Question:
Expert Opinions Needed: 1st Desktop Replacement
Could use some expert opinions...starting my masters soon.
1) What is your budget?
Answer: Under $2500
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
Answer: 15" - 17"
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Answer: Running Studio 8 (Flash, Macromedia, Fireworks), Adobe CS2 (Photoshop & Illustrator), Web and Graphic Design, Flash animation, Burning CDs/DVDs, Watching DVD's
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Answer: Portability is a must - from work to home to (coffee shop, library, etc)
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Answer: Down the road, World of Warcraft and/or other MMORPG's
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Answer: Sony, Apple
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Answer: Prefer 2.5+
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Answer: No
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
Answer: USA
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Answer: Haven't given this much thought, but thinking widescreen
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.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
Answer: e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets. I think I will need the high resolution for the programs I will be running simultaneously
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Answer: Undecided - I won't be working in the outdoors or sun, so open to opinions
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Answer: Yes, but not more important than performance.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Answer: In the next 3 weeks...and would like it to last at least 5 years.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
Answer: Thinking 80 - 100GB at 7200RPM
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Answer: I will need a DVD-CD/RW
A few notebooks on my short list: Dell Inspirion E1505/E1705, Acer Aspire 9504WSMi, and HP Pavillion dv8000.
Thank you for your help.
Answer:
Re: Expert Opinions Needed: 1st Desktop Replacement
the Acer and Hp ones look nice, from what iv seen, while a dell, looks like a dell!
i have not had first hand experience with any of the notebooks, but may i suggest adding the Hp/Compaq nx9420 to your list? it is the business class version of the dv8000 series.
one question...you want protability, but you want a 15" + screen...!? so d oyou just mean good battery life and strong built?
happy hunting!
Answer:
Re: Expert Opinions Needed: 1st Desktop Replacement
Thanks! - I'll check out the HP nx9420.
I dont need ultraportable - just that I'll need to take it with me places. The 15 inch screen is a must for my program...I failed to mention it involves me developing eLearning, creating animations, building web-based learning, and creating CD-roms with interactive elements.
Answer:
Re: Expert Opinions Needed: 1st Desktop Replacement
If you want any portablity I would shy away from a 17" notebook.
Answer:
Re: Expert Opinions Needed: 1st Desktop Replacement
I would recommend the COMPAL HEL80, HP nc8430, and ASUS Z96J in the 15.4" WSXGA+ range.
Very powerful gaming/GPU 17" is SAGER NP5760.
I am not sure how much GPU your graphic design programs need, but these will all be able to play the games you have in mind.