High resolution small form factor latop?

[Midwayman]

So I'm in the market for a laptop for a commute on the train everyday. I'll be hauling it around in a backpack, so I'd really like to stick to a 14.1" model. Trouble is that all the laptops in that range seem to top out at 1280x800 or 1388x768. Trouble is the apps I want to use, vertical resolution is actually pretty important (especially once you take away the real estate for menu bars, etc, etc.) Also, I need something with reasonably powerful graphics. I'd prefer the ATI 4650 or 4670 as it seems to have less power useage than the comparable nvidia parts.

So what I'm hoping for...
14.1" 1600x900 lcd
ATI 4650+ graphics (or nvidia equivalent if needed)
4g ram
2 hrs+ in active rundown (not idle time)

Any suggestions? I've found everything in one place but the resolution I want.

 

[bliq00]

My question is what do you need to powerful graphics for?

Is cost a factor? HP's envy 15 has a 15.6" (I know it's not 14) 1920x1080 display and a ATI 4830 which is at least in the same league as 4650 I think(might even be a step up). but it's kinda pricey. At least it fits in a standard notebook backpack though. I have a targus groove and a 15.6 laptop (my brothers G60) fits ok.

If you aren't gaming, there are probably a whole lot more options.

 

[Midwayman]

Its not gaming, but I need to run 3d apps on it. Cortex, Motionbuilder, Maya, Max, etc. It doesn't need to be a top bin graphics card, but it needs to pack some punch.

Cost is always a factor of course, but I'm not afraid to pony up for what I need. From the near misses I've seen, anywhere between about $1000-1400 is what I'm expecting.

 

[genesick]

Whats your price range? I actually recommended my girlfriend buy the laptop I'm using now because for the price is was a steal IMO. Currently using a dv6-1362nr which uses a ATi Radeon 4650 for graphics. Runs 1920x1080 just fine for what I need it for (watching HD vids on youtube and such, and also light gaming on AVA a game which uses the Unreal 3 Engine and play that on maxed settings with no AA/AF.) Not sure if that helps but when I bought it it was only $650 before tax, not sure how much it is now though =/

edit:

When I say 1920x1080 I mean when it was connected to a Sony Bravia 38" TV

 

[Midwayman]

I looked at the dv6 series, and like most of them, its the 1388x768 screen that's really killing me. I've found very few 14" chassis that have more, and surprisingly not many 15" chassis that have any better. Seems like they're trying to force us into 720p or 1080p panels in laptops now, and you need to goto 17" to get the 1080p.

I did find the thinkpad t400, which is 14" and has 1440x900, but the graphics chip is pretty weak on it. Not even upto the 210m levels from what I can tell.

 

[SexyK]

Sony VAIO Z-series has 13.3 inch 1600x900 LED backlit screen and dedicated graphics if I am not mistaken. I think you can find them ~$1,500 if you look around.

 

[jaydee]

A touch above the top end of your price range, but this should do it (a little overkill on the cpu for what you'll need):

HP EliteBook 8440w
Intel Core i7 620M Processor 2.66GHz (turbo mode up to 3.33GHz)
Microsoft Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)
14-inch LED-backlit HD+ display (1600 x 900)
NVIDIA Quadro FX 380M (512MB)
4GB DDR3 1333MHz RAM
320GB 7200RPM HDD
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Ethernet, Modem, and Bluetooth Connectivity
9-Cell Battery (10.8V)
Dimensions: 13.2 x 9.2 x 1.5 inches (including feet)
Weight: 5.89lbs
Price as configured: $1,649 (starting at $1,499)

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5453

 

[Midwayman]

I'm keeping my eye out on CES announcements for the new stuff like the elitebooks. I know the i5/i3 officially releases tomorrow, I expect a lot of announcements of i5 powered laptops. Clock stepping, and switchable graphics sounds like a win/win since they'll be able to put a real gpu in without killing the battery life.

I looked into the sony before, but apparently its not being sold since they are being updated at CES. Might still be a few in the channel somewhere though. I'm not sure a 13.3" would be good with that resolution though. Its something I'd want to check out in person.

 

[Jjoshua2]

I want the exact same thing. I'm thinking the new Envy 13 maybe, with the price drops and new announcements at CES or maybe the 15. Also dell has some business models that are somewhat similar I believe.