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Edit2: I would love to have a hexa-core cpu plus 5870 gpu with a day worth of battery but it would weigh 20kg and cost like a car, so I'm sticking to what exists.
Yesterday I was seeking a replacement for my Macbook Pro mid-2009 model. What came closest was the Alienware M11x, but I ended up realizing it would be better to buy another MBP. Let's see why:
CPU Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz
(it's enough, if I ever need huge processing power I'll buy a 3GHz quadcore desktop for less buck)
GPU Geforce 320M
(I want to run games at default or I'll just set everything to low. As we won't see a Radeon 57-/58- on a 13.3'', anything but a Intel GMA suffices)
Screen 13.3'' 1280x800
(would prefer 12.1'' but this is the next best)
Battery life
(unparalled)
Build quality
(idem. Aluminum unibody is like widescreen for me, must have)
MacOS X
(ibidem. I only use Windows when absolutely necessary, ie. for poker and games)
2 USB
(3+ would be ideal, I just bought a cheapo USB hub)
slot-loading DVD drive
(would trade for thinner profile, I haven't used it for ages)
So there's a lot of small compromises, while with the M11x they would be few and huge. Core processor, but ULV. Geforce GT 335M, but I`ll trade 2 hours of gaming on medium for 5 hours on low settings any time.
Edit 2: regarding size, if it was about a desktop replacement, I would just build a better desktop for half the price, and read a book while traveling. I need the mobility, so there's no point to buy a 17.3'' behemoth which would stay plugged to a 23'' fHD monitor at home for zero advantage, and when traveling the thing doesn't fit on a airline tray table.
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If you enjoy playing games on 12.1"/13.3" screens then power to you.
Not to mention paying Apple tax -.-;
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lol macbookpros are the worst idea ever
unless you have money overflowing
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I would advise against getting a macbook pro. You can get like double the specs at the same price if you go for an ACER instead.
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I find that people normally don't need battery power.
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On August 09 2010 03:47 phosphorylation wrote:
lol macbookpros are the worst idea ever
unless you have money overflowing
Honestly this might sound slanted, but he has a point. Mac computers are extremely expensive and it's pretty much proven you can get a PC with the same power for about half the price usually.
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Have a look in my profile if you want to see a high-end gaming laptop.
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getting an acer laptop is a much better idea but unless you really need a laptop, i recommend getting a desktop for gaming
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That has got to be the worst "Dream Computer" I have ever seen.
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It seems OP just wanted to present his idea, not take suggestions, so it's probably no use trying to convince him.
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On August 09 2010 04:06 jimminy_kriket wrote:
That has got to be the worst "Dream Computer" I have ever seen.
On August 09 2010 04:07 Loser777 wrote:
It seems OP just wanted to present his idea, not take suggestions, so it's probably no use trying to convince him.
These two quotes sum up my thoughts. If I was "dreaming," I'd dream up something much bigger, much better, and much cheaper. However, everybody dreams differently, and I respect the fact that you like Macs more than PCs and find the extra money you pay to be worth it.
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wow how much does this piece of crap cost? integrated are just so bad and that cpu is also ancient.
edit: mac battery is far from "unparalleled" most cheap laptops come with horrible batteries. asus seem to ship their laptops with good batteries, also an after market battery can blow mac battery away.
Just be warned you're paying a premium for hardware that is from 2006 era, enjoy.
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On August 09 2010 03:55 Mickey wrote:Show nested quote +On August 09 2010 03:47 phosphorylation wrote:
lol macbookpros are the worst idea ever
unless you have money overflowing Honestly this might sound slanted, but he has a point. Mac computers are extremely expensive and it's pretty much proven you can get a PC with the same power for about half the price usually.
Not really. I just checked NewEgg and the cheapest 13.3'' which has neither a ULV CPU nor a Intel GPU is a HP ProBook at $960, above the non-aluminium Macbook at $900. The next option is a Sony Vaio at $1825.
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On August 09 2010 04:07 Loser777 wrote:
It seems OP just wanted to present his idea, not take suggestions, so it's probably no use trying to convince him.
Actually I said I was seeking a replacement, just couldn't find one.
