Question:
Graduate Student Seeking a Notebook
Entering Graduate school this August, and would like something semi-portable. I keep coming up with different ideas browsing through this forum, but can't put my finger on the one for me. It also seems to bad that I'd need this by August, the time which those new chips are coming out, oh well.
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
$1,000-$1,500 (Would prefer to keep it sub $1,300 ideally, still have to buy a PDA)
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less. (Might be a bit small, but I'll throw it out there.)
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Web browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, research, various medical programs, etc.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Both, will be used at home, library, and taken to clinical rotations
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
I've got a desktop for any gaming I might do, so no.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Up in the air for anything, I've been mainly looking at the Macbook (Heat is an issue it seems), Dell Latitudes, and Asus models (More expensive)
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Would like it to be over 3 hours.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Nope
9) What country are you buying this in?
U.S.
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen is more appealing, although I could settle for a standard if it's a good deal.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Standard
a. XGA -1024x768 - Large and easy to read text + graphics icons, but you fit less stuff on the screen.
b. SXGA - 1400x1050 - Compromise resolution between XGA and UXGA.
c. UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
No preference.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
No preference.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Aesthetics are a plus, although I don't need to be that picky.
14) How long do you want this laptop to last?
Get me through 3 years of grad school and maybe more, since I won't be able to afford a new one for some time.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
60+
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
I could see a DVD-ROM or CD/RW being useful, not necessarily needed.
Answer:
Re: Graduate Student Seeking a Notebook
the dell d620 would fit. maybe the asusu z62f. the lenovo 3000 n100 is also worth a look.
Answer:
Re: Graduate Student Seeking a Notebook
I like the Asus Z62F recommendation:
http://www.powernotebooks.com/specs/PowerPro/p2-14.php
Great quality and design.
The Dell XPS M1210 is at the top of your ideal budget range, but a good fit:
http://www.computer-notebook.com/defaul...S+M1210+Review
Chaz
Answer:
Re: Graduate Student Seeking a Notebook
Thanks for the responses. If anyone has anything else to add, it would be appreciated.