Question:
Grad student looking for Notebook
Hello, I'm Starting my MBA program in a few weeks and am looking to switch from my desktop to a notebook. Not a gamer but I'm interested in getting something that will last and I usually have a few programs open at the same time. I'm also wondering for me if I would notice a performance difference between Basic core 2 duo chip 1.66 and Turion x2 1.6 t-50 chip? Thanks in advanced.
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
<$1200
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 14" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Microsoft word, excel, access, SPSS, ITUNES (lots of music), Media Player, Photoshop, Basic Movie editing, watch movies
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Yes, Starting MBA grad school, want a portable notebook
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Not really into games.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Would Like 3+
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
I would like to try out in person but I don’t mind ordering. BTW-there is a dell kiosk at the mall nearby.
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?
Widescreen
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Glossy
Build Quality and Design
Nothing too heavy
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not really
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
3 years
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
80-120GB to hold music
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Would like DVD burner
Answer:
Re: Grad student looking for Notebook
take a look at the dell e1404
Answer:
Re: Grad student looking for Notebook
Maybe checkout the 14" ThinkPad R60, there's a sale right now: http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/notebooks/t...ies/index.html it's not widescreen but it is all business and well built and I think would serve well. The Dell Latitude D620 business notebook can also be had for quite a good deal, the Latitude D520 is even cheaper and worth looking at too.
Answer:
Re: Grad student looking for Notebook
well, if you want a durable notebook and don't mind matte, the dell d620 mentioned by abaxter would be a good choice. if you want something more multimedia oriented, but less durable, the hp dv2000 or compaq v3000 are nice. the asus z35f or z62f are nice options, but you probably won't be able to see it in stores and would be pushing your budget.
as for your core 2 duo/turion x2 question, the core 2 duo has better performance, but as a basic user, you most likely won't be able to notice the difference.
Answer:
Re: Grad student looking for Notebook
Thanks for the replys.
I just went to a few places and at a local store (staples) they had the prebuilt Compaq v3016us for $729 ($699 after rebate) on sale from $899.
Here's the stats of the Compaq v3016us:
Intel Core Duo T2050 1.6GHz, 2MB L2, 512MB 533MHz DDR2, 80GB SATA, LScribe 8x DVD±R/RW DL, 14.1" WXGA BrightView, Intel GMA 950, 5-in-1 media reader, Modem, Fast NIC, Intel PRO/Wls 3945ABG, XP Home
Here's The complete details I found online:
http://www.pcmall.com/pcmall/shop/de...no~7077936.asp
I know that this is not a core 2 duo but for what I do it sounds like it's a good deal and it has a great sleek design. I think the only thing I would do is probably upgrade the memory to 1 gig. What do you guys think?