Question:
Back on the market, maybe.
So, I am thinking I will return my MBP. That puts me back in the maket. Before I return it Saturday, I wanted some altenatives. I have been looking at the hp nc8430 and the s96j. 3 requirements. Matte screen (unless you can prove somehow that the gloss is not bad), x1600 or better, good keyboard(love my MBP keyboard). I am also open to keeping my MBP if someone can convince me that the heat when plugged in isn't really that bad and that I am overreacting on the underclocked GPU(I think Apple intentionally ripped people off.) Here is an updated FAQ:
General Questions
1) What is your budget?<$1800
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
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? Internet, email, MS Office, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and games. Mainly I play World of Warcraft, but I want the option for other more demanding games. However, I don't REALLY mind using low settings for games.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? Both, I would like this to be the upgrade for my current computer. If your interested its a 2.6 P4 with 1.5 gig RAM, 128mb Radeon 9800 Pro. For me, this is plenty fast and runs WoW and Half Life 2 pretty well. That gives you an idea of the speed I am lookng for. Am I asking too much?
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? As I said, World of Warcraft, but I want to be able to play new games if there are some I like.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? My desktop is a Dell and my wife has an Inspiron 6000d, both have been fantastic. The only brand I shy away from is HP/Compaq.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need? Minimum 2:30, ideally 4-6
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? I don't mind buying online
9) What country are you buying this in? US
Screen Specifics
10) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
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 would prefer matte, but I am noticing most are doing the gloss. If the glare is not noticeble then I'm ok with it.
Build Quality and Design
12) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? Not really. I don't want an Alienware or XPS type design. I prefer business design such as the Thinkpads or Latitudes, but the Inspirons, Acers, etc look fine to me.
13) How long do you want this laptop to last? Realistcally 3 years.
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB? >80GB. Also would prefer a 7200 RPM drive if the performance boost is significant. Is it?
15) Do you need a DVD, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-R drive? DVD burner required.
Answer:
Re: Back on the market, maybe.
W3j, W3j, W3j....
oh... wat really changed ur mind bout the MBP... but ur still keepin ur macbook rite?
Answer:
Re: Back on the market, maybe.
Portable one MX/ Asus 8Jm, or the Asus S/Z96J or the Compal HEL80. All are pretty good, with good GPUs. I like the P1 MX the best tho.