Question:
Which Notebook? Programmer!
1) What is your budget?
$1000-1400
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
B / C
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Internet / Photoshop / Music / Video (Divx/etc) / Programming (PHP/etc / Some gaming
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
I will be taking it to other places sometimes like University
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Yeah, sometimes! Doesn´t need some to be very high-end though..
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Not really..
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
At least 2-3 hours!
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Not at all
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
I am buying in the US
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen (I think)
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Accept recommendations!
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?
I think glossy is better in my case, right?
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Yeah!
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
I am buying probably in december! I want it to last some time!
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
80B or so (7200RPM if possible)
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
I guess a DVD-RW would come in handy!
Answer:
Re: Which Notebook? Programmer!
For a 15", the HP nx6325 is a solid choice:
The video card is not the best, but it shouldn't have a problem with older games. What games do you want to play?
The Dell Latitude D820 is a good widescreen 15.4" option.
I don't know how often you travel, but if it is more than a few times a week, then I'd avoid the 17" notebooks. If you want one though, the Averatec 7170 is worth considering:
Turion X2, 100GB 7200RPM. A bit short in the battery life department though, 2 hrs. The HP dv8000t is another 17".
Answer:
Re: Which Notebook? Programmer!
I don't travel much. I will use the notebook sometimes at the University but won't walk around much with it since I go by car.
I haven't played much games lately but I used to play CS and World of Warcraft.
One of the things that are very import for me is the screen quality. I want a good screen to watch movies, etc.
I think I will get a 15.4" notebook.
I am buying it more towards December/January, when I will be going to US. I will be in Colorado for 3-4 months but I will spend some days in NY and Miami. Do you guys think it is better to buy online?
What about a Macbook? Do you think it would be a good choice?
With my budget (1000-1400) will I be able to get a Merom notebook around december?
Answer:
Re: Which Notebook? Programmer!
I am buying it more towards December/January, when I will be going to US. I will be in Colorado for 3-4 months but I will spend some days in NY and Miami. Do you guys think it is better to buy online?
The trick is to buy the notebook when you need it. If you don't need it until December, then by all means, wait until then. You will probably have another option or two, plus better prices.
Mac seems like a good choice, but for programming, they don't have dedicated home/end/pgup/pgdn keys and such.
Answer:
Re: Which Notebook? Programmer!
Oh ok Chaz! I think MacBook won't be an option then.
Yeah I will buy it only around December. But I started researching to make sure I chose the best option. =D
I was looking at the DELL M1210. What you guys think? It is only 12" but it might be a good option right? Do you think the screen is a bit too smal for my purposes?
Answer:
Re: Which Notebook? Programmer!
I'd look at the HP dv6000z if I were buying a 15.4" notebook today. By the time you're ready to buy there should be more choices though.
Mail order vs. retail: depends. You can find some very good deals at Best Buy, etc. If you want a custom configuration with various upgrades (bigger battery, faster CPU, etc) then buying direct from hp.com makes sense. Some other brands may only be available mail order.
Answer:
Re: Which Notebook? Programmer!
acer is good
Acer Aspire 5102WLMi Turion X2
AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-50 (1.6 GHz, 512 KB L2 cache)
1024MB DDR2 (2x512MB)
120GB SATA, 5400rpm
Ati 1100 xpress 128mb