Question:
Advice Please
1) Are you looking for an Ultraportable (12" screen or less), Thin-and-Light (13" - 14" screen), Mainstream (15" - 16" screen) or Desktop Replacement (17"+ screen) style notebook?
Mainstream
2) Where are you going to be using this notebook (home, office, campus, library, outside etc.)?
Campus, library, home, office, outside.
3) Will you be playing games on it (yes, no)? If yes, which ones?
Yes, I will be playing games. I am not a huge gammer but, I want a Laptop that can handle it incase I decide to pick up a new game.
4) How many applications will you be running at one time (1-4, 5-10, 10+)?
5-10 Word, Music, Autcad/Solid Works, Internet
5) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I really don't mind
6) How much battery life do you need (in hours)?
More than 2hrs. This is not a big factor to me. I am sure I can find a place to plug it in if the battery gets low.
7) How much are you willing to pay for this laptop and do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Under $2000 and I don't mind buying it online
Screen Specifics
8) What resolution screen do you like -- XGA, SXGA or UXGA (XGA is standard, SXGA gives smaller text and icons, UXGA is very small text and icons)?
I prefer SXGA but, I wont complain about XGA
9) Do you prefer widescreen format or standard screen format display?
Doesn't really matter
10) Do you want a glossy (reflective and bright) type screen or regular matte (no reflection and anti-glare) type screen finish?
Doesn't really matter
Build Quality and Design
11) Do you need the notebook to be extra durable (good idea for carrying about) or just regular strength (fine for a fairly stationary notebook)?
Probably needs to be pretty durable
12) Do you want the notebook to look nice or do looks not matter?
Doesn't really matter
13) How long do you want this laptop to last you?
atleast 3 years
Notebook Components
14) How much hard drive (disk) space do you need (in MB) and do you care about hard drive speed (yes, no)? If you care about speed, what do you want (4200 RPM / 5400 RPM / 7200 RPM)?
80GB
15) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, what do you want (DVD, DVD-CDRW, DVD Burner)?
DVD Burner
16) State if you prefer a processor brand (Intel or AMD) and the speed you want (don't care / mid-range / fast / fastest possible)?
Fast or Fastest brand is not a real big deal. I am leaning toward an AMD.
Other
17) Do you plan to upgrade this laptop at some point (typically people might want to upgrade memory, hard drive or the optical drive)?
I would prefer to not have to upgrade
I am interning this semester. I use a lot of Autocad and solid works. I will be back in class next semester and I still have a few programming classes(Java and Comp3000). I would like to be able to play games when I have the urge. I also play around with photo and video editting. Basically I want the strongest computer for my money. I seen this Gateway at best buy
It seemed like an ok computer for the money. I figured I would ask and see if you guys had any better suggestions. Thanks for the help
Answer:
Re: Advice Please
You can trick out a pretty mean HP dv4000 (with the discrete x700 graphics) with your budget, especially since you can get the Academic Purchase Program discount. That and its Compaq fraternal twin, the v4000t, are very popular on these boards. Great bang-for-your-buck, good balance of power and portability....
There are tons of machines that fit your budget and requirements, though. I'm just pluggin' mine! ;)
Answer:
Re: Advice Please
It will be WXGA but you did say this was acceptable - MSI MS-1029
Answer:
Re: Advice Please
For under $2,000, you can get the Asus Z70VA - that is one of the best built 15.4" machines you can buy. Features Pentium M, WSXGA+ screen, and 128MB X700. Great for games and multimedia. It is also fairly light, due to it's carbon-fiber construction.
The dv4000 is a good budget alternative, and the MSI-1029 if you want an AMD CPU.
Answer:
Re: Advice Please
What are the major differences between the Asus Z70VA and the MSI-1029?
Answer:
Re: Advice Please
What are the major differences between the Asus Z70VA and the MSI-1029?
I think the major difference is that the Asus uses an Intel processor and the MSI uses an AMD.
The Asus is also a bit better-built, with that sexy and durable carbon fiber chassis...
Answer:
Re: Advice Please
The Asus uses the Pentium M whereas the MSI use the Turion. The Z70va has a higher resoltuion screen and I would guess better build quality.
Answer:
Re: Advice Please
Also, the Z70VA is made of carbon-fiber, so it'll be a bit lighter than the MSI, which is made of plastic. Carbon-fiber is both lighter and stronger/more durable than plastic. There's nothing wrong with plastic, though. Both notebooks have great build quality.
Another difference between the MSI and the Asus is in the display - the MSI has a glossy WXGA, and the Asus has a matte WSXGA+.
Answer:
Re: Advice Please
If you do a lot of multitasking, it may be worth it t owait for the dual-core CPU which should be appearing in laptop Q1 2006.
Answer:
Re: Advice Please
ChazMan421, though portions of the MSI MS-1029 are constructed of a higher grade plastic, the entire underside of the notebook is aluminum alloy which provides for exceptional structural rigidity and light weight.