maiappraiser99@gmail.com
07-28-2008, 09:38 PM
Hi Gang,
I have already learned a lot from the this forum but would like a few expert opinions before going forward with my purchase. I am a self-employed business owner that needs to purchase a new laptop. I have had Dells in the past and recently a Toshiba Tecra that is aging fast. I don't do much gaming but write and edit large word and graphic files and a lot of multitasking. I use a docking station at my office connected to a small network as well as a home network. I will also use the laptop for streaming video to an external HDTV flat screen and will have it hooked up to a 2nd monitor most of the time for work. I need a reliable machine but like the power and speed of the new prcoessers. Will be using Dragon Naturally Speaking Software. I was looking at the HP Dv5t but worried about the build quality. My HP Slimline motherboard just went after 7 months. Don't mind buying a less known brand if the quality is there. Want to spend around $1,500 maybe a little more if needed. Any recommendations and/or configurations would be appreciated.
Scott
General Questions
1) What is your budget? $1,500 - $1,700
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
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. USA
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? NO
5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? Business and Home Media
6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? Mostly back and forth from office. Desktop Replacement.
7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? Not a lot of gaming but use large graphic files with word, photoshop, etc.
8) How many hours of battery life do you need? Not important.
9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? No
10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc. Already have my feet wet with Vista. Guess I need at least Vista Business.
Screen Specifics
11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen? Widescreen.
12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer? (more details below)
Standard
a. XGA -1024x768 - Large and easy to read text + graphics icons, but you fit less stuff on the screen.
b. SXGA - 1400x1050 - Compromise resolution between XGA and UXGA.
c. UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets. My eyes are going downhill and its becoming harder and harder reading text.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non glossy screen? (Read below on differences) Don't know.
Build Quality and Design
14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? Not really.
15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? 3 to 4 years.
Notebook Components
16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 500GB? 175 to 250 GB.
17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive? A DVD Burner.
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END COPY
widescreens these days.
I have already learned a lot from the this forum but would like a few expert opinions before going forward with my purchase. I am a self-employed business owner that needs to purchase a new laptop. I have had Dells in the past and recently a Toshiba Tecra that is aging fast. I don't do much gaming but write and edit large word and graphic files and a lot of multitasking. I use a docking station at my office connected to a small network as well as a home network. I will also use the laptop for streaming video to an external HDTV flat screen and will have it hooked up to a 2nd monitor most of the time for work. I need a reliable machine but like the power and speed of the new prcoessers. Will be using Dragon Naturally Speaking Software. I was looking at the HP Dv5t but worried about the build quality. My HP Slimline motherboard just went after 7 months. Don't mind buying a less known brand if the quality is there. Want to spend around $1,500 maybe a little more if needed. Any recommendations and/or configurations would be appreciated.
Scott
General Questions
1) What is your budget? $1,500 - $1,700
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
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. USA
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? NO
5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? Business and Home Media
6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? Mostly back and forth from office. Desktop Replacement.
7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? Not a lot of gaming but use large graphic files with word, photoshop, etc.
8) How many hours of battery life do you need? Not important.
9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? No
10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc. Already have my feet wet with Vista. Guess I need at least Vista Business.
Screen Specifics
11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen? Widescreen.
12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer? (more details below)
Standard
a. XGA -1024x768 - Large and easy to read text + graphics icons, but you fit less stuff on the screen.
b. SXGA - 1400x1050 - Compromise resolution between XGA and UXGA.
c. UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.
Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets. My eyes are going downhill and its becoming harder and harder reading text.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non glossy screen? (Read below on differences) Don't know.
Build Quality and Design
14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? Not really.
15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? 3 to 4 years.
Notebook Components
16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 500GB? 175 to 250 GB.
17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive? A DVD Burner.
==========
END COPY
widescreens these days.