Question:
My Dad's new computer [FAQ inside]
Ok, so my 47-year-old father is looking to get a notebook. He knows little about computers, and doesn't need much from them aside from the basics. He'll be emailing, surfing, storing/editing some photos, watching dvds, burning cds, and that's really about it. Major foci include ease of use (for a Windows user, Macs would require learning a new operating system, probably not a good idea), ability to watch DVDs at a rather nice quality (and easy on the eyes), and the ability to port the picture out to the TV with decent quality. For the most part he'll be using regular TVs (and thus S-Video will be necessary), but also plans to buy a new, high-end TV in the next year or so, so a DVI/HDMI or similar output would be nice (unless the TV has a VGA input...or I suppose one could adapt a VGA to a DVI/HDMI). The problem I foresee is that he wants as much battery life as possible, and combining that with a DVI output may be troublesome. Any input is appreciated.
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
Not important
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
Mainstream
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Picture editing, word processing, internet use, email
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Taking it with me
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Maybe eventually, no idea at the moment
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Don't care for HP
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Most I can get
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
I'd prefer to see it in person first, although buying online afterward is no problem
9) What country are you buying this in?
US of A
Screen Specifics
10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Not important, would like to watch DVDs on it with maximum results
a. XGA = eXtended Graphics Array; 1024x768; This resolution will give you the largest viewable text and images while offering the least amount of screen real estate.
b. SXGA = Super eXtended Graphics Array; 1400x1050; This resolution offers a middle ground between XGA and UXGA.
c. UXGA = Ultra eXtended Graphics Array; 1600x1200; This resolution will give you the smallest viewable text and images while offering the greatest amount of screen real estate.
d. WXGA = Widescreen eXtended Graphics Array; 1280x768 or 1280x800; This resolution offers the same as XGA except that there is more horizontal real estate; 1280 versus 1024. Popular for movie viewing due to support for widescreen.
e. WXGA+ = Widescreen eXtended Graphics Array+; 1440x900; This resolution is offered on 17" widescreen notebooks and is comparable to WXGA in terms of text and icon size versus available screen real estate. Popular for movie viewing due to support for widescreen.
f. WSXGA+ = Widescreen Super eXtended Graphics Array; 1680x1050; This resolution is comparable to SXGA in that it offers a middle ground between WXGA/WXGA+ and WUXGA. Popular for movie viewing due to support for widescreen.
g. WUXGA = Widescreen Ultra eXtended Graphics Array; 1920x1200; This resolution offers the smallest viewable text and images while offering the greatest amount of screen real estate.
11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Glossy
Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Minimally
13) How long do you want this laptop to last?
The longer the better, I plan on keeping it a real long time.
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
Medium range, 80GB
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
DVD reader, CD-RW
Answer:
Re: My Dad's new computer [FAQ inside]
i would recommend macbook pro. learning Mac is pretty easy. First hour might be kind of cofusing because you are trying to find how to right click, but after Mac OS is easier to use than window and you don't have to worry about viruses for now
edit: you might want to try Sony FE. xbrite screen. good for dvd watching.
Answer:
Re: My Dad's new computer [FAQ inside]
The Sony FE is a nice machine. If you are looking for pure durability and nothing fancy, a T60 Thinkpad is a very nice option. Thinkpads have the best keyboards, in my opinion, and the magnesium case is solid. The T series also has steel hinges that are very durable.
Matt
Answer:
Re: My Dad's new computer [FAQ inside]
Well, while my mouth starts watering at the prospect of a dual core processor, I was under the impression that those drain battery life much faster. Also, I'd lean toward the IBM model, except that he's buying this largely because he needs it to take to the United Arab Emirates on a two month business trip. He'll have a TV in his hotel room, but without an S-video output, he wouldn't be able to use that instead of his laptop screen on occasion. The question is then, will an S-video output (which may be converted to an RCA-type plug) provide a satisfactory picture, or will text largely be fuzzy and unreadable? If that's the case, then its not an important feature, problem solved.
My other thought was to just lean toward a lower-end machine with a decent size screen. I was thinking a low power consumption processor combined with turning down the screen brightness when necessary would be the best idea for long battery life, unless extended life batteries for these notebooks are easy to find.