What Laptop ????

Printable View

18-06-2007, 09:44 PM
Syd

What Laptop ????

Hey guys, has been a little while, have been trying to save money but have decided that I would like a laptop, and this is why.

1) Would like it to use downstairs at home for web browsing, dvd playback, photo browsing, itunes, Wireless network access etc

2) Because it will stay at home 95% of time ultimate portability is not important
but will be on our lap sometimes.

3) Would like to be able to run simple games like WoW sometimes.

Would like to spend 500 -600.

The real bugbear is what in RL does it take to run wow at 1280x800 (circa)

Would something like this do it http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Asus_...5E/version.asp

or

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/128696/rb/0

other choice is a dell like this (but its a bit over budget :confused: )

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dells...ftdhpnotebook1

Your experience/input would be greatly appreciated, you can see from my system that im not about state of the art, just want something solid build, nippy and functional :help:
19-06-2007, 10:14 AM
staffsMike

I'd wait a week or so for Dell to bring out their santa rosa inspirons which should be very good specs..similar to the samsung R70 you linked to but more configurable of course.

If you can't wait then the samsung is a good laptop but you could also check out www.rizeon.com .. You get a hell of a lot for your money with them as well as a pretty good warranty.

Theres Zepto to (www.zepto.com) similar specs to the rizeons.
19-06-2007, 12:32 PM
Syd

Quote:

Originally Posted by staffsMike

I'd wait a week or so for Dell to bring out their santa rosa inspirons which should be very good specs..similar to the samsung R70 you linked to but more configurable of course.

If you can't wait then the samsung is a good laptop but you could also check out www.rizeon.com .. You get a hell of a lot for your money with them as well as a pretty good warranty.

Theres Zepto to (www.zepto.com) similar specs to the rizeons.

Thanks for the direction, I will def wait for the dells as am in no immediate hurry, the two other brands you mention look excellent value too, just a bit more comfortable with a known brand (albeit it one that spontaneously combusts:O_o1: )

ANYONE out there that can tell me the minimum graphics chip i need to run WoW (at 25-30fps)
19-06-2007, 01:24 PM
staffsMike

I'm looking for a new laptop at the moment and share the same opinion..although i've read quite a bit about both companies (zepto in particular) .. I probably won't be buying from them.

It's more to do with the battery life that anything, they only seem to get about 2.5 hours with minimal use which is ok in the house when the psu is readily available but not when you're on the fly.

we had this discusion a little while back in here and I think some people were playing on integrated gfx albiet at very poor resolutions etc..

I know that the geforce go7400 runs counterstrike source at around 60fps @ 1280 X 800 with full detail but this was with a 2.33ghz Core 2 Duo and 2gb of ram..

I would say thats a good bet for wow though I doubt you'll need much more than that. The dx10 equivalent is the new geforce 8400m which are proving very good for the lower end of gaming.
19-06-2007, 02:56 PM
Syd

Quote:

I know that the geforce go7400 runs counterstrike source at around 60fps @ 1280 X 800 with full detail but this was with a 2.33ghz Core 2 Duo and 2gb of ram..

I would say thats a good bet for wow though I doubt you'll need much more than that. The dx10 equivalent is the new geforce 8400m which are proving very good for the lower end of gaming

Its a tough decision as a lappie is always gonna be a compromise, and do i have 2gb ram and faster cpu but with cheaper graphics or vice versa etc etc, then you go on to the configarator and its 'just another £30 for this and £20 for this upgrade and then the final price :eek:

I have seen a few with the geeforce 8400/8600 at the top of my price range and i figured that these would have to run WoW !!
19-06-2007, 03:46 PM
staffsMike

I think the upcoming dell 1420 and 1520 will be your best bet with comprimise in mind.

1420 is 14.1" screen , usual choice of santa rosa's and the 8400m
1520 is 15.4" screen, same cpu's and the 8600gt, so that ones going to be a bit of a wolf in sheeps clothing.

I just hope they are reasonably cheap.
19-06-2007, 11:13 PM
Syd

Quote:

Originally Posted by staffsMike

I think the upcoming dell 1420 and 1520 will be your best bet with comprimise in mind.

