Notebook with 2 GB memory capacity?

[HarryMisc]

Nobody offers more than 1 GB!!!
I'm looking for a notebook PC with a 2 GB RAM capacity.

It can't be a Mac (won't run Linux under VirtualPC, and would be too slow for the Windows servers I run), or a portable SPARC (too expensive and limiting), or a "luggable" (too big and heavy).

I prefer ThinkPads by far, and Dell is second (mostly because it's the only other one with a stick pointing device). I think touchpads are way too slow and ineffecient for expert users, so I'm not willing to use a Sony, Toshiba, Gateway, etc., but none of them offer 2 GB of memory anyway.

I guess I see ThinkPad on it's own at the top.
Then Dell, Sony, Toshiba.
Then HP/Compaq, Gateway, Micron, Fujitsu, etc.
I checked the Alienware because of their powerful desktops, but their notebook sucks.

So that's my story, and if you wonder why, it's because I do extreme high-end architectural work and testing, so I need a portable that can run 3 OS's in parallel, each with 700 MB of memory (one Win2K, one Linux, and the third either).

Thanks for any suggestions, but I think I need to wait for new ThinkPads or Dells.

Harry

[ua549]

I've had nothing but problems with ThinkPad notebooks. Most had to be sent for depot service at least once every 3 months. My personal TP600 went in for service every month throuhout its 3 year warranty period. It died shortly thereafter. I now have a Compaq Evo N610c that I like very much.

I think the memory limitation is with the chipset used in notebooks. You'll have to wait for the next generation to be released before you see any 2GB notebooks.

[SkyDog]

Not to discount ua549's experiences, but I've actually had pretty good luck with mid- to high-end ThinkPads. My 600e served me well (and still does), and my 770 & 760 models before that were workhorses, too. I used to perform on-site warranty service on ThinkPads and other makes, and their build quality on their higher-end models always seemed to be top-notch. (The lower-priced ThinkPad models have been historically horrid, though.)

I currently have a Dell Inspiron 4100, and have been very happy with it. Dell's notebooks have a cheaper feel to them than the IBM models because of the type of plastic they use for the case of the machine, but they actually stand up to abuse fairly well. When I've priced machines out, Dell seemed to offer much better bang for the buck than IBM.

But that 2 GB RAM issue really limits your choices. The only notebook I'm aware of that supports that much memory is the Compaq Evo Mobile Workstation N800w (http://h20022.www2.hp.com/busprod/overview/0,12512,series=96322%5Etype=89315%5Ecategory=300003,00.html? lsidebarLayId=106&rsidebarLayId=63).

[PinchyCM]

My suitemate's had his Thinkpad 600X for a while now, and it works beautifully. I love my Dell Insprion 4150. I really don't think Dells are made cheaply, both thinkpads and dells can take abuse pretty well. Plus, that's what the extended warrantys are for! :)
As for ram, next gen chipsets should offer then. What's wrong with the touchpad? I've grown up on the pointing stick/eraser, and I just recently switched to the touchpad. I like it a lot more, if you know how to use it, it's just as efficent, if not more than the pointing stick.

[coolqf]

I like the touchpad a lot (especially those that you tap and counts as a click) and simply come packed with features such as double tapping on corners loads programs of your choice or dragging your finger down on the sides causes pages to scroll downward. I still prefer an optical scroll mouse though.

[brems]

Harry-If you can sit tight till July the first batch of portables will be out will the "Springdale" 800fsb chipset (supports 2 gig) and faster (much) Ram also. (our office is waiting for these rather than purchase any portables right now) The Dell 8500 does offer 2.0 gig at the present time but HD's at 5400 rpm maybe wont offer you the preformance you want. Also depends on how portable/battery life/preformance you want.

[fobugee]

OK....both the Dell Inspiron 8500 and Latitude D800 offer up to 2 GB of memory...i would go with the D800, as its based on Centrino, has a better vid card, longer battery life, and is cheaper as well