Question:
High-res mid range laptop
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
Less that $1500USD, shipped
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 gaming, programming, the basics
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
To school with me every day
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Shooters, mainly quake based. Nothing too strenuous. (I'm currently on a thinkpad T40 w/ radeon 7500 and happy enough)
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I'm a IBM fan, but any very well built laptop will do
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Not a big deal. 2.5+
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Nope, but i'm a sub ride away from J&R until the 10th
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
USA, shipping to Hawaii
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Standard! I'm sick of this widescreen madness! OK, maybe a WSXGA+ :)
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Standard
c. UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.
Widescreen
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Cmon, i'm a thinkpad fan. Matte, of course.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Yes, but not a big deal.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
4 years, about. I use these things till they die.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
80+. 120 would be nice.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
DVD-RW
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I've been looking at getting a T43p (15" UXGA version), it fits nicely in my price range and has a dock. Given that i'm satisfied with the performance of my current T40 w/ Pentium M 1.5, i don't know how much more there will be to gain from a C2D.
I plan on building a desktop in the summer, so i want a laptop that will last me forever. As a linux user, i don't use extremely taxing programs--having a high res screen is much more important than the latest processor.
The reason I'm more receptive to UXGA than WSXGA+ is that my monitor is UXGA, and i don't want to get another one :P
Any help would be great,
--benplaut
Answer:
Re: High-res mid range laptop
Sounds like you'd be happy with another ThinkPad. The Lenovo ThinkPad Z61m or T60 would probably suit you well.
If you are looking for more gaming power, the HP nc8430 and Compal HEL80 are both nice with matte screens. I can vouch for the HEL80's screens.
Shipping to Hawaii is never pleasant...wouldn't you agree?
Answer:
Re: High-res mid range laptop
customize a cheap E1505, E1501, dv6000t, dv2000t
This is cheap
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/HP-Pa...oductDetail.do
now a days, you can get a core duo for less than a grand.
Answer:
Re: High-res mid range laptop
Check out the rebranded HEL80, www.powernotebooks.com
Answer:
Re: High-res mid range laptop
Well, I personally would get the HP nc8430 in this situation, considering that it's an excellent notebook with top notch build quality and also thin and light for a 15.4" notebook. But, that's me of course.
Answer:
Re: High-res mid range laptop
The HP nc8430 is an excellent option, but then again so is the Compal HEL80. Both have excellent quality, although the HP is thinner & lighter as mentioned, and has a better keyboard.
Here's a review of the HP:
...and the Compal:
Answer:
Re: High-res mid range laptop
I hopped down to the apple store today, and i'm very impressed by the quality of the macbook pro -- i'm considering it :o . A refurb with Core Duo fits within my price range, and should be plenty of power for what I do.
Although i am a linux freak through and through, i'm a bit bored. Might be time for a new, refreshing OS for a while :eek:
I'm looking at the nc8430. The price is high, but it might be worth it.