The Laptop Guide - Post here for questions, deals, etc.

[Unreal]

Opinions? Going to Uni in the next week looking at getting something.

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Acer_...41/version.asp

[weeee]

For previous post, if this is a factor:
I just noticed it has HDDVD, its no longer in the making(And not supported with newer movies If I remmeber) as it lost to BLU RAY officially awhile back.

[Korietsu]

As I've just had recent problems with alienware notebooks, I highly suggest you do not buy from them. The m9750 does not cool properly with the stock cooling, and will fry the internals from even light use. If your warranty expries by as little as a day, and you repurchase, they will not cover parts/labor/shipping on future repairs, and the parts are quite expensive. Recently, my graphics card (m9750 GTX) died, causing the laptop to not display anything except in VGA mode. They quoted me anywhere from ~550(sending me part and repairing myself) or ~800+ for diagnostics labor shipping and the part, and if it did not resolve the problem they would not refund me my money, and then charge me for further parts/repairs. All in all, the laptop in question was kept on hard surfaces at all times, and suffered CPU/HDD/GPU over heating, a half fried keyboard and damaged casing as their case does not resist scratches as advertised. It also suffers from poor fan management which causes the internals to overheat and take damage as evident from my now two fried GPU's. Take this as you will but im now a switcher. I'm buying a macbook pro.

[Xenega]

I'm looking for a laptop for College and every-day use, I want to stop using my PC as much as possible. I was looking at Best Buy and I found a laptop I like, and I was wondering if you guys think it's worth the price, etc, etc.

The main one I think I want is this one. It's an HP, and it runs for $1,000, but it was on sale the other week for $750, so I'm hoping next week it will be on sale for the same price.

HP - Pavilion Special Edition Laptop with Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology
Model: dv6985se | SKU: 8893085
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1211587729621
Processor Brand: Intel
Processor Platform: Enhanced Intel Centrino
Processor: Intel Core(TM)2 Duo Mobile
Processor Speed: 2.0GHz
Display Type: 15.4" WXGA high-definition widescreen LCD with BrightView technology (1280 x 800)
System Bus: 667MHz
Cache Memory: 2MB on die Level 2
System Memory (RAM): 4GB DDR2
Hard Drive Type: Serial ATA (5400 rpm)
Hard Drive Size: 250GB
Optical Drive: Double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW
Direct-Disc Labeling: Yes
Digital Media Reader or Slots: Yes, digital media card reader
Graphics: Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Video Memory: Up to 358MB
Personal Video Recorder (PVR): No
TV Tuner: No
MPEG: Yes
Built-in Webcam: Yes
Modem: 56 Kbps*
*Capable of receiving 56 Kbps downloads. However, current regulations limit download speed to 53 Kbps.
Networking: Built-in 10/100Base-T Ethernet LAN (with RJ-45 connector)
Wireless Networking: Built-in Intel® Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965AGN network connection (802.11a/b/g/n)
S-Video Outputs: 1
Audio: Altec Lansing
Speakers: Built-in
PCMCIA Slots: 1 ExpressCard/34/54
USB 2.0 Ports:3
IEEE 1394 Fire Wire Ports: 1
Parallel Ports: None
Serial Ports: None
Game Ports: None
Laptop Weigh: tStandard (more than 5.5 lbs.)
Battery Type: High-capacity lithium-ion (12-cell)
Pointing Device: Touchpad with on/off button and dedicated vertical scroll up/down pad
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit with SP1
Included Accessories: Mobile stereo ear bud headphones, HP mobile remote
ENERGY STAR Qualified: Yes

I also found another laptop that is good, but it costs a lot more. I'm not sure if I should go $300 more if it's worth it or not, but it seems to be a very good laptop, also from HP. It goes for $1,250, but it's on sale for $1,050.

HP - Pavilion Laptop with Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology - Onyx/Chrome
Model: dv5-1017nr | SKU: 8907953
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1213046785694
Processor Brand: Intel
Processor Platform: Intel Centrino 2
Processor: Intel Core(TM)2 Duo Mobile
Processor Speed: 2.0GHz
Display Type: 15.4" WXGA high-definition widescreen display with BrightView Infinity technology and 1280 x 800 resolution
System Bus: 1066MHz
Cache Memory: 3MB on die Level 2
System Memory (RAM): 4GB DDR2 DIMM
System Memory (RAM) Expandable To: 8GB
Hard Drive Type: Serial ATA (5400 rpm)
Hard Drive Size: 320GB
Optical Drive: Double-layer DVD±RW/Blu-ray Disc/CD-RW
Direct-Disc Labeling: No
Digital Media Reader or Slots: Yes, digital media card reader
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS NB9M-GE
Video Memory: 256MB (dedicated); up to 2047MB (allocated by Windows Vista)
Personal Video Recorder (PVR): No
TV Tuner: No
MPEG: Yes
Built-in Webcam: Yes
Modem56 Kbps*
*Capable of receiving 56 Kbps downloads. However, current regulations limit download speed to 53 Kbps.
Networking: Built-in high-speed 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)
Wireless Networking: Built-in Intel® Wi-Fi Link 5100AGN high-speed wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n)
S-Video Outputs: None
Additional Audio/Video Connectors: 1 HDMI; 1 eSATA/USB combo port
Audio: Altec Lansing
Speakers: Built-in
PCMCIA Slots: 1 ExpressCard/34/54
USB 2.0 Ports: 3
IEEE 1394 FireWire Ports: 1
Parallel Ports: None
Serial Ports: None
Game Ports: None
Laptop Weight: Standard (more than 5.5 lbs.)
Battery Type: Lithium-ion
Pointing Device: Touchpad with dedicated vertical scroll pad and on/off pad
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit with SP1
Included Accessories: HP mobile remote and ear bud headphones
ENERGY STAR Qualified: Yes

