Hey everyone!

I'm really new to DOTA2 and have been looking for a good community to join for a while. I haven't really played too many games after getting flamed at during my first one (Necro, fed like a champ) but have been practicing with bots... a lot.

I think I've run the bot thing out as far as I can aside from learning new heroes, so I'm interested in getting in on some inhouse games to hone my teamwork skills.

As for my gaming experience, I'm 28 and have played all kinds of stuff. I got my start with FPS's like CS and deathmatch HL, then picked up MMO's with SWG. My ultimate achievement was, having trained for months with Shaolin masters, beating World of Warcraft in college. In fact, I beat it so hard that they told me I didn't need to play anymore, ever again... Although I've never played MOBA's before, DOTA2 seems like the right blend of complexity, teamwork, PvP and depth that I've been looking for in my adult years. I guess I was lucky to get an invite.

At any rate, I'll be on sporadically for the next few weeks as I transition careers, but if I am on I'm definitely interested in learning so hit me up if you see me.

Agree 1 and 3 were awesome games. Jury's still out on this DOTA2 thing.

I'd go:
1. Goldeneye (N64)
2. Alpha Centauri
3. WoW, pre-battlegrounds

Back when Dire Maul tribute runs were necessary before Garr it was a whole different game. For those who have never played Alpha-Ci, you've got to try it. Nwabudike Morgan FTW.

Jumped on a couple games last night. Had a blast! Thanks to everyone for being so welcoming.

Naval Officer for 50 more days, then... consultant, I think. Interviewing at a bunch of places in the coming weeks. Hopefully some good options, but it looks like the top 3 are all consulting jobs. If anyone needs consultation, let me know. We can get together for a consult. Practicing my jargon.

Yeah, I'll concede Perfect Dark due to the bots. 007 was just so iconic though. Insta-gib slappers, no Oddjob, Stacks. It just rolls off the tongue like my childhood was yesterday.

IT consulting for businesses, everything from risk management to implementation of new systems. I'm not exactly sure myself what it will entail, but I'll get back to you once I get my feet under me.

When you think about it, insta-gib slappers is just like a deathmatch version of freeze-tag. I guess it's a testament to how we were a bunch of indoor kids that we didn't just go outside and play.

Okay, so...

Got that new job, so I'm in the market for a new laptop. What I'm looking for is something with a professional-looking case, but still comes to play, and by "play" I mean "can run most games at a decent resolution/framerate." I haven't even searched for laptops in years, so hopefully you all have some sites I can check out and do some pricing. I want something powerful but that I can still whip out at a client site and not have everyone in the room say, "what the hell is that thing?!"

What are your favorite sites to shop around on? What do you use now? Is my ideal computer an impossible dream? Is Apple in or out of the picture? Should I find a case I like and build my own? I'm open to all suggestions.

This.

So this looks pretty sweet:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230142

Thoughts?