Question:
Budget Notebook
Hi,
I'm a university student looking to make my first notebook purchase. The notebook is meant as a supplement, not a replacement, of my current desktop. Main tasks include word processing, web surfing, light image editing, etc. Battery life is important since I have a few 3 hour lectures.
Due to my tight budget, I've been considering the following Dell 1501:
AMD Sempron 3500+
1 GB RAM
ATI Express 1150
60 GB HD
9-cell battery
Price: $739 CDN
Since I've never owned a laptop before, just a few quick questions. For the tasks I've listed, is the Sempron sufficient? In an ideal world I would love a dual core setup, but in order to get that with 1GB RAM and the 9-cell battery which I view as mandatory, it's an easy $200 more, which I don't know is justified for the main tasks I have in mind.
Also, in regards to the ATI 1150. I've read that it is "Windows Vista Premium Ready" - I suppose this means that it can handle Aero? Has anyone had any experience with this card? How does it compare to the Intel GMA950? I certainly don't expect to do any serious gaming on this setup at all, but being able to play an older game like Civilization IV on this setup would be a nice bonus. Anyone know if this system could handle it?
1) What is your budget?
$1000 CDN max, looking more around $750-$800.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
14.1 or 15.4, portability is important for me.
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Word processing, web surfing, light image editing
Older games such as Civ4 would be nice, but not completely necessary.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Taking it to places.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
No, this would simply be a bonus. Older games just to pass the time.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
No.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
3 hours minimum, 4-5 would be great.
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?
Canada
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Doesn't matter.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Doesn't matter too much, whatever looks best on the screen size I choose to get.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Indifferent
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?
Looking to buy it ASAP, 3 years would be nice.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
60GB is sufficient since I have ample storage on my desktop.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes, DVD-ROM is fine, desktop can be used for burning CD's/DVD's.
Answer:
Re: Budget Notebook
Check out the HP DV2120CA if it fits your budget.
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/prodde...93&catid=20354
Otherwise, if you want a better notebook in terms of quality and longer battery life you might look at the HP nx7400
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/prodde...71&catid=20354
Also, in regards to the ATI 1150. I've read that it is "Windows Vista Premium Ready" - I suppose this means that it can handle Aero? Has anyone had any experience with this card? How does it compare to the Intel GMA950?
Yes, the integrated cards can run Aero. Otherwise, both the Xpress 1150 and the Go 6150 are so much better than the GMA 950.
Answer:
Re: Budget Notebook
The ATI 1150 is much better than the Intel GMA950, and should run Vista. The Dell 1501 should be suitable for your needs. You can also look at the Compaq v3000z and v6000z models.