Question:
Ideal Coder's Notebook
Hey all, I'm heading off to UoW for Computer Science and need a machine with significant computing power, preferable a Core Duo. Graphics is not a must, although I am hopeful of at least a weak dedicated card. The hard drive must spin @ 5400RPM, 4200 slows everything from experience. Could anyone suggest some models?
1) What is your budget?
less than $2000CDN
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
B or C are acceptable
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Wide variety of programming, Maya, C++, some matlab, etc. Gaming is not a priority
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Must be reasonably mobile, but mostly it'll be on a desktop
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
No games
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Dell is garbage; Japanese companies are great, Apple is awesome
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
+/- 4 hours
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Will NOT buy online. Bad experience last time i did
9) What country are you buying this in?
Canada
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen is preferable
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Middle ground. Sounds good, but I'm flexible
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
I'm fine with either.
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not very as long as the brand speaks for itself.
14) How long do you want this laptop to last?
4-5 years
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
>60GB must spin at 5400RPM
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes, DVD-RW and CD-RW required
Answer:
Re: Ideal Coder's Notebook
Nice, UoW :)
The T60 is an obvious choice, so look into that. For coding, you may prefer a matte screen, as it'll reduce glare and eye strain.
Also, online is usually a better option, you find better deals and have tons of more options, so putting off buying online because of one(or more?) bad experience isn't a good move.
Answer:
Re: Ideal Coder's Notebook
Thanks for replying so soon; I'll take a close look at the T60. I guess I'll consider buying online again if I hear some recommendations for online sellers. The first time I ever bought online I lost a total of $400. I learned an expensive lession:o
Answer:
Re: Ideal Coder's Notebook
resellerratings.com is awesome for checking up on resellers before you buy. Generally I feel that buying online can be a good experience and overall get better products oftentimes (this coming from a person with major paranoia issues), so long as you're careful about who you buy from, their reputation, ratings, return policy, etc.
Answer:
Re: Ideal Coder's Notebook
i would also consider the dell d820. if the fujitsu e8110/8210 is available, i would consider those as well. hp also has a nice line of business notebooks that are worth looking into.
Answer:
Re: Ideal Coder's Notebook
When buying online, paying with a credit card is a good idea as if will offer you more recourse should a problem arise.
Answer:
Re: Ideal Coder's Notebook
Thats true Zaz, I'll have to be careful online. I did look at the Dells, at retailer locations. It seems to me that Dell has some severe issues with their LCD screens, something my work can't afford. The Fujitsu is an attractive option, but isn't the price tag beyond $2000CDN?
Answer:
Re: Ideal Coder's Notebook
the fujitsu is not beyond $2000 if you do a direct currency conversion of the price from u.s. $ to canadian. but things do tend to be more expensive in canada and also there is less availability and less customization available. if you wait a bit, the asus z96j may be worth a look. the hp business line (at least in the u.s.) has a few options with wsxga+.
Answer:
Re: Ideal Coder's Notebook
Thanks alot guys, I will closely consider all of your suggestions; from the looks of it, though the T60 is a beauty. Cheers!