Question:
Graphics Computer
Hi, soon i will be buying a laptop computer and I am seeking guidance as to what specs i will need, and/or a specific model. Currently im using a pretty pathetic gateway 348 mhz, 320 mb ram, and 7 gig hardrive. Yeah i know im over due for an upgrade lol :)
So, with this new computer i will mostly be using it to work in photoshop cs, and browse the web. Im not much of a computer gamer, at most i would play a free online game. Im going to be getting a braodband connection soon too so i want the computer to be able to wirelessly connect while i am at home or at college.
My old computer was able to use photoshop but wasnt able to work a large resolutions (ex. 2000x2000) I have a wacom graphire 3 tablet mouse that i was hoping to use with the laptop. It plugs in through a usb jack so i think it should work on any computer.
As i was browsing through best buys site i came upon this computer
Seeing as how it is like 10 times better than my current computer, and is very cheap, it is tempting. Will this computer meet my specifications, what areas does it lack. Any other computer suggestions or advice will be appreciated.
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
anywere from 0-1000 it just depends to me on wether the extra cash is really worth it. Im a cheapass
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
I picked c because im not into small screens, but i do want to take the computer to college sometimes. Larger screens will be good for photoshop too
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
web browsing, photoshop, burning music
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
use at home and ocasionally take it to college
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
rarely (at least thats what i say now lol) maybe some free online games
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
the names done mean a thing to me im all about the best bang for your buck
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
at least 2 hours (most laptops come with the charger right?)
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
id prefer to buy it in person but if the price is right i will 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?
Im not sure. Ill have to research the subject but a widescreen sounds like it will be better for photoshop. but right now im either or.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Standard
b. SXGA - 1400x1050 - Compromise resolution between XGA and UXGA.
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
probobly the 1440x900 for widescreen and 1400x1050 for standard
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
makes no difference to me
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
nope
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
by last does it mean the technology being old or the computer actually malfunctioning. at least 4 years
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
40 gb would be enough but the more the merrier
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
i dont need to play dvds on it just cds, but its a nice option if it comes free
thanks,
Matt
Answer:
Re: Graphics Computer
its not a bad computer for the price, but I would not get it if you want to do some real work on it. Better to invest in a machine with a core duo and a decent GPU. Look into the Dell e1505 or the HP dv6000t series.
Answer:
Re: Graphics Computer
Large resoultions in photoshop would need a decent GPU. A decent GPU could also be perfect for movies. I would recommend something like the e1505 as it is cheap and has everything you need. Feels kind of cheap, though I bet it's at least 20x better than what you are using now.
EDIT: get something like a compal or a dell where every part can pretty much be configured. Take out something you don't need for some extra cash, add in something you need for the some (or all) of the cash that you saved from another part. Any help choosing a config, just post.
Answer:
Re: Graphics Computer
Photoshop tends to be memory and CPU intensive, not GPU. I would suggest the HP NX or ThinkPad R series if you would like something with a bit better quality.
Answer:
Re: Graphics Computer
Yea I agree with ZaZ you do not need a great video card, although something like a go7400 or x1400 will really make Photoshop run smoother. I think the Dell e1505 is going to give you the better tech for the money. HP and Dell are really close in build quality, so I would not chose one over the other based on that reason alone.
Answer:
Re: Graphics Computer
Hard drive speed and the amount of RAM also affects the speed of Photoshop too, keep in mind.
Answer:
Re: Graphics Computer
My mom knows someone who works for ibm and she said she could probobly get me a deal on a lenovo. Im looking at this page
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/c...B4B3178B3B6554
The 4 thinkpad R series (as you recomended). The last one is the most expensive, but the only differences are the Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5500 (1.66GHz, 2MB L2, 667MHz FSB) does that mean that each processor is 1.66ghz, if not then is it really worth the extra cash because the other computers are 1.6ghz. The other difference is the ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe as apposed to the Integrated Wi-Fi wireless upgradable. I dont know what any of that means, im just interested in it being able to get on the internet wirelessly. Will both do that? The last one has better system graphics too. not sure if i need that
So basically im just wondering whats the benefit of the more costly model.
Answer:
Re: Graphics Computer
all the wifi is mini pci e or mini pci thats what integrated is.
Although upgradeable its a serious project. different for each model. sometimes as simple as takin off one little plastic thing but often needing to take out the keyboard
the way the card is connected to the antenae is a little more than plung and play type of connection and can easily be broken.
there are pictures all over the net on it.
Answer:
Re: Graphics Computer
the deal i was going to get on the lenovo wasnt much different from the store price. Right now after looking at the specs i think i want to get the dell e1405
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...pcfy1&x=9&y=11
Any objections, or reasons why i shouldent get it please tell :)
Seems like a solid deal to me (the link)
Answer:
Re: Graphics Computer
hmm no replys. I chose the e1405 over the e1505 for these reasons
+The e1405 has a smaller screen and is more portable (decided i wanted more portability later on)
+ the e1405 has a faster processer intel core duo T5600 vs T5500 wich is 1.83 ghz to 1.66 ghz
+ the e1405 costs $113 less
- the e1405's grapics card isnt as good as the e1505's 256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory™
Thats the only let down of the deal is the graphics card. I wont be playing games so i dont really think i will need it. And people said photoshop doesent rely as much on gfx card as it does cpu power
So is this logical?
Links to both products:
e1405
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...=en&vw=classic
e1505
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...=en&vw=classic