Best notebook specs for AOD? Graphics card needed?

[Herodotus]

I am considering buying myself a new notebook as my current 15,6'' is nearly 5 years old...

Will any new cpu do fine as for running AOD?

And does it matter as for running AOD if the notebook contains a dedicated graphics card?
And if yes, what level and kind of graphics card should I look for?

 

[walrus]

Get the fastest CPU you can afford, but multiple cores don't affect AoD as the engine isn't optimised for them.

Graphics card isn't particularly important due to the game being...not exactly graphics intensive

 

[Pier]

Vast majority, if not all, of new notebooks will run AoD, I'm sure.

 

[Herodotus]

So no need for a dedicated graphics card at all?

As HOI/AOD are the only games I play then I might just get a notebook with the newest possible CPU and no dedicated graphics card...this should both make it simpler for me to choose a notebook and cheaper

 

[unmerged(47302)]

With old Europa engine, graphic card is not an issue...
But graphic card can be an issue for your new operating system.

If you use Windows 7, its quit useful to have not too cheap graphic card.

 

[mdlusk]

Two issues with regard to a discrete graphics card: If you play HOI3 (or might in the future) you will need a discrete card. You will also need one if you intend to play many other games on it (even some RTS's can use it).

CPU: look for fastest possible, and at least dual-core.

Both can help with Windows 7 or Vista.

I have a ~1-2 year old laptop that handles AOD, HOI 3, etc. just fine and has the above.