Question:
High-End Laptop Buying Help
Basically, I'm looking for a top of the line notebook (especially in the graphics area, for school + games), but there's a few catches. I want something that's under 6.5 lbs (lighter = better, to an extent), isn't giant space wise (meaning 15.5 in widescreen max), and is resilient. So far I haven't found anything that really meets those conditions. I have about 4.5 months untill College begins, so I'll need to order by early Sept.
To spell out what I'm looking for in black and white:
- Style (I don't want some ugly black brick, like the thinkpads).
- 15.5 in screen (WUXGA if possible, but WSXGA/+ fine by me).
- 6.5 lbs System weight.
- Something equivalent to or better than the X1600 256MB (the faster, the merrier).
- Fast memory, and bunches of it.
- Multi-tasking power (Dual Cores).
- Fast and roomy HD (7200 RPM's a must).
- 3 hours battery life.
- Decent sound card and at least fair speakers.
- Resilient casing material (Aluminum or Magnesium Alloy, Carbon Fiber perhaps)
- An accompanying docking station (or at least something telling me where to get one).
- I'll cover my assumed requirements as well, which includes good keyboard and minimal sound and heat.
The Laptops I've already looked at include all of the Dell Inspiron and XPS systems, as well as the MacBook Pro's. None of the systems seemed to be good, although the MacBook Pro's came close.
Can I be any more specific? Well, I filled out your FAQ's just to make sure.
How much is your budget?
- $3,500
Will your budget be about the same in Sep. 2006?
- Basically, yes. It might fluxuate by about $500 in either direction though.
Do you have specific scientific or business needs?
- Yes. Besides the recreational gaming needs, I'll be doing 3d graphics rendering (ani and still w/ 3ds max), as well as various Adobe + Macromedia programs.
How much do you need a computer now?
- Most essential tasks run, but with significant lag times. I've tried to avoid using my computer for most of my graphics intensive projects, but I'm getting sick of that.
What are the specifications of your current computer?
- Ancient... 800mhz Celeron, 512MB RAM (unknown speed, but the computer is 7 years old...), ATI RAEDON 9300 256MB RAM dedicated, 40GB HD, 4x DVD+/-RW. I've upgraded it a bit in the years I've had it.
How do you feel about waiting untill Sept 2006?
- That's the latest I can wait. I must have a new computer by mid Sept, meaning I've probably got to order one by early Sept.
How do you feel about waiting untill Dec 2006?
- Not possible.
How often do you change your computer?
- Well, whenever I need too really. I've managed to make my desktop last 7 years, but that's with upgrades. Laptops are a pain to upgrade, according to nearly every board I've looked at.
If you change it every four years or more, what new software do you expect to install during the life of your computer?
- 3ds Max, Adobe, and Macromedia upgrades; Games.
Multi-tasking:
a. Do you keep several programs open at once?
- No, only because the lag time is unbearable.
b. Do you use your computer when the CPU is engaged doing something else (i.e. writing a cd, or scanning for viruses, or performing complex mathematical optimizations...)?
- No, only because the lag time is unbearable.
Large datasets, Specific software, RAM needs:
a. Do you use datasets that are bigger than 1GB (i.e. for scientific purposes, business purposes...)?
- No.
b. Do you know of software in your field right now that is available in 64-bit?
- No.
c. Do you know right now that you would benefit from having more than 2GB of RAM for a specific usage?
- No.
AMD or Intel:
- I don't care which one I get, as long as it's got the best combination of mobility (weight, power consumption, heat), multi-tasking power, and performance.
Other Comments:
- I'd like battery life to be around 3+ hours, but 2.5+ is tolerable (if only just...)
- A decent optical drive would be good as well (main point against the MacBook's...)
- Good service would indeed be prefered. 4 years would also be prefered, but I know how to take care of a computer, so it's not such a gigantic deal.
- This computer will be traveling, but not bunches upon bunches. It's primarily going to have to deal with College life.
- I don't have any brand preference, but I need Windows (Got to have Doom 3, and a few other classics that I like).
- I'm in the USA.
- Screen size I'd like limited to 15.5 in widescreen. Other than that, I'd love the best screen possible.
- With the HD, RPM's is more important than space, but I'll still need some. Bigger is better.
- Style would be appreciated, but it doesn't matter as much as everything else (and it doesn't matter nearly as much as a good deal).
Thanks to all who help me!
MrWacko.
Edit 5/16: Added in my basic requirements to the top of this post
Answer:
Re: High-End Laptop Buying Help
MrWacko, thanks for joining the forums.
