Help me build a poker laptop

[Luke]

So I'm sick of overlap when I 4-table so I'm going buy a laptop (yes I have to have a laptop) with a bit better monitor but pretty basic everything else.

I'm looking at the Dell Inspiron 8600 with a 15.4 inch wide screen and a 128 MB video card which has a resolution of 1200 x 1600 (the best available for this model).

There's also a built in Network card which I assume will work with my Lynksys wireless network.

I think I'll be able to get at least 4 tables with no overlap.

How does that sound? Anything else I should consider?

Thanks in advance,

Luke

[MowrMowr]

You will be very happy with that choice. The only other option really is upgrading to the 9200 which has the 17" screen. And, yes, the builtin wireless will work fine with your linksys.

[Luke]

Thanks!

There's no other features that I really need to be concerned with for multitabling, correct? (I am not all that tech savy)...

Luke

[BubbleBoy]

Get plenty of memory, especially if you use PokerTracker and either PlayerView or GameTime View+.

[MowrMowr]

Agreed...extra memory will help if you're running a bunch of stuff, but you can always add that later (for much cheaper) if you find you need it.

[emonrad87]

[ QUOTE ]
Agreed...extra memory will help if you're running a bunch of stuff, but you can always add that later (for much cheaper) if you find you need it.

[/ QUOTE ]


It isnt that much cheaper for laptops. Certainly not as big of a difference as it is for desktops.

[RollaJ]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Agreed...extra memory will help if you're running a bunch of stuff, but you can always add that later (for much cheaper) if you find you need it.

[/ QUOTE ]


It isnt that much cheaper for laptops. Certainly not as big of a difference as it is for desktops.

[/ QUOTE ]

It is about half price for the ram if you buy it after mkt. Get the min (256) and buy a 512 stick to add giving you 768, that will be fine. you dont even really need the 128mb video, I have 64 and never lag while playing (and I only have the 1.5 ghz processor

[BubbleBoy]

What online places would you recommend for added desktop memory btw? Thanks.

[Luke]

I was going to get 512 with one dimm (which leaves one open for a stick down the road if necessary, correct?)

Or should I just get 1 gig of memory?

I decided on the 17inch 9200 by the way and I plan to run 2 poker programs (2 party skins) but NOT pokertracker while i play.

Thanks,

Luke

[stoxtrader]

crucial.com is good for memory.

its a unit of micron I believe.

I have a 100$ off coupon at DELL, If anyone wants it, sale price is negotiable.

best,
stox.

[Nightwish]

In my experience, there is a big difference between 1 GB and 512 MB, so upgrade to the most you can afford.

Why are you going to run 2 Party skins? Are you getting an extra monitor?

[RollaJ]

If you dont mind spending an extra 100 that go for 1 gig of ram (512 from dell and 512 after mkt). Ive used crucial.com, www.18004memory.com (http://www.18004memory.com), and new egg.com. All have been fine, so just search for price.

[ctv1116]

Yea, I've got a 50 cent coupon for a Wheaties cereal box. Bidding starts at 25 cents.

[MowrMowr]

[ QUOTE ]
If you dont mind spending an extra 100 that go for 1 gig of ram (512 from dell and 512 after mkt). Ive used crucial.com, www.18004memory.com (http://www.18004memory.com), and new egg.com. All have been fine, so just search for price.

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed. I buy from newegg.com all the time, and the service is impeccable. Stick with namebrands like Crucial or Kingston...it's worth it for a few extra bucks.

[MowrMowr]

Also, make sure you get 1x512MB when you order the laptop, not 2x256MB. This way you can add a 512MB chip later if you find you need it, whereas if you get 2x256MB you can only do 512+256=768.

[MicroBob]

All this memory talk is COMPLETELY foreign to me.
I don't even know what memory my computer has (Dell Inspiron 5100).

It seems to run decently most of the time with an external-monitor, multi-tabling, pokertracker updating every 2 mins and gametime+.
Although it does get a bit slower after extended use....pokertracker is definitely a resource-hog.
and I previously couldn't run absolute and another site without MAJOR resource problems...although I saw a thread that AP supposedly fixed that.
Since I don't have much desire to play AP I don't really care a whole lot about that anyway....just explaining a couple of situations where I have slow-downs.


