Question:
Budget laptop advice?
Hello, all. I've been reading the posts here over the last couple of days, but most of them seem to be oriented toward those who want to play the latest 3d-intensive games. I'm not interested in such functionality, as I tend to limit myself to text-based games and older games for the most part. I do, however, need a machine that can play and burn DVDs and CDs. I like the look of the ASUS S96J, but I can't afford to pay the >=$1200 it would cost to have one put together with the specs I believe I need (Dual core CPU, >=1GB dual channel RAM). The Dell Inspiron e1505 looks good enough, but I've read that their keyboards are of low quality, and I'm not a gentle typist. Also, I wonder if the x1300/x1400 isn't more GPU than i really need. I understand that Vista won't run on the integrated graphics that come standard on the e1505.
Please have a look at the answers I've provided below, and let me know if any of you have suggestions.
TIA,
Loucks
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General Questions
1) What is your budget?
I could go as high as $1k, but would prefer to stay under $800.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
I'd like to have a reasonable amount of screen, but I'm not into the full blown desktop replacement due to weight/size issues. Thin & Light or Mainstream would both be fine, although I tend to lean toward the 15-16" screens.
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
I need to be able to run Firefox (with as many as 3 dozen tabs open at once), BitTorrent, watch DVDs, burn DVDs, play music (I have a set of X-230's I'd like to be able to connect at home), etc. I don't run any top-end games requiring the latest GPU.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Mostly leaving it on my desk/using it on the sofa, but I want one I can take with me if I so choose. I'm also trying to get into law school, and I'd like a machine I can use if I get in this year.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Not really. I play web-based and text-based games (kingdom of loathing, MUDs, etc.)
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Not really. I'd love a VAIO, but they all seem to be out of my price range. My primary concern is build quality, then price. Asus seems to have a good reputation as well.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
I'd like to get four or more, but I could settle for less. The machine will used at home most of the time anyway. That said, it may (I hope) be used in class, and so a longer battery life would be helpful.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Not in the least. I'm comfortable buying online so long as the vendor is reputable.
9) What country are you buying this in?
USA
Screen Specifics
10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
I'm not too concerned about the screen resolution. I'd like SXGA or better, but it's not terribly important.
11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Honestly, I don't know.
Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Function over Form. Always.
13) How long do you want this laptop to last?
A couple of years. I'd like to have the option to install Windows Vista, if possible.
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
At least 40GB. Ideally, the HD would be ~100GB, due to my media collection, but I could always leave it on an external HD.
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
Yes. I'd like to be able to burn DVDs and CDs. I have that functionality on my elderly desktop (800MHz PIII, 256MB RAM), and it's become indispensible.
Note: I've done _some_ research on these forums and others, and it seems that I'll need at least a Radeon Xpress 200M in order to ensure Vista compatibility. Naturally, I'll need the ability to connect to an 802.11 network.
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop advice?
Go for E1505.
The keyboard is not too bad.
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop advice?
The Dell Inspiron E1505 is a good choice for the money, I agree:
The keyboards on Dell notebooks are pretty good in my opinion. The layout of the keys is excellent, but I can't comment on the durability.
Intel GMA950 integrated graphics are compatible with Windows Vista, so if you don't do anything graphically intensive, then you should be able to pass with them.
Other than that, if you want a better-quality machine, you might want to stick around for the HP dv2000/Compaq V3000 series. They have better video cards than the Dell, plus superior quality IMO.
Chaz
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop advice?
OK, so I've settled on the E1505, and decided to sink slightly more money into the thing in order to take advantage of the $450 off $1499 coupon, since it would've cost me almost $1k anyway. Despite my lack of interest in gaming, I've chosen the following specifications:
Intel® Core™ Duo processor T2400 (2MB Cache/1.83GHz/667MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm
256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory™
100GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy® ADVANCED HD Audio
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps)
85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Genuine Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition re-installation CD
TOTAL:$1,066.00
Aside from the fact that the price is the year of the Battle of Hastings (which is irrelevant), how'd I do? My primary concern is the LCD selection. Given that I'm satisfied running 1024x768 on my 17" CRT, is the higher resolution really necessary? Also, and perhaps more importantly: Is the color much better with the TrueLife (glossy?) screen? I like to spend hours in front of my machine, and I'd like to avoid the eyestrain said to be caused by the glossy screens, but if the difference in image quality is great, I'd consider upgrading.
Once again, TIA,
Loucks