Support NeoGAF

[gdt]

Mine was scheduled to ship on the April 14th and it got delayed until the April 27th

Guess they're having stock issues

I did some reading at the notebookreview forums and many were having the same problem. I read that someone over at HP said that Japan was having problems shipping out some parts to HP (makes sense, I guess). Though, within the last few days many people were getting shipments, maybe they're moving at a steady pace now?

Hopefully :/.

 

[gdt]

Here's some info I found for the prospective DV6 owners on the notebook review forums.

Quick List: (Alphabetical)
Call of Duty: Black Ops ::: ~60fps
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 ::: ~55fps
Civilization 5 ::: 40-50fps
Counter Strike: Source ::: 60-60fps [LOCKED]
Crysis 2 ::: 30-60fps
Dead Space 2 ::: 30fps [LOCKED]
Empire: Total War ::: 15-28fps
Mass Effect ::: 39-61fps
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 ::: ~45fps
Portal ::: 55-105fps
Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom, The ::: ~45fps
Starcraft II ::: 25-54fps
Team Fortress 2 ::: 55-60fps
The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom ::: ~45fps
Tom Clancy's HAWX ::: 60fps
World of Warcraft ::: 50-55fps

More detailed breakdowns here.


Crysis 2
Model: DV7t QE
Processor: 2630qm
GPU: 6770m overclocked 850/950
RAM: 8GB

On 1600x900:
High settings: 30s
Med settings: 40s
Low settings: 50s

On 1366x768:
High settings: 40s
Med settings: 50s
Low settings: 60s


Yummy Crysis 2.

 

[SS4Gogita]

Well, I'm finally able to order that DV6 after seeing what kind of financial aid I was going to get for my summer classes. The bad news is that mine says the estimated build date is May 19 D:

 

[IMACOMPUTA]

Right now you can get a dv7tqe with the 6770 for $892
coupon NB6973

I think its the same as the dv6, but has a bluray reader, 17.3 inch screen (1600x900) and a fingerprint scanner.

... thinking about it.

http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/250854

 

[IMACOMPUTA]

hm. is it better to have a bigger/higher res screen, or to get better gaming performance at a lower, native res?

 

[gdt]

hm. is it better to have a bigger/higher res screen, or to get better gaming performance at a lower, native res?

Up to you really.

I'll be doing most of my pc gaming on my 50in plasma though, comfy couch style. Doesn't really matter to me, I think.

 

[poppabk]

hm. is it better to have a bigger/higher res screen, or to get better gaming performance at a lower, native res?

Depends if it is purely for gaming. For gaming, until you hit the very high-end you are unlikely to be able to actually hit 1080p or whatever at a stable framerate, so if you are purely gaming you are wasting your money. For a multi-purpose machine 1080p or similar res is very useful even if you are running games at 720p.

 

[IMACOMPUTA]

I went ahead and bought the dv6t.
It would be nice to have the extra screen real estate, but i can't stand not playing at native res.

Can't wait! although it says its expected to ship on May 19th :X
Is that an accurate estimate?

And who wants to buy my m11x for $500?

 

[gdt]

I went ahead and bought the dv6t.
It would be nice to have the extra screen real estate, but i can't stand not playing at native res.

Can't wait! although it says its expected to ship on May 19th :X
Is that an accurate estimate?

And who wants to buy my m11x for $500?

Apparently HP has been having problems getting parts from Japan. I've read some posts that it's been picking up in the last week however, that would hopefully put a stop to any delays.

But yes, that estimate is probably accurate.

 

[IMACOMPUTA]

Just realized it comes in multiple colors...
but I didn't see a place to select which color i want!
So, any idea what I'm going to get? Or if there's a way to choose?

 

[gdt]

Just realized it comes in multiple colors...
but I didn't see a place to select which color i want!
So, any idea what I'm going to get? Or if there's a way to choose?

I wasn't able to select colors either :/.

Edit: My status was changed to "In Production" a few hours ago, dunno if that really means anything.