What's your take on the systems? I think that the biggest difference in the second one is that it has a BLU-Ray player and an NVIDIA graphics card. Also, the first one has a 12-Cell Lithium-ion battery, where the second only has a 6-Cell. Thank you!

[Korietsu]

Buy a macbook, (that's right, I'm a switcher bitches). If you buy from those two, the second one will have terrible battery life, as its only a six cell battery, along with the fact its using a separate graphics card. If you don't do alot of gaming other than playing FFXI, which is heavily dependent on the processor, both of them would probably suffice, although playing other things like wow or FPS's and you'd probably be in trouble. Also, you have lower processing power with that centrino, although it draws less power extending battery life.

Overall I would suggest the second one, and buying a larger battery for it.

If you don't mind mac, I'd recommend the base MacBook Pro, or even their base model macbook if you have a university discount. Although be prepared to spend a bit more on the pro model.

[Xenega]

hmm, thanks for your input [=
I actually don't play FFXI anymore, and I don't play much PC Games, mostly PS3.
So, I don't need a laptop geared towards gaming... Honestly, I would probably get a MacBook Pro, or the new ones coming out soon, but I can't afford it right now.. lol ]=

[Korietsu]

hmm, thanks for your input [=
I actually don't play FFXI anymore, and I don't play much PC Games, mostly PS3.
So, I don't need a laptop geared towards gaming... Honestly, I would probably get a MacBook Pro, or the new ones coming out soon, but I can't afford it right now.. lol ]=

Then I'd just pick up a work laptop from lenovo for cheap.

[mootsfox]

Buy a macbook, (that's right, I'm a switcher bitches). If you buy from those two, the second one will have terrible battery life, as its only a six cell battery, along with the fact its using a separate graphics card. If you don't do alot of gaming other than playing FFXI, which is heavily dependent on the processor, both of them would probably suffice, although playing other things like wow or FPS's and you'd probably be in trouble. Also, you have lower processing power with that centrino, although it draws less power extending battery life.

Overall I would suggest the second one, and buying a larger battery for it.

If you don't mind mac, I'd recommend the base MacBook Pro, or even their base model macbook if you have a university discount. Although be prepared to spend a bit more on the pro model.

Centrino 2's are 45nm C2D's, they just have a different name.

Don't buy a Macbook.

[Maxxthepenguin]

I'm looking to buy a laptop for about $1200. The 2nd one Xenega posted looks good, but the thing that worries me is the resolution being 1280x800. I'm used to 1280x1024 and, frankly, I don't want lower resolution. I used to follow computer specs, but I have no idea what to look for now. So I really could use some help.

Any suggestions?

[mootsfox]

I have a 1680x1050 screen in my 15.4" laptop, and I wish I could have gotten the 1920x1200 screen

Most home/college student/laptops for dumbasses come with one screen choice. You have to look into the higher end, gaming or business lines to find better screens.

It's hard to go wrong with a laptop really. Pick out a few you like in your price range and I'll comment on them. (You'll be looking for a 2.0GHz or higher C2D, 200+GB HDD, 2-4GB of RAM and a 8600 or higher for a good deal at $1200)

[Maxxthepenguin]

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2327231,00.asp

* Price as Tested: $1,129.00 Direct
* Type: General Purpose, Business, Small Business
* Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Business
* Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo P8400
* Processor Speed: 2.26 GHz
* RAM: 2 GB
* Weight: 6 lb
* Screen Size: 14.1 inches
* Screen Size Type: widescreen
* Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce 9300 M GS
* Storage Capacity: 160 GB
* Networking Options: 802.11n
* Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW

A couple with lower resolution. Can stated resolutions be adjusted, or are they implied to be maximum.

