What should a gaming College student get?

[Willingo]

You know how when you commit a lot of time to something and when you find out that there is another, better option, and you don't want to take it because that means all of that commitment is rendered useless? That's how I feel right now. I suppose that if I will only be gaming in my dorm and that I will only be using my laptop for note taking, music, and other less intensive stuff while mobile, that I should get a cheap simple laptop and get a good gaming computer. I'm not even sure how much I'll be gaming in college anyway, or if I'll even have the time. Ugh, this is so hard. I don't think I want to dedicate hundreds of dollars for a gaming desktop

What laptops would you recommend that are lighter but could still game things like SC2, Diablo 3, and GW2? Again, I don't need ultra settings or anything.

Lastly, is 7 pounds really that heavy to carry around everywhere? I have nothin to compare it to, but it seems light enough.

[Willingo]

Oh, and I seem fixated on backlit keyboards, which limits my options, perhaps someone could pry me away from them.

Also, I just filled a gallon to 7/8ths and held it and put it in my backpack. That is approximately the weight of the NP9150 laptop. It is noticeable for sure, but it is not really that heavy for me.

[jrfox87]

Oh, and I seem fixated on backlit keyboards, which limits my options, perhaps someone could pry me away from them.

Also, I just filled a gallon to 7/8ths and held it and put it in my backpack. That is approximately the weight of the NP9150 laptop. It is noticeable for sure, but it is not really that heavy for me.

I think how the weight effects one can depend. For me weight isn't a huge deal because on my way to school it will mostly be in my bag on my lap while I sit on the bus. If you have to carry it on your shoulder or back for the majority of your transit then it could prove an issue if you have a long transit to and from school.

[nipsen]

You know how when you commit a lot of time to something and when you find out that there is another, better option, and you don't want to take it because that means all of that commitment is rendered useless? That's how I feel right now.

Sorry about that. But I had been going around and looking at the same thing as you for a very long time. And I thought that it might be possible to get a desktop class card into a laptop by now. But found out that that is not really possible to buy for any amount of money. And that the best you can get in mobile graphics cards (680m/hd7970) still need an extremely good cooling solution..

That sager you were looking at probably is the most compact of those high-end setups, though. Even if it will get warm, and so on. But the upgrades you can do on it yourself might be worth it later, over getting a slightly smaller and less powerful (but quieter and colder) nvidia 660/650/640 setup now.

[Willingo]

Well, it seems to only make sense to get a gaming desktop as well as a cheaper, simpler laptop. What are your thoughts on this? Should I just stick with the Sager?

[Willingo]

If so, which makes more sense logically, due to better bang for buck, less noise, bigger screen, etc., then how could I find a good gaming desktop? I don't know if I can go through the hours and hours of research again

[Kuroi-Tsubasa]

If so, which makes more sense logically, due to better bang for buck, less noise, bigger screen, etc., then how could I find a good gaming desktop? I don't know if I can go through the hours and hours of research again

If you want to go that route, the only 100% way to get the best gaming desktop is to build it yourself. Sure, it will take a few more hours of research and finding parts, but it'll be the best for you and you'll save up enough money to get a decent non-gaming laptop as well.

With the games you listed in OP, you could probably build yourself a ~$500-$700 desktop that'll be more than enough for your needs. That price range assumes you already have a monitor, keyboard + mouse, and a copy of Windows.

[jrfox87]

I have to agree with privatejarhead, the best gaming desktop will be one you build yourself. Personally I find it to be more fun as well :P

[tommytomatoe]

+1 on building your own system.

I'll say it again though. Your best bet in order to stay organized is to have one system. From your comments and questions, it sounds like you are still new to all this, but I commend you for being diligent about your research.

Also, from the games you listed, any current laptop with a 650m or 7850m (and lower) card will be completely enough. Sounds to me like you don't do a whole lot of gaming anyways and so your fancy new desktop will just sit and collect dust while you so your homework on your laptop. Just my couple cents.

7lbs isn't too too heavy, but on days when I have to walk from one end of campus to the other multiple times a day I definitely feel it in my shoulders. I recommend a high quality backpack for sure.

Also, since your budget is flexible enough, here are a couple models I recommend to accommodate your fears.

Samsung series 7 (15" and 17" models)
Hp envy series
Asus n56v (15")
Of course, Clevo p150em :-)

And for installing new hard drive. Easy peasy. If you can use a screwdriver you can do if. On Clevo the main hard drive bay is covered with a plate held in place by a few screws. The optical bay drive is held in place by one screw, accessed by opening the main bay cover.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

[Willingo]

I agree on building my own desktop to get the best one, but I agree with Tommy on just getting a good laptop. I know someone already answered this, but I'd like a second opinion. Is the laptop too loud for a classroom environment? Also, do the different graphics cards affect the weight or the noise level of the laptop significantly, or is it just a "Get the AMD 7970 you moron, it's the best bang for the buck."?

Also, yes, I am new to all of this. It will be my first laptop and my first researched computer. Again, thanks for all of your help.

Oh, and it still hasn't been addressed , which warranty would you (anyone) suggest?