 

[IMACOMPUTA]

I wasn't able to select colors either :/.

Edit: My status was changed to "In Production" a few hours ago, dunno if that really means anything.

Weird. I hope they don't randomly pick for us. I'd be fine with the whitish/silver shown in the picture. (but i wish i could get the black)

 

[gdt]

Weird. I hope they don't randomly pick for us. I'd be fine with the whitish/silver shown in the picture. (but i wish i could get the black)

Yeah, same.

I've only seen those two colors, so I guess it's one or the other. Fine by me (but I'd prefer black).

 

[IMACOMPUTA]

I did a live chat with customer service and asked what color my laptop would be..

Mira M.
I have pulled up your record, and it shows that you ordered one of our top of the line HP Pavilion dv6t Quad Edition series.

10:58:15 PM IMACOMPUTA
yes

10:59:03 PM Mira M.
I am sorry to inform you that this particular model does not give you an option to choose a color since it has a fixed color which is metallic finish.

10:59:15 PM IMACOMPUTA
the pictured silverish/white?

10:59:24 PM IMACOMPUTA
with black features?

10:59:28 PM Mira M.
Only the regular series gives you the option to choose from variety of colors.

 

[gdt]

Oh, no biggie then. Any info in that chat about shipping time?

 

[IMACOMPUTA]

EDIT: Updated

IMACOMPUTA
I also have another question: The estimated shipping date is may 17th. Is this accurate? Seems like an awful long time.
11:11:26 PM Mira M.
I see. I am sorry for the wrong information I gave you. The demo shown on that page actually does not give that exact color of the Dv6t Quad Edition Notebook.
11:12:26 PM Mira M.
What is confirmed is that the HP Pavilion dv6t Quad Edition series comes in metallic finish inside and outside.
11:13:26 PM IMACOMPUTA
do you have an example of that color?
11:13:34 PM Mira M.
Yes, I apologize for the inconvenience. It is actually accurate.

IMACOMPUTA
Do you have an example of the metallic finish?
11:17:15 PM Mira M.
I can't show it to you in the web, however according to the description, the PC has aluminum chassis in dark umber color.
11:17:34 PM IMACOMPUTA
oh, so its a dark color?
11:18:20 PM Mira M.
Yes, it's kind of dark brown.
11:19:01 PM IMACOMPUTA
and does it have Beats audio?
11:19:56 PM Mira M.
Yes, it has Beats(TM) audio for superior sound.
11:20:28 PM IMACOMPUTA
Great. Thanks a lot for your time, I think that's all I needed.

So apparently it's dark umber.. weird. I'm not sure this person knows what they're talking about.

 

[gdt]

Dark brown....eww. I read that only the quick ship models are that dark brown color.

 

[mrklaw]

shorlist (ish), not a hardcore gaming machine, but needs to be gaming capable

£500 - core i3-380m, 1GB ATI 5650m, 4GB 1333Mhz Ram, 500GB 5400rpm HDD, 1366x768 15" screen. Thats the 'old' inspiron R, but I like the graphics card. New inspiron is all integrated until quite expensive.

£500 - core i3-370M, 1GB nvidia GT420M, 3GB 1333MHz RAM, 320GB 7200rpm drive, 1366x768 15" screen. Base-level XPS 15

£600 - core i5-480m, 1GB nvidia GT420M, 4GB 1333MHz RAM, 500GB 7200rpm drive, 136x768 15" screen. mid-level XPS 15

£619 - core i3-380m, 1GB ATI 5650m, 4GB 1066MHz Ram, 320GB 5400rpm drive, 1366x768 15" display, bluray writer. Sony Vaio - curious about this one as it has a 'free' bluray writer which could be useful for ripping blurays, and also the 1080p upgrade is only £30, but I think the lower res will be fine for family use.