Spoiler: show

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1213046768588

* Enhanced Intel® Centrino® processor technology with interrelated Intel® Core™2 Duo processor T5750, Intel® PM45 chipset, 802.11b/g/n network connection and extended battery life capability
* 4GB memory for multitasking power; 667MHz frontside bus, 2MB L2 cache and 2.0GHz processor speed
* Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible media; also supports LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible LightScribe media

* 15.6" WXGA widescreen display with Asus Splendid Video Enhancement technology and 1366 x 768 resolution
* 200GB SATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
* NVIDIA GeForce G9700M GT graphics with 512MB of dedicated DDR3 graphics memory; Azalia audio chip with built-in Altec Lansing stereo speakers; HDMI output
* Built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam makes it easy to send video mail to family and friends
* 8-in-1 media reader supports Secure Digital, miniSD, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick PRO Duo
* 1 IEEE 1394 port and 4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast digital video, audio and data transfer
* Built-in 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN with RJ-45 connector; V.92 modem
* Weighs 7.3 lbs. and measures 1.3" thin for portable power; lithium-ion battery and AC adapter
* Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled; software package included with ASUS DVD, Power Director, MediaShow and more

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1204332257046

* Enhanced Intel® Centrino® processor technology with interrelated Intel® Core™2 Duo mobile processor T8100, Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965AGN network connection (802.11a/b/g/n) and extended battery life capability
* 3GB DDR2 memory for multitasking power; 800MHz frontside bus, 3MB L2 cache and 2.1GHz processor speed
* Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible media; also supports LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible LightScribe media

* The next-generation Intel® Core™2 Duo processor is based on the innovative Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, so it runs faster and is more energy-efficient for cooler, quieter operation
* 15.4" WXGA high-definition widescreen display with BrightView technology and 1280 x 800 resolution
* 250GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
* NVIDIA GeForce Go 8400M GS with 256MB dedicated graphic memory; up to 1535MB total available graphics memory; S-video output and HDMI interface
* QuickPlay music and DVD buttons; HP mobile remote and mobile ear bud headphones included
* Built-in Pavilion Web cam with microphone makes it easy to chat with and send video mail to family and friends
* 5-in-1 digital media reader supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card
* IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface and 3 high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast digital video, audio and data transfer
* Built-in 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN with RJ-45 connector; 56 Kbps high-speed modem; Expansion Port 3 connector
* Long-lasting HP Thrive Imprint high-gloss finish; backlit media control panel
* Weighs 6.8 lbs. and measures just 1.7" thin for portable power; high-capacity 12-cell lithium-ion battery and AC adapter
* Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled; software package included with HP Photosmart Essentials, muvee autoProducer, Cyberlink DVD Suite and more

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...340-_-Homepage

$1200
CPU Type Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26G
Graphics Card NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GS
Video Memory 1024MB
HDD 250GB
HD RPM 5400rpm
Memory Slots 2 x SO-DIMM
Memory 4GB

Which of those looks best?

[mootsfox]

This is badass:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1213046768588

So is that ASUS.

I'm too hungry to decide right now though, bbs.

[mootsfox]

Yeah, get this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-340-_-Product

Fucking sweet, and for the price, awesome. The only thing I don't like is the 1280x800 resolution.

[Shuemue]

Newegg need to go international.

[BadKarma]

i have a Dell Inspiron 8600 and thats pretty much all i know <,<

[Maxxthepenguin]

Yeah, get this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-340-_-Product

Fucking sweet, and for the price, awesome. The only thing I don't like is the 1280x800 resolution.

Thanks a lot

[Chicomagiko]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1211587727985

I'm considering this one but I'm not too familiar with the reliability of Gateway products. Might just go ahead and get a netbook instead(MSI Wind or EEE 1000H) for now and save up for a laptop when I'm ready to go into drafting.

[Scorp]

Dell have a latest batch of offers (might be uk only)

Studio 17
Core 2 Duo t5800
vista / 3gb ram / 320 gb hdd
17 " widescreen
256 ATI mobility radeon HD 3650

£549 inc vat.

I'm very interested but I've heard some feedback from people who aren't very technical that the Core 2 Duo gets very hot in laptop's generally and mainly dells. Is this an issue or just irrelevant whinging?

[mootsfox]

Erm no, C2D's, especially the 45nm ones are cooler than anything in about the last 5-6 years.

Now, a model of laptop could have a piss-poor cooling system, dust, bad BIOS coding (fan not kicking in until very high temps), etc.

Knowing Dell, which I do, they are going to use a single fan and two heatsinks + heatpipes in that 17" Studio. The areas under the GPU and fan exhaust will get the hottest if you have it on your lap. Otherwise it will be fine.

[Kajii]

In the market for a new desktop and maybe laptop, I was dead set on a desktop at first for gaming purposes. Thinking about it though I'm fine with just PS3 for gaming, but still want to play Starcraft 2.

Have they released the system requirements for it and could a laptop run it? 3D zerg rush seems like it'd be kind of power demanding...

(That Asus with 1G of video memory seems pretty damn nice)