Good laptop for programming and presentations

[charliemarquez]

Hello,

I'm currently using a Dell latitude D630 and has everything I want in terms of peripherals but I want to change it because it is starting to be too slow (I'm running an Ubuntu on it).
So, it has to be a laptop mostly devoted to my work (basically programming, text editing) with a good compatibilty with linux. I don't want an ultrathin (like Samsung Series 9) but it has to be still portable (14'' are perfect). From time to time I have to give presentations, so the VGA port is a must.
I was looking at the new latitudes but I don't like them so much. Any Ideas.
I can consider MacBook as well, even if I'm afraid of the OS switch.
Thanks
What is your budget?
1500 €

What country will you be buying this in?
Spain

What size notebook do you prefer?
Thin and Light (13 - 14-inch screen)

Would you consider a refurbished laptop?
Maybe

What are the primary tasks you need this notebook for?
Web Surfing, Office and Productivity Software, Listening to Music, Computer Programming, Video Chat and Conference, Movie Streaming and Viewing, Output Video to TV or Large Monitor

Where will you be using this laptop?
Will be used different places and Will stay on desk

How many hours of battery life do you need?
4

Will you be buying online or in store?
online or in store

Which OS do you prefer?
Windows 7 or Mac OS or Linux

List the screen resolutions that interest you:
High Resolution (1600 x 900)

Do you prefer a glossy or matte screen?
Matte is fine

Is the laptops design important to you?
No

Approximately what date will you be buying this laptop?
Around 03/01/2012

How long do you want this laptop to last?
3 years

How much storage capacity do you need?
160 GB

Are you interested in SSD for storage?
Yes

Do you want a built-in optical drive, what type?
No

[Valentin N]

Lenovo T420

I personally think you should get an alienware M14X, add i7-2670qm and 1600x900 screen

[charliemarquez]

Don't you think that a SSD is a valid option for me?

[ralchevd]

• SSD is not that important for programming and presentations
• Make sure that the keyboards is HIGHLY comfortable to you
• Make sure that the battery performance is good, you can compensate from graphics for example (choose integrated one)
• Make sure that it has RGB; HDMI or even Thunderbold (you will need that if you make presentations)

Personally I would go with Macbook Air 13" since it meets all of your requirements.

[Valentin N]

Don't you think that a SSD is a valid option for me?

That's up to you. I would try to see if I can get a SSH (a hybrid of SSD(cache) and normal HDD); ssd's are expensive and there are good SSH for a good price. Seagate Momentus XT hybrid drive should be good

• SSD is not that important for programming and presentations
• Make sure that the keyboards is HIGHLY comfortable to you
• Make sure that the battery performance is good, you can compensate from graphics for example (choose integrated one)
• Make sure that it has RGB; HDMI or even Thunderbold (you will need that if you make presentations)

Personally I would go with Macbook Air 13" since it meets all of your requirements.

Alienware has optimus enabled so that won't be a problem; intel HD3000 is the primary gpu.

ralchevd has a good point, so try to see if you can get your hand on an alienware and is if you like it.

[charliemarquez]

I've never heard about SSH, are there laptop with that kind of disk?

The keyboard can be a secondary issue. When I have to write code, I'm usually attached to a docking station (although now I don't need to buy a new one I'll just connect the USB to the external monitor en from there to the keyboard/mouse)

Regarding the Macbook, I also think that could be a good choice but I really need linux and I don't know how it will be compatible.
Moreover I'm using an external dual-monitor and with the MacBook I'll have to drop one. Any suggestions?

[Valentin N]

I've never heard about SSH, are there laptop with that kind of disk?

The keyboard can be a secondary issue. When I have to write code, I'm usually attached to a docking station (although now I don't need to buy a new one I'll just connect the USB to the external monitor en from there to the keyboard/mouse)

Regarding the Macbook, I also think that could be a good choice but I really need linux and I don't know how it will be compatible.
Moreover I'm using an external dual-monitor and with the MacBook I'll have to drop one. Any suggestions?

I explained what it is. SSH is combination of SSD and a HDD. The ssd is used as cache so that things can load faster.

To the mac question, yes need to drop it since Intel HD3000 can only handle two screens.

With the alienware you will be able to have two external + the laptop screen.

One more thing, once you go to Mac machine you are stock with to Mac OS since the hardware is designed to work as best with Mac OS.

With alienware you can have ubuntu with full access, drivers is the only issue; you migh notice that gpu for instance will work better in windows then linux, because of the drivers

[ZaZ]

[LIST]SSD is not that important for programming and presentations

A SSD makes your system more snappy regardless of what you do.

I think the problem you'll find is 14" notebooks have the worse screen of any notebook size. If getting a good screen is a priority, then you'll probably do better going bigger or smaller.

[charliemarquez]

I'm concerned about Alienware because of its "non professional" looking
It could be also 13"

[Valentin N]

I'm concerned about Alienware because of its "non professional" looking
It could be also 13"

Does the look matter? I think the hardware is more important, The lenovo T420 is otherwise a good option. I will post which other lenovo I find.