What are the two most important things for first-person shooters (also commonly known as FPS games)? Great gameplay and immersive environments. Though the former is entirely the domain of the game design team, hot-blooded gamers want, nay, need the latest and most powerful hardware. After all, how else can we run the newest gaming titles at mind-numbing frames per second and near-impossible resolutions?However, immersive graphics come at a price. Besides premium dual-GPU laptops like the Alienware M17x for hardcore gamers, we are beginning to see a revolution in display technology. The Asus G51J-3D is one of the first 3D notebooks in the market and works well with most games. But if dual-GPU and 3D machines are an overkill, you can still purchase a cheaper rig with gaming capabilities for under S$2,000 (US$1,472.50) such as the Acer Aspire 5942G.
However, we do not suggest you go below a Core i5 or AMD Turion II X2 chip and a midrange GPU (ATI Mobility Radeon HD4600/5600, Nvidia GeForce GT 330M and above), especially if you are into first-person-shooter titles. Even so, expect some compromises when it comes to graphics details and frame rates.
1. Acer Aspire 8942G (Core i7 720QM Processor 1.6GHz, 8GB RAM)
Outlook:
While it's not exactly the cheapest desktop replacement in the market, despite coming from a brand known for its value offerings, the Aspire 8942G offers everything but the kitchen sink. From a quad-core Core i7 chip to a high-end graphics card and even a Blu-ray writer (not the cheaper Blu-ray combo drive), this laptop also sports a huge 1.2TB storage capacity for all your gaming and movie files.
Specifications:
1.6GHz Core i7 720M processor; 8GB RAM; 18.6-inch display; 1.2TB HDD; 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD4670 graphics; Blu-ray writer; Windows 7 Home Premium
Price: S$3,498 (US$2,575.41)
2. Asus G51J-3D laptop (Core i7 720QM Processor 1.6GHz, 4GB RAM)
The good:
Built-in Nvidia 3D Vision technology; fast Intel Core i7 CPU; decent gaming performance.
The bad:
Expensive; 3D gaming is still niche; small screen for a gaming rig.
The bottom line:
The Asus G51J is the first laptop to incorporate Nvidia's 3D vision technology. If you absolutely love the idea of 3D gaming, this proof-of-concept system will work well for a pricey showpiece.
Specifications:
1.6GHz Core i7 720M processor; 4GB RAM; 15.6-inch display; 320GB HDD; 1GB Nvidia Geforce GTX 260M graphics; Blu-ray combo drive; Windows 7 Home Premium
Price: S$3,098 (US$2,280.91)
3. Alienware M17x (Core 2 Quad QX9300 Processor 2.53GHz, 8GB RAM)
The good:
Subtle improvements to Alienware's dorm room chic design; amazingly fast and powerful; highly configurable.
The bad:
Good configs can get very expensive; no 16:9 display; garish lights don't scream "high end".
The bottom line:
Alienware's new version of the M17x makes some welcome design tweaks and offers the best laptop gaming hardware you can get. Just be warned: It isn't cheap.
Specifications:
1.6GHz Core i7 720M processor; 8GB RAM; 17-inch display; 1TB HDD; Dual 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD4870 graphics; DVD writer; Windows 7 Home Premium
Price: S$4,599 (US$3,386.02)
4. HP Envy 15 (Core i7-720QM Processor 1.6GHz, 2GB RAM)
The good:
Outstanding design; powerful performance; full-HD LED-backlit display; excellent audio performance with earbuds.
The bad:
Weak feature set; expensive.
The bottom line:
While it is one of the best-looking machines in its class, the high price tag and limited port selection make this a model attractive only to the vain.
Specifications:
1.6GHz Core i7 720M processor; 8GB RAM; 15.6-inch display; 640GB HDD; 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD5830 graphics; DVD writer; Windows 7 Home Premium
Price: S$3,699 (US$2,723.40)
5. Toshiba Qosmio X500 (Core i7 720QM Processor 1.6GHz, 4GB RAM)
The good:
Top-of-the-line components including Intel Core i7; second solid-state hard drive; massive 18-inch 1080p display.
The bad:
Expensive; tiny touchpad; surprisingly cramped keyboard; mute button beeps loudly when pressed.
The bottom line:
Toshiba revives its Qosmio gaming line with the high-end X500. It has everything from Blu-ray to an Intel Core i7 CPU, but it also carries a premium price.
Specifications:
1.6GHz Core i7 720M processor; 4GB RAM; 18.4-inch display; 640GB HDD; 1GB Nvidia Geforce GTS 250M graphics; Blu-ray writer; Windows 7 Home Premium
Price: S$3,999 (US$2,944.27)
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Ayo para Gamer" Vote ya, Menurut kalian mana yg paling pas, mulai dr Spec dan Price...
