Question:
Advise for laptop for college
1) What is your budget?
Around $2k
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
D
3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.
The U S of A
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
While Dell has served me well, I'm open to knew companies and have never really like one company over another. Although, I despise mac.
5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Gaming, College Classes (Engineering), Media, as well as some light graphic/video editing.
6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Yes. While it spends most its time in my room, my laptop does go with me to the library/classes at least 5+ times a week. I don't mind carrying a heavier laptop though, since i tend not to carry many books at a time.
7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
High end games... HL2, SPORE when it comes out ect.
8) How many hours of battery life do you need?
I would like it to be able to last 1.5 to 3 hours if possible, but if less I can always carry around an extra battery.
9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
As long as its under warranty...no.
10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
I would like to jump into Vista
Screen Specifics
11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Since I'm not to aware of the difference and the majority of people pick widescreen, I'll take widescreen.
12) 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.
Either E or F, though I'm a bit iffy about F since so many people, at least over on the graphics board, are against it.
13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Not completely sure. I suppose glossy is fine, but I would like to be able to see my screen from a variety of angles.
Build Quality and Design
14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Absolutely not.
15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
If I can't get a fix on my current laptop, then will need it by mid August or very soon after, which is the need for a small rush .
I would also like for it to last for at least 3 years, so some upgradeablility would be superb.
Notebook Components
16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB?
minimum of 100
17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
As long as it has a cd-dvd burner im happy
I would like to try and start with the 8700 (or equivalent) and be able to upgrade to the 8800 or higher when it/they come out.
Answer:
Re: Advise for laptop for college
You could go with the sager NP5790. It comes with the 7950 GTX. The 7950 GTX is more powerful than the 8700.
Answer:
Re: Advise for laptop for college
i need direct x10
Answer:
Re: Advise for laptop for college
The only laptop with the DirectX 10 card in 17" with the 8700m GT is a Toshiba. If you can wait a bit, then I'd wait as the market for the good 17" DX10 cards are only beginning. Also, the Sager NP5790's 7950GTX still beats the 8700m GT in benchmark tests, and is upgradeable in the future.
Answer:
Re: Advise for laptop for college
how easy would it be to upgrade... as easy as a desktop or would i need to take it somewhere for them to do it?
Answer:
Re: Advise for laptop for college
The card in the 5790 is MXM, which means it can be removed like a desktop chip. There's a panel underneath which lets you access the graphics card to be removed.
Answer:
Re: Advise for laptop for college
i read somewhere that cards are being equipped with a new type of MXM... MXM-II or something... that is incompatible with the MXM that is used now... is this true and will it effect the choice of video card i will have to update to in the future?
Answer:
Re: Advise for laptop for college
also, is there a place where i can buy that notebook yet get a good warranty which includes accidental damage?
Answer:
Re: Advise for laptop for college
Yes, XoticPC offers the 5790 (check the very bottom drag down box) with accidental damage protection, but of course, that costs you extra.
Answer:
Re: Advise for laptop for college
The only laptop with the DirectX 10 card in 17" with the 8700m GT is a Toshiba. If you can wait a bit, then I'd wait as the market for the good 17" DX10 cards are only beginning.
Syntax, thanks for your answers here and in the similar thread I started. What are your thoughts on pricing for 8700 GT systems? Do you think they'll all be in the $2000 range, or might anyone come in closer to $1500?