Question:
$1500 for ultraportable - I'm flexible
Most important to me is 12" or smaller (13" is ok), good battery life and good processor - core 2 duo is preferred.
1) What is your budget?
$1500 but would prefer so spend as little as possible.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
12" but 13" would be acceptable.
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
General home and office tasks: internet, email, word processing, powerpoint. Some gaming on very rare occasions.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
95% on the desk, 5% out of the house.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Only light gaming (i.e. games played off the internet.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Doesn't matter
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?
Buying online is ok.
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Either.
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
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Either
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?
ASAP and as long as possible.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
80 or more.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
DVD-ROM/CD burner is ok. DVD burner preferred.
Answer:
Re: $1500 for ultraportable - I'm flexible
The Sager NP6260 is a great 12" ultraportable; we have a new review of it up today as a matter of fact:
It is the lightest notebook available with a built-in optical drive.
Answer:
Re: $1500 for ultraportable - I'm flexible
you could also consider the dell xps1210. i don't know if it has been updated with the core 2 duo, but the lenovo v100 is worth a look as well.
Answer:
Re: $1500 for ultraportable - I'm flexible
The Sager NP6260 is a great 12" ultraportable; we have a new review of it up today as a matter of fact:
It is the lightest notebook available with a built-in optical drive.
Incorrect - the Panasonic W5 is 2.64 lbs and I think there is a Sony TX series of same weight. The Sager is heavier than both. It has the advantage of being much cheaper though it looks like it is an easy job to swap your own HDD in.
The flipside is that the other two are fanless ie 100% silent and the Sager is not, in additon to having much longer battery life than the Sager at that weight.
Any laptop under 4.5 lbs is inevitably about compromises and this one is no different.