i'm looking at getting a new laptop...my 14.1" toshiba is getting on in years (just over 3) and while it was top of the line a few years back, it's about time for a change

i've got the basic specs figured out in terms of what i want, and i can upgrade components accordingly (sodimm is cheap, as are hard drives)...screen size will be no more than 14" wide...i'm thinking no less than 2ghz, but if the price is right, i might go as low as 1.8ghz

now, here is my question - what do i want in terms of graphics? i'd LIKE to be able to play oblivion on it (a good benchmark, IMO)...shader model version is the determining factor in whether or not it'll run, but of course the actual quality of the card is important on whether it'll run WELL

what should i even be looking for? i've never owned or even USED a laptop with dedicated graphics, and i'm sure it adds a lot to the price, but i don't know jack about what i'm looking for...what are decent graphics cards in laptops? will it be worth it, even? i'm not looking for a desktop replacement, and as oblivion is fairly old at this point, i wouldn't think that stipulation would require a super-expensive, super-high end computer...am i wrong?

i'm trying to keep this sub-$1200 (which may be unreasonable)...there are plenty of pre-configured laptops from CC/BB that would suit my needs save for the video requirement (i think)...suggestions?

also, on a related note, is anyone doing the 12/18 months no interest thing? i CAN pay for it outright, but i'm always looking for another chance to increase my credit rating...just not at the expense of interest

[Edited on January 17, 2008 at 10:27 PM. Reason : .]

1/17/2008 10:21:19 PM

Oblivion is still one of the most demanding engines, specially with HDR.

For that price range in a small laptop, you'll end up with amd 2600 or nvidia 8400's. Here's a list of their 8 series M and 2600 series:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_8M.html
http://ati.amd.com/products/hdseriesmob.html

You could also look at an asus laptop like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220240

1/18/2008 12:30:05 AM

Oblivion only requires shader model 2, you might want to consider a card that has shader model 3, as there are bound to be several games you'll want to play in the upcoming years that will require it. Currently there are only 2 games that are worth playing that require it: Bioshock and DiRT.

1/18/2008 7:39:29 AM

^You mean a card that has shader model 4.0. I wouldn't spend money on an old 3.0 card.

1/18/2008 3:24:20 PM