£720 - i7-2630QM, 6GB RAM, 750GB 7200rpm drive, 2GB GT540m, 1366x768 15" screen, XPS 15

tried looking at various benchmarks and it seems that for laptops at least, the i3/i5 and sandybridge are fairly similar in performance - so there doesn't seem much pain keeping to an 'old' i3-380 compared to a newer SB i3-2310, or even an i5

 

[Vigilant Walrus]

Hmmm. When M11X was announced, I was estatic. But I didn't buy one, as the rumors were flying - It would get the i7 upgrade within months. And it did. The R2 came out relatively quickly, but the performance gains were not that strong, and the price had gone up.

Other problems started becoming apparent - A weak hinge design and a mediocre screen. On the other hand there was only two other Subnotebook Alternatives for people who wanted gaming! One was Sony Vaio Z, which was a 4000 USD carbon fibre monster, and the other was the direct oppesite, a mediocre build quality, but very powerful Acer 3820. Both 13'' Laptops, but around the same size as M11x due to it's thick Bezel, and thick body.


It's been almost a year since then, and I have been looking and waiting impatiently for something new to get announced. Progress sometimes feels slow.


I think the best bet right now, for something reasonable between a good quality and not a ultra high price, is the Sony Vaio SB.

It's 13''. it's 1.7 Kg. It' has a DVD/Blu-Ray Drive. It can be configured with the most high end sandy bridge right now, 2.7 GHz, 8 Gigs of 1333 Ram, a 750 GB Harddrive or 256 GB SSD and it has the option of a decent graphics card, 6630, which is around 10% below 6650 in performance. But elevated by that CPU, and the max resolution of 1366x I think it should be okay. It's a 13'' a lot of details can be reduced without it looking noticeably worse on such a small screen.
Here is a review, with a lesser CPU and GPU. It seems like a solid build laptop: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Sony-Vaio-VPC-SB1Z9EB-Subnotebook.51214.0.html

Battery life also seems decent. And the Slice Battery is a really cool idea they took from the Envy.


I think this is the one I want. My fears though is that it will not run Battlefield 3, comfortable at all. My aim would be to have 30-60 FPS at 1366x with a mix medium details, and some of the crazy visual effects turned off.

Skyrim I would not expect to run at all.

But then again, if these games are getting released on consoles they should in theory become really well optimized for their lesser hardware. hmmm.

 

[gdt]

Dark brown....eww. I read that only the quick ship models are that dark brown color.

I think this is the color, for those interested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEzUdBKRh9c

Hmm, a bit different, but I think I like.

Edit: Though I don't think that's the same model as the current DV6s.

Edit2: This is it...I think so anyway :lol.

 

[GuardianE]

Right now you can get a dv7tqe with the 6770 for $892
coupon NB6973

I think its the same as the dv6, but has a bluray reader, 17.3 inch screen (1600x900) and a fingerprint scanner.

... thinking about it.

http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/250854

I'm thinking of picking up the dv7 now.

It comes with a 2 year warranty, over the dv6, and a free Bluray player. And there's the 17.3 inch screen. All for just $100 more. Is there any reason in particular I shouldn't go for a dv7 over a dv6?

 

[K.Jack]

I'd take the DV7 deal. Just make sure that you spend the $25 for the 6770M upgrade. That comes up to $892.49 total.

£500 - core i3-380m, 1GB ATI 5650m, 4GB 1333Mhz Ram, 500GB 5400rpm HDD, 1366x768 15" screen. Thats the 'old' inspiron R, but I like the graphics card. New inspiron is all integrated until quite expensive.

£500 - core i3-370M, 1GB nvidia GT420M, 3GB 1333MHz RAM, 320GB 7200rpm drive, 1366x768 15" screen. Base-level XPS 15

Decide between these two, based on whether you want Nvidia or AMD.

