Question:
Having serious problems finding a good 17" laptop
OK, so about 2 months ago I started on my quest for a new laptop. I knew what I wanted:
17" screen
2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo @ 667
at least 1 GB RAM
at least 100 GB HD @ 7200 RPM
at least 128 MB graphics card (though 256 preferable)
comfortable keyboard + numeric keypad (not absolutely essential, but would be very helpful)
I'm not a gamer, but I do a lot of graphics work, a lot of data analysis and a lot of programming, and wanted something that would provide me with plenty of screen real estate and the ability to multitask just about any combination of apps at will. My price ceiling was approx. $1800-2000.
After doing some preliminary research, I ultimately opted for the HP dv8000t, packed with everything above. It had great reviews where I looked, and seemed to be the multimedia machine I wanted, including a great design and a numeric keypad, which was important to me for spreadsheet work. Unfortunately, it didn't take me long to discover the keyboard problems many other HP users have encountered. I also wasn't totally pleased with the native 1440x900 resolution of the ultrabright screen, although the brightness and overall contrast was totally amazing. So I returned it without a hitch.
I decided my next best bet was to try a Dell, and went with the E1705, packed with everything listed above. One of the things that bothered me at first was the weird keyboard design and the lack of a numeric keypad, but I figured the power of the computer itself would be make me forget all about it. Well, it didn't. It didn't help that they first shipped me a defective computer, with a screen that began flashing uncontrollably as soon as I turned it on. I wasn't all that impressed with the screen brightness compared to the HP, although I had opted for the TrueBrite option, and I found the keyboard to be awkward and the mouseclick buttons to be flimsy. I liked the native 1920x1200 resolution, but the keyboard issues and the fact that there was also significant light leakage at the bottom of the screen made me decide it just wasn't for me.
I don't think I'm being overly picky here. I just don't want to spend 2 grand on a machine that has these kinds of problems. It seems like a lot of people on these forums are just dealing with it in many cases, but there must be something better out there! I'm now looking at Toshibas (the P100 or P105s) and Gateways (specifically, the nx860), but I've also heard some bad things about their quality, although I haven't read about any specific widespread technical issues.
Somebody please help me! There must be something out there in this day and age that give me everything I want and provide me with a little piece of mind!
Answer:
Re: Having serious problems finding a good 17" laptop
There are a lot of different options for a 17" screen and more brands are coming out with larger screens. I would suggest the Sager NP5760. It has a very large screen resolution, powerful gpu, and yet still reasonably priced. It even has a full sized keyboard with num pad, not too sure about the specific quality of the keyboard or pad. Sager has been known for great design and overall build quality. Team that up with a great reseller powernotebooks.com and you have a winning combination.
http://powernotebooks.com/category.php?catId=25#id1415
There are also a few other 17" options that you can check out too. Of those though, I absolutely love the design of the NP5760.
Answer:
Re: Having serious problems finding a good 17" laptop
don't get the HP8000t, it's totally overpriced..
get a DELL E1705 instead! I just ordered mine like 3hrs ago, check this:
Answer:
Re: Having serious problems finding a good 17" laptop
He already purchased the e1705. He wants something non Dell and non HP.
Nice job on getting the 7900 gpu, I'm jealous.
Answer:
Re: Having serious problems finding a good 17" laptop
Although I do love the Sager NP5760, perhaps it's little brother the NP5750 would suit your needs if you can live with the 1440x900 resolution and 128MB x1600 GPU--it should fit in your budget nicely configured.
The NP5760 does come with the option of a Quadro FX GPU, but you will definitely spend over $2000.
Answer:
Re: Having serious problems finding a good 17" laptop
OMG you missed the best 17" laptop out there if you don't need to kick butt with your graphics card, Fujitsu N6410! Gosh it's the best screen out there! I got N6210, its predecessor, and it's so-freaking-awesome! The keyboard is nice, has numpad, everything works, and you can even have *dual* HDDs if you want. It doesn't have Core Duo 2 GHz, but check this out:
Core Duo 1.86 GHz
Win XP MCE + Remote
1 GB RAM @ 667 MHz
2 x 100 GB HDD @ 7200 rpm
ATI X1400 w 256 MB RAM
DL multi-format DVD burner
Free Targus carry case
Free 1GB Lexar flash drive
$1979
Do you really think you'll notice a difference between 1.86 & 2.0? The difference there is slight. However, you're not buying a list of specs, you're buying the whole machine, and you are buying into the company. If you look at the Fujitsu forum, you won't see a lot of complaints. And, once again, the screen. Go Fujitsu!
Malia