Anyway, if my computer seems to be doing okay (for the most part) I suspect there isn't any real benefit to taking it to the shop for additional memory is there?


regarding the original question:
1600x1200 will allow you to play without overlap.
Getting an external monitor as well is nice though.
You can have 4 tables going on monitor while having 2+2 or e-mail or pokertracker up on the other monitor.
Obviously you can detach the external monitor if you feel like taking your laptop with you over to the couch or to the wireless internet-coffee place or wherever.
But at your desk it's a nice add-on.

[Luke]

In general, thanks to everyone who offered suggestions.

After listening to suggestions hear and speaking to some friends, I ended up getting a little better machine than I initially intended, but that's just fine. I went with the 9200 with the 17 inch wide screen, 1 gig of memory and a 2 Gig, 755 processor.

Why are you going to run 2 Party skins?

Essentially to play more than 4 tables.

I think with the larger screen I will be able to play 4 tables with no overlap, 6 tables with little to no overlap (hence the 2nd part skin) but I'm thinking 8 tables will be a little cluttered - which is ok because I don't plan on playing that many anwyay.

Are you getting an extra monitor?

I don't plan on it.

Luke

[stinkypete]

[ QUOTE ]
Also, make sure you get 1x512MB when you order the laptop, not 2x256MB. This way you can add a 512MB chip later if you find you need it, whereas if you get 2x256MB you can only do 512+256=768.

[/ QUOTE ]

bad idea. it's slower when you only have 1 stick in there.

[o0mr_bill0o]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Also, make sure you get 1x512MB when you order the laptop, not 2x256MB. This way you can add a 512MB chip later if you find you need it, whereas if you get 2x256MB you can only do 512+256=768.

[/ QUOTE ]

bad idea. it's slower when you only have 1 stick in there.

[/ QUOTE ]

i know i'm not as big of a computer geek as i used to be... but that one's new to me. is this a dell laptop specific problem maybe? because i've never heard of that, and it really seems like that wouldn't be the case.

[WarDekar]

I got an awesome Compaq Presario R3000Z, it was $1500. It has an AMD 64-bit CPU with 512 memory, 40 GB HD, nice vid-card with dual monitor support (so I can 8-table, of course), built in wireless, all the good stuff. Max resolution of 1920x1200 (widescreen - nice for DVDs)so I can fit 4 plus have a side bar for a buddy list, IMs, etc. CHeck it out it's a good buy.

[MowrMowr]

[ QUOTE ]
I think with the larger screen I will be able to play 4 tables with no overlap, 6 tables with little to no overlap (hence the 2nd part skin) but I'm thinking 8 tables will be a little cluttered - which is ok because I don't plan on playing that many anwyay.

[/ QUOTE ]

You will not have fun with anymore than 4 tables on a 1600 x 1200 unless you're used to overlap and it doesn't bother you. You may want to use Microsoft's virtual desktop program though, downloadable here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

That will allow you to play 4 tables on 2 different 'virtual screens' at the same time which you can switch between easily

[MowrMowr]

[ QUOTE ]
i know i'm not as big of a computer geek as i used to be... but that one's new to me. is this a dell laptop specific problem maybe? because i've never heard of that, and it really seems like that wouldn't be the case.

[/ QUOTE ]

He's right...a lot of the newer DDR memory is dual-channel compatible, which means when they are installed in pairs they will run at twice the speed. So 2 x 256 @400 Mhz will run like 512 @ 800 Mhz, which is something I completely forgot about.

[BusterStacks]

you dont need to upgrade the video card to get that resolution.

[RollaJ]

[ QUOTE ]

You will not have fun with anymore than 4 tables on a 1600 x 1200 unless you're used to overlap and it doesn't bother you. You may want to use Microsoft's virtual desktop program though, downloadable here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

That will allow you to play 4 tables on 2 different 'virtual screens' at the same time which you can switch between easily

[/ QUOTE ]

What a great program, seems like a pain for playing over 4 games, but great for other things

[Mr_J]

How is it 8 tabling on the same monitor? Might save me getting a 2nd monitor (and 3rd screen).

[RollaJ]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

You will not have fun with anymore than 4 tables on a 1600 x 1200 unless you're used to overlap and it doesn't bother you. You may want to use Microsoft's virtual desktop program though, downloadable here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

That will allow you to play 4 tables on 2 different 'virtual screens' at the same time which you can switch between easily

[/ QUOTE ]

What a great program, seems like a pain for playing over 4 games, but great for other things

[/ QUOTE ]

I dont like it as much as when I first looked at it. Seems all windows stay on all toolbars, and UB games pop up no matter what screen you are looking at /images/graemlins/frown.gif