Looking to buy a T60 - GPU performance questions

[gerardn3]

Hi everyone.

I currently own and love a T42 ThinkPad, but due to the fact that it has a Radeon 7500 GPU, World of Warcraft does not run too well on it. For this reason, I must let it go.

I am looking to get a new ThinkPad. What I really want is for it to run World of Warcraft with silky smooth framerates. I also need the ThinkPad to be about the same size as my T42. I know ThinkPads aren't the best gaming machines, but after using a high-quality ThinkPad for 2 years, nothing else will do.

Unfortunately I am on a tight budget. I cannot spend more than $1,400.
Also, I'm not willing to buy a machine used, or from a third party vendor. It must be new from Lenovo. For under this price, the absolute best T60 I can get has a GMA950 graphic chip. How does the GMA950 compare with the Radeon 7500 as far as 3d performance, or the Radeon series in general? Does anyone have experience running WoW, or any other intensive games on a GMA950? Or does anyone have some suggestions for another model ThinkPad that would better serve my purposes? Any tips appreciated.

Thanks,
Gerard

[NJ_IT]

You can see a discussion of 'World of Warcraft' on GMA950 in X60 forum.
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=23134

FYI,
I know you don't like a third vendor,but
You can get a 2623D9U (15"XGA with X1300) under $1400, with free shipping and maybe no Tax in following site ,
http://www.costcentral.com/proddetail/L ... 9U/J49843/

[archer6]

Unfortunately I am on a tight budget. I cannot spend more than $1,400.

I have purchased many ThinkPads and like you will not buy used. When IBM/Lenovo does not have the model I want, or the wait is undetermined, I buy from a reseller. They discount the computers so the price savings is great. Here is the link to their site. They are very professional, care about their customers and do not charge sales tax. In addition I've found there prices lower than any of the other sites. Also they are IBM/Lenovo approved to sell the product. You get it in a sealed box just like from the manufacturer.

www.euclidcomputers.com

The link below lists T60 models that begin at $1180
No sales tax, free shipping.

http://www.euclidcomputers.com/frameset ... rch+laptop

Finally I don't work for them, I am simply a very satisfied customer, and they have saved me a lot of money. They carry a HUGE inventory, more than anyone else.

Archer