Toshiba refurb v.s New Gateway

[Makaveli_04]

I just ordered a toshiba laptop from tiger direct.
http/www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4130323&cm_mmc=Email-_-WebletMain-_-WEBLET03SHIP-_-03ship&SRCCODE=WEBLET03SHIP

But i recently saw this pop up on bestbuy.com
http/www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;jsessionid=IUDRBLCE0RM0XKC4D3FFAGI?skuId=9172511&type=product&id=1218043606827

It doesn't mention it on bestbuy.com but the scn resolution is suppose to be higher then 1440:900. Trying to find info to confirm this.

Hopefully this link isn't dead they just ran out of them... but it is a nice laptop for $1250. It is a refurb though and this is my first experience with a refurb. (I've listed the toshiba's specs below incase the link doesn't work.)

My question would be is the gateway overall a better product? Is it worth it to send the toshiba back and get the gateway? What makes ones better then the other?


Condition: Refurbished
Lifestyle: Gaming
Entertainment
Operating Systems: Windows® Vista™ Home Premium
Startup Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® Vista Home Premium
Platform: Notebook PC
Expansion Ports: 1 - Express Card Slot/54 or 34
Display Type: WXGA+ with TruBrite™ technology
Viewable Screen Size: 17"
Maximum Resolution: 1440 x 900
Processor Brand: Intel
Processor Type: Dual-Core
Processor Class: Intel Core™ 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.4GHz
Processor Number: T8300
Processor FSB: 800MHz
Processor Cache: 3MB
Additional Technologies: Intel Centrino Processor Technology
Memory Type: DDR2
Memory Size: 3GB
Memory Speed: PC2-5300
Memory Slots (Total): 2
Memory Slots (Available): 0
Maximum Memory Supported: 4GB
Graphics Description: Dedicated Graphics
GPU/VPU: NVIDIA® SLI™ Dual GeForce® 8600M GT
Video Memory: 512MB GDDR3 + up to 255MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory using NVIDIA® TurboCache™ technology
Video Interface: S-Video, HDMI, VGA
Capacity: 320GB
Optical Drive Type: DVD Super-Multi Dual Layer (DVD-R/RW, +R/RW, -R DL, +R DL, RAM)
Supplemental Drive Type: Media Reader
Capacity: 5-in-1
Media Types: SecureDigital
Memory Stick
xD-Picture Card
Memory Stick PRO
Multi Media Card
Audio Description: Integrated Audio
PS/2 Mouse Connectors: N/A
PS/2 Keyboard Connectors: N/A
Serial Communication Ports: N/A
Parallel Ports: N/A
USB Ports: 6
FireWire Ports: 1
Fast Infrared Ports (FIR): N/A
LAN Ports: 1
Modem Ports: 1
Audio Out Jacks: 1 - SPDIF
Line In Jacks: N/A
Microphone Jacks: 1
VGA Ports: 1
S-Video Connectors: 1
DVI Video: N/A
Port Replicator/Connector: N/A
Communications Description: Integrated LAN
Integrated Modem
Integrated Wireless LAN
Integrated Bluetooth

Interface Type: RJ-11 Phone Connector
RJ-45 Ethernet Connector
Bluetooth™
Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965 AGN
Data Transfer Rate: 56Kbps Modem
10/100/1000Mbps Network
Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR, Up to 300 Mbps
Width: 15.7"
Height: 1.42" - 2.05"
Depth: 11.3"
Weight: 9.37 lbs
Mouse Type: Touch Pad
Keyboard Type: 104 Key US Keyboard
Battery Type: Lithium-ion

 

[frozenlead]

By the numbers, the Gateway will crush the Toshiba with its far superior graphics card. However, (as what happens with most mainstream gaming notebooks) it ships with a crummy 1280x800 screen, at which point your games are far more CPU limited, and won't look nearly as nice as they will with the Toshibas 1440x900 screen (though even that isn't a decent gaming resolution).

I think I would get the gateway, but it's really a tough call.

 

[cheaptofix]

Toshiba is better, lasts longer...much longer
the gateway did a big mistake, xp 64bit needs about 6gb and more for gaming 4gb is too low.

centrino duo is a cheap processor..toshiba's true duo is better.
so u did the right thing don't worry

 

[lostandwandering]

I have been told that the Gateway in actuality comes with a WUXGA (1920x1200) screen, not the WXGA screen. The P8400 in the Gateway is a newer generation. It has a higher FSB, but comes at a lower clock speed. The 9800M GTS will make up for that difference in games however.

IMO, if gaming is your true interest, the Gateway is the winner.