Notebook Shopping
Material_Defender
Join Date: 2004-08-25 Member: 30878Members
Join Date: 2004-08-25 Member: 30878Members
<div class="IPBDescription">Recommendations, thoughts, websites</div> I need help in selecting a notebook. BAD. I've never looked for one before, and it's getting a bit overwhelming. I'm asking (*begging* <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->) you guys for some input, reviews, personal experiences, websites, etc. Keep in mind that I am tech-savvy, so don't be afraid to hit me with the bare specs and technical terms. I'm fine with building desktop systems ( I <3 my AMD XP 2200+ oc'ed), but this is new territory for me.
I'm looking for a desktop-replacement type of notebook. Power over weight/battery life. I would <i>like</i> an AMD system, but I can't seem to find one that works for me. And I am not that familiar with Intel's processors and their speeds, so I'll need that clarified. An actual video card is a MUST, no integrated for me (i.e. Intel extreme graphics). I'd also like a Gig of RAM, and a decent speed at that. Hard drive space is not an important factor, but HD speed is (5400 rpm minimum). Wireless card is needed. Almost everything else is optional.
Side note, why are the Pentium M speeds low (~2Ghz)? Are they actually similar to the Pentium IV's? I know they cut down on heat and power consumption, but what is the performance penalty? <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/confused-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
To sum up:
<b>Budget:</b> Up to $2500, lower is obviously better. I'd like to stay around $2000
<b>Needs:</b>
Fast CPU (~3Ghz or similar, see question on Pentium M)
Good graphics card
1 Gig of RAM
40-60 GB Hard Drive (at LEAST 5400 rpm)
Wireless card (b/g compliant)
<b>Would be nice:</b>
AMD CPU
CD/DVD burner
Firewire Port
Space for external sound card
Nice screen (17")
Thanks in advance for ya'lls help. This is all new to me. Desktops are more fun because you get to build them. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
I'm looking for a desktop-replacement type of notebook. Power over weight/battery life. I would <i>like</i> an AMD system, but I can't seem to find one that works for me. And I am not that familiar with Intel's processors and their speeds, so I'll need that clarified. An actual video card is a MUST, no integrated for me (i.e. Intel extreme graphics). I'd also like a Gig of RAM, and a decent speed at that. Hard drive space is not an important factor, but HD speed is (5400 rpm minimum). Wireless card is needed. Almost everything else is optional.
Side note, why are the Pentium M speeds low (~2Ghz)? Are they actually similar to the Pentium IV's? I know they cut down on heat and power consumption, but what is the performance penalty? <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/confused-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
To sum up:
<b>Budget:</b> Up to $2500, lower is obviously better. I'd like to stay around $2000
<b>Needs:</b>
Fast CPU (~3Ghz or similar, see question on Pentium M)
Good graphics card
1 Gig of RAM
40-60 GB Hard Drive (at LEAST 5400 rpm)
Wireless card (b/g compliant)
<b>Would be nice:</b>
AMD CPU
CD/DVD burner
Firewire Port
Space for external sound card
Nice screen (17")
Thanks in advance for ya'lls help. This is all new to me. Desktops are more fun because you get to build them. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Comments
Think about that one.
Dell isn't bad, as you can customize theirs to what you want.
Radeon 9800, 3.06 p4 ghz, 1024mb ram, and 80 gig hd. I know it will be bad **** because it has the same specs as my full sized pc, just a smaller HD <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
The Pentium M 1.86 GHz CPU will perform on par with a P4 2.8 GHz with HT. Or at least close to it.
For AMD, they are desktop processors, just only in socket 754 variations (that I've seen).
Think of 5400 RPM as a minimum, many places don't offer less.
Good graphics card: Definitely go for something current-generation, a 9800 pro or a 9700 pro is all fine and good, but theres big performance differences between the 9700, 9800, and x800 for example, and at least some shader features which will be taken more advantage of in the future. For graphics i would say an x600, x700, x800, GeForce Go 6800 or Go 6800 Ultra. Theres much less selection, sometimes splurgeing to get the expensive one isn't so bad.
