Question:
Budget semi-portable laptop for multitask Web Development
1) What is your budget?
$500 - $800, leaning toward the cheaper side
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
Either 14" or 15", whichever best suits the other criteria.
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Primarily web development involving lot's of multitasking (many browser windows (often with dyanmic/interactive content), graphics and code editing software operating at the same time).
Secondarily some peer to peer applications and multimedia playback and management (ipod + itunes).
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
50% leaving it on the desk, 50% taking to different places.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
No games
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I was told by a laptop repair tech that Dell uses cheaper parts which break down a lot, which I want to avoid. Any brands that are reputed as being relatively reliable would be a plus.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Not sure what the standard amount is, but I would prefer a longer lasting battery.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Nope.
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 should do fine.
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.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Not sure yet, have to take a look at these instore.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not very.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Buying within the next month, it should last 2-3 years at least.
1) What is your budget?
$500 - $800, leaning toward the cheaper side
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
Either 14" or 15", whichever best suits the other criteria.
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Primarily web development involving lot's of multitasking (many browser windows, graphics and code editing software operating at the same time).
Secondarily some peer to peer applications and multimedia playback and management (ipod + itunes).
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
50% leaving it on the desk, 50% taking to different places.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
No games
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I was told by a laptop repair tech that Dell uses cheaper parts which break down a lot, which I want to avoid.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Not sure what the standard amount is, but I would lean towards the higher end.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Nope.
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 should do fine.
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.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Not sure yet, have to take a look at these instore.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not very.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Buying within the next month, it should last 2-3 years at least.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
40GB min, 80GB+ Prefered
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Need a DVD-CD/RW.
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
40GB min, 80GB+ Preferred
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Need a DVD-CD/RW.
Answer:
Re: Budget semi-portable laptop for multitask Web Development
Look at Compaq v3000z (14 inch) and v6000z (15.4 inch) notebooks. Both are cheap, well built machines, that can be configured to your needs.
Answer:
Re: Budget semi-portable laptop for multitask Web Development
A 14" screen is best for portability; since this laptop will be away from your desk 50% of the time, you're better off with one of those.
The Compaq V3000Z jetstar recommended is an excellent choice; solid quality and a good keyboard. It comes with an AMD Turion X2 dual-core processor which should have ample power for your needs.
Another option to consider is the Dell E1405; check the Dell Outlet for the best deals.
Answer:
Re: Budget semi-portable laptop for multitask Web Development
Thanks for the help so far. A couple of followup questions:
Is a 14" more portable because of the physical dimensions, its weight, or because of lower power consumption of the smaller screen size?
For application multitasking, is RAM more important than CPU power? I was under the impression that high power CPUs are most needed for gaming and high end multimedia.
Is it worth upgrading from a 6cell to a 12cell battery? Will that actual double the battery life?
TIA,
Mike
Answer:
Re: Budget semi-portable laptop for multitask Web Development
Is a 14" more portable because of the physical dimensions, its weight, or because of lower power consumption of the smaller screen size?
It is due to physical dimensions/size, and weight as a secondary factor. The number one thing that is going to determine portability is physical size in my opinion. I strongly suggest making your way to a local computer store and seeing some models in person; make a big point of comparing the 14" and 15.4", and you'll see what I mean.
For application multitasking, is RAM more important than CPU power? I was under the impression that high power CPUs are most needed for gaming and high end multimedia.
Absolutely. You're going to want to have 1GB of RAM for the smoothest computing experience. Most people vastly overestimate the amount of processing power they need. Any dual-core processor will be fine.
Is it worth upgrading from a 6cell to a 12cell battery? Will that actual double the battery life?
It will double the battery life, but the thing is with the 12-cell battery that it sticks out considerably and detracts from portability. You are better off getting 2x 6-cell batteries.