Is there a notebook like this available?

[CSMR]

I think notebooks are becoming good enough for me to move to one for my main system. Looking for:

-Arrandale (i3) using integrated graphics
-Space for two 2.5" drives (One will be SSD. It's fine if one takes the optical drive slot.)
-Dual digital video outputs or single displayport v1.2
-Good screen (LED backlighting preferable, higher resolution the better)

Anything like this announced or released recently?

Thanks!

 

[Decembermouse]

This article contains some links to various i3 laptops

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-10423417-64.html

I'm not sure if this guy has space for another HDD
http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=53356895&navid=155441519

 

[MJinZ]

It depends on what size screen you want. If you are asking if an i3 (low end processor) with integrated graphics exists that has room for 2x HDs, that is a definite yes. A cheapo budget laptop in the ubiquitous 15" size will be swamped with similar configurations.

However, the dual digital outputs will likely require you to step up to a performance system. Most systems either do ONE display port or ONE HDMI with a VGA. It is rare to see a DVI on them.

Most computers these days will have LED backlighting, which doesn't mean much at all for quality.

 

[IlllI]

a lot of laptops have crappy screens

 

[CSMR]

OK thanks I'll keep looking around and will post back if anything comes up.
I could go for something with switchable graphics, just the integrated graphics will be very capable of handling 2 standard 20" screens, and don't really want to install two sets of graphics drivers; they are the source of a lot of system instability after all. But will have to if I have to.

 

[MJinZ]

OK thanks I'll keep looking around and will post back if anything comes up.
I could go for something with switchable graphics, just the integrated graphics will be very capable of handling 2 standard 20" screens, and don't really want to install two sets of graphics drivers; they are the source of a lot of system instability after all. But will have to if I have to.

I have ATI and NVidia display drivers running concurrently with no problems! ^_^

 

[CSMR]

From what I've seen all the new laptops still include legacy VGA outputs. Incredible how backward the PC industry is. Is Apple the only company to make good hardware choices?

 

[kithylin]

I recently bought my friend's 2006 Dell XPS M1710, and it has legacy vga out, 6-pin-svideo-component out (720p) and full DVI out that does 1080p to a hdtv (i've tested all of these) via hdmi-to-dvi out and 17" screen that does 1920x1200, if they've had this in 2006 i'm sure you can find it today.

 

[CSMR]

OK looks like I'm going with the Dell Studio 17. It has hdmi+displayport, and native slots for two hard drives. Integrated or discrete graphics. E-SATA. Screen resolution (900p) not great but otherwise it's ideal.