Haha I'm still playing since my last post....I'm minimized right now.  I'm in a huge 102 planet map and I'm still inside my own system with one AI down.  8 to go!!

(JK, I haven't played the game in a few months ) [haha couldnt resist]

-Phal

Double posting sorry!

For a second I thought you were talking to me haha, cause that's my real name haha...scared me!! (you stalker!) haha jk jk (keep that on the downlow though :-p)

:)  Haha, np. Take care and play a game when you get a chance!!  Its still a lot of fun, even when the Vasari are beating on me and the Tec's got me outflanked, im still having a good time. 

I just whipped up an invisible mod, and bombarded them with my invisible phased ships!! 

-Teal

I'M JUSTIN THE ONE AND ONLY!!!!!

Who who dares cary this name must ptove his worth....

I don't understand idiot....cary? ptove?

Think I just proved my worth to carry this name...

Hehe I'm joshing with ya :-p

he he he!

One day Justin's will rule the world!

Justin is derived from the Eastern Roman Empire's Emporer...Emporer Justinian...hmmm ------>

thus the statement...WE SHALL RULE THE WORLD +_+. And I shall make Teal my queen (if memory serves me right...)( if not I'll go choose one of those Advent psionic women +_+).

*strips without even touching his clothes* now that comes in handy in more ways than one

looool j/k

i got the specs on an HP at BestBuy and wondered what this would be like compared to the entry level one? Of course its almost twice the cost, its $699.

-Teal

HP - Pavilion Laptop with AMD Turion™ X2 RM-72 Dual-Core Mobile Processor - Bronze/Chrome

Model: dv7-1245dx | SKU: 9166635

Customer Reviews:  4.3 Read reviews (118)

Product Features

• AMD Turion™ X2 RM-72* dual-core mobile processor for true multicore processing
  HyperTransport™ 3.0, AMD PowerNow!™ and AMD CoolCore™ technologies to extend battery life; improved security with Enhanced Virus Protection.**
• 4GB DDR2 memory
  For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
• Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
  Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible media; also supports LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible LightScribe media.
• 17" WXGA+ high-definition widescreen display
  With BrightView technology and 1440 x 900 resolution showcases your movies and games in stunning clarity.
• 320GB SATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
  Offers spacious storage options and fast read/write times.
• ATI RADEON HD 3200 graphics RS780M
  Features up to 1918MB shared graphics memory for lush images. HDMI interface for additional connecting options. SRS Premium sound with built-in speakers.
• Quick Launch buttons
  Put your media within easy reach. HP mobile remote included.
• Built-in HP Pavilion webcam with microphone
  Makes it easy to chat with and send video mail to family and friends.
• 5-in-1 digital media reader
  Supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card.
• 4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
  For fast digital video, audio and data transfer. 1 eSATA/USB combo port.
• Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g)
  Wirelessly connect to the Internet.
• Built-in 10/100Base-T Ethernet LAN
  With RJ-45 connector and V.92 high-speed data/fax modem delivers flexible wired Web connectivity options.
• Expansion port 3
  Allows additional expansion options.
• Weighs 7.8 lbs. and measures just 1.7" thin
  For portable power.
• Good battery life
  Of up to 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• HP Intersect Imprint bronze and chrome finish
  Features an argyle-like pattern for a sleek look.
• ENERGY STAR compliance
  Assures a high standard of energy efficiency.
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled
  For a stable platform from which to launch games, programs and applications.
• Software package included
  With HP MediaSmart, Microsoft Works, muvee Reveal, Cyberlink DVD Suite and more. 60-day trial of Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition and 60-day trial of Norton Internet Security 2009 also included.
• AMD, AMD Arrow logo, AMD Turion, AMD PowerNow!, HyperTransport and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
  
  *Model number indicates relative mobility and performance among this AMD processor class.

  

   

• **AMD's Enhanced Virus Protection provides additional protection against buffer overflow viruses. AMD and its partners strongly recommend you continue to use third-party anti-virus software as part of your total security solution.

teal, the extra ram and hdd with assumed larger screen and 64bit windows would point me in the direction of this one as the first was only 2gb ram 250gb hdd ,but you are the one to make the final decision

harpo

I would go in this way to!

but 320GB is NOT enough...at least for my needs..you might need a lot less!

A little down would be only 4 usb ports..but since its upgradeable then I say!

YES!