1420 is 14.1" screen , usual choice of santa rosa's and the 8400m
1520 is 15.4" screen, same cpu's and the 8600gt, so that ones going to be a bit of a wolf in sheeps clothing.

I just hope they are reasonably cheap.

Heres hoping too, fingers crossed, the 1520 sounds like about 850.00 though :eek:
20-06-2007, 10:38 PM
Syd

Well after much research, best I have found is this,

(blimmin' 150 quid over original budget though lol)

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Asus_.../version-1.asp

it's wait for the Dell's nxt week and compare...................and takes me choice.
20-06-2007, 11:26 PM
menthel

WoW runs on a 5200 mobile. Used to play on my old g4 powerbook!
21-06-2007, 12:08 PM
speardane

my son got a Fujitsu Siemens to that spec (12in 1280 / twin processor room for plenty of memory)- - It looked good when I saw it - and he's very pleased too. I think it was from Morgan - but they don't seem to have it in stock - will try & find details
02-07-2007, 01:37 PM
Syd

.......................................Almost there..........................................

OK I think i'm there, this is the final spec:

BASE Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T5450 (1.66 GHz,667MHz,2 MB L2 cache)
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium - English
COLOUR CHOICE Jet Black Colour with Matte Finish & Integrated 2.0 mega pixel web camera
LCD 15.4" Widescreen WXGA+ (1440x900) TFT Display with TrueLife™
MEMORY 1024MB 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRA [2x512]
HARD DRIVE 120GB (5400rpm) SATA Hard Drive
GRAPHICS CARD nVidia® GeForce™ Go 8600M GT with 256MB DDR3 dedicated graphic memory
OPTICAL DRIVE Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Drive including Software
PRIMARY BATTERY Primary 9-cell Lithium-Ion Battery (85 WHr)

Which I'm going to ask to come with 64bit Vista and ram configged as 1 x 1GB stick, and then i'm gonna order:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/124725/product_info/rb/0

The only slight reservation I have is the processor, should I bite the bullet and go for the T7100 for the extra £45 ?

Thanks for all the input so far guys :)
03-07-2007, 10:03 AM
Syd

Any input on my question would be really great, the main thing is will I ever notice the difference between the T5450 and the T7100 ?
03-07-2007, 10:53 AM
staffsMike

I'd bite the bullit and go with the 1.8 800mhz.. the difference is pretty noticable. That 1.6 is essentially a celeron now :surprised:

The new 1.8's are quite strong..i've been using them all last week.

It might be that both RAM modules are accesible from the bottom of the laptop (a lot of compaines are going this way) so they might make you order the 2 x 512mb..hopefully not though.
03-07-2007, 12:05 PM
Syd

Thanks mike, you have been MOST helpful , so it sounds like the spec I pointed out and the T7100
gulp - only about £170.00 over my initial £600 budget - Why do I never want to compromise lol!
03-07-2007, 06:31 PM
elneckio

Quote:

Originally Posted by speardane

my son got a Fujitsu Siemens to that spec (12in 1280 / twin processor room for plenty of memory)- - It looked good when I saw it - and he's very pleased too. I think it was from Morgan - but they don't seem to have it in stock - will try & find details

MicroDirect sell one that sounds like your description - AMILO Pro notebook V3205
13-07-2007, 11:11 AM
Syd

This is turning ou to be a harder decision than I thought it would be...................Or is it just that I am the world's most indecisive geek :shaun:

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7100 Processor (1.8GHz,800MHz,2MB L2 cache)
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium
COLOUR CHOICE Midnight Blue Colour with Microsatin Finish & Integrated 2.0 mega pixel web camera
LCD 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) Display with TrueLife™
MEMORY 2048MB 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM [2x1024]
HARD DRIVE 160GB (5400RPM) SATA Hard Drive
GRAPHICS CARD nVidia® GeForce™ Go 8600M GT with 256MB DDR2 dedicated graphic memory
OPTICAL DRIVE Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Drive including Software
PRIMARY BATTERY Primary 9-cell Lithium-Ion Battery (85 WHr)
WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY Intel® Pro Wireless 3945 802.11a/b/g Mini-Card - Europe edit
MICROSOFT SOFTWARE Microsoft® Works 8.0 - English edit
HARDWARE SUPPORT 1 Year Base Warranty - Collect & Return edit
ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE SUPPORT No Accidental Damage Support edit
SECURITY SOFTWARE No Security/Anti-Virus Protection - English edit
Shipping Documents English Documentation and Eng/Ire Power Cord Inspiron 1520
Dell System Media Kit Resource DVD - (Diagnostics & Drivers)
Modem 56.6k V.92 Capable Internal Modem & Adapter - UK
Standard Warranty 1 Year Base Warranty - Collect & Return
Money Off - Shows in Strikethrough Save £90 (inc VAT)
Power Supply 90W AC Adapter

This is where I think the buck is gonna stop,:angst: thanks to lots of input (esp Staffsmike):)
I have come to this specification, now the only question mark in my head is the resolution. The option (for £35) is there to upgrade to a 15.4" Widescreen WXGA+ (1440x900) TFT Display with TrueLife

I kinda figure that it would be TOO high a resolutuion on a 15.4" screen - but I am open to opinion.
I run 1280x1024 on a 17" 4:3 LCD at work & 1920x1200 on a 24" 16:9 at home - what are your thoughts????
13-07-2007, 12:32 PM
staffsMike

Not a problem :)

Resolution is really down to preference. I used 1680 x 1050 on a 15.4" a few weeks back and my eyes were fit to bleed.

But 1440 x 900 i found quite usable on a 14.1" screen..not great but ok. So its probably a very good resolution for the 15.4" screen. That said I get on fine with 1280 x 800 for most things on my 15.4" laptop.
13-07-2007, 01:15 PM
Syd

Quote:

Originally Posted by staffsMike

Not a problem :)

Resolution is really down to preference. I used 1680 x 1050 on a 15.4" a few weeks back and my eyes were fit to bleed.

But 1440 x 900 i found quite usable on a 14.1" screen..not great but ok. So its probably a very good resolution for the 15.4" screen. That said I get on fine with 1280 x 800 for most things on my 15.4" laptop.

Thanks Mike, can you switch down resoultion effectivley on a lappie? - or do you (as i guess) get fuzzy text etc if you drop res to non native?
13-07-2007, 02:10 PM
staffsMike

Yeah they look rubbish when you change the resolution down like most LCD's. I reckon the 1440 x 900 would be good though. If you want it for games then 1280 x 800 might be the best option as the 8600gt is going to struggle if you get much higher.
13-07-2007, 03:01 PM
alsenior

im going to chime in with the dell vostro 1500

BASE Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5470 Processor (1.6GHz,800MHz,2MB L2 cache) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista™ Ultimate (32Bit) - English edit
HARDWARE SUPPORT Base Warranty - 1 Year Business Hardware Support edit
LCD 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) Display edit
INTEGRATED WEBCAM Matte Jet Black without Camera edit
MEMORY 2048MB 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM (2x1024) edit
HARD DRIVE 160GB (5400RPM) SATA Hard Drive edit
GRAPHICS CARD nVidia® GeForce™ Go 8600M GT with 256MB DDR2 dedicated graphic memory edit
OPTICAL DRIVE Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Drive edit
PRIMARY BATTERY Primary 9-cell Lithium-Ion Battery (85 WHr) edit

Total Price £644.00 17.50 % £756.70
13-07-2007, 04:18 PM
staffsMike

Just came out this week didn't they. Ensentially a black inspiron.

