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.

[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

[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?

[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

[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/d...powertoys.mspx

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