Look at some of these:
HP ZD8000 series (P4 cpu, but x600 graphics and a 17 inch display)
HP ZV6000 series (A64 cpu up to 4000, only downside is ati xpress 200M graphics....)
Dell Inspiron 9300 or Inspiron 6000 (only x300, but my friend just got one and it runs guild wars and CS:S just fine)
ACER, ABS, and ASUS make some kwality lappys worth taking a look at, just they are much less readily available.
Invest in the good screen, theres no point in a gaming lappy without a good screen (unless u have external monitor). Get something high resolution too, a 15.4 inch widescreen is just great most of the time when it can put out double the pixels as my desktop LCD (1280x1024) many can do 1400x1900 or so.
Buy a keyboard and mouse, don't wear out the built in keyboard when you don't have to.
O and memory, get a bunch, and get as few sticks as possible (unless it prevents you from dual channeling). It's the simplest upgrade on a laptop, and it's easier if you have an open slot.
Wait for a sale, my friend with the Inspiron 6000 got his during a 30% off sale, a 2700 lappy for about 2000 (with some extras).
And pick something you like. Don't get features you don't want or hardware you won't need, it's a huge investment and it can't change very much over its lifetime. If you can forsee alot of travelling, maybe a desktop replacement isnt the best idea either....
[EDIT] finally, keep your laptop on an AC adapter when gaming. Because of power saving modes, running games on battery power can give you a 20-40% decrease in framerate.
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->The company's <b>(AMD)</b> mobile focus includes a commitment to boost processor efficiency in order to extend battery power of notebook computers. This year, the company is "headed toward" enabling four-hour battery life in notebooks. The company expects to enable five hours of battery life next year and six hours or more by 2007, he said<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<a href='http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?guid=3517555B-858E-43B4-879F-8DEE516919E3' target='_blank'>http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?...9F-8DEE516919E3</a>
As for Pentium M, they are pretty damn awesome. you will pay a bit more for a P-M but the batterylife and power is awesome for a mobile chip. Using "Speed Step XP" you can eek out that last little bit of battery life.
Edit:
I have a 1.6Ghz Pentium M 725. The 725 has a larger level 1 cache so they are a bit more powerful and i stll get around 3 hours battery life.
Also I didn't now that you could have separate video cards in laptops, but if they exist I would definitely recommend going for one as the onboard stuff nowadays is crap.
If portability isn't so much an issue have you considered Shuttle computers?
I'm looking for a desktop-replacement type of notebook. Power over weight/battery life. I would <i>like</i> an AMD system, but I can't seem to find one that works for me. And I am not that familiar with Intel's processors and their speeds, so I'll need that clarified. An actual video card is a MUST, no integrated for me (i.e. Intel extreme graphics). I'd also like a Gig of RAM, and a decent speed at that. Hard drive space is not an important factor, but HD speed is (5400 rpm minimum). Wireless card is needed. Almost everything else is optional.
Side note, why are the Pentium M speeds low (~2Ghz)? Are they actually similar to the Pentium IV's? I know they cut down on heat and power consumption, but what is the performance penalty? <!--emo&???--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/confused-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='confused-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
To sum up:
<b>Budget:</b> Up to $2500, lower is obviously better. I'd like to stay around $2000
<b>Needs:</b>
Fast CPU (~3Ghz or similar, see question on Pentium M)
Good graphics card
1 Gig of RAM
40-60 GB Hard Drive (at LEAST 5400 rpm)
Wireless card (b/g compliant)
<b>Would be nice:</b>
AMD CPU
CD/DVD burner
Firewire Port
Space for external sound card
Nice screen (17")
Thanks in advance for ya'lls help. This is all new to me. Desktops are more fun because you get to build them. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
<a href='http://alienware.com/product_detail_pages/Area-51m_7700/area-51m_7700_features.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51-M-7700&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT' target='_blank'>Click</a>
Enjoy
The specs are superb though :o
3.0 ghz P4
1 gb Ram
60 gb 7200 rpm HD
128 mb Mobile Radeon 9700
XP Pro
CDRW/DVD
802.11b/g card
I'm pretty sure it has a firewire port. It has 4 USB ports and has VGA,DVI, and another kind of video connection
The monitor I have runs nativly at 1680x1050
I forget the other specs but I've been very pleased with it. It does run rather hot, and if I want to play games on the battery, I can at best get about an hour. I can play HL2 on mostly high settings and Guild Wars I can run on max settings. I'm sure with the newer graphics cards you would be able to do better on some of the games. I will warn you, the 9100 (or later models) is a big computer. I often have people ask if I have my computer on a docking station. and they are fairly heavy.
