Question:
Historian Looking For First Notebook
1) What size notebook would you prefer?
Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
2) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
I'm an academic/historian looking for my first notebook
to help me accomplish the following tasks:
presentations, spreadsheet, word processing, blogging,
research, e-mail, web searching, playing/burning
CDs/DVDs, photo editing and working with
SmartBoard-based software. Perhaps
some other duties as the need arises.
3) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
A reasonable balance between work and
home--probably 60% work and 40% home.
4) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Probably not
5) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I was looking at a few Dell models, but I'm open to
other makes and models.
6) How many hours of battery life do you need?
2-4 hours would probably suffice--ideally more towards
3-4 hours
7) What is your budget?
Up to about $2,500, although I'd like to spend around
$1,000-$1,500
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No
9) What country are you buying this in?
United States
Screen Specifics
10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
SXGA = Super eXtended Graphics Array; 1400x1050; This resolution offers a middle ground between XGA and UXGA.
Sometime middle of the road would be okay, but all
suggestions are welcomed.
11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
No preference
Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
To a degree. A nice presentation can never hurt.
13) How long do you want this laptop to last?
Ideally 3-4 years
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
80GB-100GB
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
DVD-CD/RW, DVD-R
Thanks for any and all responses :)
Answer:
Re: Historian Looking For First Notebook
Given that you have an interest in a 17" system and don't have a need for a dedicated/powerful GPU I can't help but recommend a system I never thought I would...MSI's MS-1047. The only reseller I know of that is carrying it at present is www.xmeld.com.
Answer:
Re: Historian Looking For First Notebook
I would suggest a Fujitsu, perhaps the n35xx , built very well, and have an awesome screen.
Answer:
Re: Historian Looking For First Notebook
Hi and welcome. none of the tasks you listed are too power intensive. for 2500, you can go pretty big so i'll speak to the 1500 budget. i would take a look at the IBM/Thinkpad line, the HP dv4000 or dv5000 or the dell inspiron 6000. you should be able to get your specs for right around budget. if you want to spend up to the 2500, you have a lot more options.
Answer:
Re: Historian Looking For First Notebook
try looking at HP. They have some large screens with brightview. I know you said no preference on that but if your doing presentations it will be much clearer, even off the outlet, unless your using a projector or w/e. The dv8000 has a ton of storage too, I was looking at this for my dad who does similer jobs. these are decently priced too, though you may save money buying small stuff like RAM aftermarket. Another good part about HP is i find them a bit more reasonable in price than Dell, though there are some good cupons on the site. Hope this helps a bit.
Answer:
Re: Historian Looking For First Notebook
15" ThinkPad with the FlexView screen is very good. Plus they are the best built notebook with excellent keyboards and support.
Answer:
Re: Historian Looking For First Notebook
Dell e1705. May as well go dual core for top productivity. Right now Dell has the lead.
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/prod...=19&l=en&s=dhs