What graphics can I get away with for Oblivion !

kevpuk · 9 Sep 2010 at 15:34

Looking to get a small & light laptop (really, 13" or smaller) with long battery life important. Realistically, a decent dual-core (i3/i5) is likely, as I have will need power from time to time, but wondering if I can get away with the latest iterations of onboard/integrated gfx.

Actually, all I will need the gfx to be capable of is HD playback (which I gather most modern chips are capable of with little effort) for AVCHD clips et al., and *very* occasional gaming - read: Oblivion is the only game I have, oh, and Prey

So, I have quite a shortlist growing, but am kinda wondering what minimum gfx I will need for Oblivion. Some reports suggest that the GMA4500HD may well be sufficient (@ 1366x768 or similar) without hideous compromise.....or perhaps some of the earlier ATi gfx (4330 or such like ?).

Would appreciate some thoughts, and - even better - actual framerate/detail information if anyone has this ?

Thing is, really, it is hard to justify the scary amount more cash for many *decent* dedicated gfx (and the associated battery life droop) for only occasional gaming......but, if I have to, then will

I like the look of one of the Acer TimelineX 3820TG, for example) or perhaps a hp Envy, but figure I might be able to avoid spending quite so much......

kevpuk · 9 Sep 2010 at 23:21

Good words, thanks

Won't go Atom route at all, really do want to have CPU power on tap for certain uses....

Still, there is also the imminent Asus Bamboo

kevpuk · 10 Sep 2010 at 11:04

Yup, Bamboo seems to be a really good mix.....small, light, decent battery, optical drive (!) and reasonable gaming potential (i.e. sufficient for the odd quick fix of Oblivion !)

kevpuk · 10 Sep 2010 at 11:53

Raikiri said:

What's the battery like ? How does the 5450 actually perform......meaning - in your experience - would it run Oblivion ?

kevpuk · 10 Sep 2010 at 12:48

Raikiri said:
Gaming you'll pretty much get the standard 1.5-2.5 hours, it's the same with any laptop though. Web browsing and such is more like 6.5.

Runs CoD4 fine at 1366x768, medium settings. I've not tried oblivion.

The only one I can think of that comes very close to your requirements is the Acer Aspire 4820TG:

Core i5
4GB
500GB
5650
14" (Slim)
Up to 12 hour battery

But it's £900.

Wow, 6.5hrs is good - as for gaming, well it really will be occasional. Time to look at the DM4 a little closer too

Yup, the 4820TG (with 5650) is arguably perfect, but no-one seems to actually have that model in stock yet....lots of other variants of the 4820TG only. Then again, was kinda hoping to keep below 14".....meh, not easy !