Question:
Graphic Design, etc.
General Questions
1) What is your budget? approx. $800
2) What size notebook would you prefer? 13 to 16"
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?
Using Paint Shop Pro, digital scrapbooking-burning onto discs, converting tapes from Camcorder to Movie discs.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? Mostly using around the house.
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? Dell, Hewlett-Packard
7) How many hours of battery life do you need? 2-3
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? standard
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. B
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
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?
Within the month; 3+ years
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
As much as I can get for my budget.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive? I don't know what I will need.
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GLOSSARY AND EXPLANATION FOR SOME TERMS USED ABOVE
Glossy vs. Matte Screen
Glossy screens have a reflective coating. Colors appear sharper and more vibrant. They do however produce more glare. Some people like them, others do not. The glare problem is most acute in well lit environments, like an office. Glossy screens tend to be better for multimedia uses like viewing DVDs or photos. If you are unfamiliar with the screen types, we would highly recommend you check some of each type out before you buy. The screen is one of the more important parts on a notebook. You do not want to get stuck with something you do not like.
Screen Size & Resolution
Please note screen size in conjunction with resolution will play a large role in overall viewing comfort level. Everyone is different. Some can view SXGA resolution on a 14” screen all day while others think it is horribly small. Again, we would recommend you check some notebook screens before you buy to see what best fits your needs. (see notebook screen guide article for more info)
Answer:
Re: Graphic Design, etc.
I don't know if your "Dell, Hewlett-Packard" was prefer or dislike, but nonetheless, the Inspiron E1505 will JUST fit your budget, and it qualifies for everything you noted.
Answer:
Re: Graphic Design, etc.
Consider the HP nx6325 if you want a standard screen, along with the Dell Latitude D520. Standard screens are very rare on notebooks these days and having that as a requirement will limit your options. You will not find a standard screen notebook in your price range with a glossy screen.
For widescreen, check local stores for deals on a Compaq V3000. There is also the Dell Inspiron E1405; check the Dell Outlet for the best deals.