Question:
Cheap Laptop for Movies/Music
1) What is your budget?
$550. That is a set amount and unfortunately I can't go any higher than that.
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?
MSWord, MS Powerpoint, Internet Access (Wireless), Watching Movies, playing audio files.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
I travel quite a bit, so I'd prefer to have a portable laptop.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Yes, some oldies to pass my time, I'm not a dedicated hardcore gamer.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
No preference for any brands.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
2-3 hours would be good.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No.
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?
No preference.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
No preference.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
No preference.
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
No, I just want to get a decent laptop for a modest price.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Next week, I expect it to last a couple of years.
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
40-80GB, as long as it fits in my budget.
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 Laptop for Movies/Music
Check out the Compaq Presario V6000/3000 models.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...ompaq+Presario
Answer:
Re: Cheap Laptop for Movies/Music
I ordered a Dell Ispiron 1501 for $597 ttl through the Dell Outlet. It is a refurbished machine and I did not need anything major. In fact, my needs mirrored yours. The lowest I saw this machine was $529 on the outlet. It will push you a bit over $560 though.
If you do go throught the outlet, check back often as the inventory is updated constantly.
Good luck.
Answer:
Re: Cheap Laptop for Movies/Music
The Compaq V3000 is an excellent choice for your needs; customize here:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...=V3000Z_series
It has a lot of quality for the money.
Answer:
Re: Cheap Laptop for Movies/Music
Thank you for your responses. I'd like to compare Z vs T series that HP offers:
1) Z-series:
Mobile AMD Sempron(TM) 3500+ (1.80GHz/512KB)
AMD Turion(TM) 64 Mobile MK-36 (2.0 GHz/512KB)
NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 6150
2) T-series:
Intel(R) Celeron(R) M 430 (1.73 GHz/1MB L2 Cache)Intel(R) Core(TM) Solo T1350(1.86 GHz/2MB L2Cache)
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950 - Celeron
AMD processors have faster clockspeed, but smaller cache size, I can't really decide what's more important... Do single core processors perform much better than Celeron/Sempron?
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950 - Celeron - that's an integrated card, correct? The Z series offer NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 6150, which is an actual video card. Do you think that the difference in playing movies and overall performance would be noticeable between those two?
3) What's the difference between 802.11b/g WLAN and Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection?
Answer:
Re: Cheap Laptop for Movies/Music
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834228002
That is the most bang for the buck you will ever get. It looks ugly, but you can take those stickers off.
Answer:
Re: Cheap Laptop for Movies/Music
Thank you for your responses. I'd like to compare Z vs T series that HP offers:
1) Z-series:
Mobile AMD Sempron(TM) 3500+ (1.80GHz/512KB)
AMD Turion(TM) 64 Mobile MK-36 (2.0 GHz/512KB)
NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 6150
2) T-series:
Intel(R) Celeron(R) M 430 (1.73 GHz/1MB L2 Cache)Intel(R) Core(TM) Solo T1350(1.86 GHz/2MB L2Cache)
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950 - Celeron
AMD processors have faster clockspeed, but smaller cache size, I can't really decide what's more important... Do single core processors perform much better than Celeron/Sempron?
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950 - Celeron - that's an integrated card, correct? The Z series offer NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 6150, which is an actual video card. Do you think that the difference in playing movies and overall performance would be noticeable between those two?
3) What's the difference between 802.11b/g WLAN and Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection?
The AMD Z-series notebooks represent a better value in your price range. The Turion MK-36 is an excellent value and I would try to get that; it is very fast. The cache is not that important - AMD processors do not need as much cache because they have the memory controller on-chip; Intel's have more because A) the memory controller is located on the Northbridge, and B) because they can fit more (AMD's have to fit the memory controller and the cache; Intel only has to fit the cache).
The Nvidia Go6150 is still an integrated video card, but unlike the GMA950, it is based off a real video card. It will be better at videos and pictures than the GMA950, especially if you like to run more demanding (higher resolution) video.
There is not much of a difference between the wireless cards; the 3945ABG is made by Intel, and the generic 802.11b/g is probably made by Broadcom. The Intel card has A band wireless. I wouldn't worry about which one you get.
Answer:
Re: Cheap Laptop for Movies/Music
if you buy online sometimes you need to think about tax and or shipping! for some sites it can be as much as 100$ more! but not on all sites
Answer:
Re: Cheap Laptop for Movies/Music
I had a V3000 for a while. The screen on the unit I had was excellent.