Question:
need help choosing a notebook
any help you guys can provide with this would be great..ive been wrestling over what one to get and i just end up getting even more confused..
General Usage
What will you be using the notebook mainly for? Will you be using it to play games? Will you be using it for word processing / general productivity? etc.
I will mainly be using it for playing games and school..
Are you looking more at a very small notebook, a standard notebook, or a large desktop replacement?
im looking for something inbetween...i dont want it to break my back but it doesnt have to be ultra light either (especially given i want it to be able to game decently)
Will you be carrying the notebook around a lot or be keeping it stationary most of the time?
would like to be able to carry it around..
How important is battery life to you?
very, i would also like to add that i am willing to pay for a larger cell battery if it is available for a given system..
How long do you intend on using this laptop?
as long as i can get out of it..but i realize how quickly hardware advances..
Features
Do you need lots of hard drive space?
at least 60 gig but may go higher depending if i can afford it
(prefer 7200 rpm as well if possible, although will survive on 5400 if must)
Will you be burning DVD's or just CD's?
just cds is ok but dvds wouldnt hurt..probably wouldnt make use of that feature much
Do you tend to work with a lot of applications at once?
yes
Graphics & Display
How big would you like your screen to be? Do you care if it's widescreen or not?
I would prefer 15 inch widescreen..might go with 14 inch if the overall system is good enough
Are you willing to pay more for premium screens enhanced by XBRITE, Crystal View, or Bright View? (Go to the bottom of this post for an explanation)
yes
(If applicable) Will you be playing casual games or the latest games?
heavy on the casual games (such as snes roms)...and a little on the latest games..i was sort of hoping for a laptop with the x700 chip that had the best battery life..may be willing to go with a slightly weaker chip if the overall system is good enough
(If applicable) Will you be doing work in a 3D modeling program like 3D Studio Max or Maya?
no
Miscellaneous
Do you care if your notebook looks good or not?
would prefer it not to be butt ugly but not that picky
Are there particular brands you prefer or won't buy from?
not in particular..mainly just not brands with bad quality control
How much are you willing to pay for this notebook?
I am not exactly sure ...im thinking in the $1500 range..although i might go slightly higher if there is a notebook that just really provides all I need
Are there particular models you have already looked at?
dell 600m..dell 6000d (128mb x300)
sager 3880 4881
Answer:
Re: need help choosing a notebook
You can get the w3v with the x600, but it will exceed the budget.
Answer:
Re: need help choosing a notebook
Asus Z71V...P-M & 128MB 6600..
You could also take a look at the Acer TM 4400 with the Turion & 64MB X700.
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...uctCode=265227
http://www.computer-notebook.com/default.asp?newsID=2484
Both are better performing than the Dell i6000 & better value.
Answer:
Re: need help choosing a notebook
i second the asus z71v
Answer:
Re: need help choosing a notebook
if you want something 5lbs and is a 14' widescreen,
Chembook 2030, it has a dedicated GPU in the form of the Nvidia Go 6400. There's been two reviews on it so far and they've all been positive. Cheapest config starts at $1160 w/o OS.
i also reccomend the Asus Z70v, its a 15'4 widescreen... a bit large in size..but pretty light in its class.
Answer:
Re: need help choosing a notebook
I am seriously considering the asus mentioned..am now going to take a look at the chembook the other poster mentioned..im hoping to get one with a nice lcd (image quality wise)..
Answer:
Re: need help choosing a notebook
The asus laptop looks really good..the chembook is also somewhat compelling...does anyone know of any similar laptops to the asus that get better battery life? i realize its got pretty good battery life but i really want all the longetivity i can get..
Answer:
Re: need help choosing a notebook
I think u should consider getting an IBM thinkpad T42
I recently just got one and i have to say i am VERY HAPPY with it.
It is the most secure comptuer i have ever used, it is very quiet and does not get too hot anywhere.
Everything i have thrown its way has also been run very smoothly as i got one with a 60gb hd at 7200rpm.
I'm pretty sure you won't regret getting a thinkpad.
Answer:
Re: need help choosing a notebook
The LG LW40 is the other one that comes to mind, but it's not widely availiable.
Also, the Toshiba Protege s100 is a 14" with a 6200 Go and under 5 pounds.
Not many options going under the 15.4" margin
Answer:
Re: need help choosing a notebook
i second niwde's suggestion. I had a T42 14' sxga with an Ati 9600. Pretty solid machine.