Question:
Help a noob mom
My dh and I recently purchased a "suped up" desktop but I want a laptop to be able to use all over the house-basically follow the kids around while I occasionally surf. As a result, I think battery life would be a priority? as I don't necessary want to be plugged into one spot all day....thanks in advance
1) What is your budget?
Max $1000 including tax, software, etc
2) What size notebook would you prefer? I think smaller the better=more portable but I also know it costs more so MAX 15.4", preferably 13-14"
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.
USA
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I don't want a cheapie laptop and I do own HP/compaq stock but no real brand preference
5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Mostly surfing online - would like it to be FAST though, some word processing, photo archiving, watching movies when we travel
6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? I would like to be able to carry it from room to room with ease
7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? Only Ms. pac-man:D
8) How many hours of battery life do you need? more the better in compact form since I don't want to have to leave it plugged in all day
9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? NO
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen? widescreen (d)
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.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Glossy I think for better movie watching
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? somewhat
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? I want it to be a "keeper" - 3-4 years at least
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB? 80 +GB since I "think" I want VISTA Premium
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive? It seems DVD-RW is the standard these days? I won't be burning home movies though
Answer:
Re: Help a noob mom
The 14 inch HP Pavilion dv2000t is a good option to consider. The business class 14 inch HP nc6400 will offer better build quality and support.
Answer:
Re: Help a noob mom
The Lenovo 3000 N100 is available as a 14" widescreen and is well worth a look in my opinion. It is more durable than a typical consumer machine and has a good keyboard. The HP nc6400 that jetstar mentioned is even better, although it will probably run over your budget.
For a regular mainstream machine, the HP dv2000 series is a solid fit. You can see it in person at Best Buy.
Get Vista Premium, avoid Basic. Basic is feature-deprived and stripped down, and won't give you the whole "Vista Experience."
Answer:
Re: Help a noob mom
Thanks guys for such quick replies ! yeah, I think vista premium for sure and I will definitely check out the hpv2000 at BB or CC. Now, what about the HP dv6000t that everyone seems to really like? And do most people opt for a 6 cell or 12 cell battery or one of each? I saw some 12-cell on ebay for ~$80 for the HP laptops...any thoughts about non-OEM 12-cell batteries? thanks again
Answer:
Re: Help a noob mom
The dv6000t is a good, all-round notebook, and is very popular on this website, as you mention. Go for the 12-cell battery if you really need the extended battery life.
I would'nt recommend non-OEM batteries, but thats a personal preference. :)
Answer:
Re: Help a noob mom
The dv6000 is essentially a 15.4" version of the dv2000, they are very similar looking. If you want a bigger screen, the dv6000 is the obvious choice, but for portability, it is generally recommended that you stick to a 14" screen. I think you'll come to that conclusion yourself too.
The 12-cell battery is twice the size of the 6-cell and it sticks out the back considerably. HP offers a high-capacity 6-cell battery when you customize the dv2000 or dv6000 on www.shopping.hp.com; it gives around 3 hours of life. The 12-cell gives around 5.
Answer:
Re: Help a noob mom
The dv6000 is essentially a 15.4" version of the dv2000, they are very similar looking. If you want a bigger screen, the dv6000 is the obvious choice, but for portability, it is generally recommended that you stick to a 14" screen. I think you'll come to that conclusion yourself too.
The 12-cell battery is twice the size of the 6-cell and it sticks out the back considerably. HP offers a high-capacity 6-cell battery when you customize the dv2000 or dv6000 on www.shopping.hp.com; it gives around 3 hours of life. The 12-cell gives around 5.
Just to clarify...which conclusion am I supposed to come up with myself?:p
Maybe I will opt for the high 6-cell and use power save mode except when watching movies.