------------------------------
<b>
Technical Specifications</b>
---------------------------
Operating Systems
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional Edition
Processors & Chipset
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with Hyper-Threading Technology - (2.8GHz - 3.8GHz, 800MHz FSB, 1MB Cache, Socket 775)
Intel 915P + ICH6 chipset
Graphics and Video
ATI Mobility RADEON X800 with 256MB DDR3
NVIDIA GeForce GO 6800 with 256MB DDR3
NVIDIA GeForce GO 6800 ULTRA with 256MB DDR3
Memory
Starting at 256MB PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz.
4 dedicated SO-DIMM slots for Dual-Channel DDR2 Memory
Drive Bays
Externally accessible and easily removable:
Dual bays for Optical Drives
Dual Bays for Primary and Secondary Hard-Drives
I/O Ports
Externally accessible:
Parallel: One parallel port
Serial: One serial port
Video: One DVI connector
TV-out: One S-Video out connector
TV-In: Video-IN Ports (TV-Tuner required, not included)
Keyboard: One PS2 connection
Mouse: One PS2 connection
IEEE 1394: Two mini IEEE 1934a (4-pin) ports
USB: 4 Hi-speed USB 2.0 ports
Headphone: 1 headphone jack
Audio: 5.1 channel out (SPDIF) / Line-in, Microphone in
Network: Integrated Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45
Modem: Integrated 56K V.92 modem RJ-11
Infrared: Infrared port for Data transfer
Internally accessible:
Primary IDE Channel
Secondary IDE
Dual SATA 150 connectors
Slots
One PCMCIA Single-slot ACPI Card Bus (Type II)
7-in-1 Memory Card Reader (SD/MS/MMC)
Case and Chassis
Exclusive Alienware Design and Color
Dimensions (H x W x D): 2.1" x 15.6" x 11.7"
LCD Panel
17" WideSXGA+ 1680x1050 LCD Display
17" WideXGA+ 1400x900 LCD Display
Power
Primary Battery: 12 Cells, 6600 mAH
180Watt Auto-Switch 220/110 AC Adapter
220Watt Auto-Switch 220/110 AC Adapter*
*220 Watts is required for the NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Go ULTRA GFX Card
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ClearView LCD Technology
The Area-51m 7700* utilizes the latest ClearView LCD technology to ensure the crispest and most vibrant image is being presented. Using advanced proprietary technology, LCDs featuring ClearView have a distinct advantage over standard LCD displays. In highly lit environments, a standard LCD is plagued with an image which is excessively bright and washed out. LCD screens using ClearView technology are able to deliver a stunning image wherever you are and regardless of what the ambient light conditions might be. This allows you to enjoy the Area-51m 7700's high quality 17" Widescreen LCD wherever you might be.
*Clearview Available only when configured with a 17" WSXGA+ screen.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dimensions
Height: 2.1”
Width: 15.6”
Depth: 11.7”
Weight
Starting at 10.0lbs*
Display
17" WideSXGA+ 1680x1050 LCD Display
17" WideXGA+ 1400x900 LCD Display
Features
Enhanced Front Stereo Speakers
Full Range 180Watt AC Adapter
Standard Smart Li-ION Battery
3-color LED Audio DJ
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DVI Port
For the occasions when you want to output your work to a projector or larger monitor for presentations or easier viewing. The digital DVI output ensures the highest quality image will be seen.
