Help me pick a laptop!!

[dguy6789]

Ok here is my situation. For some of my classes, I have to take way too many notes. Im talking 8+ pages of writing in under an hour sometimes. My binders are also getting loaded, so im running out of room.

I need to get a laptop that can last through 3-4 hours of word a day. I also have an hour and a half bus ride home, and would like to play some games such as UT2k4, c&c generals, hl2 and such. I dont care if the in game graphical settings have to be turned down a bit, but I do want it to be at a playable level on all of those titles.

Bottom Line: Need a system that when doing non intensive stuff like word and excel, to last 4+ hours, while being able to play some of the latest games, albeit at lower settings.

Please help me find a laptop that will be primarilly used for school, but with the power to game should I need to. Im willing to spend around $2000 and maybe a bit more if absolutely needed. Thanks in advance.

 

[wisdomtooth]

Hmm... How about a tape recorder? Just tape a lecture and transcribe it at your leisure.

 

[Commodus]

If you're taking the bus home, I can tell you right now that you won't be playing first-person shooters - not very well, anyways.

One possible option that I'd suggest is the Thinkpad T42 with an extended battery. Games can and will chew up a very large part of the battery, and you don't want to find that your 3-4 hours of notetaking have left you with only 30 minutes of gameplay. Also, be sure to have at least 512 MB of RAM, since having more RAM will both improve performance and cut down on power-consuming hard drive access.

I'm sure someone will suggest Dell, but I'd suggest otherwise. They're often bigger and heavier (not good if you have to carry the laptop for awhile); more importantly, though, is that Dell's reptuations for build quality and tech support are both sub-par compared to IBM. You don't want a laptop with a flimsy keyboard, or to have to make a call for help to someone in Bangalore, India.

 

[Wuzup101]

Have to agree with commodus word for word here. I'd normally suggest a powerbook for note taking, but since you want to do some FPS gaming it's not practical as HL2 and such aren't even out for mac (yet???) - the other 2 games are though . Anyway, the T42 is a very solid computer which will get 4hrs on a normal battery (atleast for the 14" model). I have a very close friend that just got one and it's very nice. Has the same solid feel that I'm used to with the powerbook, and the keyboard is very solid. For $2000 you can get a very nice T42, especailly if you can get an edu discount. Better yet find someone that works for IBM and you get a killer deal .

Also, depending on how fast you want to get this notebook, you may want to wait for the T43 which should be release sometime soon from what I've read (though someone can correct me on this if I'm wrong as I'm really not sure what IBM's release date is). 512mb is a must... 1gb if you can afford it. Please install your own ram upgrades and don't pay IBM or Dell to do it unless you know you are getting a good deal (you wont be from IBM unless it's a free upgrade... same with dell and most other larger companies that charge a premium for ram that you can easily buy and install).

 

[dguy6789]

I will definately be upgrading any system I bought to 1GB if it didnt already have it in there. Thanks you guys.

 

[ssvegeta1010]

To last 3-4 hours, and then a bus ride of gaming would require a high end (Dothan would work well) system, prefereably with dual batteries. (carry one to use after notes)

 

[dguy6789]

Originally posted by: ssvegeta1010
To last 3-4 hours, and then a bus ride of gaming would require a high end (Dothan would work well) system, prefereably with dual batteries. (carry one to use after notes)

Thats why I have 2000-2500 bucks to spend on it if needed. However, the cheaper the better.

 

[roguerower]

I'm in the same boat you are. Goin to college this fall and need a good laptop that can play games respectfully. Definitely look at the T42 from IBM and like they said, the T43 if you can swing it. Fortunately i've got some more time before my decision. IBM all the way.

 

[fbrdphreak]

I would second the T42/T43, but their batteries suck. With the 9-cell & the Ultra-Slim battery, you're supposed to get up to 9 hours of battery life. Change that to realistically <7 hours. Playing games will destroy your battery life too. But I would say that is true with any laptop; if you want to play games for 1-1.5 hours, u'll need to charge your laptop before you go on that train ride.
I would maybe look around for some newer Sonoma models that use the GeForce6600's in them. In fact, Toshiba just released some new 15" screen models w/Sonoma & GF6600. Dunno about battery options.
Realistically, if you can't charge up during the day, you need an external battery system like the ones from Valence (google the company). Those connect to your AC port and run your system off of their batteries. With the full setup, you're supposed to be able to add 5 hours of battery life to your system. IIRC, these retail for over $200 for everything.

 

[mdahc]

I'd suggest the Acer 8100 series (here's a review) because it includes the mobile Radeon X700 (the best mobile GPU out there that's bundled with the Pentium M). The only thing is I don't know if you can get a 2nd battery or where you would get it (although it's rated at up to 4 hours, that review states that it's more around 2.5 to 3 hours b/c of the LCD and b/c of the X700). A couple of places are already accepting preorders/backorders, and it's supposed to be widely available next month. If you can wait a little longer, AMD Turion64 mobile technology is right around the corner as well, thus giving you battery life similar to the Pentium M but with 64-bit compatiblity for Windows XP Pro x64 Edition. If you really want long battery life and great 3D graphics, you're going to have to sacrifice a little battery life, no matter who the notebook manufacturer is. Do your classrooms not have AC outlets? Could you maybe do a complete recharge at some point before you go home on the bus?

 

[fbrdphreak]

Second the Acer 8100; when it comes out
But again, battery is the biggest issue