Question:
32 vs. 64 laptop
Well it seems I'm following in my parent's footsteps when it comes to not being able to make decisions when it comes to crunch time.
I was just about to go out and buy the Metabox Z96J built by Asus, when I read the excellent article published by Pulp:
And it has made me question whether I should be looking at a 64bit processor instead if i want my laptop to last me 4-5 years or so.
Here is my criteria (which the Z96J fulfilled perfectly). Can anyone recommend a laptop with 64bit processor that fulfills my needs as well, if not better? Thanks heaps.
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
AUD $2000 - $2500...thats about $1500 - $1900 US...i think...maybe i should use a currency converter?
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
Mainstream. 15"-16"
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Mostly word processing and powerpoints etc. I would also like to use it for gaming such as NFS, Warcraft etc. I would also like to use it for video editing from a camcorder (hence firewire is desired).
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Taking it to uni which means going by car, then train, then a bus. Something not too bulky would be appreciated. Although, after saying that, I was willing to put up with the Z96J, which from my understanding, is kind of bulky.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Yes, see question 3.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Doesn't bother me too much. Although I've been brought up against Dell i think.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
2 or 3. Anything greater is just an added bonus.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Not particularly. I was going to do so with the Z96J.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
Australia.
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen please.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
WSXGA+ or greater. I'm a commerce student majoring in accounting/finance. I think I'll be seeing many spreadsheets in my line of work.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
I think i'd prefer a glossy screen after reading many reviews on this website.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
I would love a great looking notebook. That said...the Z96J is pretty ordinary...not ugly...just plain. So I'm not too worried about looks.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
I would like to buy this laptop right now...lol...impatient. And I guess I would like it to last atleast 4 or 5 years. Basically till the end of uni until I can buy a new one and claim it as a work related expense...he he he.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
I think about 80GB+ is preferred.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes. I would want one that reads and writes both cd's and dvd's.
Thanks again
Answer:
Re: 32 vs. 64 laptop
The Acer Ferrari 5000 is the only notebook I can think of in a 15.4" size with a decent video card (X1600 256MB) and 64-bit CPU (AMD Turion X2 TL-60).
You could always wait for the Z96J to be updated with the Core 2 Duo processor, which is 64-bit, or buy it now with a Core Duo and install a Core 2 Duo in later on if you really need to.
Answer:
Re: 32 vs. 64 laptop
So replacing the CPU later on isnt such an impossible task?
And i have looked at the Ferrari, but it's a little expensive...I really dont want to go past that 2500 limit.
Answer:
Re: 32 vs. 64 laptop
The Acer Ferrari sounds like a very good choice.
It might cost you more than a 300 dollors to upgrade to a decent core 2 duo.. but it may be worth it if you want a 64 bit.