Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Hootsmon]

I come begging for more help about choosing a laptop.

I've (pretty much) decided to invest in a new laptop considering my current, rather old one is beginning to self destruct.

I'm willing to spend up to about 800,000won, if necessary. I don't need top of the line (so steering clear of Apples) but, if I'm going to spend money, I want to make sure I get something that can do most things, including play a few games (don't have to be on top graphic settings).

Anyway, my real problem is that I don't have a clue what anything means these days. When I used to know about computers, everything was simple, like Pentium whatever, 3 gigahertz. That was all I needed to know. Now everything seems to be in code - processors are just listed with numbers and letters, not their speed or anything.

Considering that I don't really have the time (or will) to learn everything, I was hoping some kind person would advise me on what to look out for. Any suggestions on particular processors or graphic cards I should keep an eye out for in that budget? I'm guessing a dual processor is a good idea, but do they only come in less-than-2Ghz size (which was what I used to see 3 years ago - they haven't improved since then)?

I know this is a bit of a general question but I'm a bit of a simple guy. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I don't want to waste my money on the wrong model, like last time!

Thanks muchly.

[eamo]

The CPU you want is a C2D (Core 2 Duo).....yes, they are usually only 2.xx ghz, but that's for TWO processors on one chip......double the power of the old Pentiums.

For playing HD video, you should get a C2D over 2.0ghz

Here's a comparison of laptop graphics cards...
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html
At your budget, you'll be at the lower end!!

2Gb of 800mhz RAM and you're all set.

[Hootsmon]

[eamo]

Yeah. Gaming on laptops is an expensive business.

To play the current games at even medium settings, you might find yourself spending 1.4mill.....or more.

That laptop GPU chart I linked? You'll need a graphics card in the top 40 of that to have any chance with the current games. Foe example, the NVIDIA GeForce GT 240M would be the minimum needed.

Either accept that you won't be able to play the more intensive games and get an 800,000 laptop.....or....get a desktop for 800,000, plus 300,000 for 24'' monitor, and be absolutely rocking!

[Hootsmon]

Thanks mate...looks like my budget may have increased to about 1.2 Mil so I'll have to think about it some more...

I do most of my gaming on the Xbox 360, so I'm not too worried about being able to play all the latest games. However, some games don't come out for Xbox, or are more fun on a PC, so would be nice to be able to play those.

I used to always use a desktop but, sadly, it isn't really an option for me. Apart from the fact I need to take my computer to work, I also use it in my living room while watching TV and don't have the room for a desktop in here. So, laptop it is.

Thanks again for the advice...I'll take that list of graphics cards when I go computer shopping so I can check where the graphics card stands.

Oh, and while I'm asking advice, any advice on which building in Yongsan is best for laptop computers? I know about the different buildings (the games alley area, the plaza building for computer parts, etc) but not sure where offers the best deals on laptops.

[eamo]

I've never owned a laptop or even went shopping for one....I've no idea where is good. Apart from seeing hundreds of laptops on one floor of the main Yongsan building....the one connected to the train station by the sky-tunnel.