Question:
Help me to decide!(FAQs)
Hi, first time to be here, look for some advice. Give me some laptops to choose from. Thanks!
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
US$800 - US$1000 after tax.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
14"
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Internet, viewing movies(sometimes), pictures viewing and simple editting. Some games. Must be 64 bit, dual core.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? Home and office.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Yes, but only FIFA06, Flight simulator 2004.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Can be Dell, HP/Compaq, Acer.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Don't bother. 2 hrs is ok. I will plug in most of the time.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Don't mind.
9) What country are you buying this in?
USA.
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer? See below for more information. Does't mind.
Standard
a. XGA -1024x768; Largest text with least amount of screen real estate.
b. SXGA - 1400x1050; Middle ground.
c. UXGA - 1600x1200; Smallest text with the most amount of screen real estate.
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Largest text with least amount of screen real estate.
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Middle ground.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Smallest text with the most amount of screen real estate.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? See below for explanation. Doesnt mind.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Nice looking of course.
14) How long do you want this laptop to last?
Don't know. As long as it can.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
40G is fine, but must be 5400RMP above.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive? A DVD-RW will be better, but DVD-ROM also fine with me. hehehe...
I hope it is possible to find some laptops in this price range.
Look for the reply.
Answer:
Re: Help me to decide!(FAQs)
How about the Compaq v3000 though it is not released yet.
Answer:
Re: Help me to decide!(FAQs)
I haven't looked to be honest, but to get a 64-bit dual core you may be looking at a bit of a wait. AMD has released theirs, but I am not sure how many sub-1000 notebooks have them or will in the first few months. Intel's won't even be out until August and then a few months later for sub-$1000.
May I ask why it must be 64-bit?
Also Flight Simulator can be a much more demanding game than people give it credit for. You should really consider discreet graphics.
Answer:
Re: Help me to decide!(FAQs)
64 bit is for future proof with 64 bit vista. I should wait few more weeks to see how is Turion 64 X2(price, performance).
Does the X1400 enough for flight simulator 2004? I know Dell E1505 has X1400 with Duo core. It is about $700-800, if I am not out of dated. Will Dell put AMD Turion X2 into their line? I hope so.
Answer:
Re: Help me to decide!(FAQs)
Well, if 64-bit is a must, then I would wait if you can. I think the X1400 will run FS 2004 well. As far as an X2 in a Dell...that may be a while.
Keep in mind that by the time 64-bit is really a necessity we will be a least 2 more chip iterations down the road. That's alot of new technology. Basically by the time 64-bit is 'here', a Merom or X2 chip will be well out of date anyway.