Definitely looks like you could use an upgrade - 800MHz is slow indeed.
The Dell Latitude D820 would be a good fit for your needs. It has a QuadroFX video card option, which is good for 3DSMax, etc. It is also capable of moderate gaming; what do you plan to play?
The D820 can be configured with up to a WUXGA screen (1920x1200 resolution), which means very small text, etc. . . is that what you meant by a great screen? WSXGA+ is much more readable in my opinion and is also available.
Given the amount of time you can wait, waiting a month or so to see what else emerges isn't a bad idea.
Answer:
Re: High-End Laptop Buying Help
Waiting wouldn't hurt as intel and amd have new CPU's coming out and there are some new graphics cards coming also. When your ready for a system drop me a line :)
Answer:
Re: High-End Laptop Buying Help
Definitely looks like you could use an upgrade - 800MHz is slow indeed.
I make my computers last. It's cost effective. I don't think I'll be able to do the same with any Laptop, though...
The Dell Latitude D820 would be a good fit for your needs. It has a QuadroFX video card option, which is good for 3DSMax, etc. It is also capable of moderate gaming; what do you plan to play?
WoW, Halo, Half-Life 2, plus a handful of older games which I'm just hooked on.
The D820 can be configured with up to a WUXGA screen (1920x1200 resolution), which means very small text, etc. . . is that what you meant by a great screen? WSXGA+ is much more readable in my opinion and is also available.
Right on the spot for my expectations of a screen.
Given the amount of time you can wait, waiting a month or so to see what else emerges isn't a bad idea.
Indeed, I'll probably be waiting as long as possible, for new tech.
Waiting wouldn't hurt as intel and amd have new CPU's coming out and there are some new graphics cards coming also. When your ready for a system drop me a line :)
Questions have been sent. Your laptops look promising, to say the least.
Answer:
Re: High-End Laptop Buying Help
Get a T60p while you still can!! It's on sale for $2199 at lenovo.com anniversary sale, ends tonight. With the graphics apps you are running you will definitely appreciate the amazing screen and the FireGL card is designed for 3d workstations so it should be more than sufficient. gogogogo
Answer:
Re: High-End Laptop Buying Help
Maybe I should edit my earlier post so that style is given more emphasis...
Answer:
Re: High-End Laptop Buying Help
ok well check out the sager 5670 first, that would last you the longest as far as technology.
Ok you say you take care of your computer. Does that mean you dont need a tough one?
The asus w2j would be a really tough computer witha carbon fiber chassis and aluminum lcd lid, That seems like something that would last
Answer:
Re: High-End Laptop Buying Help
there is always the macbook pro. not my personal favorite, but they seem to be popular. you should consider filling out the other faq b/c it provides more useful information. t60p is a great choice if the looks don't scare you, though. perhaps the acer 8204 or the asus s96j (you can get it with wsxga+ at powernotebooks.com or geared2play.com).
Answer:
Re: High-End Laptop Buying Help
Honestly folks, it never hurts to read (and I've done plenty of it before posting).
ejl, I said in my original post that the MacBook I looked at already, and turned it down. Same with the T60p. Additionally, my original post has the same info as both FAQ's.
stamar, thankyou for the Sager recomendation. They seem to have some nice notebooks. I'll be keeping an eye on them.
I'll be waiting untill AMD and Intel release thier newest processors before buying anything, but thanks everyone for assisting.
Answer:
Re: High-End Laptop Buying Help
IF you are willing to wait and I mean WAIT.
I think they "may" have the Sager 5670 (aka Clevo M570U) in 64bit Dual Core a few months after Merom is released.
It has been stated that the Yonah processors will be pin-to-pin compatible w/ Merom and the 5670 is using the Yonah processors.
(This is if you just MUST have BOTH 64bit & Dual Core)
If you ONLY care about Dual Core and 64bit is a non-issue for you, the 5760 is your baby :D
But of course this is if you are willing to have a 17" 9lb laptop.
I think it really is minimal difference than a 15" laptop anyways.
BUT you can get the Best of the Best when it comes to 17" laptops.
I personally have been researching and waited over a year to finally order my laptop and I am about to Pre-order the Sager 5760 :D
Also, the Sager 5760 is estimated to have the 7900GTX 512mb as early as July!
Current Pre-orders for the Sager 5760 currently have the Nvidia 7900GTX 256mb at thsi time.
you can even have everything you want with the 5760 for under $3k :D
PS:
There is an extensive review and info about the Sager 5760 in the Sager forums here. /hint