Buying a laptop?

[wiredspider]

I think I want to buy my first laptop soon, sort of a HS graduation present for myself (parents aren't getting it for me

). I don't think I really want it to replace my desktop system. Here are my questions:

When they say shared video, what does that mean? Is it like from your RAM? Is it really that bad to have shared video?

What about the screen sizes? Is there that much difference in 14.1" to 15" to 15.4"? Also, what about all the different modes? Like XVGA, SXVGA, etc...

Is weight really noticable? Seems like the lightest is like 5 pounds whereas heaviest is less than 10 pounds. Neither one of these weights seem like that much, but I've never traveled with a laptop.

Then battery life, what is decent? Is is bad for the laptop if you plug it in while it is not charging? Are certain battery types better than others?

Thanks for any help and add other information if you feel it is needed

 

[VegasD]

Shared video means the memory from your RAM is being used for the video as well. It is a very bad thing if you plan to use any visually demanding apps on your laptop such as games. That would be a terrible machine to play games on.

 

[pdn]

Originally posted by: wiredspider
I think I want to buy my first laptop soon, sort of a HS graduation present for myself (parents aren't getting it for me

). I don't think I really want it to replace my desktop system. Here are my questions:

When they say shared video, what does that mean? Is it like from your RAM? Is it really that bad to have shared video?

This means that you are loosing some of your memory to operate the video. When you check your system properties it might say something like only 240 MB of ram when you have 16 MB of that shared to the video, even though you have 256 MB of ram installed. Some programs might need at least 256 MB ram to run then your out of luck. This option can slow down the performance while playing games.

Originally posted by: wiredspider
What about the screen sizes? Is there that much difference in 14.1" to 15" to 15.4"? Also, what about all the different modes? Like XVGA, SXVGA, etc...

I would stick with at least 15" and no less. 15" LCD is about the same as a 17" CRT (Std desktop monitor). Not so sure about the XVGA or SXVGA, but I believe the higher priced option has a better quality picture and more of an viewing angle.

Originally posted by: wiredspider
Is weight really noticable? Seems like the lightest is like 5 pounds whereas heaviest is less than 10 pounds. Neither one of these weights seem like that much, but I've never traveled with a laptop.

While traveling, toting around a little less weight makes traveling and transporting it better and easier.

Originally posted by: wiredspider
Then battery life, what is decent? Is is bad for the laptop if you plug it in while it is not charging? Are certain battery types better than others?

If your traveling and your going to places that there is no power outlet present then the longer the battery life the better. Remember though that the time they have listed might mean that time the battery can run you pc with out accessing any of the drives.

 

[panhead49]

there are some really good laptops around......i just bought a emachines AMD 64 3000 ......has a great video card ..wide screen.....to much to list here.....really good deal.......you should go over to the ..SFF, Notebooks, Pre-Built/Barebones PCs forum ,and check out the thread on the AMD emachine......everyone loves it.....and you can get some other ideas on other laptops.....


edit......here's the link........Text

 

[apoppin]

My question to youis WHY do you want a notebook computer? Do you NEED portability?

Many of my friends bought them only to sell them when they realized they had them for the "cool" factor.

They are much more expensive than desktops and lose their resale value very quickly . . . plus they get outdated very quickly and cannot (usually) be upgraded.

Shared video sucks if you want to play 3d games.

A 15+" screen is nice but goes in a notebook that is a lot more bulky than one with a smaller screen. XVGA etc, refers to the LCD's native resolution . . . 1024x768 is really (only) good for 14" or smaller screens.

Do your RESEARCH or you might be very disappointed . .. then - if you are still set on one - go over to Hot Deals forum - there are a LOT of nice notebook deals recently.

Batterys . .. what ever you do get an EXTRA one if you are travelling . . . leave the battery OUT of the notebook when you are on AC . . . and check the reviews - some notebook computers have a HORRIBLy short up-time on batteries.

That said, I got my $1000 worth out of my Dell Inspiron 4100 even though I would NEVER buy a Dell notebook again.

 

[wiredspider]

Thanks for all replies! I have a pocket pc, but it just doesn't allow me to be able to write a full paper for class. I may just go for portability as I want to have it so I can get whatever classwork(thinking about taking some college classes in the summer) needs to be done on my shuttle rides to work. My parents also said I can't run cat5 to my room or put my desktop PC in there so next best thing is a laptop and a wireless network.

 

[apoppin]

If you are keeping your desktop and just need portability for school, I would just get a "budget" notebook with an XGA (1024x768) 14" screen with shared memory.

(unless you want "cool" and the 'latest and greatest' with a Radeon or Geforce card to play the latest 3d games [at least for a year or 2] . . . those are pretty pricey)

Definitely check Hot Deals. Check when you are ready to order 'cause those deals don't last long.

 

[Tango57]

If you plan on doing any video gaming, etc. shared video ram is a bad idea. If its says on the box of a video game that it requires say 32 mb of video ram, it's talking about dedicated video memory from an independent graphic card (not integrated) and won't run the game unless that's what you have. Size of the screen is important. You should go to a place like Best Buy or Comp USA and look at different screen sizes so you can see what size is right for you. Remember a 15" laptop screen provides about the same viewing area as a 17" CRT monitor. Weight is also an important factor. A difference of a few pounds might not seem like a lot but if you're carrying it around a lot you'll feel the difference. So if you anticipate travelling a lot, I'd look for a lighter weight laptop if I were you but if it's going to just sit at home most of the time and want it loaded with features then a heavier laptop might be ok. Again, battery life is important if you're using this thing on the road a lot. A decent battery will last a good 2 1/2 to 3 hrs. I think most batteries now are just one standard type, lithium ion, and yeah it's ok to plug a laptop in even if the battery is not installed. Once the battery is installed, when you plug the laptop in it will automatically charge.

 

[21stHermit]

Originally posted by: wiredspider
I think I want to buy my first laptop soon, sort of a HS graduation present for myself (parents aren't getting it for me

). I don't think I really want it to replace my desktop system. Here are my questions:

When they say shared video, what does that mean? Is it like from your RAM? Is it really that bad to have shared video?

What about the screen sizes? Is there that much difference in 14.1" to 15" to 15.4"? Also, what about all the different modes? Like XVGA, SXVGA, etc...

Is weight really noticable? Seems like the lightest is like 5 pounds whereas heaviest is less than 10 pounds. Neither one of these weights seem like that much, but I've never traveled with a laptop.

Then battery life, what is decent? Is is bad for the laptop if you plug it in while it is not charging? Are certain battery types better than others?

Thanks for any help and add other information if you feel it is needed

Bought a Dell Inspiron 1100 in 8-03, paid $674 AR.
Display of 14.1" XGA is more than adaquate
Shared video has two bad attributes:
1) Slow so it can smear when you scroll, not for gamers
2) Uses main memory, so you have less
Weight: the 1100 is 7+ pounds, you wouldn't want to lug it very far.
Battery life: 1100 is 3+ hours . . . awesome!!!

The 1100 is not a gamers laptop, I don't game. In most all respects I'm very pleased.
Plan to order 2-512's today so I can go from 256M to 1G RAM.
USB 2.0 is so good that I'm selling P4 desktop this week and going 99% laptop.