Question:
Help me decide!
1) What is your budget?
Around 1,500
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?
Java coding, gaming, running *nix, virtualization.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Little of both.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
UT2k4, Guild Wars, CoH, and other graphic intensive games.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Not really
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
2.5-4+ hours
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Not really, but if it would be possible it would be good to see it first.
9) What country are you buying this in?
USA
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
It doesnt matter as long as my hand can type comfortably.
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.
c. UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets. My current lappy has this and I like it If its wide screen I would like this or better
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Either.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not really, as long as its not hideous.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Soon, and 2-4 years.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
100gig SATA
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes, DVD +-RW DL
Answer:
Re: Help me decide!
I'd recommend checking out the Asus A8J or the W3J. They both do not have the screen resolution you prefer though but with both have a dedicated GPU of 512 MB or 256 MB (upto 512 with shared memory) respectively that you will need for graphic intensive games. They pretty much meet the rest of your requirements. The A8J is a little cheaper (~$300) than the ~$1850 W3J.
Answer:
Re: Help me decide!
The HP nc8430 is a good notebook for your needs. doc_who's suggestion of the W3J for a 14" is great.
Java coding, gaming, running *nix, virtualization.
Make sure you do not get the Core Duo T2300E processor, it does not support virtualization.
Answer:
Re: Help me decide!
For $1500 I would go with HP nc8430 as Chaz mentioned or the Asus Z96J
Answer:
Re: Help me decide!
I am looking at the HPs now.
But as for the w3j, does it still have its battery quirks?
And If possible how ever unlikely, I would like a 9 or 12 cell with it.