Help with my laptop

I recently bought a HP Compaq 6710B laptop pretty much for the sole purpose of playing SL. While playing, the game continuously crashes and locks up so I realise that something in it isn't good enough.

Could someone please look at the specs of the laptop and let me know what's missing?

Processor

Processor
Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 / 2 GHz

Multi-Core Technology
Dual-Core

64-bit Computing
Yes

Data Bus Speed
800 MHz

Features
Enhanced SpeedStep technology, Execute Disable Bit capability, Enhanced Intel Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing, Intel 64 Technology, Intel Advanced Digital Media Boost, Intel Advanced Smart Cache, Intel Dynamic Bus Parking, Intel Dynamic Power Coordination, Intel Intelligent Power Capability, Intel Smart Memory Access, Intel Wide Dynamic Execution

Chipset Type
Mobile Intel 965

Cache Memory

Type
L2 Cache

Installed Size
4 MB

RAM

Installed Size
2 GB / 4 GB (max)

Technology
DDR II SDRAM - 667 MHz

Configuration Features
2 x 1 GB

Video

Graphics Processor / Vendor
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 - PCI Express x16

Video Memory
Up to 384 MB shared

Expansion / Connectivity

Expansion Bays
None

Expansion Slots Total (Free)
2 ( 1 ) x memory
1 ( 1 ) x PC Card - type II


Thanks so much!

SL has always had troubles with Intel graphics chipsets, particularly the mobile versions (which both of these are). However, I note (with amazement) that SL's system requirements have recently been revised to possibly allow inclusion of this rather new chipset you have http://secondlife.com/corporate/sysreqs.php .

So it looks like this should work. Many brand-new computers are shipped with older drivers. Try updating the video driver first.

After you download the new drivers (if HP is the same as it always has been, it will allow you to use Intel drivers directly), but before you install them, explicitly uninstall your current video driver (it will then go back to using the factory default one). Reboot, then install the new drivers.

Wikipedia is actually very articulate about Intel graphics chipsets and gaming:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_GMA

I think the Intel Graphics card is not officially supported. Also, I assume you have Vista, which some people think is a problem.

I have an HP 9000 with XP and an nVidia Go 7600 graphics card and it is very good.

I don't have Vista, even though it was supposed to be shipped with it. I do have the possibility of returning the laptop and paying the difference for a better graphics card or whatever I need. Is this necessary?

well your laptop has a video card that MIGHT be supported sometime in the FUTURE

given linden labs speedy development time i wouldnt hold your breath

intel video is not officially supported (by pretty much anyone besides mircosoft)

so i would get one with an ati or nvidia card (nvidia seems to have less issues)

but im not you