Student/Web Designer Laptop

[chicgeek]

I've been asking around for advice on a laptop. I've been using my desktop system for nearly five years - it's fine but I'm ready to move on.

I've been told to get a Core Duo (or Core 2 Duo, or Turion) and at least 2GB RAM, which I definitely think is a must. I am a music student and would like decent onboard speakers for everyday use - I'd use external speakers for more important things. Anything but crappy speakers.

Also, I'm probably going to England (from Canada) and don't want to have to worry so much about shipping my laptop back and forth overseas if something goes wrong. (I've heard Dell horror stories about this scenario.)

Oh, and any advice on docking is welcome. I've been a desktop user all my life. Ergonomics is a partial consideration. I have tendonitis, but will probably end up using my wireless keyboard and mouse when docked. Again, this is a bonus consideration, but it doesn't really matter.

1) What is your budget?
> $1500 CAD Possibly flexible. (Besides, boxing day is coming up.)

2) What size notebook would you prefer?
Not sure. Probably 15" - 16".

3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Web designer: may be running Dreamweaver, Photoshop, FF, and IE all at once. Some movies, some gaming (not too graphics-reliant)
I tend to be pretty tough on computer, multitasking a lot.

4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Portability is a must, but I will consider docking too.

5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Nothing too demanding. Java games, *maybe* Fable on occasion. Not a priority.

6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I've heard great things about Toshiba (Satellite), but I'm open to all suggestions. My one issue is that I will most likely be moving overseas for graduate studies, and do not want to have shipping issues if something needs repair.

7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Standard.

8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Yes.

9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
Buying in Canada. Moving to England.


Screen Specifics

10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Standard.

11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
1280x1024 or greater.

12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Most likely matte.


Build Quality and Design

13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Hypothetically no, realistically yes. If it's affordable, I like my computers to be pretty.

14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
~ 4 years


Notebook Components

15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
At least 100GB. Preferred 120 GB+.

16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes.

[Gophn]

go to Milestonepc.com (canada-based) and XoticPC.com (US-based, will ship to Canada)

Check out the:
- Compal HEL80 / HEL81
- Sager 6630
- Asus ZS96J

Those notebooks will meet your needs and purposes perfectly.

Since you wont be playing games.. and to save some money, I would recommend to get the:
- Compal HEL81
- Sager 6630

(both found at XoticPC)

[ejl]

hrmm.....well, not very many companies offer matte screens anymore. perhaps the hp nc8430 is worth a look...though like almost all notebooks, it is known for having fairly average speakers. you usually only find decent speakers on desktop replacements.

if glossy is okay, i would check out the hp dv6000t or dell 6400. for something better looking there is always the sony fe or n series. the toshiba a100 is okay, but lately toshiba hasn't had a great rep for customer service.

[npaladin2000]

Ok, as said, not too many companies offer matte screens anymore. But HP and Toshiba offer big-brand-name speakers in their portable systems (HP uses Altec Lansing, and Toshiba uses Harman Kardon). And the Toshiba A105 is pretty light for a 15 inch too, so it's pretty portable (The HP dv6000t is a bit heavy for a 15).....jeez, I never thought I'd do this, but in this case I recommend a Toshiba A105.

[Dreamer]

Look at the HP nx7400 (15.4") or the the HP nc6400 (14.1"). Both are business-class notebooks with excellent quality and support, also, they are thin and light for their sizes.

The Toshiba A105 is a cheaply made notebook and it's something that I would never recommend.

[chicgeek]

I've never owned a laptop, so non-matte is fine.

I'll take a look at all of the above. Thanks guys.

One more thing - if I need repair on my computer and am moving abroad, should I be concerned of the brand at all?

[chicgeek]

Originally Posted by Gophn

go to Milestonepc.com (canada-based) and XoticPC.com (US-based, will ship to Canada)

Ah! It's good ole CanadaSys, with a new name. I approve.

[jetstar]

Originally Posted by chicgeek

One more thing - if I need repair on my computer and am moving abroad, should I be concerned of the brand at all?

I think HP business notebooks (such as the nx7400) come with an international warranty.

[chicgeek]

I'll take a look at the suggested models and let you know how I fare.

Thanks kindly.

[chicgeek]

Just a note: I purchased my TA9 yesterday from Staples for $1600. At cost price is $1520, so I think I did okay.

Thanks for all your help, regulars.