 

[mrklaw]

Decide between these two, based on whether you want Nvidia or AMD.

thanks. Logic would suggest the ATI one, faster CPU, GPU should be a little faster, more ram. Slightly slower HDD but cooler too and I doubt we'd notice. its an inspiron Vs an XPS, and I see plenty recommend XPS here - is that just for the customisation options, or are they objectively better for the same spec - eg better quality screen, keyboard? the Nvidia will include optimus switching right? will that make a noticable difference to heat/noise/battery? Most of the time it'll be used for general browsing/office stuff so good battery life is useful

edit: that ATI one also comes with a free wifi printer which is a pointless but nice bonus - could give it to my dad.

 

[K.Jack]

I forgot the XPS has Optimus.

Take the XPS.

 

[fatty]

I was determined not to get an HP, because of their shoddy reputation (my friend also had a lot of trouble with his HP laptop), but after that 17" deal was posted I had to bite the bullet. I figure at least it has the 2 year warranty as well.

I love the brushed metallic look of the dark umber brown, the nice speaker setup w/ the two headphone jacks, and of course the blu-ray player, HDMI and two USB 3.0 ports. Only thing I really wanted was some backlit keys but I can live with that.

Now I need to find a good cheap 17" laptop backpack and neoprene slip cover.

 

[mantidor]

I'm thinking about getting a laptop and this little guy, the ASUS G73SW-XA1, has called my attention, but being a complete newbie in laptop gaming I think I better consult with the experts, is that good price for that machine? can I get something better in that price range?

 

[K.Jack]

I'm thinking about getting a laptop and this little guy, the ASUS G73SW-XA1, has called my attention, but being a complete newbie in laptop gaming I think I better consult with the experts, is that good price for that machine? can I get something better in that price range?

That is the best machine you'll get, for the money. I say go for it.

 

[mantidor]

That is the best machine you'll get, for the money. I say go for it.

thanks! well I think I'm going to go with this one, my only worry is how long would the machine hold until it needs upgrade, but to be honest I play very few current games and stick to old ones, so as long as I can play in medium settings new games for a couple of years I'll be fine.

 

[K.Jack]

thanks! well I think I'm going to go with this one, my only worry is how long would the machine hold until it needs upgrade, but to be honest I play very few current games and stick to old ones, so as long as I can play in medium settings new games for a couple of years I'll be fine.

To get a decent gauge, look up some desktop benchmarks, specifically of the GTS 450.

The GTX 460M isn't spectacular, but it's more than capable.

 

[CrunchyFrog]

IdeaPad Y560p Laptop - 43972EU - Black (with 1.3MP Camera)
Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM Processor ( 2.00GHz 1333MHz 6MB )
Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64
Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 6570M 1GB
Total memory8: 8 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz
Display: 15.6" HD Glare with integrated camera 1366x768
Pointing device: Industry Standard Touchpad
Hard Drive: 500GB 7200
Optical Drive: DVD Recordable (Dual Layer)
Battery: 6 Cell Lithium-Ion
Network Card: Intel 1000 BGN Wireless
Bluetooth: Bluetooth Version 2.1 + EDR
Warranty: One year
Finger Print Reader: None

Accessories and options:
2Yr Basic Warranty Extension

Comes out to $899 after coupons. Would this be able to do modern 720p games at medium-ish settings at least? One other question, does GPU memory mean that much for gaming performance? Say the difference between a AMD Radeon HD 6570M with 1GB instead of 2GB?

If I had my way, though, I'd down the RAM to 6GB for a slightly better card. And another thing, it irks me that no laptop manufacturers give you the option to save some money by removing that silly webcam they all have nowadays.

Also, not to be a nudge, but when's that new thread coming?

 

[BoobPhysics101]

I'm thinking about getting a laptop and this little guy, the ASUS G73SW-XA1, has called my attention, but being a complete newbie in laptop gaming I think I better consult with the experts, is that good price for that machine? can I get something better in that price range?

Buy it on Craigslist for half the price.

Seriously, they're on CL for $700-800.

Edit: Well, the 5870M equipped one is... which is roughly equivalent to the GTX 460m.

 

[alr1ght]

How do the integrated cards in the i3 and i5 processors handle lower spec games (TF2, Portal, etc.) Are they able to run them at a good framerate @ 720p?

