Question:
15.4" - 17" Laptop for Web Design, Animations, etc.
Hello, I am looking for a good notebook computer to use for Web Design using Macromedia Studio 8 (Dreamweaver, Flash, Firworks, etc.), along with Photoshop, and I would love to do some gaming on the weekends such as Call of Duty 2, Halo, WOW sometimes. I've considered the following: Dell e1705, Asus G1 or G2. I've tried to avoid HP or Compaq, because I have a Compaq laptop and it's giving me trouble. Sorry for the long post, hopefully you can help me. Thanks!
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
Anywhere from $1000 to $2,000.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
15.4" up to a 17" screen.
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?
I will be using programs like photoshop and Flash for Web Design. I would like to do some gaming, and also just to surf the web.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Mainly leaving it on desk, sometimes downstairs or to a friend's house across the street. On an airplane 1-2 times a year.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Yes, Call of Duty 2, Halo, possibly World of Warcraft.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Compaq definetely, HP unless there is a really good laptop there.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Not a whole lot, 2-2 and a half hours or more.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Nope, don't mind, just want them to be reliable, and well-known.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen
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
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not really, though I don't want an ugly looking laptop.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
In the next few months, I want it to last 2-3 years.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB?
Preferebly 120 GB - 200 GB
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive
Yes, DVD-RW, DVD-CD/RW (not sure what is the difference, sorry)
Answer:
Re: 15.4" - 17" Laptop for Web Design, Animations, etc.
Consider the Asus G1, a 15.4 inch gaming notebook with the powerful Go7700 graphics card.
The 17 inch Dell Inspiron E1705 with the Go7900 graphics card, is another option.
Answer:
Re: 15.4" - 17" Laptop for Web Design, Animations, etc.
Well, you could also look at the Asus F3JP - this one:
I'll warn you away from the Dell d820 just in case you consider it...the UXGA screen isn't good enough for Photoshop.
The Compal Hel80 has the right specs, but I didn't like its screen either and it's kinda ugly. You may think differently; it's quite highly rated in general.
That said, I like the G1 best out of the choices. It's kinda heavy, but with the bigger case comes better cooling. A couple of people have said that if you like a cool (temperature) computer, the G1 is the one to get.
Answer:
Re: 15.4" - 17" Laptop for Web Design, Animations, etc.
The E1705 will probably give you your best bang for your buck with what you specified. Plus it has the WUXGA (which is absolutely gorgeous on this laptop and awesome for photoshop) like you specified. I think the asus G2 could work for you buy you might not get as good performance (but probably a better build). Ohh, if any point you do decide on the E1705 get the 9 cell battery, that'll give you the 2 to 2 and a half hours of battery life you want.
Answer:
Re: 15.4" - 17" Laptop for Web Design, Animations, etc.
The HP nx9420 is one of HP's business class machines, with excellent quality. It is well worth considering for your needs although it does not offer a WUXGA screen.
Another 17" notebook to consider is the MSI-1037:
http://powernotebooks.com/specs/PowerPro/I12-5.php
For gaming though, the Go7900GS in the Dell E1705 is unbeatable. Plus, that laptop is offered with WUXGA.
Answer:
Re: 15.4" - 17" Laptop for Web Design, Animations, etc.
Thanks a bunch for all the suggestions guys, and I think I may try to get the Dell e1705. But since I've got a couple months to decide, I'll see if they change or make another laptop. I really appreciate it for helping me!