Question:
DELL E1405 or what else instead??? DUAL CORE + LIGHT!!!
Hi folks:
I am a computer science student and have done a lot of research over the past couple of months in order to find a somewhat LIGHT and powerful (DUAL CORE) notebook that won't kill my bank :) I like the DELL E1405 (with a few exceptions) but would love to hear other suggestions from you all... THANKS!!!
General Questions
0) What processor / video card?
Definitely a DUAL CORE with at least 2300 or maybe 2400
One of the main drawbacks of the Dell E1405 is the onboard 950 video
card.... anything above that would be terrific!
1) What is your budget?
considering the incredible Dell coupons out there I would say not more
than approx. $1200 total
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
Weight of the notebook is definitely an issue for me and I am trying to find
one that doesn't weigh much more than 6lbs
a. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
b. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
college papers, programming, dvd watching, photo albums, normal office
stuff, internet, occassionally games
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it
on your desk?
I will be carrying it around in a backpack most of the time along with
several heavy textbooks
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Occassionally yes... doesn't have to support the latest high tech ones but
Half-Life 2 would be nice
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
not really, open to anything
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
When looking at the Dell E1405 I saw the 9 cell upgrade which is very
nice... otherwise I would say at least 4 hours (willing to upgrade battery
though)
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No, not really.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country
are you buying this in?
USA
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen would be nice but I could maybe compromise.
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.
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie
viewing or spreadsheets.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
That is a tough one but I think I would try the glossy one
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not really (please no pink one :) )
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to
last?
I need it in September / planning to use it for at least 3 or 4 years
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
At least 60GB but 80 would be preferred
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW
drive?
I need a DVD-CD/RW COMBO so I can read and write any format (cd or
dvd)
THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!! Stefan
Answer:
Re: DELL E1405 or what else instead??? DUAL CORE + LIGHT!!!
The Dell XPS m1210 is a good laptop. It has a dedicated Go7400 graphics card. Check out a review here on NBR, it plays Half-Life 2 very well. Only downside, it's a 12" screen.
For 13.3" you may want to consider the Sony SZ, also with a Go7400.
14.1" your best bet is the Compal HGL80 with a Go7600 at only 5.5 pounds.
All of the above have Core Duo CPUs. Hope that helps. :)
C.
Answer:
Re: DELL E1405 or what else instead??? DUAL CORE + LIGHT!!!
I'd suggest checking out the hp dv2000t
Answer:
Re: DELL E1405 or what else instead??? DUAL CORE + LIGHT!!!
It will be hard finding a 14.1" notebook with dedicated graphics for your budget, so I would consider the Dell e1505. You can get a ATI x1400 graphics card for a resonable price. It's probably your best bet. It's somewhat lite for a 15.4" notebook
I would also throw out the Asus S96 J and Compal HEL80. Good price/performance ratio. They come with a 3yr warranty and great customer service
Answer:
Re: DELL E1405 or what else instead??? DUAL CORE + LIGHT!!!
The HP dv2000t is a good choice for a 14" - it has an optional 256MB Go7200.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...owse3/home_SDP
The Compal HGL30 as posted is also nice, but will push your budget.