Question:
Budget, Mobility, Performance Laptop
Hey, I am new as a member not not new as a reader here at these forums. I am in the market for a new notebook. I currently have a slow Dell Inspiron 1000 that stresses me out more than it helps me.
1) What is your budget?
No more than $1100.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Internet Browsing, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Engineering Programs (Matlab, Mathematica...), Mediaplayers (Winamp, iTunes, WMP...)
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
I will be taking it to campus to work in between classes.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Probably not.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Nothing really comes to mind.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
I would like a minimum of 6 hours whether it uses a 12-cell battery or not.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Sure, as long as it has the multiple positive reviews (the website as well as the notebook)
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
U.S. of A
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen is preferred.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Widescreen
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
either/or
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?
Doesn't really matter.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
They are in the middle of my list (as opposed to the top of it).
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
I plan on buying this laptop withing the next couple of months so I can wait til the Core 2 Duos come out and either let prices drop on current models or pick one up if the x64 is is worth it.
I should be keeping it til I graduate which should be in ~4 years.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
I think 60GB should be enough internally since I will be picking a 100GB external one up anyways.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes, atleast DVD-CD/RW.
Answer:
Re: Budget, Mobility, Performance Laptop
WXGA+ is as good as you'll get on a 14" notebook. Perhaps the Dell D620 with the nine cell and modular batteries if you want six hours. I would suggest looking at the Dell outlet store.