Question:
Home Theater Laptop...I am loosing my mind
Or losing my mind, you see, I am forgetting how to spell. :)
I have been doing research for the better part of a month for a laptop, to be used for Home Theater applications. Just when I think I found the right one, I get hit upside the head with it not having a firewire port, no DVI and VGA output, no S/PDIF output, or any combination thereof.
I have the luxury of having a cable provider that does not have 5C implemented, which gives me the ability to transport HD movies from my DVR to my PC. I am wanting to start archiving these programs to later be burned to Blu-ray of HD-DVD. I also want to be able to playback these mpeg2 files from my laptop to my DLP tv which has VGA and DVI inputs.
So, I was really close to buying a Sager off of ebay that had everything I wanted, but I lost the auction. I am currently looking at an Alienware on Ebay with similar features, that has everything I need as well. But, if I can get a new laptop, I would prefer it.
I looked at the Asus Notebook A8Js, and even build a custom one at http://www.xoticpc.com/ but felt concerned when adding components. I recall reading that Asus voids there warranty when custom components are added. Is this correct?
On to the Q and A:
Not mentioned in the questions below, it must have atleast 3 USB ports, one firewire port, S/PDIF (digital audio output), dedicated video memory of atleast 256MB, DVI and VGA outputs. The processor must be at least a P4 3.6GHz or Core 2 Duo equivalent.
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
$1300-$1600 is ideal, but possibly not realistic for a new laptop. The Asus A8Js is in this pricerange.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
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?
As mentioned above, this is for use in Home Theater applications.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Occasionally will be transporting it.
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 read on another thread that the Dell laptops are having problems with firewire.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Very little
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No
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?
W I D E S C R E E N
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.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Either
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not particularly
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
The sooner the better. I would prefer to not have to update it, or upgrade very often. I would however, like the ability to upgrade if necessary.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
60GB is sufficient, as I will be adding an external drive.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes, DVD/CD writer combo.
Thanks!!!!!
Answer:
Re: Home Theater Laptop...I am loosing my mind
You should contact Powernotebooks (ask for Donald), XoticPC (ask for Justin), or Flawlesscomputers.
They have some of the best service to help with all of your questions and concerns. They wont try to sell you things like other notebook sellers.
Although I will recommend:
For 15.4"
- Compal HEL80 / HEL81
- Asus ZS96J
For 17"
- MSI MS-1037 (PowerPro I12:5)
Those should all fit your budget and purposes fine.
Answer:
Re: Home Theater Laptop...I am loosing my mind
The A8js is a good option, great GPU, price and has DVI even!
As for the warranty, yes adding parts(except RAM/HD, as long as you keep the originals) will void the 2 year international warranty ASUS provides, but it doesn't mean you're out of luck if it breaks. Most dealers give you their warranty, in most cases are almost as good as ASUS's if not the same(sans the worldwide).
Answer:
Re: Home Theater Laptop...I am loosing my mind
Can anyone briefly explain visual differences (if any) between converting VGA to DVI vs straight DVI out? Should I hold out for DVI if I want to send to an HDTV? Seems as though few laptops are supporting DVI, so Im wondering if I can make do with a VGA to DVI converter.
thanks!
Answer:
Re: Home Theater Laptop...I am loosing my mind
A good 17 inch entertainment notebook would be the HP Pavilion dv9000t. It offers a lot of features for the money.
Answer:
Re: Home Theater Laptop...I am loosing my mind
mediaparadigm;
You can get a VGA-to-DVI Conversion Box .. but you will loose picture quality. Not to mention an AC adapter is required to power the device, which may be cumbersome at times.
Another option is the Belkin Expansion Dock, which will provide you with everything you need for a HT setup.
djdrock;
Also check out the Acer AS56(70/80) Series. It definitely has it's flaws (ie. build quality), but it fits the bill.
Good luck !
Answer:
Re: Home Theater Laptop...I am loosing my mind
thanks Mr. Pigeon....great info!!!
Answer:
Re: Home Theater Laptop...I am loosing my mind
Thanks to everyone for all of your quick responses. Here is what I have uncovered from your recommendations.
The HP Pavilion dv9000t does not have a configurable DVI or S/PDIF port without the addition of a dock. I guess I should have mentioned that I would prefer to not have a docking station. :)
The Compal HEL80 has no DVI-D port. According to Mwave.com, the HEL81 only comes with integrated graphics.
I can find no information on the Asus ZS96J. I assume you are talking about the Z96J, correct? :) If so, it is a monster, except it has no DVI port. What a shame, as it is around $1500 upgraded from powernotebooks.com. :mad: :mad:
So, I called powernotebooks.com, and I was able to speak with Ron (Donald was unavailable) and I don't know who talks more, he or I. :) 40 minutes later, it looks like the Sager 5750 will be my best bet. These guys deserve the excellent reputation they have. Incredible service!
I am still doing some research, and any additional suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks again!
David
Answer:
Re: Home Theater Laptop...I am loosing my mind
I am getting close to narrowing it down, I need some additional advice:
First, powernotebooks.com is selling the Sager 5750, and this is what I am leaning towards. The configuration on the site has the video card as "ATi RADEON X1600 w/Up to 512MB HyperMemory." Can anyone tell me what dedicated memory this particular card has? From what I have read on various websites, there is a 64mb, 128mb, 256mb, and 512mb version of the same card.
Lets say it is 128mb, does the HyperMemory® work well. I just don't want a card that performs like the Intel Integrated graphics that you see on laptops sold at Best Buy/Circuit City.
***UPDATE*** I spoke with Ron, and he confirmed that it is 128mb dedicated. I am looking for benchmark results now. :)
Answer:
Re: Home Theater Laptop...I am loosing my mind
Why do you need a super graphics card?
My integrated graphics card on my desktop plays 1080p H264 videos without a flaw, which is pretty much the most demanding video out there.