Question:
New Notebook Help!!!
I'm new to this site, and I don't really know to get as a laptop for my freshman year in college. I've looked at some other threads, but still have no idea what to really to get. Here goes:
General Usage
I'm mainly going to be using this notebook for word processing, excel sheets, writing software, listening to music, and some light to moderate gaming. I'm looking for a midsized to large notebook at around 15.4 inches or 17 inches. It doesn't have to be super light because I'm wanting a larger notebook, but don't want it to go over 10 pounds if possible please. I'm going to be using this notebook in a stationary manner most of the time, but some occasional lap use. As far as battery life goes, it may seem ironic, given the fact I'm using the notebook in a stationary manner, but battery life is a must. I have to get at least 2.5 hours, or its a no go (I have to be able to use it in the library for extended periods of time w/o power). I hope I can keep this laptop for the next 3-4 years.
Features
HD space is an absoulte must. 80-100 GBs would be preferable due to my large music library, and various little programs that I've cooked up. I'm going to need a DVD burner to transfer large files and videos around too. I'm probably going have around 2 Netscapes open, along with 2 word docs., and iTunes.
Graphics and Display
Screen size should be around 15.4-17 inches, but nothing under 15.0 please. I do want widescreen along with a premium screen as well if possible. I may be playing games like Doom 3 and BF2 at low to med. settings, and may do some light 3D modeling work, but am mainly doing word docs. and watching DVDs.
Miscellaneous
As far as looks go, I don't want my notebook to look like crap, so anything too plain or generic will be a no go for me. I don't want anything boutique or from Asus, or companies who are lax about quality (such as Avertec). I'm willing to pay about $2000 dollars for my new notebook, but want the place or site I buy from to have a good return/exchange policy, or I won't buy. I've alread had an experience with a lemon with another notebook, and I had to raise hell to get a refund, so this is a MUST! In addition, I've heard some rumors flying around about Windows Vista. My new computer must be able to run at least the 32-bit version proficiently, or even better, the 64-bit! I don't want to buy a notebook and have to throw it the back of the closet in a year or two! This has to last me for 3-4 years!
Thanks for all the help!
Answer:
Re: New Notebook Help!!!
Lots of restrictions where all signs point to, none will exist.
For returns, most will have you pay a restocking fee...
The only options are what you see at Brick&Mortar stores...
Answer:
Re: New Notebook Help!!!
I know that in the states, Costco (wholesale club) has a 6 month return policy - you don't like the notebook? Return it within 6 mos and get a full refund, no questions asked.
I know this brings up the quality issue, but for 2000 dollars, you can get a killer notebook from Dell. Try spec'ing out an i9300, you can get a lot of stuff for an unbeatable price!
Check out the Fujitsu N6000 series too. It's probably got decent battery life, considering that it has a Pentium M. It has a beatiful 17" CrystalView screen. :)
Happy buying! :)
Answer:
Re: New Notebook Help!!!
Thanks for all the help ChazMan! Do you know anything about Dell's or Fujitsu's return policy? And how about speakers? I know notebooks aren't bought for speakers, but I just wanted to know how each company's laptop stacked up against, lets say a Compaq R4000, or Toshiba Satellite M45.
Thanks!
Answer:
Re: New Notebook Help!!!
Thanks for all the help ChazMan! Do you know anything about Dell's or Fujitsu's return policy? And how about speakers? I know notebooks aren't bought for speakers, but I just wanted to know how each company's laptop stacked up against, lets say a Compaq R4000, or Toshiba Satellite M45.
Thanks!
You are welcome :)
Dell has a 30 day return period, I think you can return it within that period of time and get a full refund.
Fujitsu offers a 15 day return period.
As far as speakers are concerned....I'd say the best speakers I have ever heard on a notebook were the h/k's on my hp zv5000. The R4000's are pretty close...
I don't know about the Fujitsu speakers, but the Dell i9300's are pretty good, they're fairly loud and they have a subwoofer to give it some bass.
Hope that helps! :p
Answer:
Re: New Notebook Help!!!
Thanks again! I think I'll take a look at the I9300 and look around at some HPs.
Answer:
Re: New Notebook Help!!!
Dell has a 30 day return period, I think you can return it within that period of time and get a full refund.
sry..just to make things clear...dell has a 21 day return period after the invoice date...where u get a full refund of the laptop if u are not satisfied with it...not 30 days...just be careful with that
Answer:
Re: New Notebook Help!!!
sry..just to make things clear...dell has a 21 day return period after the invoice date...where u get a full refund of the laptop if u are not satisfied with it...not 30 days...just be careful with that
Oh that's right, sorry. When I bought my Dell they had a 30 day return period....times have changed! :p
Answer:
Re: New Notebook Help!!!
The Fujitsu 3511 is worth a look. Well built and the best screen on any laptop I've seen.
Answer:
Re: New Notebook Help!!!
Oh that's right, sorry. When I bought my Dell they had a 30 day return period....times have changed! :p
yea...lol...times have changed :p ...it's ok tho ;)