Inverse Logic

Can i get some feedback on:

http://www.compusa.com/applications/Sea ... CatId=4939

What I'm really interested in are the graphics and if they would be any better than what I have now:

I currently have a Dell Vostro 1014 laptop that comes equipped with an integrated base model Intel HD graphics card (I think). If I load and play EQ on the laptop, in general graphics are fine with no lag if I have spell effects off, far clip turned down, etc. However, the issue comes in that I hate trying to play on a small laptop screen so I have the laptop connected via VGA port to an external monitor. (This laptop *ONLY* has a VGA port)

This is where hell cometh.

For some batty reason, I get pretty huge video-card induced lag when switching to the external monitor. To minimize as much lag as possible, I have to play EQ in full screen on the external monitor, have the video settings in EQ set to match the recommended video settings of the monitor (1280x1024) and have video feed to the laptop turned off. I also have to shut down every possible particle, spell, etc effect in game.

Even so, I get SIGNIFICANT video lag on the laptop and can't explain why. The only thing I can think of is the laptop is native widescreen (1360x768?) versus the external monitor being 1280x1024. Either that, or the video card that came with the laptop is meant for spreadsheets only and is just complete gaming crap.

I do not want to throw down an additional $700 on a new laptop and end up in the same boat. If someone knows why I'm getting the huge video lag I'm currently getting and it can be fixed I'll stay as is. If the computer I have linked is as equally crappy I will continue my search.

Thanks,

T.

The CPU in that laptop: http://ark.intel.com/products/53450/Int ... -2_40-GHz)

Notably -
Processor Graphics ----------- Intel® HD Graphics 3000


When you connect your monitor to your laptop, there's a few things going on:
1) VGA isn't a great connection type and isn't meant for high resolutions. If 1280x1024 is a higher resolution than what you normaly have on your laptop's screen, then your laptop's GPU will be pushed harder. When hooking up external monitors to laptops you rarely want to play in a resolution equal to (or even less) than your laptop's native resolution
2) Keep those effects turned off like you have them. Since EQ is a game we play for extended periods of time in one sitting, you are going to want to keep your temps down on the laptop. Intel CPUs will throttle themselves (slow themselves down) if they get too hot, in order to protect the chip from seriously overheating. That can sometimes happen and reduce performance in games.
3) If you're going to play a game on a PC that uses any 3D graphics (most everything from the past decade) you honestly want a discreted (non-integrated) graphics solution - even if it's just a cheap one. You'll never get equal performance with integrated graphics.

Is there any chance you could invest in a micro ATX tower desktop or a laptop with a discrete GPU? For example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6834246214