Question:
Help me find my dream notebook!
Hey guys,
I've been looking for a notebook for a while now but haven't found one that fits exactly what I like just yet. I was wondering if anyone could help steer me in a good direction.
What I'm looking for (in order of importance):
Core 2 Duo processor (2.0 GHz or higher for the 4MB cache)
ATI x1600 or equivalent nVidia (go 7600?) graphics card - ATI preferred, I have more history with these cards
Solid build quality (good solid keyboard, good trackpad, good company history of build quality)
Preferably 15.4" screen with 1650x1080 native resolution. If glossy, must be one without too much reflection - currently have a matte screen but I hear glossy is the way to go...
7200 RPM HD
Battery life that can play a DVD with medium settings (so basically with decent light/etc, can get 2 hrs) - this may be unrealistic with the other factors and isn't as important
Webcam built into screen
These are the only factors that seem to vary between certain computers. Other factors I consider important but seem universal are 2 gigs of RAM, CD/DVD RW, 3+ USB 2.0 ports, etc.
I've been looking at the Asus z96j, Toshiba A105 Satellite, Alienware m5550, Dell e1505, Sony FE790, and many others, but all seem to have shortcomings in various areas. Are there any I'm missing out on? Any coming up on the horizon I should wait for?
Thanks in advance!
Answer:
Re: Help me find my dream notebook!
i do know that for toshiba, they have a A-100 SK9 that has this...
Processor
Intel® Core™ Duo processor T2500 (2.0GHz, 667MHz FSB, L1 Cache 32KB/32KB, L2 Cache 2MB)
Operating System
Genuine Windows® XP Home
Memory
Standard Memory: 2x512 MB DDR2 (667MHz)
Maximum Memory: 4GB DDR2
Expansion Modules: 256MB, 512MB, 1024MB or 2048 DDR2
Hard Disk Drive
120.0 billion bytes, 9.5mm height, S-ATA, 5400rpm.
Optical Drive
Built-in DVD Super-Multi Double Layer Drive functions:
Read: CD-ROM (24x), DVD-ROM (8x),
Write: CD-R (24x). CD-RW (10x), DVD-R (8x), DVD-R DL (2x), DVD-RW (4x), DVD+R (8x), DVD+R DL (2.4x) DVD+RW (4x), DVD-RAM (5x),
Display System
Type: TFT Active Matrix colour LCD display
Size (diagonal): 15.4” Wide XGA TFT with TruBrite™
Screen Technology
Native LCD Panel Resolution: 1280x800x16.7 million colours
External Support and Max. Colour Support (dependant
On CRT): Up to 2,048 x 1536 x 16.7 million colours
Graphics Controller
NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 7600 Graphics with 256MB DDR Video memory, PCI Express 16x
Sound System
Built-in harman/kardon® stereo speakers
Realtek ALC861 Software Sound 16-bit stereo; Intel High
Definition Audio, Built-in stereo speakers, Direct 3D Sound,
DirectSound, DirectMusic, MIDI(playback).
Communication
V.92 56K Data/Fax Modem
10/100 integrated Ethernet LAN,
Intel Wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g)
Expansion
2 memory slots - each slot has a 512MB. Zero free slots. Slots can be filled with 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2 GB modules
1PC Card slot supports one Type II PC Cards; supports CardBus.
1 Express Card Slot
Ports: 5-in-1 Bridge Media Adaptor (SD Card, xD picture card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Multi Media Card), 4 USB 2.0, RJ11, RJ45, IEEE1394, external microphone port, headphone port, RGB, S-Video Out
Keyboard
Full sized 85 keys with 12 function keys
2.7mm keystroke, 6mm height
Dedicated Windows Keys.
CD/DVD Control Function: Play/Pause, Stop, Previous track/Next track
Pointing Device
Dual Mode Pad Pointing device
Additional Software
Toshiba ConfigFree™
Adobe Acrobat Reader
InterVideo® WinDVD™
Record Now! Basic for TOSHIBA
InterVideo® WinDVD Creator 2 Platinum
Microsoft® Office OneNote™ 2003
Norton Internet Security™ 2006
Toshiba Express Media Player
Physical Dimensions
Dimensions: (WxDxH) 360 x 267 x 29.8/36.8 mm
Weight: 2.8kg (6.1lbs)
Color: Mist Gray
AC Adapter
75W external Universal AC adaptor input voltage (100 –
240V 50/60Hz Frequency (Universal), output voltage
(15V, 5A).
