[CaptianT]

I was looking for a laptop recently and pretty much also only play SH3 and SH4. I settled on getting a 1440 x 900 screen resolution as the best compromise between browsing the web and playing the SH3/4 at the screen's native resolution with a medium stength notebook gpu.

Here is what I tried...

I initially purchased a 15" Dell XPS 1530 that had an 8600gt (ddr3) gpu. I was able to run SH4 with all of the sliders at about half setting and with none of the other options "ticked" off. Anything higher than this produced a slightly choppy visual performance. I was unhappy with running the game at these settings, so ended up returning the laptop.

I then purchased a refurbished 15" Dell m4400 Precision from the Dell Outlet which came with a quadro m770 (9600gt) gpu. This notebook is able to run SH4 with all sliders maxed out, and with roughly half of the options "ticked" off on the right side of the sliders. The visual performance is excellent and I am very happy with running this game with this gpu.

If my memory serves me correctly, the ATI card that you are considering is rated similar to the 8600gt (ddr3) gpu that I tried. If that is the case, you should be able to run SH4 with it (especially at the lower resolution that you desire). I guess you need to determine how much visual image/detail performance you are willing to settle with. If it were me, I would definately go with at least a 9600gt or equivalent gpu.

One other tip. In most cases, you will need to keep your notebook plugged into the electrical outlet in order to be able to play SH3/4. Otherwise, I think most notebook gpu's downclock with only the battery power. At least that is my experience with the notebooks that I own.

I hope this helps. Good luck on your notebook purchase.

Best regards.