Laptop recommendations?

[Mahilum]

<p>My home computer is actually an iMac with Vista Boot Camped.  I have been looking for a good gaming laptop and I can spend approximately $3k on it.  I'm not too tech savvy so if you could provide some details that would be great.</p><p>Thanks.</p>

[mehtuus]

I got my laptop for $1399.99 from the Costco in my area. They have the best return policy anywhere in the industry. It is a HP Pavilion dv233cl [ <a href="http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3340263&" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...ct=3340263&</a> ] and it has great performance while playing EQ2. Specs page here: [ <a href="http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00852648&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3340263" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...product=3340263</a> ]. <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Product Name</b></span> - dv9233cl <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Product Number</b></span> - RP249UA#ABA <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Microprocessor</b></span> - 1.66 GHz Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology featuring Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5500 <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Microprocessor Cache</b></span> - 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Memory</b></span> - 2048MB DDR2 (2 Dimm) (separate from video ram) <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Video Graphics</b></span> - NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Video Memory</b></span> - Discrete 256MB (dedicated video ram) <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Hard Drive</b></span> - 240GB 5400RPM Hard Drive Dual HDD - 120GB x 2 (SATA) <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Multimedia Drive</b></span> - LightScribe Super Multi 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Display</b></span> - 17.0" WXGA+ High-Definition BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900) <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Fax/Modem</b></span> - High speed 56k modem <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Network Card</b></span> - Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector) <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Wireless Connectivity</b></span> - Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Multimedia Features</b></span> - HP Imprint Finish & HP Pavilion WebCam with Integrated Microphone <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Sound</b></span> - Altec Lansing <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Keyboard</b></span> <ul><li>Notebook keyboard with scroll bar and integrated numeric keypad</li><li>2 Quick Launch Buttons-HP Quick Play Music and DVD</li></ul><span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Pointing Device</b></span> - Touch Pad with On/Off button and dedicated vertical scroll Up/Down pad <b><span style="color: #ffcc00">PC Card Slots</span> </b>- 1 ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34) <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>External Ports</b></span> <ul><li>5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards</li><li>4 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0</li><li> 1 Headphone out w/SPDIF Digital Audio</li><li>1 microphone-in; 1 HDMI</li><li> 1 VGA (15-pin)</li><li>1 TV-Out (S-video)</li><li>1 RJ-11 (modem)</li><li>1 RJ -45 (LAN)</li><li>1 Expansion Port 3, 1 IEEE 1394 Firewire (4-pin)</li><li>1 Consumer IR (Remote Receiver) </li></ul> <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Dimensions</b></span> - 15.16 (L) x 11.65" (min W) x 1.57" (max H) <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Weight</b></span> - 7.8lbs <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Security</b></span> <ul><li>Kensington® MicroSaver lock slot</li><li>Power-on password</li><li>Accepts 3rd party security lock devices </li></ul> <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>Power</b></span> <ul><li>90W AC Adapter </li><li>8-Cell Lithium-Ion battery </li></ul> <span style="color: #ffcc00"><b>What's In The Box</b></span> <ul><li>Mobile Stereo Earbud Headphones (1 pair)</li><li>HP ExpressCard Remote Control</li></ul> However, by the time you read this you will prolly be able to find one that is even more updated. You could also go the Dell XPS route or Alienware and get a laptop that has even better performance. $$ permitting.

[Mahilum]

What settings do you run with this notebook?  Does it overheat?  It looks like a great deal for the price.