1k gaming laptop

[poowhisperer]

I'm looking for a new laptop that will likely handle civ 5, starcraft 2, and diablo 3.

I don't think the requirements are out for diablo or civ 5, but i'm guessing either of the following will work. Since it is going to be used at home most of the time, i'm not too worried about battery life. I've never owned either of these brands, so any advice would be appreciated.

Lenovo Ideapad Y560
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834146777&cm_re=lenovo_ideapad-_-34-146-777-_-Product

Asus N61-JQ-1
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220696&Tpk=n61jq

Both are available for approximately the same price between newegg and amazon.

Thanks

 

[Maziar]

I would go with the ASUS one because of having a faster HDD and a bigger screen.
However definitely check ASUS G60 from bestbuy,it has an overall better specs than both Lenovo Y560 and ASUS N61
http/www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i5+Processor+-+Blue/Black/9736955.p?id=1218164036446&skuId=9736955
If the link doesn't work,search for "G60JX-RBBX05" in bestuy.

 

[flubadoo]

ASUS G72GX (Its Amazing!):
http/www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B2+Duo+Processor+-+Black/9556125.p?id=1218124208054&skuId=9556125
Its pretty much the only laptop under 1k with a nvidia 260m. The only downside is a 5400rpm hdd and its 8.8lb.

 

[Maziar]

That's good too,and GTX 260M is faster than GT 360M,however G60JX has a better and newer CPU

 

[flubadoo]

That's good too,and GTX 260M is faster than GT 360M,however G60JX has a better and newer CPU

Wait a second. On notebookcheck.com, the GTS 360M has ~16000 points in 3DMark 06, but the GTX 260m only has ~14000? And the 260M is placed higher? I am confuzzled. Now I'm beginning to think that the G60JX is better than the G72JX.....

 

[Maziar]

Notebookcheck tests with different systems,and sometimes their results isn't correct.
GTX 260M is faster than GTS 360M

 

[poowhisperer]

Thanks for the input. Unfortunately the G60 isn't available in any stores near me and best buy isn't shipping it now. I'm leaning towards the N61 because of the faster hard drive and USB 3.0. My hesitation stems from the fact that I don't know anyone who owns an Asus, so can't speak to the build quality compared to Lenovo.

On another note, what is the difference between the G series and N series Asus laptops, and is it worth the premium for a comparably equiped (processor and video card) G series?

 

[lostandwandering]

Wait a second. On notebookcheck.com, the GTS 360M has ~16000 points in 3DMark 06, but the GTX 260m only has ~14000? And the 260M is placed higher? I am confuzzled. Now I'm beginning to think that the G60JX is better than the G72JX.....

Don't compare 3dmark scores. Synthetic benchmarks hardly ever equate to gaming performance. If you look at the game benchmarks on their site, the two cards are actually pretty close, the GTX 260 is ever so slightly faster. I believe Notebook Check tests on lower resolutions so the more powerful CPU the 360M would have been paired with would have helped make up some of the difference.

 

[Maziar]

Thanks for the input. Unfortunately the G60 isn't available in any stores near me and best buy isn't shipping it now. I'm leaning towards the N61 because of the faster hard drive and USB 3.0. My hesitation stems from the fact that I don't know anyone who owns an Asus, so can't speak to the build quality compared to Lenovo.

On another note, what is the difference between the G series and N series Asus laptops, and is it worth the premium for a comparably equiped (processor and video card) G series?

The main difference between G series and other series is that G series use a better VGA and a different design(a gaming design)and usually have better cooling.
As for being worth or not,it depends on the models that you are considering.

 

[arendell]

Ok. I just wanted to put in my 2 cents. I bought the g60 this past week per recommendations of Maziar and others. This thing is sweet! All I wanted to run was star craft 2. The beta works in with ultimate settings without flaw. This system is exactly what I was looking for and it cost $855 to boot! I know it is no g72 or whatever model that high end asus gaming laptop is, but this thing surely meets all of my requirements! The only problem is there wasn't much documentation,etc...But who cares...for the price/performance I got, I would be happy with instructions in Linear B. Thanks again guys!

 

[Maziar]

Congrats on your purchase

 

[poowhisperer]

Best answer selected by poowhisperer.