Question:
Compal HEL-80/Asus W3J, W7J/Alienware Area 51M5550?
1) What is your budget?
- Ideally between $1,500 - $1,800
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
- 14" - 15.4"
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
- Software development, web surfing, gaming*(most likely to get the most utilization :D )
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
- I will be taking it with me on occassion but leaving it at home most of the time
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
- CS:S, Battlefield2 (maybe), other FPS
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
- I really like the sleakness of the Asus W line and the uniqueness of Alienware, but I feel like I am getting more with the Compal HEL-80 for the money even though I don't think it is the best looking machine.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
- 2-4
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
- No problem
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?
- Prefer widescreen but don't have a problem with standard
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
- No real preference
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.
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?
- No preference
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
- Yes, I don't want to be carrying around a well appointed brick...
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
- 2 to 3 years would be sufficient
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
- 80GB (Pref. 7,200 RPM)
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
- Yes, would like a DVD-RW/CD-RW combo
Answer:
Re: Compal HEL-80/Asus W3J, W7J/Alienware Area 51M5550?
I'd vote for the Asus S96J. The Compal HEL80 is a fantastic machine, but its video card is underclocked, and it will not have as good of performance as the X1600 in the S96J by a good margin. The Alienware m5550 is overpriced.
Fof 14", the Asus W3J and A8JM (better value) are good choices, but if you are leaving it home most of the time, might as well get the 15.4". The bigger screen is nice for gaming.
Answer:
Re: Compal HEL-80/Asus W3J, W7J/Alienware Area 51M5550?
I second that notion