Question:
Can't Figure This Out...
I'm new to graphic design and website development...looking to get 1st notebook, preferably a desktop replacement. Will need a machine to do support use of Flash, Dreamweaver, and Studio. I think I want a 15.4 inch, but I have been told by friends to stay away from a wide screen. I also don't know if I should go with matte or glossy. I have narrowed it down to these (also looking at HP):
Dell Inspirion E1505
Compal HEL80
Asus 96J
It's also important for it to manage heat relatively well. I've only seen pictures of the Compal and Asus, and I like what I see...
All opinions welcome.
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
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
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Graphic/website design using Flash, Fireworks, and Dreamweaver, Photoshop...occasional DVD, will use it for my iPod and MP3's.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
It will come with me to work most days, and the occasional stop at coffee shop or book store.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
As time permits...possiblly World of Warcraft and/or Counterstrike.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Would like to stay away from Sony.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
2.5 Hours or more.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Thought I would like widescreen, but friends are suggesting to go with a standard screen due to the graphics and website design.
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.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
I thought I would go with a matte screen, but have been told by friends to go with glossy. I know it's personal preference.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Yes. I don't need it to turn heads, but I want it to look nice. I know some ppl think Dell looks cheap, but I kind of like the Inspirion line.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Need to purchase in the next 2 weeks. Would prefer it to last at least 5 years.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
At least 80-100GB, 7200RPM
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes. This is a requirement for sure. I will need DVD-CD/RW to burn CD's, DVD's and other audio files.
Answer:
Re: Can't Figure This Out...
I'd suggest you to go with the ASUS 96J,because ASUS laptops are built really well.
Answer:
Re: Can't Figure This Out...
I am by no means an expert website developer/designer but I don't see why a widescreen laptop would be detrimental. In fact, a widescreen display with a high enough resolution allows for you to have multiple development windows open at the same time.
You can set your designs to have defined resolutions regardless of the resolution of your laptop.
As for matte vs glossy - it comes down to personal preference IMO. While some say that the glossy screen presents more accurate colours, I think they tend to just present more vivid colours. To each his own.
Lastly, I'll make a recommednation of a laptop. The HP nc8430 line will have all the features you desire, easily fits in your price range, and comes with better build quality than consumer notebooks (IMO) and a built in 3 year warranty.
They however only come with matte screens. :)
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en...1-1839150.html
Answer:
Re: Can't Figure This Out...
Nc8430 fits your needs well; light weight (5.9 lbs), good build quality, good battery life, professional look and great specs. It does have a matte screen (like a desktop LCD), but I find it much less annoying then a constant reflection.
Answer:
Re: Can't Figure This Out...
Thank you...so far a couple votes for HP and Asus...
Is anyone else willing to weigh in and provide an opinion?
Answer:
Re: Can't Figure This Out...
I'd opt for the HP aswell, due to better build, warranty, and high resolution screen
Answer:
Re: Can't Figure This Out...
I'd say go for HP, heres a link where you can customize the laptop however you like instead of picking from certain setups,
http://h71016.www7.hp.com/ctoBases.asp?oi=E9CED&BEID=19701&SBLID=&ProductLineId=539&FamilyId=2376&LowBaseId=15932&LowPrice=$1,399.00
Answer:
Re: Can't Figure This Out...
If you want to go down to 13.3", the ASUS W7J is worth a look.
At 14.1" there's also the ASUS W3J and A8Jm to consider. Compal HGL30 is another great 14.1" system.
I personally like the Compal HEL80, ASUS 96J series, and the HP nc8430 as 15.4" choices but you already have been looking there.
Regarding the standard screen vs. widescreen, I have to disagree. Side by side the widescreen formats only give more horizontal real estate compared to their standard counterparts. Look at the horizontal pixel counts on say XGA vs. WXGA (768 or 800 on both) and so on.
And having had both glossy and matte in my hands recently, I personally prefer the non-glare matte finish. Of course, glossy does look nicer if you don't mind the reflections/glare.