LOL, look at the reviews:
Solid computer, Not for gaming
Cons: Does not handle video games very well. The video card is very unmaintained due to drivers or slow memory or something, but TF2 runs slowly at recommended settings where my 8800GTX destroys the graphic processing at 110FPS. It can handle some games but dont expect the speed from, say, an established and well maintained (Maintained = driver updates and graphic processing improvements) from NVidia.
The multi-touch functions on the touchpad are absolutely terrible. They're way too hard to use compared to other touchpads like the Macbook Pro's.
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It's called a mouse. You said you want to play games on it, so I sure hope to hell you would never use the track pad. Also you can install your own drivers, it isn,t very hard.
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You want to run games on a macbook?
Good luck with that. My experience with this has sworn me off of macbooks for life.
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On August 09 2010 04:30 Fields wrote:Show nested quote +On August 09 2010 04:07 Loser777 wrote:
It seems OP just wanted to present his idea, not take suggestions, so it's probably no use trying to convince him. Actually I said I was seeking a replacement, just couldn't find one. LOL, look at the reviews: Show nested quote +Solid computer, Not for gaming
Cons: Does not handle video games very well. The video card is very unmaintained due to drivers or slow memory or something, but TF2 runs slowly at recommended settings where my 8800GTX destroys the graphic processing at 110FPS. It can handle some games but dont expect the speed from, say, an established and well maintained (Maintained = driver updates and graphic processing improvements) from NVidia. Show nested quote +The multi-touch functions on the touchpad are absolutely terrible. They're way too hard to use compared to other touchpads like the Macbook Pro's.
Bro that laptop has a dedicated graphics card, a cpu that is MUCH faster than what you posted, AND it has more ram. for half the price... Now if you think your shitty little intel onboard graphics will perform at even a 1/10 of this asus laptop you deserve to go waste your money on a mac.
And really I could post about 10 million reviews from retards for macbooks bashing it does that mean anything? no. So go ahead and spend money for year 2006 hardware. That mcp won't even play starcraft2 on low with anything higher than 10fps enjoy!
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On August 09 2010 04:19 Fields wrote:Show nested quote +On August 09 2010 03:55 Mickey wrote:On August 09 2010 03:47 phosphorylation wrote:
lol macbookpros are the worst idea ever
unless you have money overflowing Honestly this might sound slanted, but he has a point. Mac computers are extremely expensive and it's pretty much proven you can get a PC with the same power for about half the price usually. Not really. I just checked NewEgg and the cheapest 13.3'' which has neither a ULV CPU nor a Intel GPU is a HP ProBook at $960, above the non-aluminium Macbook at $900. The next option is a Sony Vaio at $1825.
You obviously haven't been looking hard enough.
http://www.xoticpc.com/custom-gaming-laptops-notebooks-laptops-smaller-ct-95_51_146.html
All 13.3", all cheaper than the MBP, with heaps of advantages over your MBP.
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On August 09 2010 04:39 muse5187 wrote:Show nested quote +On August 09 2010 04:30 Fields wrote:On August 09 2010 04:07 Loser777 wrote:
It seems OP just wanted to present his idea, not take suggestions, so it's probably no use trying to convince him. Actually I said I was seeking a replacement, just couldn't find one. LOL, look at the reviews: Solid computer, Not for gaming
Cons: Does not handle video games very well. The video card is very unmaintained due to drivers or slow memory or something, but TF2 runs slowly at recommended settings where my 8800GTX destroys the graphic processing at 110FPS. It can handle some games but dont expect the speed from, say, an established and well maintained (Maintained = driver updates and graphic processing improvements) from NVidia. The multi-touch functions on the touchpad are absolutely terrible. They're way too hard to use compared to other touchpads like the Macbook Pro's. Bro that laptop has a dedicated graphics card, a cpu that is MUCH faster than what you posted, AND it has more ram. for half the price... Now if you think your shitty little intel onboard graphics will perform at even a 1/10 of this asus laptop you deserve to go waste your money on a mac. And really I could post about 10 million reviews from retards for macbooks bashing it does that mean anything? no. So go ahead and spend money for year 2006 hardware. That mcp won't even play starcraft2 on low with anything higher than 10fps enjoy!
except retards who bash macbooks aren't retards
edit: this thread made me realize how much i love tl user base
most of other forums would respond to this OP by praising macbook's "build quality" and "dependability" and the "amazing trackpad" and saying stuff like "macbooks are beautifully made" and "you get what you pay for"
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Oh you poor, poor soul....
