Question:
Any suggestions on a new laptop?
Hi everyone, I have been looking around on this site for awhile and I find it extremely useful. I am looking for a new laptop that I can run Linux on, and do a lot of programming and web development on. I would like it to have an Nvidia graphics card in it, since I have heard they are usually easier to work with in Linux. Other than that, I think everything is explained in the FAQ below. Thanks to everyone in advance!
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
- $1000-$1300 USD
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen - preferred
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen - preferred
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
- Programming, some web development, a little bit of gaming, and photoshop
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
- It will mostly be on a desk at home.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
- I play games like Age of Mythology, and some Call of Duty.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
- Any brand is good as long as you can refer me to a reputable seller:)
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
- Battery life really isn't a big issue for me, maybe around 2 hours at the minimum.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
- Either way.
9) What country are you buying this in?
- U.S.A.
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
- Widescreen
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Widescreen
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
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?
- Glossy preferred
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
- Nope
14) How long do you want this laptop to last?
- At least a couple years.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
- I would like around 100GB, 80 is fine too, but I can also do an upgrade aftermarket.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
- Prefer a DVD-RW, but willing to go with a DVD-CD/RW
Answer:
Re: Any suggestions on a new laptop?
The question is, do u still need windows if u run linux? (I guess u ll need it since ur playing the games)
Anyway if u dun, u could look for some custom builder in the forum here.
Answer:
Re: Any suggestions on a new laptop?
Sorry, I should have said that I am going to dual boot with it.
Answer:
Re: Any suggestions on a new laptop?
HP dv5000t(15.4", nvidia 7400, about 1000+usd), HP dv8000t(17", nvidia 7600, bout 1400+usd) or some of the HP nc models(they hav better GPU, the X1600)
remember to customize it into the ultra brightview(or watever), which is the glossy view. N dun take 2300E processors, heard their not so good as the 2300 versions.
Answer:
Re: Any suggestions on a new laptop?
Thanks lunateck!
I was looking at the dv8000t, but I have heard some bad things about the HP keyboards, so that makes me kinda hesitant to go with them. Any insight into this, I have read about it in the HP thread here too. I'm still open to anything else people can suggest. Thanks!
Answer:
Re: Any suggestions on a new laptop?
I have also been looking at the Dell e1705. The HP dv8000t and the e1705 seem like the only two options for me, at least for 17 inch laptops. Anyone else have any input? Any other 15.4" or 17" ones that you can recommend? Any help is much appreciated:) Thanks again!
Answer:
Re: Any suggestions on a new laptop?
The HP nx9420 is a great option for a 17" - business notebooks are typically more Linux-friendly than consumer ones:
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en...1-1839153.html
For a 15.4", the Lenovo ThinkPad Z61M is a very good option:
http://www.computer-notebook.com/defaul...=ThinkPad+Z61m
Do you have any gripes with ATI graphics cards since you use Linux?
Answer:
Re: Any suggestions on a new laptop?
Thanks ChazMan, I will check both of those out and let you know:)
I don't have anything against ATI cards, I guess I have just heard that Nvidia usually are easier to set up with Linux. I am relatively new to Linux, so I was looking for the ease of setting up factor. Then again, setting it up is half the fun right:)
Answer:
Re: Any suggestions on a new laptop?
I like the nx9420, but does it have a glossy screen or a matte screen? Anyone know? I am mainly hesitant about the keyboard issues that HP is supposedly having. Right now though the HP is looking like the way to go. Any thoughts on the Dell e1705 compared to the nx9420 or the dv8000t? Thanks again in advance.
Answer:
Re: Any suggestions on a new laptop?
well, the nx9420 has several screen options. the glossy screen is the brightview screen. also, the keyboard issues seem to be with the consumer line, not the business line that the nx9420 is part of. you can also check out the upcoming asus z96j at powernotebooks.com or geared2play.com.