I don't get the overheating arguement, only two kinds of laptops are going to be prone to overheating.  A poorly made high-end laptop(owned one) or one you use in a strange way ie: playing wrapped in blankets, playing in a blast furnace, playing on top of the stove, etc...

Now worrying about whether or not your computer will run SOASE, with computers for gaming I always recommend you spend a few extra dollars.  If you have to save up another few hundred to get a laptop you'll be happy with it's worth it, technology is something you shouldn't try to save money on.  You can live on cheap toilet paper, cheap silverware, even cheap linens if you must.  But you buy a generic notebook that overheats, crashes or doesn't perform like you want it to, bam, you wasted your cash.

+1 for you!

Nicely said!

BTW when you say plays while wrapped in blanket..you're talking with the pc right....not the dude/gal loool!

all i can say is that if you have a laptop with a Nivdia 8400M inside then do not play SINs (or any other game) on it  or you will fry your Graphic card and motherboard.   Well known problem with all Nvidia GPUs of this type is that they overheat badly.    Pretty much everyone who has had one has had their motherboard and GPU Fry.   (its crazy...temps of the GPU can hit 100 degress C with just a screensaver running) 

If this happens to you check with your manufactuer as most have offered an extended warrenty to customers afffected by this issue.   Apparently its costing Nvida a forturne.....   as the computer manufacturers bill Nvidia for the warranty motherboard replacement.     (however it is apparently not costing them enough to issue a recall, nor fix the issue in current factory stock of this GPU model.  So you get a replacement and the same thing happens.... some people have gone through 5 GPU/Motherboards combos in a year)

hmmmm.... interesting... thank you, maybe i better look at an ati, or something other than a laptop, although i did have my heart set on a laptop. 

Well... any computer at this point would be nice, instead of using the one at school for email and posts.

Thanks for the nice info, take care,

-Teal

if you are serious about pc gaming, dont buy a laptop, you also dont seem to have a "money is not an option" approach to your options, so this only makes the problem that much worse.... you will NOT get your moneys worth for a laptop.... unless you are never home, dont get one... even if you are not home alot, bringing your computer with you increases the chances of damage or theft!

however, if you are determined to get a laptop that runs sins of a solar empire, and is cheap, my compaq presario cq50 110us laptop NEVER overheats, and it can play everything from sins to farcry 2 on low settings, and is cheap.

 Thank you for the nice info.... i will look at the compaq.  :)  And i suppose you are right about laptops in general, a desktop is always more for the money than laptops, although i was hoping to get one so i could have it for my own. When i had a desktop, i would come home and someone was always using it.  :)  Haha, well... i suppose that is to be expected.  :)  Thanks for the info and will keep looking. Saw a nice Gateway desktop, Quad for $509 at BestBuy and it has 4gb memory and a hmmm... 320 drive i think, running an ati 3200 card, i believe with 256 memory for the ati. Anyway, am still looking and crossing my fingers. Most definately getting a warranty this time, last time i was only over about a month when the motherboard died.  :(  But then again i suppose that those things happen, its just nice to have insurance.  :)

Take care and thank you again for the nice info.

-Teal

as long as you wan would be your answer

until 2 days ago i had a 5 years old laptop a dell inspiron 8600

cpu 1.7 ghz (single core)

1.5 gb -­> 2gb

ati radeon 9600 (128 mb)

i could run the game 24 h per days as long as i wanned befor overheatting

the game had a bit of spike lagging when new object apeared on the screen befor i switched to 2 GB but at 2 gb the graphic quality was at max settings and i could follow a fighter in a battle with 206 worlds in a map

my laptop overheated one time and it was when i was playing supremme commander and there was so much humidity that day that i could swim in my own bedroom and the laptop just made him self an emergency shutdown with no dmg

however this depend on your definition of overheating the laptop had the bad tendence to get to hot to be a lap-top but the systeme or performaces never suffered the heating so i could play as much as i wanned as long as i could find a surface to put it on

so as of what my experience can tell me keep away from compac and toshiba for gaming as far as i saw they use to integrate the gpu to thier mother board even ati card on most toshiba are integrated to the motherboard

for hp flip a coins and cheq the phases of the moon to know if it's a good day to buy a hp

for dell the more you pay the more likely you are to have a good systeme (keep away from the new inspiron 1525 the one i tested allmost died when i putted sins on it)

keep away from ati when buying a desktop computer you'll get wierd warning about your psu and the drivers installation will be a pain in the ***

but keep away from nvidia when buying a laptop the chip never give anyting out standing and will be out dated in a year or so (added to the overheating probleme i obviously never faced after all others i saw)

and last but most important if you are not readdy to spend for an XPS, alienware or any equivalent monster systeme from other brand you should keep away from laptop gaming

