Question:
$1500 laptop????
HI all,
I've been trying to read up on as much as I can as I know very little about this subject, and just when I feel like I am getting closer to finding something, some new info makes the choice even more complicated so here I go posting for your opinions.
1) What is your budget?
-$1500 max
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
-15 inch, then maybe 14, though I have a nice desk top 19 inch I am hoping to be able to hook up to it when perhaps playing games
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
-It's going to be used with excel, word, photoshop (amateur photographer), and games. I value nice sreens and good resolutions.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
-Mostly around the home but taking to conferences as well (which are not too often). Kids to use it as well
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
-Trying to finish the Myst sage (am at URU); Half life; kids games
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
-don't know enough not too like any thing in particular. Have seen sonme weird brands listed on new egg, such as Ibuy??? are there any brand that have a poor value/reliability rating?
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
-the longer the better for conviennce sake, but not too important
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
-Flexible
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Flexible
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.
-Are higher resolutions better screens? Probably nothing below a sxga?
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
-Flexible
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
-NO
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
-This is pretty important. It will have to last for at least 5 years, so I am looking for quality, reliability and for it to not get out dated too soon.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
-no less than 60
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
-at least a cd burner
Trying to read up on the different platforms I have come across info that is just plain confusing to me. First, it seems that with the new windows coming out a 64 bit chip is recommend (what ever that means) and that only Turion and Duo 2 Core chips offer this. Yet also is there a new platform to come out soon from intel that is going to be better than the DUO 2 CORE? I am looking to get something within the next two months and will wait if it is worth it.
I think the three most important things for me are a good graphics card/chip set that is going to prevent the laptop from becoming absolete within a year regarding games and software; reliability (kids playing with it!); and a nice screen.
It seems that the Asus S96j is being liked but that one can only buy that as a barebones, which I would not have the skills to build up or the time really. Is there something comprable to it that is fully build by Asus or other company?
Also if not buying online from the big three (hp/dell/leveno), any recommendations for a good/reputable online dealer would be appreciated (ie: is newegg any good?)
I appreciate any input. Thank you.
Answer:
Re: $1500 laptop????
Compal HEL80 might be worth a look as well. There are lots of reputable Asus dealers which will build the notebook: PowerNotebooks, ProPortable, DiscountLaptops, to name a few.
Answer:
Re: $1500 laptop????
gentechpc, btotech, and powernotebooks will build your asus z96j for you if you are interested. if you want something with great durability, the hp nc8430 is a nice choice, but it may be difficult to find the specs you want without having to resort to refurbed or ebay.
Answer:
Re: $1500 laptop????
Took a look at powernotebooks and that helped a lot. Thanks!
They both list the Asus and the Compal for about the same price. One comes with the 7600 (compal) while the Asus comes with the X1600.
Which card is better and of the two which one is sturdier? Thanks
Answer:
Re: $1500 laptop????
They are very similar in performance. I think we have reviews for both in the review section.
Answer:
Re: $1500 laptop????
I think we have reviews for both in the review section.
I read some of them and they are very comprehensive. I was hoping someone had used both and had an opinion on which was better. One thing I read was that the Asus was plastic, while the Compal was partially aluminium. Would that make the Compal more robust? Thanks
Answer:
Re: $1500 laptop????
I personally prefer the Compal HEL80. Check the thread titled "HEL80 Owner's Lounge" in the Compal forum, first page, for a list of reasons why. I reviewed the HEL80 and thought it to be a fantastic machine.
Answer:
Re: $1500 laptop????
I personally prefer the Compal HEL80. Check the thread titled "HEL80 Owner's Lounge" in the Compal forum, first page, for a list of reasons why. I reviewed the HEL80 and thought it to be a fantastic machine.
I read some of the review of the HEL80 and performance wise it sounds like it is exactly what I am after. I do worry about some of the comments on the screen and the keyboard. Do you know if there is a good difference between the wxga and the wxga + screens?
also what are the thoughts on its realibility
Answer:
Re: $1500 laptop????
Do you know if there is a good difference between the wxga and the wxga + screens?
also what are the thoughts on its realibility
You mean WSXGA+. Yes, there is quite a difference between that and WXGA; there is a lot more screen real estate so a lot more stuff can fit on-screen. The HEL80's matte WSXGA+ display is simply beautiful, best matte screen I have seen.
I would not worry about reliability; if for any reason there is a problem and it needs to be sent in, PowerNotebooks or wherever you order from will take care of you. Can't really go wrong with any of the dealers ejl listed.
Answer:
Re: $1500 laptop????
I agree that either the Asus Z96J or the Compal HEL80 are what you're looking for.
I have the HEL80 you're thinking about and am very happy with it. It is quite powerful and can handle just about anything.
If you go with the WSXGA+ matte screen you will enjoy an excellent display with more screen real estate as mentioned.
The keyboard is a little bouncy, but not to the point where I can't use it. I use an external keyboard 99% of the time anyway and I consider most laptop keyboards to be bouncy anyway.