Question:
Digital Art and some gaming. $1500-2000
I was originally going to get the Sager 5320 (worth the extra bit of money) but it was taken off of the market a few weeks ago. I realy liked the design and parts, but I wasn't attached to the brand that much, though I almost wish I got it then. So, I'm looking for another laptop; brand doesn't matter too much (though I want one that's a little more uncommon than something like the Dell, which was another reason I liked the Sager.) I'm really open to all suggestions at this point. As far as waiting goes, I'm going overseas by the end of June, for the remainder of July. For that reason, I want to order it within two weeks or so.
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
- Going for 1500 give or take, no more than 2000
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
- Mainstream; 15 or 15.4" screen, not really looking at anything bigger or smaller
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
- Digital art is the most important (Flash/Photoshop), and otherwise it's basic processes. I do have a powerful desktop for that at home for games and graphic editing, so the notebook doesn't have to be top of the line.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
- Taking it around; I have a desktop otherwise
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
- Yes, no further than HL2 and HL2 mods, as low settings as need be
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
- I'm leaning away from the more common laptops, such as the Vaio. I don't care for the Dell notebooks (crappy service, very common notebooks, etc.). Beyond that, I'm rather open.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
- As much as I can get (+3 hours, give or take a bit on minimum time)
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
- No (I plan on buying online for customization.)
9) What country are you buying this in?
- USA
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
- Widescreen for screen space, but I don't really have much preference.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
- WSXGA+ or WUXGA: I want high resolution, but I don't think I'll break WSXGA's max on a 15/15.4" screen. If I find the quality is better on WUXGA, regardless if high resoltion is used, I'd go with that.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
- Not sure what would be better. I think the glossy glare could get to be annoying, but I've read glossy is more ideal graphic/video editing. I'm indifferent (though I could use some input on that.)
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
- Yes, though only enough to adjust the price 50-100 dollars, if at all. It's one of the reasons I was leaning towards the Sager.
14) How long do you want this laptop to last?
- My goal is 2-5 years (or as far as it gets me through college.) I'm not going to often be putting it in a position to be damaged, and I shouldn't need to really upgrade it.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
- At least 40 (I have flashdrives and a portable HD) Probabaly leaning more towards 60 or 80, to make room for video and game files on hand.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
- Minimum; my desktop can write, and I use portable devices more than CDs and DVDs.
I have a desktop that I use mainly, but that's not to say this is going to collect dust while I'm at home. I will be using the laptop daily in computer classes for high school computer classes (senior), and I want to make sure it can run everything I need. I'm going for a laptop for general use that can run programs like Photoshop CS and Flash MX efficiently. My desktop is built toward that sort of use, but I am out and around enough to want a laptop I can rely on. Games are a definite plus, but is not nearly as important. Again, I have my desktop for real gaming. I'll live with any video and audio. I'll may least shell out for a backup battery for long tavel and plane trips.
I was really interested in the Sager 5320 for looks, Sager support, and it carried a lot of what I was looking for in parts. However Sager went more towards expensive gaming rigs, and I was too late. Duo core is definitely a plus, but I'm flexible there. For RAM, I'm going for 2x512's as I don't plan on putting them in myself (I don't have any prior experience in building laptops), unless it's a complete rip on customization.
What I have in mind for sure:
15 or 15.4 WSXGA+ (possibly 15.4 WUXGA)
1.86GHz Duo Core (possibly 2.0 GHz)
1 GB RAM (2x 512)
60 or 80 GB 5400 rpm HD
8X DVD/ 24X10X24 CD-RW combo drive
Other stuff: A front panel for media would be preffered. A built in webcam and mic are unnecessary, unless they come standard. Dedticated graphics card is also a plus, and I'm willing to shell out a little more for that. Screen quality is rather important to me. OS is not required, I'm most likely going to reformat it regardless.
Answer:
Re: Digital Art and some gaming. $1500-2000
asus z96j comes out jun 19 get in on the preorders
nothing else will really compare
Answer:
Re: Digital Art and some gaming. $1500-2000
The ThinkPad T60 with FlexView screen is the best matte screen you'll find. FlexView is offered on 15" SXGA and UXGA screens.
Answer:
Re: Digital Art and some gaming. $1500-2000
I'm really not set on any brands, or against what wasn't already mentioned.
The Asus carries what I'm looking for at a good price. My only fears is that it isn't out yet, so there has been no time for reviews (though the S96j is in use.) Also, I don't care much for how it looks on the top, and in closed side views. I wouldn't say it's ugly, but it's not as sleek as a Sager or Macs, and it's not as clean as the ThinkPads.
I like the ThinkPad for design and build, and like the MacBook Pro in a similar position, but they run a little pricy for everything I'm looking at.
I'm half wishing I had purchased the Sager when it was still out, just for it's sleek aesthetics, and the fact that it's a very uncommon brand (I like straying on the road less traveled.) I think that the new generation of parts is more important though, and I can do more with the Duo core, and the better graphics cards of the newer notebooks.
At this point, I'm leaning towards the Z96j, but I'm still looking around for all options. If I do go with that, however, I'm hoping there aren't any huge issues, as I'm going to be away from the US for a whole month after I recieve it.
Answer:
Re: Digital Art and some gaming. $1500-2000
i would also consider the hp nc8430 or nw 8440
Answer:
Re: Digital Art and some gaming. $1500-2000
The ThinkPad T60 is a nice choice; ThinkPads have the best keyboards in the industry. The HP is a good choice as well, offering similar quality and a high-resolution display:
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en...1-1839150.html