Question:
Advice on laptop for computer tech..
General Questions
1) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
2) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
remote IT work
web/email
minor photoshop
3) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
strictly for when I'm away from the desk, will be with me 9-5 minimum when I'm away from the desk, which is often.
4) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
minesweaper :) Got a gaming desktop at home
5) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
emachine, do they even make laptops? don't care
6) How many hours of battery life do you need?
the more the better, the 4 hours I could squeeze out of my inspiron 8600 are nice but if I can get more that would be great
7) What is your budget?
~$2k
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
I prefer to be able to at least see one in a store first then buy it online.
9) What country are you buying this in?
USA
Screen Specifics
10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
I'm limiting myself heavily with the size of the screen, but the higher the res the better.
11) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
seen types of both that I do and don't like, prefer it to be easy to see in daylight as well as dark.
Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook’s looks and stylishness important to you?
I do like the toshibas and Sonys
13) How long do you want this laptop to last?
a couple years probably, that seems to be my normal run with laptops.
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
60 minimum
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive?
CD-RW/DVD drive is fine.
ok there we go. sorry for not reading the sticky first.
a little background, I'm a computer tech running a small technology integration company and constantly on the go and remote managing IT for many companies.
I currently have a Dell Inspiron 8600 with the works. great laptop but very soon I'm going to be depending on my laptop VERY heavily and need access to clients remotely from just about anywhere. The Dell is just too big to haul around with me all the time.
I'm looking for a small lightweight, semi-feature heavy laptop ~$2k.
Doing some browsing I think I'm leaning towards the Sony Viao TX610P/B. The integrated Cingular card is nice and one less thing for me to worry about. I'm intentionally looking at the lower model cause as far as I can tell the only difference is the DVD burner and the ram compared to the more expensive model. a CD burner is fine for me and I'll upgrade the ram myself for cheaper. The only downside I see to it is that it doesn't have a DB9(serial) port, that I use for programming cisco routers but I know they make DB9-USB adapters so I can go that route.
I've browsed a few forums and not found much in terms of reviews on these laptops, what are your opinions on them?
Included software is also a non issue as the first thing I will do is format and reinstall my own company software but that'll be the same with any laptop I purchase.
Are there any other recommendations that you might have for me, I haven't been keeping up to speed on the laptop world so much lately and I've fallen a little behind on whats out right now.
Thanks in advance.
Answer:
Re: Advice on laptop for computer tech..
Answering the full what to buy FAQ would be helpful :)
I think the ASUS Z63a is a good choice, or a good ole ThinkPad with a docking station is all you need!
Answer:
Re: Advice on laptop for computer tech..
hey I got most of the questions answered especially for not reading ahead.
I also don't have a wireless cell card right now so if I don't get one integrated I have to factor ~$200 more onto the price.
No need for a docking station, Have a killer home office workstations and a standard build at the office.
This is strictly for field use and on the go, keep with me everyday from 9-5 no matter where I am. I do prefer a higher screen res and widescreen. Got a 24" at home and the current laptop is a wuxga at native res. I know I'm not gonna get that but I still want good res for its size. a card reader is also a bonus for loading pics of job sites. I will be using this for remote work, multiple terminal sessions, telnet, minor photoshop work, web browsing. no gaming on the laptop, thats what the desktop is for. prefer it to be decently sturdy as well, no flimsy cheap builds, bonus if it looks nice. I good feelings keyboard is a must as well, not terribly happy with my dells board....bluetooth is also a must.
also really looking for thoughts about that particular line of Sonys since I do really like the one that I glanced at, but they are sold out at the stores near me right now so I can't get a hands on test.
Answer:
Re: Advice on laptop for computer tech..
At 12" you are only going to get xga or wxga. I'd look at the ThinkPad x32 or Asus z33ae.
Answer:
Re: Advice on laptop for computer tech..
no touchpad on the think pad? thats a no go, I hate the "eraser mouse" these Asus laptops do look nice, I am a huge fan of their mobos and use them exclusively in my builds, never been hands on with their laptops.
Answer:
Re: Advice on laptop for computer tech..
Yeah, people either seem to love or hate them camp. Me I used to be in the dislike camp, but I have been using the one on my T42 more lately. Nice thing is you are not constantly lifting you hand up to re-position. A wirelss mouse is another option. They do make different caps for them. The one I like is concave so your finger fits into it nicely. They sell ThinkPads at Office Depot now you might want to check some out. You could opt for the T43. It is as well a built notebook as you'll find plus you'll get a touchpad and stick. As for Asus they are well built machines.
Answer:
Re: Advice on laptop for computer tech..
If you don't want to spend too much the dell 700m or 710m isn't a bad choice! With the coupon you could get a very nice one for around 1.2k.
Answer:
Re: Advice on laptop for computer tech..
I recommend the Fujitsu S2110. It's great for travel purposes - 13.3", 4 lbs weight, and four hours of battery life. Beautiful display: