Question:
Business Notebook/Desktop Replacement
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General Questions
1) What is your budget?
$2500 to $3000
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
15 to 17 inch
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Will have 35+ windows open at any given time. Apps include: MS Office, CRM, IE, Adobe Acrobat, etc. I usually have 15+ Word windows open, another 5 excel windows, 4 or 5 Powerpoint windows, etc.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Some travel (5-10 times a year). Mostly on my desk during the day. Might take home to do work when I'm feeling energetic!
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
No.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I LOVE the new Apple PowerBooks....but I'm afraid running Bootcamp or Parallels will create issues connecting to our network and 8 or 9 printers in the office, mapping drives, running Remote Desktop, etc.....but I really don't know....I'm just making the assumption that a square peg in a round hole isn't a good option....but I don't know of anyone that is using a Mac as their MAIN computer connecting to Windows 2003 Server, etc.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
3 to 4+ would be great for doing work/watching movies on the plane.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
I don't mind buying online.
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?
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.
WSXGA+ to WUXGA would be nice....I'm not sure why....it's just that everyone seems to be opting for the WSXGA+ or WUXGA screens.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
I think I like the glossy/reflective screens....but I'm open to suggestions here. How is the gloss/reflective screen in the office?
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
I hate cheap looking notebooks (no offense, but the Toshiba's look cheap.)
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Now.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
100GB+ 7200RPM
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
YES. DVD-RW.
Final comment: a docking station is important to me. I know Apple doesn't make docking stations anymore, but there is a company that does for the new Apples.
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Answer:
Re: Business Notebook/Desktop Replacement
The MBP would be good. I would suggest looking at the Dell Precision M90.
Answer:
Re: Business Notebook/Desktop Replacement
Definitly one of the better business notebooks is the HP Compaq nc8430 with the new Core 2 Duos. You can configure one for yourself at the HP shopping site, just get it with a Core 2 Duo T7200 or 7400, which should handle your programs just fine. The screen is matte, which is better for office work and typing (easier on the eyes) and no glare. The only point for getting glossy is entertainment and using it outside in direct sunlight (which isn't that great either because of the enormous glare). Its WSXGA+.
Only thing with the Macs is you have to buy a separate copy of MS Windows Professional, which costs a lot, and there are a few issues, but not too many if your willing to put in the time to set up bootcamp.
Answer:
Re: Business Notebook/Desktop Replacement
Regarding watching DVDs on an airplane--not an easy task--especially if you're flying coach. There's not enough room to open up a 15.4" system without risking damage to it should the guy in front of you recline. 14.1" may work for that purpose, but I know that's not the main purpose of getting this system.
I'd check the HP nx7400 and Dell Lattitude D820.
Answer:
Re: Business Notebook/Desktop Replacement
the thinkpad z61 is worth a look. it is hard to find well built notebooks with glossy screens b/c the more durable notebooks are business notebooks.