The Death of an old friend, in need of a new gaming computer

My M1730 XPS dell which has been fighting for years has finally appeared to have died this morning. I had intended to buy a new computer in the future but now i do plan on getting one earlier. I was researching computers on sites like ibuypower, but i have heard much negative news. So instead of praying that i don't get screwed over i thought i might ask out to regular users. Being a full time college student i don't have a great deal of money but i am willing to put fourth some cash. What would be considered an excellent windows 7 gaming laptop at a budget?

Having no idea about gaming laptops at all, I am just going to say that Black Friday is around the corner? and perhaps you could find a good sale then? other than that... good luck

What exactly is this budget? Give at least a ball park figure to go with.

At any rate, avoid APU systems. Get something with a dedicated GPU and CPU. Also, quad core. i5 or i7.

Can't really say much about any particular model without a price point of some sort.

Holiday sales are coming up so keeping an eye on Newegg, Amazon, or TigerDirect is a good idea if you're looking for some new hardware. It's usually the best prices on hardware released during the year because the new models are either just released or just on the horizon. I suggest holding out till at least the end of the month/beginning of next month if you can stand it. You'll likely get a better deal on nicer hardware than if you get something right now.

I have had a great deal of success going to Sam's Club and Costco buying a laptop from Sam's and a Desktop from Costco where each item was a return to stock item. Look in their cages with orange tags if they have them.

Absolutely nothing wrong with either of them just the original buyer didn't like it. Got both at a steal along with an
extended warranty.

THW

Agree with above. It can also be done with online outlets. Check the prices on refurbished electronics. They'll be slightly used, but are usually in close to brand new condition and likely only required a minor repair. You can get a great deal on some nice hardware that way.

whs said:

Here is a website where reputable companies list their current best offerings.

Cheap Laptops Deals: Find the Best Online Laptops Deals and Sales at Deals2buy.com

I saw a few interesting models in the $500 to $600 range.

But for serious gaming you should consider a desktop - maybe you can even build one yourself.

I'd agree for a home system, but a full time student would be better off with a more portable solution like a laptop. As Op is a student, I doubt the computer would be used exclusively for games and OP will likely need to be able to carry it easily or use it within limited space.

Yeah, i intend on a desk top sometime in the future, but for now i need something for traveling purposes, for on the go gaming. I have been looking at some alien ware computers but i am unsure at their durability and reliability. I do use a MacBook Pro for anything school related at the moment, and no complaints.