Question:
Help deciding between notebook or desktop.
So it's time for me to buy a new computer as my desktop is getting older and slower by the minute and i'd like to go with a notebook for work and school, but the more i read user reviews the harder it seems it is to find one that won't heat up too much or the screen won't mess up or buttons won't fall off... you get my drift. I'm also working on a limited budget 900 max so i'm not sure whether i should get another desktop or stick with a notebook and if i go to a notebook which one to get.
1) What size notebook would you prefer?
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
basic surfing, movies, music, and word processing.
3) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
a little of both, but mainly leaving it on my desk
4) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
not really no games like doom or anything
5) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I'm not familiar with the different brands, but i have been told to stay away from Celeron processors
6) How many hours of battery life do you need?
it'll probably stay plugged in most of the time
7) What is your budget?
900 max
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
not if i can get a better deal
9) What country are you buying this in?
US
Screen Specifics
10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer? I have no idea
a. XGA = eXtended Graphics Array; 1024x768; This resolution will give you the largest viewable text and images while offering the least amount of screen real estate.
b. SXGA = Super eXtended Graphics Array; 1400x1050; This resolution offers a middle ground between XGA and UXGA.
c. UXGA = Ultra eXtended Graphics Array; 1600x1200; This resolution will give you the smallest viewable text and images while offering the greatest amount of screen real estate.
d. WXGA = Widescreen eXtended Graphics Array; 1280x768 or 1280x800; This resolution offers the same as XGA except that there is more horizontal real estate; 1280 versus 1024. Popular for movie viewing due to support for widescreen.
e. WXGA+ = Widescreen eXtended Graphics Array+; 1440x900; This resolution is offered on 17” widescreen notebooks and is comparable to WXGA in terms of text and icon size versus available screen real estate. Popular for movie viewing due to support for widescreen.
f. WSXGA+ = Widescreen Super eXtended Graphics Array; 1680x1050; This resolution is comparable to SXGA in that it offers a middle ground between WXGA/WXGA+ and WUXGA. Popular for movie viewing due to support for widescreen.
g. WUXGA = Widescreen Ultra eXtended Graphics Array; 1920x1200; This resolution offers the smallest viewable text and images while offering the greatest amount of screen real estate.
11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
i don't care
Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook’s looks and stylishness important to you?
not particularly
13) How long do you want this laptop to last?
i don't want to have to buy another one for a while
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
as much as i can get for a good price
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
i'd like to have a DVD-CD/RW drive. being able to actually burn DVDs isn't all that important to me
It is important that i have a computer that is wireless capable since i've got wireless in my home and they have the wireless zones on campus.
Please state any additional features you need. If you don't know how to answer a question or don't care about what it is asking then just say so!
Answer:
Re: Help deciding between notebook or desktop.
Sure, you can get a laptop for under $900 that suits your requirements. :)
I'd look into the HP dv5000z, which has a 15.4" display, 128MB X200M graphics - not the best video card, but fine for little games and perhaps mild 3D graphics - and a Turion processor (equivalent to a Pentium M). I recommend the 5400RPM hard drive for best performance. Link here:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...owse1/home_SDP
Answer:
Re: Help deciding between notebook or desktop.
Since your question is whether to get a laptop vs a desktop, and given your answer to question 3, I'd say you're better off getting a desktop.
$900 will go a LOT farther in a desktop than in a laptop. And since you say it will stay on your desk the majority of the time, I'm not sure a laptop is what you want.
Desktops are inherently easier to upgrade, also. Although laptops are improving in that regard, it's much easier and cheaper to put new parts in a desktop to keep it up to date.
So I guess my question is; Do you really need the portability?
Answer:
Re: Help deciding between notebook or desktop.
Desktops are inherently easier to upgrade, also.
Oh how true !
But since your tasks are relatively undemanding, you may not need to do much upgrading for the life of your system, regardless of whether you choose a portable or a desktop.
And you'll appreciate being able to take a notebook with you, even if it is just a couple of times a year.
Answer:
Re: Help deciding between notebook or desktop.
Dunno, but I would take advantage of your campus' wireless internet.
I DO :D.