Question:
Budget laptop, does this one exist?
This is a tricky one, maybe you can help. I asked earlier about a Linux laptop at $1200, but I decided that since I'm not gaming why not make it as cheap as possible. Linux runs fast on older hardware and I'm not gaming anyway. At $1200 I can find a zillion laptops that are excellent but I'd rather spend the difference on a large external LCD monitor.
Used for Unix & web development, MP3 and light video encoding. Must be dual-core, Intel preferred. I think I've priced myself out of Core2Duo but that's OK. Ram is not important I'll upgrade it myself later. Must not have ATI graphics. Integrated graphics are fine, nVidia would be great, even a slow one.
The tricky part is finding WXGA+ resolution. Everything seems to be 1280x800.
Condensed FAQ:
Country: US
Budget: $800 or so
Size: 14.1" or 15.4" Widescreen, 1440x900 resolution. 17" is too big.
Will buy the largest battery possible.
Dual-boot to Vista or XP occasionally.
80% stationary
Hard drive, 80gb minimum, 120 preferred.
DVD burner required.
The Dell Inspirons are fitting the bill but come with ATI graphics. Asus makes a couple models that are very close so I may pick up one of them, but they tend to overdo the graphics for my needs. HP's are very close but are all 1280x800.
Am I missing anything? I don't mind buying year-old technology (Core Duo or X2) at this point, the machine only has to last a few years.
Thanks!!
Greg.
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop, does this one exist?
How about a Compal HEL80? or the integrated graphics versions?
http://powernotebooks.com/specs/PowerPro/l8-15.php
http://powernotebooks.com/specs/Crown/p10-8.php
http://powernotebooks.com/specs/Crown/p10-9.php
(sager re-branded version)
http://powernotebooks.com/specs/Sager/2080specs.php
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop, does this one exist?
There's also the HP Pavillion notebooks. They come with nVidia GPU, however for Linux, I'm not quite sure if it runs great on it.
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop, does this one exist?
The Compals look nice and I've heard good things about them. But once you increase them from WXGA to WSXGA+ they're too pricey. Out of curiosity, how readable is WSXGA+ on a 15.4" screen?
The HP's are almost perfect but are 1280x800. Quality and price are there, and they run Linux with a little fiddling. I've owned an Inspiron before and I was not impressed with the build quality anyway. But that was a few years back.
I may just have to bite the bullet and settle for WXGA. Guess I have to get over being a screen snob.
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop, does this one exist?
Your budget is a bit low for a Core 2 Duo; I'd shoot for an AMD Turion X2. It's a decent CPU and has ample power.
You can't afford to be too picky about the resolution. WXGA is the norm and for $800 you really don't have a lot of options. You could look at the Dell E1505 for an inexpensive machine; it is available with WXGA, WXGA+, and WSXGA+ screens and Nvidia graphics although getting one equipped with the latter is going to be difficult for $800. Try the Dell Coupons or the Dell Outlet.
An HP dv2000z (14") or dv6000z (15.4") are also good choices.
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop, does this one exist?
As an update here are my leading candidates, each is verified to run Ubuntu "acceptably." I have the opinion that no single laptop runs Linux 100% unless it was designed specifically to do so.
* lenovo 3000 N Series N100(0768E6U) Intel Core Duo T2350(1.86GHz) 15.4" Wide XGA 1GB 120GB Dual layer DVD Burner Intel GMA950, Vista Business: $859 after rebate
* ASUS F3 Series F3T-AP042C AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-56(1.80GHz) 15.4" Wide XGA 1GB 120GB DVD Super Multi NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 NoteBook, Vista home premium, $1029
* Dell Inspiron 640m Core Duo 1.86ghz, 14.1" WXGA+ 2GB, 120GB DVD RW, GMA950, Vista Basic $857 shipped
I think the Dell is the leading candidate based on price and 1440x900 resolution. I'm having a hard time spending almost $900 on a GMA950 graphics card machine but that's the breaks I guess.
Any thoughts on these? I think the Lenovo will be best built, the Asus fastest and the Dell the most cheaply made but best bang for the buck.
Greg
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop, does this one exist?
I know the compals I mentioned run linux fine.. A few things are "in the works", but for everyday use it's all ready to go..
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop, does this one exist?
What about the compaq v6000z, is pretty cheap and had the go 6150.
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop, does this one exist?
What about the compaq v6000z, is pretty cheap and had the go 6150.
Yeah, I think you're on to something.
HP 6000z, Vista Basic, AMD TL-56, 15.4", 6150 video, 512m RAM, 80gb HD, DVD RW, wireless, bluetooth, 12 cel battery $823. + 2gb RAM from newegg = $897.
That gives me another good option thank you. I'm still leaning towards the Dell just for the WXGA+. I think I'll sit on it over the weekend and see if they come up with any coupons I can't resist punching in.
Greg
Answer:
Re: Budget laptop, does this one exist?
No prob Inlawbiker, glad its helps. Well the Dell is a great value, and if you can find it within your budget maybe will serve you better that the Compaq.
Regards.