 

[mrklaw]

How do the integrated cards in the i3 and i5 processors handle lower spec games (TF2, Portal, etc.) Are they able to run them at a good framerate @ 720p?

the newer one in the sandy bridge laptops should be ok, certainly with source games. I have the older one (Intel HD, not 3000) in an i3 laptop and it can't even play minecraft at a decent framerate (although it can play trackmania at medium @720p)

edit: 3941 in 3DMark06.

00fps in Half Life 2 lost coast benchmark, crysis 2 low detail at 30fps

TF2 and trackmania will run at 1080p at max details, no AA http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2011/01/03/intel-sandy-bridge-review/4

seems there is a difference in the IGP between CPUs. The 'k' versions (eg i5-2500k) is intel HD 3000, and the non-K (and I guess laptops) is Intel HD 2000. Difference is twice the number of 'execution units' in the 3000 version. These benchmarks might be from that one, not sure.

edit2: http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2011/01/03/intel-sandy-bridge-review/4

hmm. Seems that the desktop CPUs have different amounts of GPU cores - i5/i7 have 6, i5k/i7k have 12. But the mobile chips all have 12. so those numbers above should be fine.

Discrete graphics will only be noticably better if you get something like a 420m or above. Lots of budget laptops have 5450/5470 which won't be noticably better IMO.

Yes, if you can afford it, get one with a decent graphics card. But a standard i3-2310m sandy bridge laptop with integrated graphics should play source stuff just fine. Forums tend to encourage spec-creep, after all its easy for us to spend someone elses' money

 

[hteng]

you really shouldn't put too much faith in integrated graphics, they are still way underpower to produce any decent framerates even at low. I'd say getting a optimus-enabled laptop is a way better investment.

 

[K.Jack]

Mobile Sandy Bridge Gaming Performance.

 

[Kenka]

Mobile Sandy Bridge Gaming Performance.

Impressive. I can't wait to see what Llano will pull against it.

 

[A Human Becoming]

To get a decent gauge, look up some desktop benchmarks, specifically of the GTS 450.

The GTX 460M isn't spectacular, but it's more than capable.

How does it compare to this one? (Which is currently unavailable)

 

[gdt]

The wait for my laptop is so, so hard.

 

[K.Jack]

I got my new Clevo all set up.

The 6970M is a freaking beast.

I can start working on the new thread now. Stay tuned.

How does it compare to this one? (Which is currently unavailable)

The 5870M is 5-10% faster than the GTX 460M, but the 2630QM is a great deal faster than the 720QM. At least 50%.

Take the Sandy Bridge + 460M.

 

[SapientWolf]

you really shouldn't put too much faith in integrated graphics, they are still way underpower to produce any decent framerates even at low. I'd say getting a optimus-enabled laptop is a way better investment.

Framerates don't tell the whole story. Integrated graphics are notorious for compatibility issues.

 

[Sew]

I got my new Clevo all set up.

The 6970M is a freaking beast.

I can start working on the new thread now. Stay tuned.

Excellent, glad for you. Looking forward to further thoughts from you in the new thread.

 

[Binabik15]

I got my new Clevo all set up.

The 6970M is a freaking beast.

I can start working on the new thread now. Stay tuned.


The 5870M is 5-10% faster than the GTX 460M, but the 2630QM is a great deal faster than the 720QM. At least 50%.

Take the Sandy Bridge + 460M.

ETA?

My brother is almost biting his fingers off in anticipation, nails won´t do it for him anymore, hehe.

He wants "just" wants a 14"/15" (if possible sub 1000€, man, desktops are so much cheaper) notebook that can run older games and will run recent games well enough to not feel like the money is wasted.

I can´t really help him, my search-fu is strong enough to find GPU benches and comparisons, but not actual builds featuring them.

 

[Meatpuppet]

Ok, so HP are a bunch of muppets, and after repeatedly screwing up my order, holding my money after declining an initial order etc etc, have announced they can't make the ship date!

