Question:
Casual Gaming
Okay, I'm in need of a laptop. My last laptop was like 20lbs. It was a Compaq 98 and was humongous. I knew nothing about computers so I was fooled. I was so obsessed with the sense pad. Anyways, back on topic...
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
Maximum - 1K (I might stretch a couple hundred if no options).
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
(I want portable, but at the same time I want to be able to make use of a good screen). This will be desktop replacement.
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
I design band promotions with Photoshop with a side company me and my friend have. I use web design programs like Dreamweaver and Flash. My last computer didn't do too well with Photoshop. I've never really gamed with good graphics because I never had the computer too. If I'm able to I might. I like Shockwave games that are online like 3D interactive chat sites. I'll also be using this in college next year.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
If I travel I'll take it with me. It'll mostly be used around house though. I'll put it on the couch my bed, etc.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Not sure yet I'll have to see what it can take. Maybe it'll open my eyes to gaming. For now... just shockwave and flash applications bug my computer. It never had enough virtual memory.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I really like DELL I hear good things about them.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
3 hours or more.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Depends where.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
I believe I'm in America. Yep, I am Bush is President.
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Wide would be cool, but I don't want to carry a boulder around with me.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
I've always had in between I believe. This doesn't matter to much to me.
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.
Doesn't matter. It'd be cool to have a big screen though.
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.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Glossy. I guess this means like True Life?
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not really, I can't afford a Vaio or Alienware so it doesn't matter. I'll paint it or that might kill my warranty.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Until I can afford a better one. I want to purchase it within the Christmas time or next month. I want to catch some deals.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
120GB, but less won't hurt.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
DVD and CD drive that's rewritable.
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I was looking at the E1075 it might be stretching my budget a little too much. I wonder if I could get a laptop lower and customize it to the same level?
Answer:
Re: Casual Gaming
Getting the Dell e1705 on a 1k budget is great, as long as you use a 30% off coupon, Dell always has those available.
Answer:
Re: Casual Gaming
Consider checking out the Dell outlet for the e1705. Other options obviously include the e1505 which, when equipped with the x1400 will be capable of light gaming. Another options to consider would be the hp dv6000t with the go7400. It is similar in performance to the x1400. The optional 7900gs in the e1705 blows both cards out of the water.
Answer:
Re: Casual Gaming
If you want sheer gaming performance for your money, look at the e1705 with the coupons dell offers. If you want more of an overall machine, my vote would be with the HP dv6000t. It will have better build quality than a similar dell e1505.
Answer:
Re: Casual Gaming
I'd buy from outlet, but they don't show a picture of the scratch and dented notebooks. I'm afraid it's terribble looking like it's been dropped on the floor. I tried customizing the e1505 and after the coupons the price was 1300.
Whoah there's a E1705 going for 1,219.00 right now. But... I still have a few weeks till I can afford it.