I’m getting a new laptop for college. I need something small (like 14’’ - 15’', 4-5 lbs.), but powerful (2.2 - 2.6GHz, 2-3GB memory). I don’t need much hard drive space (just like 60-100GB) because I’m getting an external hard drive to put all my old pics/videos on and I’ll just put all my recent pics and all my music on my hard drive. I need a good processor because I have big softwares like Adobe Photoshop and Sony Vegas that I use. I need something durable and it should have a good display.
I have hp tx1000uz. Not sure what the upgrade to 2000 will get you. I will not advise it. Too heavy. And if it has AMD processor, it gets way too hot. Battery life is very sub-par. Build quality is so-so.
My brother-in-law said HP's laptops aren't good quality as compared to Dell or Apple.
I had a Dell Inspiron 6000 (which I recently sold on Craigslist) and it was pretty good, just too bulky. I looked around on Dell a few weeks ago but didn't really find anything I liked. Maybe I should look again hmm.
Faisal bhai, is a tablet really worth it? I mean do you often use it in tablet mode or is it just inconvenient? I tested one out once and it seemed pretty cool but that was for about 20 minutes.
No, no and no. Tablet is just cool factor. Its not worth it. I hardly use it as a tablet.
At the risk of sounding redundant, for a light weight and extremely durable (work horse) laptop, I use Dell Lattitude D4xx series. I have a 420, and its extremely light weight. If you get it with Core 2 Duo Processor with your desired hard disk and other specs, its a brilliant machine. Screen size is smallish (wide screen and 12 or 13" may be) but that keeps the weight down. I have extended battery, and it goes on for about 5 hours, with WiFi on. The new model is 430, I think.
You cant go too far wrong with a Sony Vaio FZ Series notebook, browse their site. They have some good deals on at present, ie. free (additonal) memory and software at no extra cost up until the end of April.
This one may interest you, as always you can always customize your notebook. There’s a saving of $120 on this model at the mo.
IMO it all depends on what you need to do. if you're into drawing diagrams and what not while taking notes in uni, go with a tablet. will come in handy. if you are into graphics and that stuff, go with a Mac. and an IBM is an IBM.
but i'm partial to HP's because you tend to get a good deal for the same config as with a sony or other big name brand laptops.
Orpheus - I actually considered getting a VAIO (a light pink one!) but I thought it would be too expensive. I’ll check it out and see how much it will be with the specs I need.
Niksik - Yea, me too. I love Apple.
Faisal - How about Dell XPS? Like this one… Dell XPS M1330 13-inch, 2.5GHz, 2GB memory, 120GB hard drive → $1428
My one and only time i owned a HP notebook, the damn thing did'nt last me a year, its opening mechanism and swing hinges are weak and aren't robust. (in my case, the case cracked at both sides).
^ Yea. I’m definately not getting a HP now lol. My parents are like you’re keeping this laptop until you graduate from college now! So I have to get something that will last.
Faisal bhai - I just checked out the Dell Latitude 430 and the processor only goes up to 1.33GHz.
Oh, btw, i saw the pink notebook you mentioned above, its retailing at $1200, (also comes in blue and black with little flowers embedded in the front case, for any masculine users in our myst). :@:
13-inch, 2.4GHz, 2GB memory, 250GB hard drive → $1500
14-inch, 2.5GHz, 3GB memory, 100GB hard drive → $1362
12-inch, 2.4GHz, 2GB memory, 160GB hard drive → $1099
