I need a New Laptop PRONTO!

[NYCShark]

1) What is your budget?
up to 1150
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
anywhere from 13-16, cause of the weight, but would a 17 inch be good for carrying to class ( I also want to game)
a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen

3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
gaming, work, microsoft office, maybe adobe photoshop..

4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?

taking it with me
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Counter strike: source and TFC
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I was looking at HP 6000t but ppl said that it came with junk software
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
the more the better
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
no
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.

Screen Specifics

10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
wide
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?




e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.


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

Build Quality and Design

13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
sorta to yes
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
couple years
Notebook Components

15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB?
7200rpm.. 60 minimum
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
i guess




- Primarily I want a good video card.. also people out there please tell me if i can update laptop video cards like you can in desktops.. i dont know how to fix computers or anything so installing a mobile vid card is difficult for me

thanks

-DC

[ZaZ]

The two notebook within your budget with a glossy WSXGA+ screens are the Dell e1505 and Lenovo n100. The Dell has the better x1400 GPU while the Lenovo has the 7300. They're both going to have a lot of bloatware. You're budget doesn't allow otherwise. Something like the ThinkPad R60 also with the x1400 would be another option. It will offer better quality, but it is not wide or glossy. Most laptop GPUs are not upgradeable.

[Charles P. Jefferies]

I was looking at HP 6000t but ppl said that it came with junk software

Most mainstream notebooks do - Dell is quite bad too when it comes to that.

I think the Dell E1505 is your best choice; it will get you the most performance for your money. Check the Dell Outlet for excellent deals, or be sure to use the Dell Coupons if you are going to custom-order it.

If you can spend $150 more, then the Asus A8JP is well worth a look.
http://www.notebookreview.com/defaul...view=Asus+A8JP

[NYCShark]

Chaz, thanks youve been very helpful.. Do you get paid to maike posts here? haha

Couple of questions:

If I get the dv6000t or the Dell e5105, is it possible to erase all that ******** software?

Why are laptop video cards not upgradable?

Which do you prefer, glossy or matte?

How much is your computer that is in your signature?

The Dell has the better x1400 GPU while the Lenovo has the 7300... what is the difference between those two, are they integrated cards on the mobo? Is there any lappy I could get an Nvidia or ATI with?

Also, sorry, a couple silly questions... you have DVI-D .. what is that? whats DVI in general? I used to be on top of my computer knowledge about 6 years ago when I was like 14 (go figure) but now it's all mish-mosh to me. Where can I learn bout basic stuff in hardware and all the differences?

Finally, I read somewhere that DX 10 is coming out and most of the computers will be obsolete? Or something like that? how long is it coming out in and should I wait?

Also, you have a Pentium M... should I go for a computer with that instead of the Core-Duo or a Core-Solo, or is the new processors really that much better?

Hit me back!

Also, can you leave me your e-mail in case I got some other questions?

Grazie!

[Charles P. Jefferies]

Chaz, thanks youve been very helpful.. Do you get paid to maike posts here? haha

Lol, it's all volunteer work. We get paid to write reviews and such though.
http://www.notebookreview.com/writereview

If I get the dv6000t or the Dell e5105, is it possible to erase all that ******** software?

It certainly is:
FORMAT XP ON DELL LAPTOPS GUIDE

Why are laptop video cards not upgradable?

They are soldered to the motherboard and are not removable unfortunately. Upgradeable graphics are simply not a reality in the notebook world.

Which do you prefer, glossy or matte?

I use both at home actually; I personally prefer glossy because of higher contrast. Some people don't like the reflections though. You should go to Best Buy or other electronics store, just about all of the notebooks on display should have glossy displays.

How much is your computer that is in your signature?

It ended up being around $2,000 back in October of 2005, it's no longer sold unfortunately. I'd point you to the Compal HEL80:
http://www.notebookreview.com/defaul...&review=Compal
...or Asus Z96J:
http://www.notebookreview.com/defaul...view=Asus+Z96J
as modern day alternatives.

The Dell has the better x1400 GPU while the Lenovo has the 7300... what is the difference between those two, are they integrated cards on the mobo? Is there any lappy I could get an Nvidia or ATI with?

The X1400 is the faster card; you can find a wealth of information in the GPU guide.

Also, sorry, a couple silly questions... you have DVI-D .. what is that? whats DVI in general?

It is a port used for connecting to digital external monitors. Unlike VGA (the blue most notebooks have), it transmits an all-digital signal which leads to slightly better picture quality. DVI-D can also transmit high-definition content. VGA cannot do that. Unless you are hooking up external monitors or similar, I wouldn't worry about it. I have a hard time telling the difference between VGA and DVI-D half the time anyway.

Finally, I read somewhere that DX 10 is coming out and most of the computers will be obsolete? Or something like that? how long is it coming out in and should I wait?

Nah, don't wait. DX10 is an emerging technology and its not even out yet for notebooks, nor will widespread market penetration occur for a long time. Games will use DX9 for years in the future most likely because that is what the majority of users have.

Also, you have a Pentium M... should I go for a computer with that instead of the Core-Duo or a Core-Solo, or is the new processors really that much better?

My Pentium M is outdated actually; get a Core 2 Duo if possible, it is noticeably faster in more intensive tasks.

You can always private message me on this forum; just click my name above my avatar over there <----, then hit "Send private message."