Question:
Higher-end multimedia laptop. Please help.
1) What is your budget?
$1,800 CND but I need to purchase at least one year extended accidental insurance.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Running lots of media applications. a tv out capability of some type would be perfect, even if it's using an adapter for hd to component.
Some moderate gaming is expected, and heavy pdf / document use.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Lots of transport, busses, cars, walking. (I'd say biking but I'm too worried I'd wipe out then it'd basically be totalled)
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
I'm not too big on fps games, but I would like to enjoy spore once it's out.
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?
Maybe 1hr. It will be plugged in most of the time. I heard some notebooks you can switch between an integrated graphics card and a powerful one?
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
That is fine.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
I'm buying this in Canada, but am willing to cross into the states to buy it if duty is considered into the price.
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Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Ideally WSXGA or WUXGA.
WXGA is fine if necesairy.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Either is fine.
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Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Nothing looking like a squared off rectangle please.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
I'm buying this laptop in a week. I want it to last at least 3 years.
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Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
Minimum 80gB
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes, DVD-CD/RW.
The ideal laptop I've come across so far is a nicely built HP dv9000t. Problem is that they dont ship those to Canada.
1gB ram, 80gB hard drive (two bays), DVD-RW w/ lightscribe, 512mB geforce go, 17" wsxga screen.
I'd love to get that notebook, but the duty's scare me as with the exchange rate. Even though I can't buy this laptop anywhere in canada, the duty'll probably kill me.
Answer:
Re: Higher-end multimedia laptop. Please help.
At 17'' for 1800 you have the HP and the Dell E1705 ....
Now I'm wondering.. maybe your needs for using it on the go should point you towards a 15'' or 14'' laptop, and the screen is by no means small on a 15''. You can also get higher quality laptops at that size.
Answer:
Re: Higher-end multimedia laptop. Please help.
Mmm.. well, right now I'm testing a 17" dv9010 I picked up from best buy 2 days ago. I love the screen size & keyboard!
Weight is never a concern for me.
Is there truelly that big a stretch in quality between 17" and 15"?
Answer:
Re: Higher-end multimedia laptop. Please help.
You will feel the difference of weight...
And yes, because Dell's are not of the highest quality, the E1705, though it can fit in your price, really its stretching it. A nice 17'' would be upwards of 2500 canadian.
Now you could get a 15'' or 14'' like an Asus S96j or Hel80 or for 14'' HGL30 that are very nice quality but have a smaller screen. These can fit easily within your budget. Check out milestonepc.com for these laptops in canada.
Note: I would prefer hp over the dell though because HP are better quality even then.
Answer:
Re: Higher-end multimedia laptop. Please help.
Spore is going to be a pretty taxing game from what I've seen.
To have it be comfortable playable... You are going to need:
- any dual core CPU
- recommended at least 2 gigs of RAM
- mid-range videocard (ATI X1600 and up -OR- nVidia 7600 and up)
The dv9000t should fit your budget and needs pretty well. Although you should try to get the most for your money... meaning the graphics card.
The Dell e1705 and the Toshiba P105 are both good options for a budget under $2000. They both can come with nVidia 7900 GS... which is a world ahead of the 7600 videocard.
Answer:
Re: Higher-end multimedia laptop. Please help.
So far this is the build I have for the dv9000t
Processor - Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T5200(1.60GHz/2MB L2Cache)
Display - 17.0" WSXGA+ BrightView Widescreen (1680x1050)
Graphics Card - 256MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 7600
Personalization - HP Imprint Finish + Microphone + Webcam
Memory - 2048MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Hard Drive - 80GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Primary CD/DVD Drive - Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
COST:: $1,463.98 US :: $1,724.13 CND + duties
Between the dv9000t and the dv9000z, the only difference is the processor.
There's a 1.8ghz amd Sempron, 1.6ghz amd turion, and of course the afformentioned intel 2duo 1.6ghz.
On the processor side of things, what should my concerns be?
Answer:
Re: Higher-end multimedia laptop. Please help.
The Intel C2D processors outperform the AMD Turion X2s by far. I would recommend the C2D configuration that you mention, rather than going for a Turion, Sempron, etc.
Answer:
Re: Higher-end multimedia laptop. Please help.
Get a dell E1705 , use coupons, then talk them down in price.
You should be able to get 2.0ghz c2d, 7900, 2gb-533 ram, 80gb 7200rpm.
(this is probably before tax though so -.-)
Answer:
Re: Higher-end multimedia laptop. Please help.
The e1705 looks bloody expensive.
I have no idea how to talk them down in price.
And I'm in canada so they have nearly no coupons for me.
I'm a bit hesitant seeing the smaller keyboard.
But I'm really interested to know what number you think i could expect to pay.