15.4" matte higher than 1280x800?
Please advise, I'm drowning in the details!
I'm looking for a desktop replacement, widescreen, not gaming-oriented. I do a lot of text-based programming and plan on dual-booting linux. I will use an external monitor/keyboard/mouse while at my desk.
1) Most important to me is a crisp, non-reflective display. I like relatively small fonts in order to get maximum text on the screen. I can think of no reason to go with a smaller display (e.g. 14.1"), so I'm focusing on a 15.4". I have been advised that I should look for higher resolutions, but I have not been able to see any laptops with higher resolutions than WXGA (1280x800) at the local stores.
2) Next in importance is the keyboard. I touch-type, so standard key placement is a must -- in particular, the control-key must be in the lower left corner. I did not particularly care for the Gateway or Sony keyboards I played with locally.
3) If possible, I prefer a GPU which is easy to get working with linux. Will integrated Intel graphics be OK? I know that nVidia is better than ATI for linux.
Any suggestions? Dell seems to have only 1280x800 in a matte display. Lenovo seems to have only ATI with a higher resolutions (Z61m).
Thanks!
-- John
1) What is your budget? < $2000 US
2) What size notebook would you prefer? 15.4"
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? Mostly programming (linux), web surfing.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? Occasionally.
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? Build quality is important. Not a Mac.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need? --
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? Will buy online if necessary.
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen? Widescreen.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900;
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050;
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? Matte.
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? As long as possible.
15) How much hard drive space do you want? Max available at 7200rpm
16) Do you need an optical drive? DVD burner.
Answer:
Re: 15.4" matte higher than 1280x800?
Try looking at the Compal HEL80
Answer:
Re: 15.4" matte higher than 1280x800?
look at that and see what you think
Answer:
Re: 15.4" matte higher than 1280x800?
Not sure if it would fit your needs or not, but the MacBook Pro features a 15.4" matte screen at 1440x900. It does have ATI graphics though, rather than NVidia (although some people speculate that the MBP might be updated with an NVidia card instead at some point).
There are people dual and triplebooting with Linux on these models, so it should at least still be possible.
Answer:
Re: 15.4" matte higher than 1280x800?
HP nc8430 (I think this is what it is - 15.4" matte WSXGA and an X1600)
Apple MacBook Pro (15.4" matte WXGA+)
EDIT: didnt see the linux comment....
Then go for the HEL80 from powernotebooks...
Answer:
Re: 15.4" matte higher than 1280x800?
The HP nx7400 may be to your liking.
Answer:
Re: 15.4" matte higher than 1280x800?
ThinkPad Z61m seems like good choice. They are rock solid and ThinkPads have the best laptop keyboards.
Answer:
Re: 15.4" matte higher than 1280x800?
Thanks for the replies. I'm currently looking at:
- HP nx7400
- Lenovo Z61m
- powernotebooks.com PowerPro L 8:15
Some more questions:
- Everybody: is it possible to configure a lower-left corner Fn key to behave like a control key? I'm sure it must be configurable in linux, but what about Windows XP?
- Darrick: Any more sites for Compal HEL80 besides powernotebooks.com?
- yuio: Thanks for the pointer to Acer, but it was going above my budget once I start customizing.
- zadillo: I've decided to avoid Macs.
- ric3rboy91: HP nx7400 looks OK, but HP nc8430 exceeds my budget once I start customizing.
- chrisyano: why didn't you recommend your PowerPro L 8:15 config? (or did you think it had already been covered by Darrick's recommendation for Compal HEL80)?
- Zaz: except for ATI, the Z61m looks good.
Answer:
Re: 15.4" matte higher than 1280x800?
I don't think you will have a problem running Linux on an ATI card. I would go with a ThinkPad myself. If you want widescreen then go with the Z61m. It has superior build quality and keyboard to any of the laptops mentioned so far. The HP nc8430 is the only other oen i would consider. It will be more expensive though but you can check with online resellers through froogle when you find a specific model with the configuration you want instead of going through HP Business.
Answer:
Re: 15.4" matte higher than 1280x800?
you could also check out the dell d820.