Question:
Desktop Replacement with 2 external monitors
Guys, I need help. I'm looking for a desktop replacement at work. The most important feature is to be able to run 2 external Dell 20" flatpanels running at 1680 X 1024. I've looked at almost everything out there, so maybe somebody can help me. Here's the rundown:
1) What is your budget?
--Like to stay under $2500
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
--15.4" widescreen or 17" widescreen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
--Web programming, some Photoshop, database, speadsheets, a few games at home
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
--Some travel will be involved. however, I don't intend to use it on an airplane. I'll need it to the jobsite.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
--Very few, maybe Halo or something
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
--Don't really care for Toshiba
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
--At least 2.5
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
--I would like to, but it's not necessary
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
--Widescreen
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.
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.
--WXGA+ or WSXGA+
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?
--Functionality is first
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
--ASAP, Last about 18 months
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
--At Least 80GB
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
--DVD-RW
Other things that are important:
PC Card Slot
Bluetooth
Built-in Wireless
I've looked at the Dell Latitude 820 because is docks to an expansion chassis that I can put a PCI video card in, but it doesn't have a glossy screen. I'm also looking at aHP nx9420. It has a docking station with VGA and DVI, but not sure it can power 2 monitors.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Chris
Answer:
Re: Desktop Replacement with 2 external monitors
I am going to recommend the a Clevo M570U (Sager 5760)...
If you want the highest end in terms of build quality and performance, then look towards the Clevo notebooks (the highest of the high end, which are sold by Alienware, VooDoo PC, Sager, etc.).
________________________________________________________
Sager 5760 (Clevo M570U) Specs at PowerNotebooks
Reviews for it:
http://www.computer-notebook.com/defaul...iew=Sager+5760
:D Specifications with $2500 cap: :D
Display: 17" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) "Super Clear Glossy" TFT Active Matrix screen
Modular Video Card: nVidia Geforce 7950 Go GTX (w/ 512mb DDR3)
:)Video Adapter for External Monitors: Matrox DualHead2Go (for 2 ext monitors)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 (1.66 ghz)
System Memory: 1024mb DDR2/667 Dual Channel
Hard Drive: 80 GB 54000 rpm SATA
CD/DVD Read/Writer: Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive w/Softwares
TV Tuner: (Optional Built-in TV-Tuner w/ Remote)
Wireless Networking: Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/b/g
Bluetooth: Built-in Bluetooth (version 2.0)
Battery: 8-Cell Smart Li-ion Battery
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (w/ SP2)
AC Adapter: Full Range Auto Switching AC Adapter
Carrying Case: Standard Carrying Case
...And the extras:
-Built-in 8 Channel HiDef Azalia Stereo Sound System w/8 Ext. Speaker Output w/o Ext. Decoder - SRS WOW Support
-Built-in 4-in-1 memory card reader (MS/MSPro/SD/MMC)
-Built-in Digital 1.3Megapixel Video Camera
:D Total from PowerNotebooks: Approx $2500.00
Getting a notebook from PowerNotebooks is recommended since they have had legendary service and support for all of their products. You can I ask anyone that has had dealings with them, you will be surprised with just seeing only positive feedback.
This should serve you well, and the extra dual external monitors should be pretty nice with this. There is an option for 3 external monitors if you want that as well... with the Matrox TripleHead2Go.
Aint getting better than this rig for the money.
This is definitely a superior alternative to the Dell.
Hope this helps,
-Gophn
Answer:
Re: Desktop Replacement with 2 external monitors
you just need an adapter to use multiple monitors. like the matrox dualhead2go:
http://www.matrox.com/graphics/en/gx...dh2go/home.php
Answer:
Re: Desktop Replacement with 2 external monitors
Thanks for the suggestions.
I've looked at the Matrox pc card, however it only displays a desktop at up to 2560 x 1024 for two monitors, which means it splits that resolution to 1280 X 1024. The Dells 20" widescreen monitors run at 1680 X 1050 each. This is why I was looking for something that had a VGA and a DVI, or perhaps a laptop that connects to a docking station with two outputs.
Any other ideas?
Thanks,
Chris