a laptop with icore 3 4030U with intel hd graphics 4400

Solution
FWIW I have no problem playing civ4 on my laptop.
One key is to allocate a bit more system ram to the integrated video controller.
HD videos..absolutly

Casual Gaming.. not likely. Most popular games wont even play if you have integrated graphics.

If you wanted gaming then you really should have asked about what to get before your purchase.

And FYI when it comes to laptop gaming it bassically works like this: plays games, good cpu, costs < $900 - - - - pick 2!