Best 14.1" gaming capable notebook?

[crabbytech]

Is a 9500m as good as it will get? Im presuming so.

What is the best value 14.1" notebook capable of low-mid range gaming?

[hugofirst]

I just picked up an NEC Versa E6310. From Penta.

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.20-GHz, 800-MHz FSB, 4-MB L2 cache)
-Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS with 256-MB dedicated video memory (1023MB Hypermemory)
-Display: 14.1-inch WXGA (1280 x 800 resolution) Super Shine View LCD
-Memory Slots: 2 SODIMM slots
-Weight: 2.44KG Inc Battery
-Hard Drive: 200GB 5400RPM
-Memory: 2048 MB (2 x 1024 MB) DDR2 SDRAM (667 MHz)
-Battery: 6-cell Lithium Ion
-Expansion Slots: ExpressCard/54 Slot
-Network Interface: Integrated Intel (10/100/1000 NIC) Ethernet Controller
-Wireless: Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
-Software: MS Office 2007 PreInstallation "Office Ready"
-Optical Drive: SuperMulti DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
-Pointing Device: Touchpad
-Memory Upgrade: Upgradeable to 4096 MB maximum
-Operating System: Windows Vista Business
-Webcam: Yes
-Bluetooth: Yes
-Other: Leather Texture, Backlit Mouse Pad, HDMI Out

Paid $1242

Compaired to others around that price (and even more $$$ ones) it had a better processor (T7500), more HDD (200gb), better graphics (8600m) and HDMI was a HUGE bonus! As it will double as a HTPC for me. Oh, also has Vista Business!

It also looks alot better IMO.... Has a Leather top!

Take a look: http://minisites.nec-computers-ap.com/E6310/

Can't tell you what its really like though, as it only just arrived yesterday, and i've only just taken it out of the box. Charging now! So far so good!

[KrisT]

Thats a good price, where is Penta??

[hugofirst]

http://www.penta.com.au/

They are in NSW.. Cost me $20 next day delivery to Canberra.

That was the list price too... Said they would beat any elses price.. but they were the cheapest from the get go.

Just be carefull though, as theres a few different variations of the E6310. eg, some only have a 120 or 160gb HDD and a T7250. That model is about $80 cheaper..

[Jesta]

have a look at zepto, I believe they have fit a 8600m gt into a 14" chassis

[GreasyBear]

How's the NEC build quality?

[KatatonicKwan]

That Nec is a steal imo. It deserves a better screen though, but it's very portable and powerful for what it is.

Any idea on battery life yet? That's one of the biggest concerns for a portable laptop of this kind.

[crabbytech]

prob with zepto is they still using the old GPU's, ie 8600. i really looking for a 9500 like some of the asus, just thought there might be a few more options by now.

regardless hugo thats a bloody steal, well done, hope your enjoying it? u tried crysis on it?

[crabbytech]

hugo that is tempting.

only things i would like would be a 7200rpm HDD and at least a 8600gt, preferably a 9500m. but FFS, cant argue at that money. good score.

give us a mini review on it, 3dmarks etc.

thanks !

[zer0sum]

Originally Posted by crabbytech

prob with zepto is they still using the old GPU's, ie 8600. i really looking for a 9500 like some of the asus, just thought there might be a few more options by now.

regardless hugo thats a bloody steal, well done, hope your enjoying it? u tried crysis on it?

There is really no performance difference between the 8600M GT and 9xxx series so don't worry about that at all.
Macbook Pro 15" is a very, very nice laptop. Although it is 15" it is only 1" thick and quiet compact. I can't imagine a 14" being much smaller or lighter.
The IBM T61P would also be a good option for you, but is a bit plain looking.

cheers

Z

[hugofirst]

Nope, haven't tried Crysis on it.. (don't own it).

Im not really going to use it for gaming, as my Desktop is built for that (sig). But when compaired to others around the $1000-$1500 mark, I really couldn't go past it!

Build quality, I think its Great! I've only ever owned one other laptop, which was a Toshy Qosimo (17") and that was a BEAST of a thing.. dual HDD's etc.. Weighed a tonne too! And I think the NEC feels more solid than the Qosimo did.. (Qosimo is one of Toshy's high-end laptops??) Whether thats because one was a monster of a 17" laptop, and this is a compact 14".. Maybe? But everything seems rock solid! My housemate just bought a new 15" Dell (something) for around $1400 and it feels like it would snap in half if it fell off the couch!

Battery life? No idea.. Still running on Mains.. I'll check it out tomorrow and report back! It does have a powersaver mode, not sure what it reduces though...

3DMark06: 2778

Would be interested to see what other laptops score... Seems low (when compaired to my desktop)

That scores - out of the box, on a 3dmark06 (trial)?

[Falls]

Originally Posted by crabbytech

prob with zepto is they still using the old GPU's, ie 8600. i really looking for a 9500 like some of the asus, just thought there might be a few more options by now.

regardless hugo thats a bloody steal, well done, hope your enjoying it? u tried crysis on it?

The 9500m GS = 8600m GT + dx 10.1 Essentially the same card.

F.

[KatatonicKwan]

Originally Posted by Falls

The 9500m GS = 8600m GT + dx 10.1 Essentially the same card.

F.

The NEC model is the 8600GS which isn't *that* bad (it's what I got), runs Source on high so I'm happy.

You'd be pushing to play games on laptops anyway, without spending at least $3000...

With no really other details, why not just get an Alienware beast? No small (14.1") is going to be the best at gaming, and won't run the latest stuff on very good playable settings anyway, that's what the 17" ones are for with SLI etc.

[SuperRoach]

It's likely he wants portablity to be important.

I bought a Zepto 6324W Maxed out . Cost about $3k at the time, but you could buy it with a better cpu and specs for 2.5ish

Disadvantage is only Vga out though.

If you can wait until July they have some much better ones coming out soon

[Buddha]

Benq s41 ... 8600gs, cool running, cod4, 6 months owner no probs at all.

Best of all only 2.35 kg ... dont even know its in the backpack.