$900 Budget for Lightest/Thinnest Notebook

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CoBRaXT

Golden Member
Mar 11, 2002
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Alright, so I have about $900 to spend on a notebook. Basically it's just going to be for taking notes in class, surfing wirelessly, but not gaming. I'm looking not only for the lightest/thinnest one possible, but also one with good battery life. Screen size doesn't really matter, but I would prefer one that's 12". One last thing, I would prefer to stick with PCs as I have worked with Apples in the past and don't like it all that much personally. Any suggestions?

Thanks.
 
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Jassi

Diamond Member
Sep 8, 2004
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Look at some Avertec models, they are cheap, light and you can get them with stats that make gaming very unlikely.

EDIT: Is there a Microcenter near your house?
 
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fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
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I configured an HP dv1000 on hp.com with a Celeron M 350 (1.3GHz), 256MB, 40GB, wifi, 12-cell battery, & CDRW/DVDROM for $899. This is an awesome notebook overall and you will get 6-7 hours of battery life with the 12-cell & Celeron M. Don't be turned off by the Celeron, the new M models are surprisingly powerful as they are built off of the Banias Pentium M CPUs. There should be an in-depth review of the dv1000 on LaptopLogic.com this weekend courtesy of me :) LMK if you have any ?'s

EDIT Add another 256MB for $30 on the FS/FT forum here, $25 dollar for a 1.4GHz Celeron M (not worth it IMO), & $25 for the BrightView screen.
 
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CoBRaXT

Golden Member
Mar 11, 2002
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Originally posted by: Jassi
Look at some Avertec models, they are cheap, light and you can get them with stats that make gaming very unlikely.

EDIT: Is there a Microcenter near your house?
Click to expand...

I was considering possibly an Averatec 3250 that goes for about $850 after rebate.
How are the quality and battery life on them?
 
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fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
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Quality is on par for a sub$1000 notebook, i.e. it'll work but don't expect much. Batt life is about 2 hours, as I think they come with basic 6-cell batteries. For the money, the dv1000 blows it out of the water. Good build quality, superb battery life. and better performance. Unless you are dying to have a 12", there's no reason to buy a 3250 IMO. :roll:

My buddy has one and it works for ~$800, but battery life is dismal and it runs very hot & loud.
 
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chinkgai

Diamond Member
Apr 4, 2001
3,904
0
71
get a dell 700m for 950, well worth the extra 50 dollars over ur budget

the warranty is electronically transferrable too from the original buyer to you
 
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vegetation

Diamond Member
Feb 21, 2001
4,270
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I'd go for a 700m at that price range too. Make sure to get the extended battery.
I wouldn't touch a celeron-m unless you can snag one for less than $500 new (yes, it's possible with rebates). Celeron-m is a good performer but runs hotter and less battery life than equivalent pentium-m.
 
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Biochem101

Senior member
Feb 27, 2001
314
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Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
I configured an HP dv1000 on hp.com with a Celeron M 350 (1.3GHz), 256MB, 40GB, wifi, 12-cell battery, & CDRW/DVDROM for $899. ...
Click to expand...

I am typing on one of these right now. I absolutely love the thing.
Pros:
Insanely light compared to my old dell.
Insanely more battery life compared to my old dell.
Tons of ports.
Decent Software bundle.
It also seems insanely more durable than my old dell.

When I was looking for a lapop for grad school, it was a toss up between the dv1000 and a Tablet PC. Though I thought I would use the tablet to take notes quite often...in the back of my head this wasn't going to be worth the ~$500 difference in price. GL finding what you need.

 
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chinkgai

Diamond Member
Apr 4, 2001
3,904
0
71
i think if you put up a poll for the one you just linked vs the 700m, the 700m will win no contest
 
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loup garou

Lifer
Feb 17, 2000
35,132
1
81
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: CoBRaXT
12" to 13" inch is a must since we don't get much desk space in class :(

I just found out about this one, and it looks pretty sweet. Any comments?

http://www.pcconnection.com/ProductDetail?sku=5624550&SourceID=k15505
Click to expand...

Never heard of that brand, and IMO buying a laptop is like buying a car: would you buy a care made by a company named Actius? :p
Click to expand...
It's a Sharp. Sharp makes some great low-priced laptops. I'd buy a Sharp over an Averatec in a heartbeat. Not to mention they make some of the best LCDs available.
 
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chinkgai

Diamond Member
Apr 4, 2001
3,904
0
71
is the warranty for an x31 transferrable like dells? if so then thats a consideration too

edit: just did a search for it...the 700m is waaaaay more attractive looking...a big consideration for me ^^

yeah im biased cuz im a 700m owner, but before this, i had a super slim vaio...and it was junk compared to the 700m
 
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chinkgai

Diamond Member
Apr 4, 2001
3,904
0
71
Originally posted by: werk
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Originally posted by: CoBRaXT
12" to 13" inch is a must since we don't get much desk space in class :(

I just found out about this one, and it looks pretty sweet. Any comments?

http://www.pcconnection.com/ProductDetail?sku=5624550&SourceID=k15505
Click to expand...

