.11bg Wireless, 2GB DDR2, 250GB HDD, DL DVDRW, 15.4" WXGA, Webcam, Windows Vista Home Premium KN986UA#ABA at TigerDirect.com

This one is about $680 after rebate, I think 2GB ram is good for multitasking and 250 GB is good for a laptop. however it's a compaq, some people have had bad experiences with that company, I don't know how important that is to you, but I like the specs of this one.

chubeebo

those sub-$600 laptops are not that bad when it comes to multitasking. The gaming thing, that's a different story. Those might not be good enough for you if you're an avid gamer.

srunni

You can't get a sub-$600 that will play any of the recent games at good speeds. But you can play older games just fine, or you could build a desktop, as olgita said, and you would be fine.

Vivi

Buy one of the cheaper HP Pavilion's with a simple configuration. Intel, please, AMD is just frowned upon by gamers. Besides, NVIDIA > ATI. With a simple config, you could probably get a decent one for about $650 or so.

Compaq Presario isn't that good for gaming, IMO. Then again, the one I have is a 2003 model. Multitasking, it works wonders. If you REALLY need to go cheap, go Compaq. Otherwise, try an HP.

Buy HP HP Pavilion Notebook PCs from HP

Mika08

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

tomatoking

this:

Buy an HP Pavilion dv5z series notebook PC from HP


comes with a monster hd 3200.
it's integrated but its about equivalent to an 8400 gs, for a cheap price.


dont waste 100 bucks upgrading to a 3450.little difference


only thing i dont like about this laptop is that the touchpad is horrible for people with oily hands.


heres a review:
HP Pavilion dv5z Review - Notebook Forums and Laptop Discussion

toxic_waste

..no it's not. Intel just makes processors that perform a little better. that doesn't change the fact that you get more for your money with an AMD.

Mika08

What do you guys think about this laptop?

Dell Inspiron 1525
15.4" HD Widescreen Display
Intell Celeron 550 Processor
2 GB Memory and 120 GB Hard Drive
Includes Windows XP Home (I thought this OS wasn't being distributed anymore...)
6 Cell Battery and Dell Wi-Fi Catcher
Price: $649.00

toxic_waste

Inspiron is trash...but you don't have much choice for your price range. i'm also not sure a single-core celeron is good enough for what you want to do.

Chipmoney

The HP Pavilion dv5z series is a much better deal for $649 you get a dual core processor, Vista, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB hard drive

chubeebo

at first I was going to say that be wary of XP because Microsoft might stop support soon. But after looking around in the web, it seems that Microsoft will support XP until 2014. The article says the next OS after Vista, Windows 7, will be available in 2010.

http://securecomputing.net.au/News/1...ntil-2014.aspx

Mika08

Yeah, I think I'll stick with the HP Pavilion dv5z. Thanks guys!

tomatoking

you're welcome.

i try