Why can my graphics chip play games its not supposed to?

[figueroa4]

Hi all! I am looking into getting my boys a new pc that they can use to play Sims 3, Spore Galactic & World of Warcraft on. Right now they have taken over my laptop because it is the only pc in the house that will play these. So in looking into video cards (in building or buying) I am trying to narrow it down to what will definately play these but not too expensive. I keep coming across sites & forums saying how graphics chips in laptops just won't play these games at all. It confuses me a bit because not only are we able to play but they run great- good graphics, no lag etc. Am I missing something here? I just want to make sure I understand what it is that I CAN buy. Ive been ruling out most laptops for fear that when it comes the games wont play. Im really needing to keep it all under $800. (My pc is a Dell Inspiron 1521 with Radeon x1270 chip). Thanks.

 

[farinha]

What's the motherboard?

 

[patonb]

The forums say it won't play, because it won't play at great resolutions...

When you say your budget is 800, is that for a new computer?