Question:
FAQ sheet done, buying today!
I hope the info below will help quide you to recommending some laptops. I'm a photographer, so CS2 photoshop is my main need. Burning onsite DVDs at Weddings while on location. And, being able to take the laptop while on vacation is needed too, so battery time of a couple hours might be nice. Again thanks for taking the time to help me out.
It has been suggested in another thread that a 7200rpm HD be found in my quest also...
General Questions
1) What is your budget? $1000-1500
2) What size notebook would you prefer? Never had one, so I have no idea, but I'll use it to edit photography, so maybe the 15"
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? Edit photography, download photography into while on site shoots. Use while on vacation (beach) to conduct photography business!
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? taking it...
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? No games, for now
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? The more the better.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? I'd buy online
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? Don't know the difference, maybe wide
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.
I'll be using it to view fine photography, you tell me what is best, please.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? I have no idea what would be best.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? No
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? Today would be great, or tomorrow!
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB? 120 or more
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive? DVD-CD/plus or minus RW is what I have on my desktop burner
OK, I hope that helps a bit. Again, thanks.
Kevin
Answer:
Re: FAQ sheet done, buying today!
I would reccomend the customized hp dv6000t
Operating System Upgrade to Genuine Windows XP Media Center!!
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5600 (1.83 GHz)
Display 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
Graphics Card 256MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 7400
Personalization FREE Upgrade: HP IMPRINT Finish/Microphone/Webcam
1.0GB DDR2 SDRAM (2x512MB
Hard Drive 120 GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Primary CD/DVD Drive Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer
Networking Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network w/Bluetooth
Primary Battery 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Answer:
Re: FAQ sheet done, buying today!
I agree with the HP, but I would suggest that you get a more portable 14 inch option like the HP dv2000, especially since you do not game. It will be significantly easier to carry around.
Answer:
Re: FAQ sheet done, buying today!
I've read so much about 7200rpm HDs, is that something I should have or not?
On my Photography forum, they insisted the HP I was considering wasn't going to cut it with the 5400rpm HD.
Thanks, Kevin
Answer:
Re: FAQ sheet done, buying today!
The 5400 isn't slow, but if you are editing 20mb+ pictures, you'll need every speed boost avaliable!
Answer:
Re: FAQ sheet done, buying today!
The 7200 is a significant upgrade over the 5400, especially with pictures. You should definitely get it. But, this eliminates the HPs because they do not offer them, unless your willing to buy a separate one. Try the Dell e1505.
Answer:
Re: FAQ sheet done, buying today!
chronicfuture12, I went to that link builder. That helps, but there is plenty there that I can order from that I'm completely clueless about too!
I think I could get my Masters updated in this arena, but by the time I did, I'd be outdated again!
Any other pointers on ordering a Dell might help.
Again, thanks for taking the time to help me out...
Kevin