Question:
Heading off to college
Basically this will only be used for text work and downloading the daily lesson in class from a wireless network(transporting them to my desktop). I was (and still am) more leaning towards a good business class PDA with an IR keyboard for this simplistic of a job. Most of my work will still be done on my desktop and will probably go the $500, 6+ hour battery life PDA route unless someone here can convince me otherwise. :)
I have untill August to make a decision on the purchase and I realize that technology may change by then, but for my needs I dont need the latest and greatest, will probably wait for price drops though.
1) What is your budget? 1500, would love to spend little as possible however
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? Basic word processing and general study.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? Taking it pretty much everywhere, I have my desktop that will stay in my dorm.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? None. That will be left to my desktop
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? none preferred.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need? As many as possible:) . I will probably be joining the cross country/track team next year and would like to be able to work on stuff while on the road. 5+ hours would be ideal.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? Would prefer to see it in person, but dont have anything against buying online.
9) What country are you buying this in? USA
Screen Specifics
10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
a. XGA
d. WXGA
I'm pretty sure these are my only two choices at this screen size.
11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? Matte preferrably
Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? not really.
13) How long do you want this laptop to last? a good couple of years (pharmacy program lasts about 6, but probably will upgrade again about half way through.)
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB? Not much space at all required, 40-60 should be good, I have a good 300gb external and 200gb on my desktop.
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive? no, would be nice though.
Was considering this
or maybe an averatec, but I am(by far) NOT(edit, oops) all knowing in this field and just started lurking/searching about a month ago. Any comments and suggestions welcome.
Answer:
Re: Heading off to college
I have very similar needs as you. Also going to college next year. I got a Dell X1 (Samsung Q30 pretty much) from Dell Outlet for like $1100. Came with 1.25gb of ram and is very small and light. I didnt need it to run games either, Ill build another desktop some time during the summer to handle the games Ill run on it. Downside is that it doesnt have a built in optical drive so Im using image files.
Answer:
Re: Heading off to college
Wow, thanks lixuelai, never even came across that notebook on the normal dell site. That seems like a very good option.
Answer:
Re: Heading off to college
It is a Latitude so it is in the Small Business section. I didnt see it either until I was browsing through SB to see if there is any good discounts. I was really surprised Dell carried such a nice product. Anyway it is perfect for my needs and by the looks of it, it will be perfect for your needs also. It is pretty cheap for a ultra portable. Normally it will be hitting 2k. Get it from the Outlet (just keep an eye on it) you can get a really good deal there.
Answer:
Re: Heading off to college
Probably not a perfect fit for you, but saw one of these in action at my local SBs.
Beautiful screen and ultra, ultra portable.
Libretto Notebook Family
Toshiba libretto U105 - Mini-Notebook
Specifications
Intel® Pentium® M Processor Ultra Low Voltage 753 [1.20GHz, 2MB L2, 400MHz FSB]
Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
512MB PC2700 DDR 333MHz SDRAM (1 slot only)
7.2" Diagonal Widescreen XGA TruBrite™ display (1280x768)
Intel® Extreme Graphics 2 w/16MB-64MB shared memory
60GB HDD (4200rpm)
Atheros® wireless-LAN (802.11b/g) supporting Atheros SuperG™ technology
Bluetooth® version 2.0 plus Extended Data Range (EDR)
Lithium-ion Battery (6-cell, 3400mAh)
Answer:
Re: Heading off to college
The keyboard will be too small. I checked out many laptops before buying the X1 and X1 gave the most bang for the buck. My father has a few Sony Vaios and a Toshiba R200 (company computers) which were all quite good but just too expensive for me. 1100 is a big investment for a high school student :P