Question:
Help me find the right laptop
please read this first:
ive looked at many a laptop, including the hp dv2020ca (the crappy Canadian version), the LifeBook q2010 (extremely expensive) and the Gateway NX100X (i really like this model but i couldn't find any way to buy it in Canada, and if you know how please tell me, i will greatly appreciate it)
Anyways heres what i'm looking for
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
Although I do have a (rather flexible) budget, I want to consider all notebooks that meet my requirements
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less or
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Web browsing, word processing, MSN, some visual basic, nothing too graphics intensive
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
I will be carrying it around the house/school
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
no games on this notebook
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
not really, although if I do have a problem, I would like to be able to trust that the company to resolve it. If you would recommend the company it is good enough for me.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
5 at the very minimum, preferably more
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
I would prefer to see in person but this isn’t always possible so either is o.k. A manufacturer site is preferable, but if not at least a well known one.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
Canada (specifically Toronto)
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
I’m leaning towards widescreen but if a standard screen meets other specifications I will definitely consider it
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Standard
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
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 prefer options b and e, but any of those are good
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Yes, but they are not the most important factor. I do not want a laptop that looks aesthetically bad, but a neutral (like ThinkPad) design is just as good as a very flashy one.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Probably will be buying around Christmas/New years, and i want it to last for as long as possible. Therefore, i do want it vista capable (vista basic is ok for me)
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
No less that 80GB (but once again, i will consider slightly less if it meets my other requirements)
I do not think this is asked, but the more RAM the better
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
No, as long as a reliable external drive is available
Answer:
Re: Help me find the right laptop
i didnt mention it before but thank you very much to anyone who takes time to help me, i just can't seem to decide and ive looked at dozens of laptops
Answer:
Re: Help me find the right laptop
I read it :D.
You don't have a lot of graphics intensive tasks, so a graphics card won't be necessary. How about the Dell Inspiron 640m? Dell's build quality is so-so, but its cheap, and the Inspiron 640m can be configured in many ways to fit your budget or requirements.
Also, look at the Lenovo Thinkpads. They are a bit expensive though, but nonetheless still superior in build quality and design, and their keyboards! Oh I love Thinkpad keyboards...
I'm refraining from suggesting the Asus A8Js or the Asus W3J, because they are actually really powerful laptops, but they still are wonderful notebooks. However, still take a look at them. You might be interested.
Answer:
Re: Help me find the right laptop
thx i'll look into it
Answer:
Re: Help me find the right laptop
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z61m or better yet the T60 comes to mind.
You may also want to take a look at the HP nc6400. Dell Latitude D520 or D620 may also be worth a look, but I've heard some negative commentary about their screens.
Good luck.
Answer:
Re: Help me find the right laptop
thanks for all the help, i've been looking into all the products suggested, but once again, if anyone knows how to order the NX100X to Canada, i would greatly appreciate it. thanks.