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On August 09 2010 04:39 muse5187 wrote:
Bro that laptop has a dedicated graphics card, a cpu that is MUCH faster than what you posted, AND it has more ram. for half the price... Now if you think your shitty little intel onboard graphics will perform at even a 1/10 of this asus laptop you deserve to go waste your money on a mac.
And really I could post about 10 million reviews from retards for macbooks bashing it does that mean anything? no.
Actually that GT 220M seems quite even to the 320M according to notebookcheck.net:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-220M.20054.0.html
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-320M.28701.0.html
0.13GHz on the same CPU architecture isn't MUCH faster.
It doesn't have more RAM, both have 4GB.
The MBP doesn't have Intel GMA, actually I said that's a dealbreaker.
And I quoted the reviews just for the lulz.
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This is either a troll or the worst "gaming laptop" ever.
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his older post is also quite something else:
"I'm no ignorant about computers and must say, the MacBook Pro 13.3'' is the best purchase I ever made. Sturdy aluminum build, huge trackpad and battery life, and OS X is a breeze to use. Costs about US$2k here and laughs at a US$4k Vaio."
find me a 4k vaio and i will find you a gosu foreigner
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On August 09 2010 04:58 Fields wrote:Show nested quote +On August 09 2010 04:39 muse5187 wrote:
Bro that laptop has a dedicated graphics card, a cpu that is MUCH faster than what you posted, AND it has more ram. for half the price... Now if you think your shitty little intel onboard graphics will perform at even a 1/10 of this asus laptop you deserve to go waste your money on a mac.
And really I could post about 10 million reviews from retards for macbooks bashing it does that mean anything? no. Actually that GT 220M seems quite even to the 320M according to notebookcheck.net: http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-220M.20054.0.htmlhttp://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-320M.28701.0.html0.13GHz on the same CPU architecture isn't MUCH faster. It doesn't have more RAM, both have 4GB. The MBP doesn't have Intel GMA, actually I said that's a dealbreaker. And I quoted the reviews just for the lulz.
apples and oranges man, you can't compare an onboard graphics with a dedicated. Thats like comparing my machine gun to your bb gun. And yes that cpu is much faster GHZ isn't all that matters. That cpu is from 2006....
I just don't see how someone would pay premium for such outdated trash, and then think it was a smart move. I mean it's not like you're rich considering you are going to buy such a bad model of mbp, so why not just spend it on something cheaper AND BETTER.
edit: that graphics card takes out of your performance from cpu and ram, also its maxed alloted VRAM is 256mb what exactly will run on that besides make games from 5+ years ago?
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On August 09 2010 05:10 muse5187 wrote:Show nested quote +On August 09 2010 04:58 Fields wrote:On August 09 2010 04:39 muse5187 wrote:
Bro that laptop has a dedicated graphics card, a cpu that is MUCH faster than what you posted, AND it has more ram. for half the price... Now if you think your shitty little intel onboard graphics will perform at even a 1/10 of this asus laptop you deserve to go waste your money on a mac.
And really I could post about 10 million reviews from retards for macbooks bashing it does that mean anything? no. Actually that GT 220M seems quite even to the 320M according to notebookcheck.net: http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-220M.20054.0.htmlhttp://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-320M.28701.0.html0.13GHz on the same CPU architecture isn't MUCH faster. It doesn't have more RAM, both have 4GB. The MBP doesn't have Intel GMA, actually I said that's a dealbreaker. And I quoted the reviews just for the lulz. apples and oranges man, you can't compare an onboard graphics with a dedicated. Thats like comparing my machine gun to your bb gun. And yes that cpu is much faster GHZ isn't all that matters. That cpu is from 2006....
