Question:
I'm not even sure where to start!
I saw someone else with one of these surveys, so maybe that'll help me. According to this, what might be a good laptop/notebook for me?
1) What is your budget?
$800-900 would be great, less would be better, I could maybe do a little more.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
some videos and music and photo editing, but mostly schoolwork
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
taking it to school
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
nope
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I love my current IBM, and I'm apprehensive about Dells
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
4hr+ preferable
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
that's fine
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
the U.S.
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
standard is fine
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
c. UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
matte
Build Quality and Design
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?
at least through grad school--6yr+
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
I'm not sure..I probably don't need more than 80-100GB
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
yes-read/write CD's and at least read DVD's
Answer:
Re: I'm not even sure where to start!
well....uxga is pretty much out of the question if you were hoping to buy a new notebook in your price range.
i would check out the hp nx6325 or the hp nx7400.
Answer:
Re: I'm not even sure where to start!
UXGA definitely out of your price range. Check out the HPs that were mentioned, and the Thinkpad T60 as well.
Answer:
Re: I'm not even sure where to start!
The ThinkPad R-series sounds like a good option. It is available with up to a 15" SXGA+ display.
Answer:
Re: I'm not even sure where to start!
You want your notebook to last you over 6 years? Thats an eternity in terms of notebook technology. I'm sure you'll get another one sooner but whatever.
If you will not be playing games, then do not pay any mind really to the graphics card, integrated graphics will suit you just fine.
How much work with video and photos will you be doing? Keep in mind of the hard drive speed you'll be getting.
Answer:
Re: I'm not even sure where to start!
I was also thinking the ThinkPad R series might be to your liking. I also really like the HP nx6325 suggestion.