Vista 2G

[zeeter]

Will it work? I believe vista 2gig is the minimum requirements, but you know how that goes with minimums. Plus it's a laptop and games aren't necessarily made for laptops. I'm not able to run hearts of iron 3 on it.

I was planning on getting a new laptop sooner or later anyway. Any recommendations that I should look for? I'm not planning on getting an ultimate laptop; just the basics.

 

[Sjru]

So, you want help regarding what laptop you should look after, or if the game will run on your current one?

Depending on the specs, 2 gb RAM isn't that bad, Civ5 is more CPU dependant rather than anything else.
Vista is a bad OS however and is ineffective (Comparing with 7) as it chews moar RAM. It may leave you with 1,2 gb of RAM free without anything else.
It just means that the game would need to use virtual RAM to function more, but in small maps it might not be needed.

So, regarding your new laptop; first make sure it's a dual core, at least 2 ghz dual core, doesn't matter if its ATI or Intel (Intel are however more expensive). For a video card, you have to choose one that is either ATI or Nvidia, if it's an intel video graphic for mobile you MIGHT have problems, since they're troublemakers.

However for you, if possible for a gaming machine I would recommend a PC computer rather than a laptop, unless neccesary, since PC are way easier to update and repair, that of course if you don't mind sitting in the same place. It's also way much cheaper get a gaming PC than a gaming laptop, but overall, most newer laptops run Civ5 on medium or minimum just fine. Just make sure it's not a bargain laptop and you're set.

 

[zeeter]

Good advice. Getting a PC is really not an option at this point. It's nice to be able to move the laptop from room to room, plus I really only ever use it for work. Civ5 is the only game I'd be playing on it, so I can't justify going really expensive.

I'll hold off. I was hoping that maybe it would run ok on my current laptop but it doesn't sound like it.

Best Buy has eMachines, but just the sound of that name gives me shivers. Maybe they're quite good but it sound like someone built them in his basement. I'll stick with Dell or HP.

 

[Maniacal]

eMachines is, iirc, a cheaply made brand. You're better off buying from a good store like Newegg than Best Buy anyway (or at least shop around for a good price, and never take your computer to the "Geek" Squad, they usually don't know what they are doing).

 

[zeeter]

I'm pretty good with computers. Anything I can't fix geeksquad couldn't either. I'll check out Newegg, or order online direct.