Funny story I only have a lap top and use it for all my pc needs albiet a mid range one it runs sins no problem, also i feel asleep one night while game paused and the next morning it was just fine.  I got my laptop for $500.00 usd its a toshiba satellite amd x2 athlon "dual core" intergreted ati radeon graphics, 4 gig ram and 250gig hard drive. I have not noticed any over heating issue with this model unlike my previous lap top a sony. ps I can play sins on max setings level.

guys,

just a note on overheating, if you get for bottlecaps (not beer bottles, water/soda bottles), and prop the laptop up onto them, it can help increase the airflow around the vents. This will then help alleviate any possible heat problems, plus it helps when you're using it in hot climates.

:)  Thanks very much, i picked up the compaq c60, it had good specs, well... midrange, and low price, $399 and we picked up another pc (desktop) for the family, so everyone is happy now. It runs well and the game plays well on high settings, i have 2 g of hd and a 250 drive, with wireless and it runs no problem. I have had it now almost 2 weeks, and did homework and played Sins and have done some modding.

It is wonderful!! to be able to take it with me,   :)  and i think im spoiled already!! 

Thanks for all the wonderful comments, i am thinking of getting one of those fan pads for it, :)  Just you know to make double sure. 

Take care,

-Teal

For my computer which is a Dell XPS laptop, I went ahead and bought one of those cooling pads with fans in them. I live in the south so it hot this time of year even with the AC on, Ive noticed a huge difference just 1 small fan can make with this cooling pad. I suggest you spend the money no matter what laptop you get in getting on, very helpful.

I could never in my wildest dreams recommend that anyone buy a Compaq laptop for any reason whatsoever. If you buy a Compaq, it WILL suck. No. Just no.

If you're looking for an actually good laptop, look at the Lenovo Thinkpads. Rock solid design engineering gives these things an extremely rugged chassis, long battery life, high component reliability, and they don't overheat. They just don't. Lenovo tests the units with all of the hardware maxed out on utilization and heat output, to verify that they won't overheat. They "burn-in" every single computer with a few days of rigorous usage before they send it to you -- this ensures that any components that have manufacturing defects which might cause them to putter out in short order will do so at their lab, and they will replace any defective components for free before you even lay hands on the unit. Basically, every order is filled with individual care and the components are only the best.

I do NOT work for Lenovo, a supplier, or any affiliates; I simply believe that they are the #1 best brand of laptops in existence due to their QA rigor and build quality. I own two ThinkPad X-Series laptops; one is 3.5 years old and the other is almost 2 years old, and neither one has had any problems despite being lugged around in my backpack every single day. The older laptop has retired to running 24/7 on the kitchen table as a small footprint "web surfing" machine.

Since you'll be playing Sins, I would recommend you check out the T-series or W-series thinkpads. The X-series is really small, and unfortunately the graphics chipsets on these smaller laptops are too slow for serious gaming. Your best compromise between performance and size would be a T-Series with discrete graphics (Nvidia).

EDIT: I see the OP has already bought at least one Compaq machine. I feel very sorry for you. Having been an owner of a Compaq laptop once upon a time, I have no doubt that in short order you will be cursing your decision to buy such cheap crap. The components they use have an extremely low MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure), and they are very fragile. I have repeatedly dropped both of my ThinkPads with no damage whatsoever except for a few minor chassis scratches that I rubbed out with a cloth. If you do so much as move your Compaq from place to place, it will eventually tear itself apart just from being lugged around. Hopefully after a few months you will see that you've been jipped and try another laptop manufacturer. If you can't afford the premium quality of Lenovo, try Dell - ANYTHING is better than Compaq.

Thank you for the advice, i am hoping of course that i may be the lucky one, that perhaps your situation was combination of ill conceived hardware and bad luck. I am of course a newbie to all this, so i dont really know, other than i will try not to make anything happen, but i cant stop bad manufacturing.

But will let you know, i am hoping of course to report that all is well over time.  But thank you for the concern and certainly the good faith to stand up and tell me what you think. :)  I appreciate honesty. What has made my decision for me, was the need to please several people with a limited amount of funds. I had 800 dollars and was able to get a low desktop for my family and the laptop for me. It was a decision based more on, can i do this? vs. wouldnt it be nice to have...  :)  But thank you. Take care,

-Teal