Question:
2nd attempt at getting a laptop (new laptop budget)
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
Around $1000~$1100
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?
Programming, Photoshop, Anime/Movies, Surfing/Internet/Aim, Light
gaming
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Both actually. But for the most part, it'll be on the desk near a powersource.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
(Starcraft, Warcraft 3, World of Warcraft, Half-Life, Half-Life 2
would be a major plus, but not necessary)
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
No Avertec, or Acer.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
2+ would be nice, not a huge issue.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Somewhat, though I do see a lot of Dell laptops in person.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
US
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, 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?
Somewhat... but being on a budget, I wont complain.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Before January 29th, I'd like it to last a few years.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
At least 60GB.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
DVD-CD/RW at minimum, DVD-R/RW would be nice.
I just need a laptop for school work while I'm on campus, and hopefully something that will be able to play World of Warcraft.
I have considered the following:
Dell Inspiron E1505
Intel? Core? 2 Duo T5500 (1.66GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows? XP Home
15.4 inch UltraSharp? Wide Screen WXGA+ Display with TrueLife?
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm
120GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
256MB ATI MOBILITY? RADEON? X1400 HyperMemory?
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Internal Wireless
53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
3 Year On-site Economy Plan
Comes out to $1,122.15 total after tax and shipping. Warranty, I am getting since I dont trust Dell too much, especially with the mixed stories I heard from classmates and friends. But back to the point, if there are any other cheaper laptops that that would fit my needs (and run World of Warcraft :D ), that would be great to know. Otherwise, comments on the above build would work. I am willing to spend more on the laptop (for future investment since I have the warranty for 3 years...).
Off-topic: I noticed that Dell business offers "Gold Tech Support". All the technicians are certified, north american based, and 90% of calls are responded to within 5 minutes. I just thought that was pretty funny after hearing stories about Dell tech support.
Answer:
Re: 2nd attempt at getting a laptop (new laptop budget)
The e1505 is a good option, though your options are quite restricted. If you want to squeeze every penny, you may want to look for a decently specced Compal HEL80 or ASUS Z96j.
Answer:
Re: 2nd attempt at getting a laptop (new laptop budget)
I would also suggest you look at the Compal HGL30 simply because it is smaller and much easier to move around. If you get one with a lower end Core 2 Duo, 1GB of RAM, and 80GB HDD, it should run you to about $1100.
Answer:
Re: 2nd attempt at getting a laptop (new laptop budget)
btotech has the s96j for 984 with 100 gb hd 1 gb ram and wireless. t5500
I think that is the lowest price i could be wrong.
Way nicer than an e1505 and cheaper, and it has an x1600
Answer:
Re: 2nd attempt at getting a laptop (new laptop budget)
I really like the idea of doing some shopping and trying to find a great deal on an Asus S96J, Compal HEL80 or HGL30.
It won't be cheaper than the Dell you're looking at, but the warranty should be better to start with--and you'll get a higher quality system with much more gaming power.
Answer:
Re: 2nd attempt at getting a laptop (new laptop budget)
I am also looking at the Thinkpad R60, and even an Asus A8Jp. To be honest... I still have an order on the A8Jp (long story... but anyhow).
I stated that I am somewhat ok with ordering online, and there's a reason for that. I want to see the laptop in person, especially the LCD. I have yet to see ANY A8J laptops in person, and comments people said made me wary of buying the A8Jp. I know a few of the local retailers carry Thinkpads so that one isnt an issue. Are there any comparable laptop which retailers carry whose LCD is close to the A8Jp? (I'm concerned about viewing angles because I do plan on watching movies and anime, sometimes not alone).