Question:
Euthanized Dell! What Now?
1) What is your budget?
1200-1600
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
14-15.4
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
TV tuner option (?), watching DVD and Video, word, excel, and business software
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
taking it with - so nothing too heavy
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
light gaming-nice graphics are a plus
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Have read about Compal, Asus, HP - NO more Dell for me! I've tried MAC and it's not for me either, nor do I think Acer is an option due to a recent hardware incident a family member had with a new laptop. I don't want to go through that.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
2-4 max, will be mostly using AC
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
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 UX
GA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
D or E
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Glossy
Build Quality and Design
Important with quality taking precedence over design.e
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
somewhat
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
2-3 years
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
80-100
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive? yes, DVD-CD/RW at a minimum
After having replaced my motherboard with Dell only having it fail within 1 week and spending several hours on hold with disconnections I am thru with Dell. I've been looking at agetting a new Lapper and have been looking at ASUS, Compal, and HP as options that have the performance but is not too expensive. I've read reviews of the Compal and Asus and am swayed in their direction.
I'd like to find something that can handle Vista so probably C2D, and will keep up with technology for the next 2-3 years. Durability and support are important considerations too.
thanks a ton for your input!
Answer:
Re: Euthanized Dell! What Now?
Compal HEL80 or Asus Z96J look like good options. The HEL80 can be configured with WSXGA+. I don't know of any 14/15" laptop with a built-in TV tuner, though.
C.
Answer:
Re: Euthanized Dell! What Now?
Get the Hauppauge USB TV Tuner...just as effective. Make sure you download the latest drivers and software for it though. The ones that come on the CD are problematic at best.
Answer:
Re: Euthanized Dell! What Now?
Compal HEL80 or Asus Z96J look like good options. The HEL80 can be configured with WSXGA+. I don't know of any 14/15" laptop with a built-in TV tuner, though.
C.
Great recommendation, I'll go with that too. The HEL80 does have an option for an internal TV-tuner, but it does not work with Media Center.
Answer:
Re: Euthanized Dell! What Now?
Thanks to all for the great information. I just checked a thread comparing the pros and cons of the HGL30 vs the A8JM vs the A8JS, and am now thinking about the A8JS but it costs a little more. Any thoughts about how A8JS would fit with my needs? (Or would it be a bit of overkill?)
Thanks a ton, you guys make selecting a notebook a breeze!
Answer:
Re: Euthanized Dell! What Now?
Um... It would be perfect.
You would have to get an external tv tuner. This is probably a wiser decision in the first place as you can use it on any pc as opposed to just one.
the z96, hel 80 and hp 8430 are all desireable as well when you consider they can get to 1680 x 1050 resolution vs the a8js 1440 x900
but the added size and inferior gpu are probably strong counter weights.
when exactly are you going to get one?
Answer:
Re: Euthanized Dell! What Now?
So, it sounds like the A8JS would be the preferable outcome in terms of the above listed options?
During research I put my name in for the forum A8JS group buy but have not pursued that as of today. I was going to put it off a couple weeks, but the Dell repair that failed makes a replacement a bit more urgent. So, probably ASAP.
Any other input or opinions is greatly appreciated!
Answer:
Re: Euthanized Dell! What Now?
I recall a list of quality Asus sellers (USA) on this site but am unable to find it. Anyone have that link handy or a suggestion on a reliable site to do a bit of pricing?
thanks