Good price though.
13-07-2007, 04:25 PM
craigtrap

http://www.novatech.co.uk

I like some of there deals! :D
14-07-2007, 02:03 PM
Syd

Hmm, looking at this system I think it offers all the same - but in a better looking chassis with Vista Ultimate................for less money, Am I missing anything over the Insiron 1520 Build i quoted????
BASE Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7100 Processor (1.8GHz,800MHz,2MB L2 cache)
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista™ Ultimate (32Bit) - English
HARDWARE SUPPORT Base Warranty - 1 Year Business Hardware Support
LCD 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) Display with TrueLife™
INTEGRATED WEBCAM Matte Jet Black without Camera
MEMORY 2048MB 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM (2x1024)
HARD DRIVE 160GB (5400RPM) SATA Hard Drive
GRAPHICS CARD nVidia® GeForce™ Go 8600M GT with 256MB DDR2 dedicated graphic memory
OPTICAL DRIVE Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Drive
PRIMARY BATTERY Primary 9-cell Lithium-Ion Battery (85 WHr)
Services & Software
ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE SUPPORT No Accidental Damage Support
SECURITY SOFTWARE McAfee® Security Centre™ 8.0 - 24 Month Protection - English
Accessories
CARRY CASES No Carry Case
WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY Intel® Pro Wireless 3945 802.11a/b/g Mini-Card - Europe
MICROSOFT SOFTWARE Microsoft® Works 8.0 - English
Also included with your system
Gedis Bundle Reference List N0715003 - Vostro 1500 (3)
Order Information Vostro Notebook Order - UK
Futuristic Information sku - Futuristic Order Flag sku Number
Shipping Documents English Documentation with English Power Cord
Dell System Media Kit Resource CD - contains Diagnostics and Drivers
Power Supply 90W AC Adapter
Modem 56.6k V.92 Capable Internal Modem & Adapter - UK
Keyboard Internal Keyboard - UK/Irish (QWERTY)
Standard Warranty Base Warranty - 1 Year Business Hardware Support
Online Promotion Option for GEDIS Configs Dell Internet Order.

£774 inc VAT

There is just to much choice :juggle:

Oohh and should I ask for 64bit ultimate??
16-07-2007, 09:39 AM
Syd

Can anybody confirm if they can see/or know of any differences between the 1520 inspiron and the vostro 1500?

Thanks Guys:)
16-07-2007, 09:43 AM
staffsMike

It's just the colour dude.

The vostro should have business level support to.

It's essentially an inspiron for the business world.
16-07-2007, 10:24 AM
Syd

Quote:

Originally Posted by staffsMike

It's just the colour dude.

Morning Mike:rolleyes:

The vostro should have business level support to.

It's essentially an inspiron for the business world.

So, if I can get the same machine, with vista ultimate, for less than the Inspiron (by about £40)
am I missing/losing out anything?
16-07-2007, 10:27 AM
staffsMike

Well I started helping so I won't forsake you now haha

There might be a media control for the inspiron.. not totally sure..pretty sure its a cost option if there is.

Other than that it has the same internals, same chassis (material may differ but i doubt it), same screen and is just black lol.

I think the vostro motto (You asked we listened..or whatever it is) is essentially business users wanted to buy inspirons rather than latitudes but wanted a professional looking laptop (ie dull or black) so thats what the vostro is.
16-07-2007, 11:07 AM
Syd

Quote:

Originally Posted by staffsMike

Well I started helping so I won't forsake you now haha

There might be a media control for the inspiron.. not totally sure..pretty sure its a cost option if there is.

Other than that it has the same internals, same chassis (material may differ but i doubt it), same screen and is just black lol.

I think the vostro motto (You asked we listened..or whatever it is) is essentially business users wanted to buy inspirons rather than latitudes but wanted a professional looking laptop (ie dull or black) so thats what the vostro is.

Weight is the same so I guess materials are the same.

I think I prefer the look of the Vostro :)

It appears to be £40 cheaper including Vista Ultimate as opposed to Vista Home Premium.

Sounds like a no brainer............................BUT is there a better deal to be had on a business/home machine do you reckon?
16-07-2007, 11:19 AM
staffsMike

Sounds like the best deal you're going to get. You can try calling them for a bit of discount maybe..
16-07-2007, 11:46 AM
Syd

Quote:

Originally Posted by staffsMike

Sounds like the best deal you're going to get. You can try calling them for a bit of discount maybe..

Thanks Mike.