Question:
~$1200 budget
Looking at the Apple Macbook Core2 duo 13.3 currently.
My max budget is $1500 pushing it.
Screen has to be 13.3-15.4 inches.
Looking for best build quality, Core2 Duo CPU, don't care about the video card, no gaming will be done.
I would like to spend around 1100-1200 but if I can get something drastically better for a little more, I would be willing to do that.
Thanks
Answer:
Re: ~$1200 budget
1) What is your budget? 1000-1500(pushing it)
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
B or C
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
No gaming, regular PC stuff
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Possibly
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?
No
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
The more the better
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Don't mind
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
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 UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
The higher the res, the better
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Don't know
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Yes, strong quality is importent
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
4 yrs
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
60 gb or above
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
DVD-Rom + CD-RW
Answer:
Re: ~$1200 budget
The Macbook seems like a good fit for you, if you do not mind OSX (I personally like it) though it is a little heavy for a 13.3" notebook. If you are looking for a PC alternative the Sony C series and Asus z35f are good options.
Another thing to consider is that the Macbook runs hot according to reports so you might want to try one out at a local Mac store before you make the purchase.
Answer:
Re: ~$1200 budget
What about the IBM R series, pretty good price.
Is it wise to use Windows on the Macbook?
Like I said, i'm looking for a good CPU with the best build quality..
thanks
Answer:
Re: ~$1200 budget
The Lenovo R series are good notebooks, thought the cheaper end of the thinkpad line. See if you can get a T series in your price range, they are veritable legends in the reliability world. My sister still has a 386 from 10 years ago, and its still chugging away!
Its not to bad to use Windows on a Mac but that negates the point of getting a Apple. You get a Mac for the OSX and not the hardware, there are PCs out there that have much better hardware and components then Apple puts in their notebooks.
Answer:
Re: ~$1200 budget
Such as...
.
Lenovo T60:D
Also the Fujitsu notebooks are very solid. Though to be honest most business class notebooks are more durable than the Macbook. The most important aspect that lends itself to the durability of a notebook is the chassis (assuming the components are good) to that end business notebooks are made with a magnesium or aluminum chassis, as opposed to the rigid plastic ones you find in consumer level notebooks like the Macbook.
There is of course more to it than that but I would have to write a ten page essay on it if I were going to cover even the basics of what goes into a notebooks build and design. It suffices to say though, if you want a very durable notebook stick to a company that uses metal or carbon fiber chassis and is known to use good components (motherboard cooling components etc) in their notebooks.
Answer:
Re: ~$1200 budget
I think i'm going to go with the IBM Thinkpad T60 Widescreen.
It's a bit pricey with the upgraded screen and 9 cell but it seems to be a top notch laptop..
Any objections, this is a bit pricey...
The ThinkPad Z-series is a widescreen only laptop and will have better pricing. The ThinkPad T widescreen was only recently introduced.
Answer:
Re: ~$1200 budget
Does the Z series offer the same quality and flagship feel the T series does?
They do seem to be a bit cheaper, i'm looking at the 15.4 WXGA+ model or 14 inch WS models.
Just trying to make sure it isn't a lower end model of the real deal...
Other then that, the Z series seems perfect.