Question:
computer engineering student, web design, and network management
I need to get a new notebook soon. I currently have the D400, but the 1.7 Ghz centrino with a 266 MHz FSB just isnt cutting it anymore. I am currently a computer engineering student so I need something pretty quick when i'm running analysis. I also do web design and manage a few remote servers for work.
1) What is your budget?
No budget...well short of about 3000
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
Weight is the most important. My current D400 is about 4 lbs and I don't want to really go much higher than that since i'll be bringing the notebook to campus every day. The D400 was just on the heavy side of ultraportable.
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Programming, analysis, office programs, dvd burning, downloading music, network managing (sniffers, snmp etc), web developing, and multi-tasking all of the above
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Class about 3 times a week, server rooms occassionally
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Nope
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Hate computers that don't allow a clean install of XP or don't have good driver updates online (i.e. SONY).
Prefer Dell because I already have the D/Port docking station and other D series power adaptors.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
About 3-4 hrs.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Nope
9) What country are you buying this in?
USA
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen would be nice...
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.
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
matte, but not a deal breaker
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Don't want a glossy finish all over the notebook case, I perfer business style
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
In the next month or two, usually upgrade notebooks every 2-3 years
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
At least 80 GB.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes, doesnt have to be built in. I want a DVD-RW.
Answer:
Re: computer engineering student, web design, and network management
ThinkPad T60 seems like a good choice. With the six cell battery it is just under five pounds. The x60 will be lighter and more portable, but only has a low resolution screen.
Answer:
Re: computer engineering student, web design, and network management
How would the size of that compare to my current D400. My roommate has a D610, is that how big its going to be??
Answer:
Re: computer engineering student, web design, and network management
The T60 is bigger, but you can get a higher resolution screen. The x60 is three pounds with the four cell battery, three and a half with the eight cell.
Answer:
Re: computer engineering student, web design, and network management
the fujitsu q2010 is very light. you could check out the dell d420, but i think it may be more than 4 lb. maybe the sony sz would also be worth a look. the hp nc4400 is pretty light as wel.
Answer:
Re: computer engineering student, web design, and network management
Macbook, thou is heavy, but u ll get a clean window install for sure.
EDIT: Skip it... apple support for windows aint good, or at least wait until leopard. Now the isight in the apple wont work in windows. Nor do double finger scrolling.
Answer:
Re: computer engineering student, web design, and network management
I really want to stay away from the sony. The SZ is a nice model but I heard service and support is horrible and doing a clean install is a pain.
I like the x60, except i don't believe it offers a dual-layer dvd burner option for the ultrabay. I'm nervous about switching to a trackstick...I don't want to be one of those guys that ALWAYS has to use a mouse with his notebook. It also doesnt have widescreen, which isnt a huge deal breaker but my D400 already has the same resolution screen. I was hoping for an upgrade on screen real estate with a better resolution....
The D420 is great except for one thing...the processoring power is weak. Running batch processes will take forever.
Maybe i'll increase the size to a D620? or look into the Z60t from lenovo. Anyone else have these notebooks? How do you think the step up in size will be from a D400? That is really worrying me...
Maybe i'm just being too picky...i really am looking for a good notebook between thin-and-light and ultraportable. That way its still light and small enough, but has the processing power I require.
Answer:
Re: computer engineering student, web design, and network management
The D420 would fit, but it uses 1.8" hard drive which limits performance and I think only goes up 60GB. The Z60 I saw was pretty nice. The Z61t has the Core Duo, but is hard to get. Perhaps the Asus W5f or PortableOne MX would fit, but they are glossy screens.
Answer:
Re: computer engineering student, web design, and network management
Yeah the D420 is hurt by the smaller hard drive and the ULV processor...other than that, the machine is great....
I've been really looking at the D620 right now...it might be okay because its been slimmed down from 1.4 to 1.26 inches which is only slightly thicker than the D400 at its thickest point (about 1.1 in) and its length is 9.3 inches which is smaller than the D400 (about 9.7 in)...i just don't know if I can get use to a 13.3 in wide notebook...
I use to have a D800 and that thing was a brick to lug around so 6 months later, I bought a D400. I don't want to do that again!
Answer:
Re: computer engineering student, web design, and network management
T60 would still be my choice with the SXGA+. Even if you were to get the D620 with WXGA+, you'll see more on the T60 top to bottom which is more important and almost as much side to side.