Question:
Expert opinions wanted
1) What is your budget?
No more than $2k
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen, something portable and powerful
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Office, CS, internet, database, multitasking, music, no gaming as of yet, primary work and home computer, full Vista compatibility will be important
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
8 hours at work and a few hours at home in my lap or on a desk or table
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Maybe, but not a priority.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I am willing to consider anything at this point, but these are the models I have liked so far, Most - Thinkpad z61t, and Asus W3j. Lesser - Hp DV2000t, Sony SZ, Dell D620 and HP NC6400 - in no particular order - probably seeing a trend here. I would say Dell is least favorite of those listed. No Toshiba or Acer - just have not heard good things
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Three is fine and anything under two, it makes we question why one would buy a laptop unless primary use is gaming
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Not at all, but that is why I am posting a FAQ to get some good discussion on my current top two, both of which I cannot see in person.
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen only
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.
Not sure, but I assume option d since the size of the laptop I am looking at wont have room for more. I currently use a 17 inch CRT at home and at work and would consider getting an external LCD at work to get the overall size and portability of a 14 inch
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
again, unknown, but a lot of use will be in an office which has a mix a natural light from skylights and windows and overhead flourescents
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
It would be nice, but not a requirement
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
By January I want to have it in my hands and I would like it to last at least three years
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
80GB +
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes, DVD-RW
My current laptop experience is limited to a dell 8600, an old 12 inch Thinkpad, and a few assorted 15 inch HP's. These were not mine but a few old roomates' from college that I used to type papers, surf and make CD's. I did not like the plastic feel and sounds of the Dell, the HP's were fine but I like the idea of a business build machine. The IBM is so old its not a fair comparison, but the keyboard was actually quite nice.
Fingerprint security is not required, but I heard its convenient. A docking station might be nice for the office use, but don't consider it in the budget, but please let me know if certain models just don't work with that. Oh, and I will be using an external mouse most of the time.
Of the lesser fav laptops listed above the Sony SZ seems kind of flimsy for a $2000 laptop, the HP NC 6400 is really high cost for the same components of the competitors, the DV2000t I am afraid does not have the build quality I am looking for and the Dell I hear has the worst screen. I am still willing to consider these models so any user opinions would be very helpful to either move them up the list or completely remove them.
I probably have my mind made up but I want to know your opinions from personal use and especially if it relates to what I will be doing with the machine. I am indecisive at this point and always very picky which is a bad combo! Thanks for your help!
Answer:
Re: Expert opinions wanted
In an office environment, I would recommend going with a matte-style display. Office lighting is very reflective and can be tiring with a glossy display in my opinion.
The ThinkPad Z61t sounds like an excellent choice. I am not sure if it is available with a dedicated video card though; you'll need one for gaming and although it is not 100% necessary for Vista, it would help the 3D Aero Glass interface run smoother. The HP nc6400 is available with a dedicated card.
Answer:
Re: Expert opinions wanted
If you require a dedicated card for full Vista compatibility, try the ThinkPad T or R series line of notebooks.
Answer:
Re: Expert opinions wanted
Thanks for the responses! Do you have any recommended vendors for the HP NC6400 series? When I priced it out on HP's site it became really expensive very quickly, any suggestions?
Answer:
Re: Expert opinions wanted
Look at the product numbers for the "Smart Buy" options on the HP site, then put those in PriceGrabber to see if there are any vendors offering them cheaper - worked for my nc8430, so hopefully you'll be able to find some deals..
Answer:
Re: Expert opinions wanted
Balrog - thanks for that bit of info. I looked today and they had a decent machine on hp.com that was a good deal just not Memron which I was hoping for. I figure if i am spending that kind of money that is something I want in a machine. I did not go to pricegrabber with those numbers but I am going to keep monitoring this every week.
Are there any other vendors that people recommend?
I must say the Z61t looks nice, but the lack of any dedicated video card is disappointing. And I really just don't want to sacrifice mobility.
Answer:
Re: Expert opinions wanted
Well, if you really need a graphics card, the Thinkpad won't do you any good.
A lot of people look at the Sony VAIO SZ, but it is overpriced, and has some quality issues.
I think your best choice is the W3J or the HP one you stated. Some might say the Merom W3J is overpriced, and the HP is more "accurately" priced, but I have no opinion on that.
Answer:
Re: Expert opinions wanted
Have you looked at the A8js? Spec-wise, I don't think there's any 14" notebook that's more powerful - and the price isn't bad either.
Answer:
Re: Expert opinions wanted
Actually I have considered the A8js, but I have heard its chasis is not as nice as its sibbling the W3j. I am really looking for something that will last me three solid years. I assume in two I will have another new primary laptop for work and home but this would then be used by family. Build quality is very important and any creaking and flexing just gives me stress and worry. Not to say the A8js are of less quality, just the highest build quality is what I want.
The SZ I am just not impressed with the keyboard at all. Its feels mushy and that ~10yr old thinkpad I mentioned in the FAQ has a keyboard that blows the SZ out of the water. If some other company would replicate this laptop with their build quality and better service...oh man that would be nice.
Well I think your posts have helped me - The HP NC6400 and the Asus W3j are now my new top two. I really wish I could see both of these in person - any ideas for someone living in Seattle? Now I just have to figure out cost...