Question:
noob notebooker needs some recommendations
I want to replace my desktop with a notebook and my current desktop is a AthlonM 2600+ NF2 with 1k ram and a 9700pro.
I am looking for a laptop to replace this in the range of $1500 and some of the features i want are:
- 13-15" widescreen
- intel core duo (maybe core 2 duo)
- 1Gig ram (min)
- 80 Gig HD (min)
- real video card (not integrated crap)
- bluetooth
- dvi (would be nice)
Now i can get a 10% discount with Dell and Apple through work, which would be nice, but i don't want to be limited to them. I love the minimilist design of the mac book and like the idea of using OSX (though i don't have a lot of experience with it), but is it worth the premium in price? I can get a equally price dell with much more ram, HD, graphics. My gripe with the Dells are they are fat and ugly. If im spending this kind of money, i want the thing to look somewhat cool.
Other than those two brands i am clueless and this is where you can fill me in.
Is the MacBook worth the premium cost? Or should i look somewhere else for a sleek looking/performing notebook.
Answer:
Re: noob notebooker needs some recommendations
try the hp nc8430, the asus w3j or a dell e1505
Answer:
Re: noob notebooker needs some recommendations
also how important is processor speed. 1.6 vs. 1.83. 2.0?
Answer:
Re: noob notebooker needs some recommendations
1.66 ghz is okay. 1.83ghz is a noticable upgrade. 2.00ghz from 1.83ghz isn't as noticable.
Answer:
Re: noob notebooker needs some recommendations
the w3j looks great, but seems a little expensive. any word if asus will update to the core 2?
Answer:
Re: noob notebooker needs some recommendations
What are you going to be using the notebook for? How much GPU power do you want (i.e. for what applications/games)?
Please take a minute and fill out the FAQ. Post your answers here and will get much more personalized suggestions.
The ASUS A8Jm fits your current list of requirements with the exception of BlueTooth.
If you're gaming, then the Compal HGL30 is also worth a look in 14.1"
At 15.4", I like the HP nc8430 as suggested above. A little less expensivie is the ASUS S96J/Z96J and Compal HEL80.
Answer:
Re: noob notebooker needs some recommendations
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General Questions
1) What is your budget?
$1500, but the lower the better
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
internet, music, light gaming
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
will float aroudn the house
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
havent played games in while, but i want a real video card.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
dells are kind bland
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
3 hours would be nice
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?
USA
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
WIDESCREEN is a must
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.
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?
either is fine
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?
forever
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
~100GB
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
DVDRW
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Answer:
Re: noob notebooker needs some recommendations
i kind of really want bluetooth, since i plan on having a bunch of bluetooth peripherials. i like everything about the w3j but the price is a little high. where can i read more about compals?
Answer:
Re: noob notebooker needs some recommendations
also must have 1Gig of ram, preferably 1x1Gb, so i can upgrade to 2Gigs later.
Answer:
Thanks for filling out the FAQ. Any particular type of games you have in mind (i.e. first-person-shooters, real-time-strategy, etc.)?
Some are more demanding than others. The systems that I mentioned above all have powerful GPUs that will handle all types of games though. I recommend you take a look at those systems to start with.
Good luck.
i kind of really want bluetooth, since i plan on having a bunch of bluetooth peripherials. i like everything about the w3j but the price is a little high. where can i read more about compals?
Check out our Compal Forum here at NBR. There's a lot of information there.
The Compals mentioned are the two top systems of this page:
http://www.powernotebooks.com/catego...catId=1#id1503