Question:
Advice for back-to-school/play laptop
Hi,
I was looking for some general advice on buying a notebook. I tried to follow the FAQ as close as possible. I have been searching and price seeking, and (even though they have a high price) I think I like either the IBM thinkpads or Lenovo 3000 series notebooks. But that is just a preliminary bias, maybe you would have other advice.
1) What is your budget?
I don't know if I would consider my buget tight, but the highest mark I can hit is $1,500 (USD). Yes, price is a big factor (although I do not want it to limit the quality of my laptop), because I also have to buy things like course books. I would perfer in the $600-1200 range.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
I would be most comfortable with a thin and light size notebook. I will be often moving it around from class to class, and frequently go on trips. So I wan't it to weigh 6 pounds or less. I'm okay with going for something a little larger (in size, but not too much in weight), however.
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
I will be doing some day-to-day things like email, web-browsing, eassy writing, but most of all programming. I do not need anything too fancy from a graphics standpoint, I play no games, do not do CAD, and do not run anything heavily graphics intensive (probably the worst being the Enlightenment window manager). The most intensive thing I would ever do would be to compile the linux kernel. I would love a laptop with a good linux reputation (perhaps linux certified?).
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Yes, I need the laptop to be very sturdy and as light as my money allows. I will not be doing anything too intense to it, but do not want it to fall apart when airport security handles it.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
No, if I ever played a game, it would probably be tetris, chess, or solitare. I have a great desktop if I want to play games.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Yes, I like the IBM thinkpads, but only because of the reccomendations by several of my friends and the very good reputation I find for them online. But I also like lenovo's cheaper brand of laptops. I really don't care, I'm not the expert.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
I would perfer a battery life of 3-4 hours, I don't know if that sounds like an irrational expectation. I also would like a battery that does not drop significantly in power after only 15 cycles, I would perfer to be able to buy batteries for less than $150.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No, unless it is from an untrusted source like a tiny retailer out of Hong Kong. I would not buy a Laptop from ebay, just because I would like some warranty, and because I would not want a dead battery.
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
I don't care, I do not play games, and I have a nice portable DVD player for watching movies, whicever has a lighter weight or lower price.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
I'm not too picky about laptop screens, 1024x768 seems a bit small to me, but it seems to be pretty standard (unless you want to tack on $200).
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
I have never tried a glossy screen, do they have terrible glare? I am very open to advice on this one.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
I don't want anything too gaudy, a nice solid black would be nice. In short, I don't want the design to comprimise the usability.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
I would like this laptop to last me about 3 years (maybe more). I have an older gateway laptop that is still very useful after 4 years.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB?
I would aim from 60-100. I have an 80GB hard drive in my main computer right now, and only use 36GB. I don't do too much video editing, or install many games.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
I would like at least to be able to burn CD-RWs because I frequently have to turn in assignments that way. A DVD-RW might make this easier for large files.
Thank everyone again, I know this was kind of a long time. Oh, one last thing, I really like the ThinkPad pointing stick concept. I find that it helps me work faster because I don't have to move my hands. I don't know if this is heavily patented by lenovo, but a pointing stick would be a (somewhat small) plus.
Answer:
Re: Advice for back-to-school/play laptop
Check out Macbooks, they can now run both Windows and OS X (close to linux, but its built on the darwin unix core, but nonetheless the same things)
1099 for 1.8 dual core, and whatever it cost for a windows license these days, it will definitely be within your budget and Apple is quality.
The top three manufacturers current are Lenovo, Apple and HP for their quality and customer support.
If you got bias towards Apple than fine, but I strongly recommend at the very least just checking it out, and it does meet every crieteria you've mentioned.
Answer:
Re: Advice for back-to-school/play laptop
Others have the touchstick, but the ThinkPad has the best in my opinion. A T60 can be had within your range. You'll get top build quality, support and the best laptop keyboard.
Answer:
Re: Advice for back-to-school/play laptop
Thanks, I like apples, and I have a friend that has one (though, since his was $3000!, I thought they were all expensive). I like the T60 too, though, and will look at that one. Also, would it be better to buy direct from lenovo or from a retailer? Is there much of a price difference? Thanks.
Answer:
Re: Advice for back-to-school/play laptop
I can't exactly tell you with utmost confidence, but generally no one sells something cheaper than the manufacturer does itself. I would however take a look at newegg.com if you live in the states, they sell at very good prices and have tons of lenovos, its a very reputable site.
As for your friend, it sounds like he has the Macbook Pro version, which is MUCH more than the Macbook that I suggested.
Answer:
Re: Advice for back-to-school/play laptop
It is generally cheaper to buy from an internet retailer though some times the manufacturer offers a better price. Buying from a internet retailer also means it is unlikely you will be able to return your notebook like at NewEgg. Right now Lenovo is offering what they call triple play. You get an upgrade to a DVD burner, larger hard drive and nine cell battery at no additional cost. The thing the sucks about buying from Lenovo is you will have to pay tax, but you can return your notebook should a problem arise.
Answer:
Re: Advice for back-to-school/play laptop
Any word on the Lenovo 3000 notebooks? It is a strong possibility that I will get a thinkpad, but if the Thinkpads are much more expensive because of their long history, maybe I would be better off buying a 3000. The only thing is it looks a little plain (not worried about style, but kind of appears cheap, I have'nt gotten the chance to see one in person). Also, what current thinkpad would be a good combination of price and battery life?
Answer:
Re: Advice for back-to-school/play laptop
They are not as good as ThinkPads.
Answer:
Re: Advice for back-to-school/play laptop
Okay, well I found a good price on a z60 from the "outlet" section of the lenovo site. It has everything I want, and at a $1200 pricetag, it's a good buy for me. I don't know I will like the widescreen z60 though, anyone here have any experience?
EDIT: Actually, I am looking at the z60t, I don't know the specs on the screen, but as far as I can tell it is still a widescreen (I do not care, but I would like to know). Also, is 768 x 1280 resolution bearable?
Answer:
Re: Advice for back-to-school/play laptop
Resolution is a personal preference. You should check some of if you can. I personally would prefer the T60 as the Z60 uses the older Pentium M.