vidoe memory vs. faster graphics card

[valentinia]

My hubby is getting me a new laptop.  I don't know a thing about computers and he doesn't play Sims 3.  He is wondering what he should pay more attention to during the purchase, video memory or a faster graphics card for optimum game performance.  I apologize if this is posted in the wrong place.  I was not sure where to post it.  Thank you.

[valentinia]

Thank you very much.  That is very helpful.  Would you know whether a 512 MB with DDR5 would be better than a 1024MB DDR3?

[swmeek]

I would say go with the more memory as I don't think the added speed of the ddr5 would make that much of a difference.
Now if it were 1Gb of ddr5 that would be even better.
Also don't expect the best out of a laptop no matter the video chip inside.
Say your laptop comes with a model 1 video chipset based off of a model 1 video card you're not going to get everything the model 1 video card has because of space in the laptop.
Also invest in a laptop cooler as it will help prolong the life of your laptop.

[GnatGoSplat]

Faster graphics card.  More than 512MB video RAM won't help much unless you use a 24" or bigger external monitor at native resolution (1920x1200).  Most laptops built-in resolution is 1280x800 to 1680x1050.  1GB of video RAM won't help too much at those resolutions.  You'll see more benefit by getting one with the faster GPU.