Two primary queries.

Firstly, does anyone know anything about a PAL release (a legal one)?

Secondly, what do people knowledgeable in this sort of thing believe the system requirements will be?

The reason I ask is that I recently talked myself OUT of buying a new laptop.  The instant this game was announced, that flew out the window, and  a laptop purchase is now compulsory.  As such, I am wanting to start looking into what I am likely to spend in order to get a system that runs Civilization V decently to well.

FYI, I do know that a PC would be much better than a laptop for gaming, but I just cannot justify buying one (we dont have a powerful PC, but have all three current generation consoles), whereas a laptop would have other practical applications in my life.

PLEASE!?!?!?!

Um any laptop released within the last couple of years ought to be able to run it.

So something like low end dual core + integrated graphics ought to do you fine. But why are you worrying about it now when it won't release until the end of the year?

If I am going to be resigned to purchasing a laptop then I may as well do so soon and get use out of it ASAP.

Integrated graphics would really run Civ 5 decently?

Civilization games never have been very demanding on the GPU or the CPU. You'll need at least 2-3GB of fast RAM to enjoy it though, loading times can kill your enjoyment in such a game.

You shouldn't worry too much though. Any new laptop > 500-600$ should be able to run the game perfectly fine.

PS: Don't get one with an integrated GPU (graphics card)

Will DDR3 RAM do the trick?  Most of the laptops I am looking at offer 4GB of DDR3 or DDR2 RAM.

They also offer 6-12GB for a lot more money.  Is there any gaming related reason I need more than 4GB?  Even for other games?

Personally, i've always been told that DDR3 isn't worth its money, compared to DDR2 RAM. The advantages are far too slim to justify the purchase.

I wouldn't take my word for it though (unless someone else backs me up on this).

Personally, I have 4 gb ram and i'm doing just fine (SC2 seems to pur along just nicely for example and that's all on ultra settings)

You should opt for DDR3 RAM if the price difference isn't that great. Also, more than 4GB of RAM right now is a hyperbole IMO. If your processor is not 64bit you won't see more than 4GB anyways.

Go for a laptop with a discrete ATI DX11 graphics chip if you can, ATI 5xxx series. That way you'll be able to run more than just Civ 5, you'll also get access to Starcraft 2 etc. DDR3 is good because it uses less power than DDR2 whilst offering slightly more performance for about the same price.

Any 5*** series in particular?  I know NOTHING about Video Cards at all anymore.  IT used to be simple when it was NVIDIA Geforce this and that.  Now I am lost at sea.