Dimensions : (WxHxD) 127 x 51 x 30.5 mm
Weight: 355g
Battery
Battery Type: Removable, Rechargeable 6-cell
Lithium Ion (Li-ion) 10.8V x 4000mAh capacity
Dimensions: (WxHxD) 207 x 23 x 54 mm
Battery Life: up to 3 hours 27 min
Recharge Time: Up to 4 hours off / 12 hours on
BIOS
APM Support, ACPI support, PnP support, VESA support,
DPMS support, DDC Support, SM BIOS support, PCI BIOS
Support, TSETUP support
Security
Cable lock slot, power on password, supervisor password
Environmental Specifications
Temperature: Operating 5° 35°C (41° 95°F);
Non Operating –20° 65°C (-4°149°F)
Thermal Gradient: Operating 15 C per hr. max;
Non Operating 20 C per hr. max
Relative Humidity: Operating 20% to 80% non-condensing; Non-Operating: 10% to 90% non-condensing
Altitude (relative to sea level): Operating: -60 to 3,000m.;
Non-Operating: -60 to 10,000m.
Shock: Operating: 7G; Non-Operating 60G
Vibration: Operating 0.2G; Non-Operating: 1G
Warranty
This Satellite notebook comes with a one (1) year parts and labour Limited International Warranty. Note the original battery is warranted for one year from date of purchase. Pre-installed software is excluded form TCL standard limited warranty. For complete details on this warranty program and other Warranty Programs such as On-site and Next Business Day Service visit toshiba.ca
however that's in canada so i dont know if you guys have that down in the us, so you might wanna check it out
Answer:
Re: Help me find my dream notebook!
There's the HP nc8430 but it's missing the integrated webcam.
Then there's the Compal HEL80, but the keyboard does have a bit of flex/bounce to it and it has the go7600.
Other than that the two systems I mentioned match up well with your requirements.
Answer:
Re: Help me find my dream notebook!
I would skip the Sony because A) it is overpriced, and B) it only has a 128MB Go7600, which is signifigantly slower than the 256MB version. Similarly, I would skip the Toshiba because of rather shoddy build quality in my opinion.
About the Alienware - see our review here:
It is a nice machine, but runs a bit warm and has bad battery life.
I like the HP nc8430 recommendation. Very solid machine.
Answer:
Re: Help me find my dream notebook!
You can find the HP NC8430 here:
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en...1-1839150.html
Good luck and happy computing!
Answer:
Re: Help me find my dream notebook!
Thanks for the help guys!
I've been looking at the nc8430 - looks very sharp. The webcam was definately just a side play-thing that I thought was nifty but not necessary. The only concerns I have (for anyone who might have it):
Is the screen bright/clear enough? Since this computer isn't sold in stores I'm worried about buying it and then finding it isn't adequate enough. If I'm coming from a matte screen, which I'm pretty happy with, do you think this screen will be solid enough?
Also the three-button system seems a bit awkward. Can anyone speak as to how easy it is to get used to buttons?
Again thanks for all the help though guys :)
Answer:
Re: Help me find my dream notebook!
The nc8430 comes with a matte screen.
Answer:
Re: Help me find my dream notebook!
The nc8430 comes with a matte screen.
Yea I didn't word that very well - what I meant was, I currently have a matte screen that I find adequate but might like to have a brighter, clearer screen for games and entertainment. My current computer is the Asus z70v with the 1650x1080 screen - will the nc8430 be clearer, equivalent to, or not as clear as my current one, do you think?
Answer:
Re: Help me find my dream notebook!
Here are a couple of reviews:
Answer:
Re: Help me find my dream notebook!
If gaming or 3D work is your poison than I would have to 2nd Chaz on the Alienware. Look no further.