Never heard of that brand, and IMO buying a laptop is like buying a car: would you buy a care made by a company named Actius? :p
Click to expand...
It's a Sharp. Sharp makes some great low-priced laptops. I'd buy a Sharp over an Averatec in a heartbeat. Not to mention they make some of the best LCDs available.
Click to expand...

i didnt know sharp made lcds...is it mfg'ed by someone else then rebranded?
 
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fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
As far as computer LCDs, either someone else makes them or they just suck. I've seen their "LCD-TV Monitors" (not the home theater ones, actually designed to hook up to PCs) and they suck.
Anyway, Averatec is a much more established brand than Sharp in laptops :roll:
If you really want a 12" for $900, I hate to say it but a 700M sounds like your best bet. The Averatec's are okay, but I would honestly rather get a Centrino 12" (which is what the 700M is if I'm not mistaken). Whatever you do, get the extended warranty. I wouldn't waste my money on a Dell w/out a good warranty. But I feel the same with any laptop worth keeping for longer than 1 year.
 
L

loup garou

Lifer
Feb 17, 2000
35,132
1
81
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
As far as computer LCDs, either someone else makes them or they just suck. I've seen their "LCD-TV Monitors" (not the home theater ones, actually designed to hook up to PCs) and they suck.
Anyway, Averatec is a much more established brand than Sharp in laptops :roll:
If you really want a 12" for $900, I hate to say it but a 700M sounds like your best bet. The Averatec's are okay, but I would honestly rather get a Centrino 12" (which is what the 700M is if I'm not mistaken). Whatever you do, get the extended warranty. I wouldn't waste my money on a Dell w/out a good warranty. But I feel the same with any laptop worth keeping for longer than 1 year.
Click to expand...
LOL, you're totally clueless. Sharp is one of the largest LCD manufacturers in the world. They're acquiring Fujitsu's panel department (who is subsequently acquiring AU's before they sell), which will make them near the largest. Sharp panels are used in dozens of notebook manufacturer's computers, do you think Dell or Averatec makes the LCD used in the laptops we are discussing? And as for Averatec being more established than Sharp, I'll kindly point you to the link you promote in your sig -- if you notice in the review section, there is a review section for Sharp, but not for Averatec. Hey, there's even a Sharp forum!

Oh and the Aquos line of LCD TVs, as well as most of their PC LCDs are well rated. And who else makes a truely 3-D LCD???
 
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fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
Originally posted by: werk
Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
As far as computer LCDs, either someone else makes them or they just suck. I've seen their "LCD-TV Monitors" (not the home theater ones, actually designed to hook up to PCs) and they suck.
Anyway, Averatec is a much more established brand than Sharp in laptops :roll:
If you really want a 12" for $900, I hate to say it but a 700M sounds like your best bet. The Averatec's are okay, but I would honestly rather get a Centrino 12" (which is what the 700M is if I'm not mistaken). Whatever you do, get the extended warranty. I wouldn't waste my money on a Dell w/out a good warranty. But I feel the same with any laptop worth keeping for longer than 1 year.
Click to expand...
LOL, you're totally clueless. Sharp is one of the largest LCD manufacturers in the world. They're acquiring Fujitsu's panel department (who is subsequently acquiring AU's before they sell), which will make them near the largest. Sharp panels are used in dozens of notebook manufacturer's computers, do you think Dell or Averatec makes the LCD used in the laptops we are discussing? And as for Averatec being more established than Sharp, I'll kindly point you to the link you promote in your sig -- if you notice in the review section, there is a review section for Sharp, but not for Averatec. Hey, there's even a Sharp forum!

Oh and the Aquos line of LCD TVs, as well as most of their PC LCDs are well rated. And who else makes a truely 3-D LCD???
Click to expand...

OK Mr. I-Need-To-Compensate-For-Something, first of all there is no Sharp review @ LaptopLogic. It is an open section, in place for any Sharp models that we might receive. But thanks for trying. I am not the most knowledgable on non-retail laptops, but I would be shocked to hear from any number of users that they would buy a Sharp laptop over Averatec. Also, I specifically referenced Sharp LCD monitors, not TVs. I know their LCD TVs are supposed to be sweet. I was personally unaware Sharp manufactured LCD panels for laptops, when I think of big panel manufacturers I think Samsung, LG, and another that is on the top of my tongue. Thanks for your insight into Sharp's market presence, I always enjoy learning new things. However next time please look in the mirror before you attempt to educate people, because this time you certainly wore your ass for a hat. :roll:

Regardless, good choice on the dv1000 Cobra. You'll be very happy with it :)
 
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fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
0
That doesn't look bad at all! Wow, I'm actually quite impressed. Nice thing is that it uses Intel's 855GM-E chipset, meaning it supports DDR333 & Intel's Display Power Saving Technology. Damn, I like! BTW, Tatung does overall seem to be a good brand. For a while Best Buy sold Tatung 17 & 19" LCD monitors, the 17 was on sale like over a year ago for around $250-$300 (which for that time was DIRT cheap) and my gf got one. That thing is sweet for general usage; awesome viewing angle, sharp clear text; dunno about ghosting. Anyway, the point is that I personally would trust the brand. :thumbsup:
 
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