My BB Gun is still better =P
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On August 09 2010 04:46 phosphorylation wrote:Show nested quote +On August 09 2010 04:39 muse5187 wrote:On August 09 2010 04:30 Fields wrote:On August 09 2010 04:07 Loser777 wrote:
It seems OP just wanted to present his idea, not take suggestions, so it's probably no use trying to convince him. Actually I said I was seeking a replacement, just couldn't find one. LOL, look at the reviews: Solid computer, Not for gaming
Cons: Does not handle video games very well. The video card is very unmaintained due to drivers or slow memory or something, but TF2 runs slowly at recommended settings where my 8800GTX destroys the graphic processing at 110FPS. It can handle some games but dont expect the speed from, say, an established and well maintained (Maintained = driver updates and graphic processing improvements) from NVidia. The multi-touch functions on the touchpad are absolutely terrible. They're way too hard to use compared to other touchpads like the Macbook Pro's. Bro that laptop has a dedicated graphics card, a cpu that is MUCH faster than what you posted, AND it has more ram. for half the price... Now if you think your shitty little intel onboard graphics will perform at even a 1/10 of this asus laptop you deserve to go waste your money on a mac. And really I could post about 10 million reviews from retards for macbooks bashing it does that mean anything? no. So go ahead and spend money for year 2006 hardware. That mcp won't even play starcraft2 on low with anything higher than 10fps enjoy! except retards who bash macbooks aren't retards edit: this thread made me realize how much i love tl user base most of other forums would respond to this OP by praising macbook's "build quality" and "dependability" and the "amazing trackpad" and saying stuff like "macbooks are beautifully made" and "you get what you pay for"
Honestly, I think some of those things can make Macbooks worth it for people that aren't gamers. The trackpad actually is really nice, but as you said, TL is a forum for gamers, so naturally people here aren't going to want to pay more money for a laptop with lower game performance.
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Mac only for XCode.
If you want a gaming computer, go with PC. Actually, always go with PC, Mac is bad for everything I can think of.
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On August 09 2010 05:21 fabiano wrote:
Mac only for XCode.
If you want a gaming computer, go with PC. Actually, always go with PC, Mac is bad for everything I can think of.
What about being a trendy rich kid?
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my netbook has a better resolution than your dumb macbook pro
judging from your responses, it doesn't look like you want to change your decision... so go blow your money on a crappy laptop
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On August 09 2010 04:44 jinwoooooooo wrote:Show nested quote +On August 09 2010 04:19 Fields wrote:On August 09 2010 03:55 Mickey wrote:On August 09 2010 03:47 phosphorylation wrote:
lol macbookpros are the worst idea ever
unless you have money overflowing Honestly this might sound slanted, but he has a point. Mac computers are extremely expensive and it's pretty much proven you can get a PC with the same power for about half the price usually. Not really. I just checked NewEgg and the cheapest 13.3'' which has neither a ULV CPU nor a Intel GPU is a HP ProBook at $960, above the non-aluminium Macbook at $900. The next option is a Sony Vaio at $1825. You obviously haven't been looking hard enough. http://www.xoticpc.com/custom-gaming-laptops-notebooks-laptops-smaller-ct-95_51_146.htmlAll 13.3", all cheaper than the MBP, with heaps of advantages over your MBP.
Wow thanks, seems pretty impressive. Not sure about heaps of advantages though, they have better CPU (which I don't need), and discrete graphics but the difference should be negligible (after all it's a Geforce 310M), build quality seems good but it's hard to judge by photo. However I'd lose the excellent trackpad and Mac OS X. It's the first I saw that actually competes, but I'm not sure about replacing.
Did I miss other significant difference?
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United States22883 Posts
http://computershopper.com/laptops/reviews/lenovo-ideapad-y460
I bought it for $900 and so far it's been amazing. Battery life falls way short of the 13" MBP, but it'll still get 4+ hours for websurfing/work at medium brightness, and the power adapter is wonderfully small and light. The screen is a lot better than the MBP's though. The best part is the Lenovo keyboard and touchpad. Chiclet keyboards are just terrible for gaming, whereas this has the regular Lenovo build quality and the touchpad feels so nice.
And obviously, this actually has a legit video card.
Biggest downside was just the bloatware that came on it.
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On August 09 2010 04:58 Fields wrote:Show nested quote +On August 09 2010 04:39 muse5187 wrote:
Bro that laptop has a dedicated graphics card, a cpu that is MUCH faster than what you posted, AND it has more ram. for half the price... Now if you think your shitty little intel onboard graphics will perform at even a 1/10 of this asus laptop you deserve to go waste your money on a mac.
And really I could post about 10 million reviews from retards for macbooks bashing it does that mean anything? no. Actually that GT 220M seems quite even to the 320M according to notebookcheck.net: http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-220M.20054.0.htmlhttp://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-320M.28701.0.html0.13GHz on the same CPU architecture isn't MUCH faster. It doesn't have more RAM, both have 4GB. The MBP doesn't have Intel GMA, actually I said that's a dealbreaker. And I quoted the reviews just for the lulz.
