Question:
I'm back... need help again please. :)
okay, i know you all helped me last week, but i've thought and thought about this purchase and i really think that i know more of what i want now. The problem has been FINDING something that is within my budget and is still a good PC. Your help is GREATLY appreciated!!
1) What is your budget? i would prefer to stay under $1,100 WITH an additional warranty purchased (2-3 years total warranty).
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen - would rather have this but would be okay with a 15.1".
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? 75% academic - writing papers, reading documents, etc. the other 25% would be spent on the internet and doing e-mail.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? it will go to the classroom with me and potentially a coffee shop every so often.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? no games
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? i have been looking at HP and IBM/Lenovo.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need? 2-3
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? if it's a really good deal i would do it.
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? i think standard for my needs, but widescreen would be okay
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Standard
either A or B
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.
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.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? definately non-glossy screen (i like the glossy but for what i need the pc for, i think it would be annoying.)
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? ummm, i really like the HP imprint finish, but the business notebooks look nice and professional too.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? i will be buying next Monday, August 28th. I would like it to last 3 or so years at least.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB? 60-80 would be ideal.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive? i'd like a CD burner / DVD drive.
Please state any additional features you need. If you don't know how to answer a question or don't care about what it is asking then just say so!
I have looked for hours trying to find a non-glossy 14 inch screen notebook that isn't terribly expensive and includes a 3 year warranty or at least the option of adding one for a reasonable price. I'm going insane!
THANKS again,
Candace
Answer:
Re: I'm back... need help again please. :)
Candace--
Lenovo has the R60 going for $1079:
Link.
My wife has the R51 (previous generation) as her work computer and it's a great, solid laptop. Not really lightweight, but it's the size you're looking for.
Chris
Answer:
Re: I'm back... need help again please. :)
Thanks Chris... when i clicked on that link, i saw the R60, but it says it is $1749. Do i need to sign up for some sort of educational discount somewhere? How did you get it to be $1079? It looks like a great machine, and I really like the Thinkpads!
Candace
Answer:
Re: I'm back... need help again please. :)
Thanks Chris... when i clicked on that link, i saw the R60, but it says it is $1749. Do i need to sign up for some sort of educational discount somewhere? How did you get it to be $1079? It looks like a great machine, and I really like the Thinkpads!
Candace
Here ya go, this is the R60e series, basically they are one in the same except the graphics solution for the R60e series is integrated, but since your not gaming it shouldnt matter.
ThinkPad R60e 06573QU
Processor: Intel Core Duo processor T2300e (1.66GHz, 2MB L2, 667MHz FSB)
Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Display type: 15.0 inch XGA (1024x768) TFT
Memory: 1GB PC2-5300 CL5 NP DDR2 SDRAM SODIMM
Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Ports: 3 USB 2.0, External Display (VGA), External Microphone/Line-In, Headphone/Line out
Hard drive: 60GB 5400 rpm SATA Hard Drive
Optical device: 24x/24x/24x/8x Max CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo Ultrabay Enhanced Drive
Integrated data/fax modem: 56K V.92 Designed Modem (Standard)
Integrated Ethernet: Integrated Gigabit Ethernet (Standard)
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN: Wi-Fi wireless upgradable (Standard)
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Mini-PCI Express
Keyboard: ThinkPad Fullsize (Standard)
Pointing device: TrackPoint (Standard)
Battery: ThinkPad 9 Cell Li-Ion Battery
Warranty service upgrades: Warranty service upgrade; 3 year depot repair
Total: 1,138
I'd say thats propably the best thing you could possibly get. You can even extend your warranty whenever you feel like it if the 3 year one expires, which means as long as it meets your needs a simple 75 bucks guarantees it for another year.
http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/notebooks/t..._byo_r60e.html
I'd highly advise trying to keep those options, especially the processor and memory, the harddrive, battery and everything is your preference though.
Answer:
Re: I'm back... need help again please. :)
Thanks Chris... when i clicked on that link, i saw the R60, but it says it is $1749. Do i need to sign up for some sort of educational discount somewhere? How did you get it to be $1079? It looks like a great machine, and I really like the Thinkpads!
Candace
Yes. You may need to start back at the main Lenovo screen and click through the Education links. Or you could just call a sales rep. The one I spoke to was very helpful.
Chris
Answer:
Re: I'm back... need help again please. :)
thank you both for your help! I have really been wanting a Thinkpad but thought I couldn't afford it. Maybe I can after all!
i really like the r60e. i will call up the Kentucky higher ed rep this week and see what he can do for me. :)
Answer:
Re: I'm back... need help again please. :)
thank you both for your help! I have really been wanting a Thinkpad but thought I couldn't afford it. Maybe I can after all!
i really like the r60e. i will call up the Kentucky higher ed rep this week and see what he can do for me. :)
As Eagle said above...If you go to the front page and go to education, you then select your state and can check out what special sales they have for those whom are going to HS/College. You may find an option under there you like better so be sure to check it out!
Goodluck! :D
Answer:
Re: I'm back... need help again please. :)
I would also look into the HP nx6325 series - 15", Turion X2, great build, and under $1k.
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en...3-1849082.html
The ThinkPad is going to have a better keyboard though.
Answer:
Re: I'm back... need help again please. :)
I would also look into the HP nx6325 series - 15", Turion X2, great build, and under $1k.
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en...3-1849082.html
The ThinkPad is going to have a better keyboard though.
AMD is a horrible no-no when it comes to Laptops, Dual Core and the coming Merom processors are pretty much the only good choices.
Personally I usually prefer AMD but they simply havent made much effort to compete with Intels Mobile Processors.