Can I get this stuff in a Laptop for $2000-2500?

[thatsright]

Well this stuff isn't for me exactly, but a friend who wants to buy a new laptop.

I just went onto the Dell website to look at all of their laptops, and it really is sort of overwhelming. And I got the good sensation that their laptops aren't' that great a deal for what I want/price.

Here's what I told him should be the minimum:

Centrino System w/ Dothan CPU 2MB cache (Not sure how fast)
1 GB of Ram
80GB+ Hard Drive (not sure when it comes to laptops, whats the difference between 4200 or 5400RPM)
Wireless/Integrated 10/100/ 56K
DVD Burner (4 or 8X)
~15" Screen. (But no idea whats the difference between all of the screen types??)
On Site, next day warranty service
Stand alone Video Card (NOT Integrated)
XP Home

Optional things that would be nice, or things not sure of
S-Video out would be nice
Video Card of 32-128MB Ram
2 or 3 or 4 Year parts/Labor/Tech Support Warranty
Maybe a separate CD-R/W Drive
Second Battery

He's Not interested in a Mobile P4 or a Mobile AMD System. He doesn't play any Video Games, but he said he might in the future. Thought, I'm sure he won't be needing a Mobile Radeon 9800Pro GPU. He will be using the Laptop for work, to write up reports for his job, and will want to watch DVD's on it as well. His house is also wireless. Of course he doesn't want to pay for something he'll never use. From what he wants, I said your looking @ at around ~$2,000. But he would be willing to spend around $2,500 or a bit more.



Can anyone recommend me a few models I could check out online. And I hate to admit it, but my Laptop knowledge/expertise is about 1/10 of what I know about Desktops.

Thanks a million

 

[beyoku]

HE should get a powerbook!

 

[thatsright]

Anyone?

 

[Abhi]

In order to understand the Dell range of laptops, read this http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=34656

It ll tell you about almost anything you need to know.

 

[Abhi]

Link I gave above also mentions different screen types and other common dell related faqs...

Also, in order to decide the best laptop for your friend, you need to answer these questions...

1) Portability - Is he willing to lug around a 15.4 inch widescreen laptop, or does he want a small portable 14 inch laptop?
2) Battery life - How many hours is enought for him? Will he be travelling with it or always using it on a desk?
3) Does the size (thickness) and weight matter at all?

Fill in these blanks and it ll be easier to make a decision.

 

[ShellGuy]

Good luck finding a lappy with a standalone vid card. Those are high end gamin systems. And aint cheap.....




Will G

 

[Gibson486]

Originally posted by: ShellGuy
Good luck finding a lappy with a standalone vid card. Those are high end gamin systems. And aint cheap.....




Will G

I think he means a vid card that does not share RAM, like Intel Extreme Graphics.

 

[thatsright]

Originally posted by: Gibson486

Originally posted by: ShellGuy
Good luck finding a lappy with a standalone vid card. Those are high end gamin systems. And aint cheap.....




Will G

I think he means a vid card that does not share RAM, like Intel Extreme Graphics.

Yep.

I'd rather cut my right arm off, or other appendage rather than let my friend to believe that Intel Extreme Craptastic Graphics is fine/good. He definitely doesn't need the new M9800 Pro 256MB Vid card in the new Dell Laptops. But I might try to steer him to a GeForce Go card, or a Mobile 9700 with 64/128MB of Ram.

Also, I heard that the integrated Centrino Wireless isn't that great? Is this the case. If I elect to not get the Centrino Integrated Wireless option, would the laptop then cease to be Officially a Centrino Laptop? And I hate to admit it, but my Laptop knowledge/expertise is about 1/10 of what I know about Desktops, so I feel ashamed to even ask!

Anyone else have any tips/comments/suggestions........

 

[Abhi]

In order to decide the best laptop for your friend, you need to answer these questions...

1) Portability - Is he willing to lug around a 15.4 inch widescreen laptop, or does he want a small portable 14 inch laptop?
2) Battery life - How many hours is enought for him? Will he be travelling with it or always using it on a desk?
3) Does the size (thickness) and weight matter at all?