"Gaming" Netbook

BlairH · 3 Apr 2011 at 20:12

Hey guys,

I'm on the lookout for a "gaming" notebook in the 11 inch or so form factor. I don't really have a budget as such, but I'd like it to be able to play most modern games at fair/moderate settings.

I believe Alienware will be launching an "R3" revision of the M11x at some point in the near future. Sadly, I've never really held Alienware products in particularly high regard, especially now that they have they're owned and operated by Dell. Is there anything from any of the other manufacturers, offering decent performance and portability in 3D applications?

For reference, my expectations are well managed. I don't expect this thing to be able to play -say- ARMA II with everything on full. That's just an impossibility when dealing with the 11 inch form factor, but I'd definitely be looking for something that could make a decent attempt at it. Switchable graphics are a must (so as to balance graphical grunt with battery life)

Does such a product exist?

Tythus · 3 Apr 2011 at 20:40

Closest I have seen is a 13.3 inch ASUS U31JG-RX092V
Or for a larger one at 15 Inches ASUS G53Jw

joxang · 3 Apr 2011 at 20:44

Is size or weight more important to you? If the latter, you could look at the Sony ultraportable line. Vaio Z 13 for instance: horribly expensive if buying new, but the most graphics bang for your buck w/ i5 or i7. Weighs the same as a netbook.

The ASUS 13 inchers above are probably the next best solution.

Raikiri · 3 Apr 2011 at 20:49

Unfortunately for you the Alienware is probably the best bet, however, somewhat ironically I guess there is one other option at 11.6"... that's the new MBA.

If you really don't have a budget the Sony Z series is ridiculously powerful and only 13", but very pricey.

drakioned · 3 Apr 2011 at 22:20

How comes you're not particularly impressed by Alienware? I mean, okay, they're not a cut above the rest, whereas perhaps at some point, they used to be. That's no reason to rule them out though.

I have a m11x R1... it does a credible job gaming.

Marvin · 4 Apr 2011 at 00:26

The M11X is actually nice, and Dell aren't that bad. Sure, some of their cheaper stuff can be a little nasty, but their premium stuff is generally high quality. I had the R1 M11X, and the only thing I really wished it had was a slightly faster CPU, the GPU has plenty of oomph, but the CPU holds it back in some games. Battery life was great, ~5 hours on Intel GPU mode doing web browsing/programming with the brightness high. If it wasn't for the fact that I needed a larger screen for programming, I'd still be using it.