I am in NYC for a few days only over the weekend - is there anywhere I could get a good deal on a similar laptop to the HP dv6t in a physical store? Prices in the UK seem relatively expensive.

EDIT: Alternately, something non-custom that would be shipped by Friday if ordered tomorrow eg something off amazon or similar?

 

[gdt]

Ok, so HP are a bunch of muppets, and after repeatedly screwing up my order, holding my money after declining an initial order etc etc, have announced they can't make the ship date!

I am in NYC for a few days only over the weekend - is there anywhere I could get a good deal on a similar laptop to the HP dv6t in a physical store? Prices in the UK seem relatively expensive.

Apparently there've been some problems with getting parts from Japan, so alot of orders (like, all) were being delayed. Though in the last week or two things've been picking up, where April orders are moving and getting shipped. I ordered mine 8 days ago, hopefully it makes it's shipping date of 5/11.

Don't know about any local deals though. Good luck.

 

[Meatpuppet]

Apparently there've been some problems with getting parts from Japan, so alot of orders (like, all) were being delayed. Though in the last week or two things've been picking up, where April orders are moving and getting shipped. I ordered mine 8 days ago, hopefully it makes it's shipping date of 5/11.

Don't know about any local deals though. Good luck.

Yeah unfortunately I'm only stateside briefly for a wedding, and I placed the order under the assumption that a weeks leeway on the estimated ship date would be enough time to put things together. Sadly not.

Had a quick browse on the US amazon but not really sure any of the laptops there are great options.

Edit: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00405WVVW/?tag=neogaf0e-20 any thoughts?

 

[MNC]

So my current/last laptop had its videocard fried. After 2,5 years it kicked the bucket, so I'm looking around for a new laptop. Something that can do medium-end gaming (price related) but it's primarily a school laptop (IT studies, software engineering) Price range is 500-700€.

So I have a few questions.

How much better is a ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470 over a ATI Radeon HD6370?
Where do the NVIDIA® GeForce® 310M and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 rank with the two aforementioned cards?

» 15.6"
» Intel C i3-350M Processor
» 500 GB
» 4GB
» ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470
649€. Good deal? What kind of gaming can this rig do? It's an Asus A52JB.

 

[K.Jack]

ETA?

My brother is almost biting his fingers off in anticipation, nails won´t do it for him anymore, hehe.

He wants "just" wants a 14"/15" (if possible sub 1000€, man, desktops are so much cheaper) notebook that can run older games and will run recent games well enough to not feel like the money is wasted.

I can´t really help him, my search-fu is strong enough to find GPU benches and comparisons, but not actual builds featuring them.

I'm going to need your help, on international suggestions. I'm not well versed on what store and online shopping options are available to you guys over there.

Can I get a list?

 

[Quixzlizx]

So my current/last laptop had its videocard fried. After 2,5 years it kicked the bucket, so I'm looking around for a new laptop. Something that can do medium-end gaming (price related) but it's primarily a school laptop (IT studies, software engineering) Price range is 500-700€.

So I have a few questions.

How much better is a ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470 over a ATI Radeon HD6370?
Where do the NVIDIA® GeForce® 310M and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 rank with the two aforementioned cards?

» 15.6"
» Intel C i3-350M Processor
» 500 GB
» 4GB
» ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470
649€. Good deal? What kind of gaming can this rig do? It's an Asus A52JB.

I believe the 5730 is much better than the 310M and 5470. The latter two are around SB integrated gfx level.

 

[K.Jack]

The 5730 destroys then ultra low-end chips.

Also, please note than the 6370 is just a renamed 5470. There's no difference.

 

[MNC]

Good to know... The prices are quite different.

What about processors?

Is i3 low end? Like, an Nvidia 9400 is newer than a 8800, but the 8800 is much faster. Is the i3 new but worse than a core2duo?

Actually... Is there a benchmark site anywhere? I tried hardware.info but I got 404'd.