Question:
Cheap, Light and Wireless
I need a laptop for a new job where I'll basically be balancing the thing on my kneecaps for hours at a stretch (light and cool is important) but also will have to print and circulate on a wireless network. The work crew uses Macs but I'm a PC person so I'll need XP to be able to use the software. Since I have a functioning desktop at home, I don't really need major bells and whistles, just something cheap and reliable. I can get a Thinkpad T60 for about 1200 through school but it seems like a lot more machine than I need. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Answer:
Re: Cheap, Light and Wireless
Could you complete the FAQ for us please? It would be a big help. There are a number of notebooks that can fit your needs and filling out the FAQ helps to pinpoint choices.
Answer:
Re: Cheap, Light and Wireless
You can try getting a refurb T42.
You could also try the X series
Answer:
Re: Cheap, Light and Wireless
Sorry, I didn't notice the FAQ thing.
General Questions
1) What is your budget? $500 or so
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
Thin and Light
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Word processing with proprietary software, emailing
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
I will be taking it to work where I have no desk so it's on the knees
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? No games beyond maybe solitaire
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? I like Lenovo for reliability, Sony and HP for keyboard feel
7) How many hours of battery life do you need? probably 5 is enough
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? No, but I need it fast
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 screen
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.
SXGA would probably be best
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.
I don't especially want widescreen since mobility is the key issue
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? I don't really care
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? Nah.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? Buying it within next week and I'd like it to last a couple of years
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB? 40GB is fine
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive? DVD-CD/RW
Answer:
Re: Cheap, Light and Wireless
The Compaq V3000Z sounds like a good bet with a base configuration. It should come in around $500. It's good quality for the money.
The Acer TravelMate 2400 series is also worth considering.
Battery life - you're not going to get five hours out of any notebook you can buy in your budget range. Probably 2-3 is more realistic. You'll have to make a compromise there I'm afraid. Check reviews of notebooks on this site for battery life times.
Answer:
Re: Cheap, Light and Wireless
Thanks for your suggestion. I just checked and Tiger Direct has a refurbed T40 for $499. I'd have to add a wireless card but that would only put it about $50 above my limit. The Zs are even more expensive.
Answer:
Re: Cheap, Light and Wireless
You're right. The V3000Z looks good and it's lighter than the nx6310 my local PCMall is selling for $399 without wireless. Thanks.