Uh what?
Do you know what you're talking about? GHZ isn't everything.
If you plan to ever play games on the system I would suggest going against a MBP. The MBP isn't designed for it and it shows when you attempt to play anything at all.
Yes OS X is a breeze to use but Windows 7 is freaking amazing and pretty intuitive. It also lets you properly CUSTOMIZE your system.
Trackpad is completely overrated. I always attach a mouse to my laptops anyway, can't stand trackpads.
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On August 09 2010 05:33 Jibba wrote:http://computershopper.com/laptops/reviews/lenovo-ideapad-y460I bought it for $900 and so far it's been amazing. Battery life falls way short of the 13" MBP, but it'll still get 4+ hours for websurfing/work at medium brightness, and the power adapter is wonderfully small and light. The screen is a lot better than the MBP's though. The best part is the Lenovo keyboard and touchpad. Chiclet keyboards are just terrible for gaming, whereas this has the regular Lenovo build quality and the touchpad feels so nice. And obviously, this actually has a legit video card. Biggest downside was just the bloatware that came on it.
Yeah, very nice setup. But I can't give up the battery life and awesome build of the Mac. IMO the 5650 falls on the same issue of the GT 335M: allows to play on medium settings but eats half the battery life. Would be awesome if the Intel GMA was usable to play on battery.
Good point about keyboard though, I have been concerned about 1a2a3a performance, but thankfully now it's all about 1a. >
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Your old macbook only lasted a year and you want to get another one? Whats the story there
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United States22883 Posts
What are you using battery life for? I've always found it's the most overrated feature of a laptop. Basically everywhere I use my laptop has an outlet for me or I can get one within a couple hours, which is more than enough time.
Also, even without the aluminum body, Lenovo build quality is pretty superb.
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Why are you trying to do graphic intensive gaming on battery life? And the difference in touchpads is not exactly a deal breaker. You move your finger and it moves the cursor. whee.
why would you not buy something cheaper with better specs T_T
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Yeah, macs are really over-priced. The only thing u get in a mac is that u won't get viruses, but thats not worth an extra 1k
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On August 09 2010 06:08 n.DieJokes wrote:
Your old macbook only lasted a year and you want to get another one? Whats the story there
No, it still works, but I should go to the US on november (to attend Colts @ Pats) so I'm thinking about buying a new machine and giving this one to my mom. I bought it for $2200 here so anything would feel like a bargain.
At first I was thinking of an updated Macbook Air 13.3'' with Core i3 processor and the Geforce 320M, but rumour says they are going 11.6'' with Core i3 ULV and Intel GMA only, pretty much the opposite, LOL.
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On August 09 2010 06:13 decafchicken wrote:
Why are you trying to do graphic intensive gaming on battery life? And the difference in touchpads is not exactly a deal breaker. You move your finger and it moves the cursor. whee.
why would you not buy something cheaper with better specs T_T
Airplanes mostly, but any situation where I have a table, time to spend and no power socket in sight.
And indeed the trackpad does the same job, but far more confortably and without inducing a desire to smash the damn small thing into pieces. I can stand not using a mouse as I'm not right now, but I can't stand other trackpads. Not a deal breaker though, I would give it up and use a mouse more often if necessary.
About specs I'm not looking for processing power, actually I don't care as long it has neither a ULV nor Intel GMA only.
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I recommend that you never buy Alien Ware. Ever.
Overpriced, shotty products. Basically you pay an extra thousand for a glowing alien head on the back of your laptop.
I had an Alienware Area-51 a few years back. It was delivered with a broken DVD drive. Shortly after I got that sorted out, the graphics card fried. It was "smooth sailing" after that for a few months. By smooth sailing I mean I got heat rash from the absurdly hot computer, and could never unplug it because the battery lasted 10 minutes, on a good day. On top of this, the ', ] and = keys never worked.
About a week after my warranty ended the motherboard fried. Needless to say, I was not going to spend money to fix that piece of shit. I bought a netbook for school and gave up all pc gaming that wasn't Brood War for about 10 months, until I could finally afford to build my own desktop.
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EPT
