New laptop suggestions

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01-30-2007, 07:28 PM
Royal Oaks

New laptop suggestions

Been out of the computer scene for a long time......

I'm looking for a new laptop that will support Windows Vista and all of the features associated with it (Aero). I am looking to spend around $1800 max and this system will last me for probably as long as my current laptop (5+ years). I am thinking Core 2 duo 2GHz with 4MB of cache, 2GB of RAM and a HD of around 80GB.... I'm not an avid gamer or enthusiast like I used to be and I really am just looking for something that will be sufficient to run Vista with while being able to support all of its features... I could make due with my P3 800 system on XP with only 10GB of storage, but I've dropped it so many times it's starting to go weird. I don't know anything about graphics cards anymore, but I might play the occasional game or two so I don't want some onboard garbage. I figure the things most important to me would be a solid processor, lots of RAM, a decent size HD (120 would be the max, anything more is a ton of overkill), and a high quality screen.... I'm going to best buy now to check out the latest offerings, just to see what computers now a days are like in person lol. I've been looking at the Asus G1 as its in my price range, but it seems so powerful (I never thought I would say that). I figure the best solution would be to go custom through Dell, but if anyone has any suggestions based on products at Newegg or something please let me know.....

I'm just totally out of the computer thing now and I am looking for someone to steer me into a confident decision.. Thanks

- Steven
01-30-2007, 08:26 PM
ua549

I have a Dell Latitude D620 T-7200 w/2GB memory that meets those specs.
It would have cost less if I didn't load it up with all the extras. IIRC it cost between $1750 and $1800 last November w/next day delivery.
01-31-2007, 12:46 PM
Royal Oaks

I'm wondering how much of an effect the video card has on the overall performance of the system?? I ran Vista yesterday for the first time and I know there is a special feature in the computer properties section that gives you a rating of your systems performance for the OS. The 2.0 chip with 4MB of cache and 2GB of RAM had a 4.5 rating while most others had like a 3.1 rating.... I know I'm going to go with at least those specs, but will any upgrade over onboard, video card be suitable?? Specifically for the Ultimate edition, I think I need at least 128MB right?? Just not so sure on some of the other components, mainly the video card......

Thanks
01-31-2007, 04:13 PM
ua549

The D620 has an nVidia 128MB video card available that can also use and additional 128MB of main memory for video. It won't be long before I upgrade my primary D620 to 4GB memory.
01-31-2007, 04:56 PM
PCJ

The most recent onboard video cards can run Aero Glass without a problem.

In my opinion, Korean companies have overtaken everybody else when it comes to notebook quality. Even dell realizes this and outsources some of their notebook design/manufacturing to Samsung.

I have a Samsung Q30 (12.1", one of the lightest notebooks currently available). The quality is much higher than that of the X1 which is Dell's poor attempt at using the same chassis.
I was so impressed that I suggested an X60 Pro (15.4") to my father. The build quality is higher than that of a MacBook Pro while still being as small and light. I would say it is up there with the IBM T60 which is much heavier.

Point being, Samsung doesn't disappoint.

Also, I can definitely recommend Asus. However, the G1 seems to gaming-centered for somebody who is apparently not into games. Look into the other 14" and 15" offerings from Asus.
02-01-2007, 01:04 PM
flutie98

Quote:

Originally Posted by ua549

The D620 has an nVidia 128MB video card available that can also use and additional 128MB of main memory for video. It won't be long before I upgrade my primary D620 to 4GB memory.

the D620's nvidia quadro card has only 64mb of onboard memory and borrow the remainder of 256-64 from main ram
02-01-2007, 01:28 PM
ua549

AFAIK you can get the nVidia Quadro NVS 120 instead of the NVS 110 on special order. The NVS110 has 64MB dedicated memory and the NVS120 has double that.
02-01-2007, 05:28 PM
flutie98

Quote:

Originally Posted by ua549

AFAIK you can get the nVidia Quadro NVS 120 instead of the NVS 110 on special order. The NVS110 has 64MB dedicated memory and the NVS120 has double that.

thats good to know