17" Laptop

[Eureka]

I'm checking out 17" laptops for college. Right now it's between the HP dv9000z and Gateway NX860X laptops.

Both have 1440x900 resolution, 2GB RAM, a DVDRW, 256mb Go 7600, 160GB HDD, 8-cell lithium batteries, XP Pro with Vista upgrade.

HP dv9000z $1447
AMD TL-56 1.8GHZ/1MB

Gateway NX860X $1743
Intel Duo T5600 1.83GHZ/2MB

Is the Gateway's Intel enough to warrant the extra $300? The Gateway NX860XL also has a 1920x1200 res... it also has a 7900GS and a 80GB hard drive and costs about $2100...

And when will systems start shipping out with Vista?

Norm

 

[chrisrod01]

I would hate to carry that big thing all day. I would buy more like a 14" or 15" with an intel proc. And for 2k ill get an xps or something

 

[keeleysam]

Do NOT get 1440x900 on a 17" unless you are blind as a bat.

Get at least 1680x1050.

Vista systems will ship in January.

You should get a Core 2 Duo.

 

[Eureka]

Why Core 2 over AMD? And what's the downsides to having a 1440x900? The main reason why I have 1440 is because the HPs and the cheaper Gateway doesn't have a WUXGA screen as an option.

Norm

 

[3NF]

I have a Dell Inspiron 9300 (1920 x 1200 resolution on 17" screen). I absolutely love it. Some folks, like my parents, think it's too small

The only drawback to a 17" laptop is carrying it - it can get heavy, but I don't travel with it all that often so it isn't a big deal. Dell frequently has good deals running, so I wouldn't hesitate to check them out.

 

[amol]

My neighbor and I went to the Apple Store today. He picked up a 17" MBP. Sure, it was $2600+tax (after student d/c), but if you have the $$, check into it.

Edit: Whhops, check the price range you put, nvm.

 

[Eureka]

lol I'd like to cost under $2000. With gateway I might have a chance to haggle, but I really don't plan on dropping that much. And as for Macs... I'm entering as a Comp Eng major... is there any downsides to have a Mac?

Norm

 

[keeleysam]

Originally posted by: cevilgenius
lol I'd like to cost under $2000. With gateway I might have a chance to haggle, but I really don't plan on dropping that much. And as for Macs... I'm entering as a Comp Eng major... is there any downsides to have a Mac?

Norm

There aren't really any downsides... only upsides. You can run almost any OS.

 

[Eureka]

Okay, and why a Core 2 over a AMD?

Norm

 

[keeleysam]

Originally posted by: cevilgenius
Okay, and why a Core 2 over a AMD?

Norm

Core 2 Duo has EXTREMELY high performance with low power consumption.

AMD has neither of those.

 

[Eureka]

I see...

And how long do 8-cell batteries last with these laptops usually anyway?

Norm

 

[keeleysam]

Originally posted by: cevilgenius
I see...

And how long do 8-cell batteries last with these laptops usually anyway?

Norm

In a17", most likely 4.5 hours.

 

[Eureka]

I guess I'll get a Core Duo system around January to avoid the hassles of the Vista upgrade. Is there anything coming up soon in the near future for laptops I should be aware about?

Norm

 

[keeleysam]

Not really. Merom chips are really just now making their way into laptops.

 

[AirForceElite]

you should consider Dell E1705

it has WUXGA screen for 1920x1200
ability to carry 7900GS
C2D processor from 1.83GHz to 2.66GHz, depending on your budget
good amount of RAM
good hard drive
and all that can be had for $1800 or less.

 

[Eureka]

Dell doesn't seem to bad.

I'm also starting to look at some 15.4" as well. Is C2D worth it over a CD proc?

Norm

 

[jose]

The 1505 or the 1705 have coupons available right now...

just google dell deals...

Regards,
Jose

 

[pkme2]

The 17" screen is really nice on that (as a stationary desktop) especially if you're not lugging it around with all your other stuff.

I've lugged around a 14" for 9 yrs on campus and had to resort to a computer case with wheels. My back couldn't handle that lappy and books. It became a weapon if you hit somebody with that backpack.

 

[Eureka]

Originally posted by: jose
The 1505 or the 1705 have coupons available right now...

just google dell deals...

Regards,
Jose

Yeah But I want to wait around until Vista comes out so I don't have to deal with upgrading and stuff.

And is a 14" laptop really that heavy? I'm used to a heavy bookbag as it is...

Norm

 

[3NF]

Originally posted by: AirForceElite
you should consider Dell E1705

it has WUXGA screen for 1920x1200
ability to carry 7900GS
C2D processor from 1.83GHz to 2.66GHz, depending on your budget
good amount of RAM
good hard drive
and all that can be had for $1800 or less.

I agree

 

[Eureka]

Ah well... with these deals the Dell is looking pretty attractive. Thing is, I'll probably order this in around Februaryish... do these deals come up? The only gripe I have with the Dell anyway is the looks and the lack of a numpad, the first which is pretty pointless and the second I can live without. Are they coming out with a version with a numpad anytime soon? It's not needed but I really do use the numpad a lot (habit, really).

Norm

 

[3NF]

Originally posted by: cevilgenius
Ah well... with these deals the Dell is looking pretty attractive. Thing is, I'll probably order this in around Februaryish... do these deals come up? The only gripe I have with the Dell anyway is the looks and the lack of a numpad, the first which is pretty pointless and the second I can live without. Are they coming out with a version with a numpad anytime soon? It's not needed but I really do use the numpad a lot (habit, really).

Norm

Dell has deals running all the time, so I'm sure there will be something around when you're ready to buy.

As for the numpad, it's accessible via a function key. You'd have to hold down that key (left hand), and then the following keys act as the numpad.

7 = 7 - 8 = 8 - 9 = 9 - 0 = /
U = 4 - I = 5 - O = 6 - P = *

etc.

The only weird thing about it is keys aren't necessarily arranged in a "box". At least this is how it is on the 9300 - maybe it's different with the newer laptops.

 

[Eureka]

I see... do you know if you can do special characters with that type of numpad? I know that you can't do special ALT+#### characters with the regular number row but you can with the numpad.

Otherwise, thanks for all help guys... looks like it's probably going to be a dell as it stands unless some other company offers some super-good deal.

Norm