Need advice about buying a laptop?

I'm looking into buy a laptop, i actually already have a pretty good computer at home but i'm always working late in Uni so laptop is needed.


I need it to run 3D programmes smoothly, and image processors like photoshop for example which shouldnt be a problem i guess..


Also, I will be playing a lot of games on it too, but i don't want my laptop to be a purely gaming laptop since most of my time is not really spent on Games during Uni. ^_^





So my problem is that, other than RAMs and Hardrive space, i have no idea how to buy a laptop. i don't know what video card is 'good', and i don't actually understand the things on the brouchures.


I understand that sometimes, some aspect of a laptop is not advertised because it's not good or nothing outstanding, so is there like a set of things i should look for when buying a laptop?





Thanks in AdvanceNeed advice about buying a laptop?
Hey





it seems that you use computer for roughly the same purposes as I do.


Here are things I look for when buying a laptop:





this is not the minimum required, but this is what I'd buy:





-at least 2.0 ghz to 2.4ghz core 2 duo


-2Gb Ram to 4Gb


-256MB to 512 MB graphic card (perhaps the GeForce 8600 series)


-WXGA+ to WUXGA(true HD) screen (check wikipedia for differences)


-any decent sound card





Since you use it for designing, maybe you should consider buying good graphic card, screen, and RAMNeed advice about buying a laptop?
For games (my favorite) buy a laptop with atleast 2.0 or 4.0 GHz microprocessor. Look for Vista Home Premium. It should have nVidia GeForce 9800 (recommended, latest, but expensive). Otherwise look for at least another one with 9 or minimum 8 series. Buy one with 3 or 4 GB RAM, at least. For gaming, look for 250 GB or more hard disk space. Altec Lansing speakers, with Dolby 5.1 Surround compatible.
good image processors, that will be mac. but you said u play games too, so mac is a NO for you because most games only run on windows platform. ASUS m50 series will suit you. though expensive but not overpriced for its tech specs aat all. overall looks good too. go for it. i assure you that it will be wonderful
If you want a lighter, more portable laptop, go with a 15 inch or smaller screen. If you want a lot of graphics and cpu power it will likely be cheaper to go with a bigger laptop, such as a 17 inch or bigger screen.





Look for laptops with a non-integrated video card. These will be the brand ATI or NVIDIA. Any other brand graphics card, (such as intel) and it is most likely integrated, and therefor slower.





You will also want at least 2 gb of memory and a good sized hard drive, I would say at least 120 gb.





Don't waste you're money on extended batteries unless you will be traveling alot. If you are going to play games you will have to be plugged in, or the battery will die quickly.





I would recommend a good wireless mouse to go with your laptop, as touch pads are a pain to use for more that a short time.





You should be able to get a decent laptop that will do what you want for a little more than $1000. Shop around at all the electronic stores, like Best Buy, Circuit City, Staples, etc.





If you are afraid of breaking your laptop, or having it stolen you may want to get an extended warranty, but they can be expensive. Look for a moderately priced business range laptop. They are generally higher quality and have better warranties. I have seen some pretty good deals on Asus, Acer, and some less expensive Sony laptops. Dells are ok if you get a business class.