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jmFightSpam
n00b
- Joined
- May 14, 2008
- Messages
- 38
[Note: I copied the questionnaire at the end of this post from another forum. If this is offensive, I apologize, but it seems like it would be helpful here too].
Hi,
I am suffering from a bad case of analysis paralysis. I would really appreciate some advice on a good laptop purchase. Before I get into the questionnaire, let me state some specifics:
1. I am looking for an Intel processor. Not AMD.
2. I want discrete graphics, not integrated.
3. Should I wait for computers with Centrino 2 to come out? Will that either (a) bring current prices down further (b) be a better purchase? What computers will have Centrino 2 in a short period of time.
4. I will be doing Visual Studio programming, mild/moderate gaming (EA Sports games for example), basic internet/office stuff with this laptop
5. Travel will be minimal, but will happen about 4 times a year
6. I currently have a MacBook Pro. Looking for a Windows only laptop.
7. I can get an EPP discount at HP, Dell, Lenovo. Plus I have an extra 5% off at Dell as well.
8. I have been looking at the HP d5vt (I heard it was hot running, though), Dell Studio (15 or 17"), Lenovo Thinkpad T61
8. I saw this deal at Costco currently too: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...rodid=11297162 . Is this a good deal? Especially with the Costco return policy and warranty.
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
~$1,000, give or take a bit, hopefully less.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
Any of the below, but probably leaning towards (c) or (d)
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.
United States
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Dell, HP, Lenovo because of EPP discount. Maybe leaning a little more towards Dell since I have a 5% off coupon too. But willing to buy at store (e.g. Costco, Best Buy) or try a Gateway.
5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Programming, Mild/Moderate gaming (e.g. EA Sports), photo and video editing (home movies, etc.), office/internet/email
6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Mostly on my desk or with me on the couch. May travel with it 4-5 times per year.
7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
EA Sports Games, mainly Tiger Woods 2008.
8) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Not a big concern for me, but, obviously, the more the better
9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No, I don't mind.
10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
I will be using Windows Vista, but I already have full copy of it at home, so I could get a machine with no OS or Linux if that reduces the price
Screen Specifics
Note - When this FAQ was started many years ago, the split between standard screen notebooks and widescreen notebooks was about 50-50. In the meantime, widescreen notebooks have become the new standard. If you're looking for a standard screen notebook, some people are, you may wish to mention it. There are a few standard screens still being sold, but they're going the way of the Dodo bird.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Anything 1440x900 or above. 1280x800 is not acceptable.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Doesn't matter too much; glossy seems more common
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Yes, a little bit. But I know the Thinkpads are ugly, but very reliable.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
ASAP and I want it to last 4-5 years
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 500GB?
At least 160 GB
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?
Yes, a DVD burner
Thanks a lot everybody!!
Hi,
I am suffering from a bad case of analysis paralysis. I would really appreciate some advice on a good laptop purchase. Before I get into the questionnaire, let me state some specifics:
1. I am looking for an Intel processor. Not AMD.
2. I want discrete graphics, not integrated.
3. Should I wait for computers with Centrino 2 to come out? Will that either (a) bring current prices down further (b) be a better purchase? What computers will have Centrino 2 in a short period of time.
4. I will be doing Visual Studio programming, mild/moderate gaming (EA Sports games for example), basic internet/office stuff with this laptop
5. Travel will be minimal, but will happen about 4 times a year
6. I currently have a MacBook Pro. Looking for a Windows only laptop.
7. I can get an EPP discount at HP, Dell, Lenovo. Plus I have an extra 5% off at Dell as well.
8. I have been looking at the HP d5vt (I heard it was hot running, though), Dell Studio (15 or 17"), Lenovo Thinkpad T61
8. I saw this deal at Costco currently too: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...rodid=11297162 . Is this a good deal? Especially with the Costco return policy and warranty.
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
~$1,000, give or take a bit, hopefully less.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
Any of the below, but probably leaning towards (c) or (d)
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.
United States
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Dell, HP, Lenovo because of EPP discount. Maybe leaning a little more towards Dell since I have a 5% off coupon too. But willing to buy at store (e.g. Costco, Best Buy) or try a Gateway.
5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Programming, Mild/Moderate gaming (e.g. EA Sports), photo and video editing (home movies, etc.), office/internet/email
6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Mostly on my desk or with me on the couch. May travel with it 4-5 times per year.
7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
EA Sports Games, mainly Tiger Woods 2008.
8) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Not a big concern for me, but, obviously, the more the better
9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No, I don't mind.
10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
I will be using Windows Vista, but I already have full copy of it at home, so I could get a machine with no OS or Linux if that reduces the price
Screen Specifics
Note - When this FAQ was started many years ago, the split between standard screen notebooks and widescreen notebooks was about 50-50. In the meantime, widescreen notebooks have become the new standard. If you're looking for a standard screen notebook, some people are, you may wish to mention it. There are a few standard screens still being sold, but they're going the way of the Dodo bird.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Anything 1440x900 or above. 1280x800 is not acceptable.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Doesn't matter too much; glossy seems more common
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Yes, a little bit. But I know the Thinkpads are ugly, but very reliable.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
ASAP and I want it to last 4-5 years
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 500GB?
At least 160 GB
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?
Yes, a DVD burner
Thanks a lot everybody!!
