Question:
W3J- vs Area-51 m5550 ??
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
US 1,500 - 2,000
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
Kinda option b and c. I want 14" or 15.4 max.
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Programming, graphics desing programs, playing and movies.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
I'll take the notebook everywhere in the college.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Yes, right now.. mmm.. WarCraft 3 FT, Age of empires 3, FEAR and maybe
ghost recon 3.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I always loved Alienware becouse of the desing, but i have never use one alienware. :p , but I think asus is really great too.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Well 2-3 hours.
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?
I'm from Mexico so, i'll buy one w/ international shipping service, from USA.
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen
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.
I would love Widescreen WXGA+.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Glossy/reflective
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Yes
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
I want it as soon as posible, and it will last about 3-4 years.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
Around 100GB
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes, DVD-RW
I did a research and i narrowed the notebook options. I think I would love Area-51 m5550 or W3J-. (LG S1 are really nice but they are too expensive)
They both use mid-range GPU.(m5550 = Go 7600, w3j = ati x 1600)
They are about the same price.
I can buy now m5550 becouse it has already core 2 duo T7200. But i really like W3J- but i would have to wait a little for it to be available.
They both has pros/cons but i dont know what to do, I will apreciate any tips or advices. Thanks a lot.
Answer:
Re: Help me to decide!!
To get a WXGA+ resolution (or higher) and a good graphics card, you will need to move to 15.4". The Alienware m5550 is a very nice machine, but the battery life is less than desireable, around 1.5 hours. Second batteries are only $40 though, last time I checked. I also haven't seen them offer a higher resolution than WXGA in a while . . they ran out of the WUXGA's.
The HP nc8430 is another machine to look at - International warranty (I believe), and business-class quality. WSXGA+ display. Asus Z96J is one more.