Parallel Port
Non-USB printers can still be utilized thanks to the inclusion of a parallel port.
Ethernet Port
The included RJ-45 port allows you to utilize the standard Ethernet controller to connect to the internet or a local network.
Modem Port
The included RJ-11 port allows you to utilize the standard modem to connect to the internet.
AC Adaptor Plug-In
Keeping the battery charged and ready, the AC adaptor ensures the Area-51m 7700 is able to provide potent performance wherever you might be.
Copper Heatpipe Cooling
The intricate copper heatpipe heatsink assembly ensures the system will remain cool at all times
---------------------------------------------------
4 USB Ports
More than enough ports to keep you digitally connected with your other electronic devices.
2 IEEE 1394 Firewire Port (4-pin)
A popular connection for digital camcorders, this port ensures that the Area-51m 7700 can connect with almost any digital device.
Audio Ports
In addition to the standard mic port, the Area-51m 7700 features a SPDIF port to allow the use of digital 5.1 surround speakers. Whether you're using headphones to play your favorite game or bringing music to a party with full-size speakers, the Area-51m 7700 is equipped to deliver.
7-in-1 Memory Card Reader
With support for the most popular flash types such as SD, MS, and MMC flash memory information from nearly any digital device including digital cameras and PDA's can be transferred to the Area-51m 7700 with ease.
S-Video Port
The included S-Video port allows you to utilize both TV and HDTV signals.
PCMCIA Slot
The included PCMCIA slot accepts any Type I/II card.
------------------------------------------------------------
Kensington Lock
The Area-51m 7700 features support for the Kensington lock standard to give you the option of providing additional security for your system.
Dual Optical Bays
The Area-51m 7700 features dual optical drive bays to provide the most flexibility possible. Having two drives provides the ability to directly copy a CD or DVD to easily backup your information.
------------------------------------
<b>Pics/Asthehtics.</b>
-----------------
<img src='http://image.alienware.com/Images/product_detail_page_images/area-51m_7700/front.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<img src='http://image.alienware.com/Images/product_detail_page_images/area-51m_7700/back.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<img src='http://image.alienware.com/Images/product_detail_page_images/area-51m_7700/right.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<img src='http://image.alienware.com/Images/product_detail_page_images/area-51m_7700/left.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<b>Reviews</b>
-----------
<img src='http://image.alienware.com/images/review_images/logo_maxpc.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<a href='http://alienware.com/product_detail_pages/Area-51m_7700/review_template.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51-M-7700&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT&FileName=review_maximumpc_0705.asp#reviews' target='_blank'>Link</a>
<img src='http://image.alienware.com/images/review_images/award_pcgamer.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<a href='http://alienware.com/product_detail_pages/Area-51m_7700/review_template.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51-M-7700&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT&FileName=review_pcgamer_0405.asp#reviews' target='_blank'>Link</a>
<img src='http://image.alienware.com/images/review_images/logo_laptop_hotpick.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
<a href='http://alienware.com/product_detail_pages/Area-51m_7700/review_template.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51-M-7700&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT&FileName=review_laptop_hotpick_0405.asp#reviews' target='_blank'>Link</a>
<b>Comparisons (Vs Dell etc)</b>
-------------------------------
<a href='http://alienware.com/product_detail_pages/Area-51m_7700/area-51m_7700_compare.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51-M-7700&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT' target='_blank'>LINK</a>
<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'><a href='http://alienware.com/Configurator_Pages/area-51m_7700.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51-M-7700&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT' target='_blank'>CONFIGURE IT NOW!</a></span>
If you want a laptop built for gaming, the XPS Gen 2 from dell is decent, my friend has one which he loves (though its a bit of a chunky lappy in my mind). Keep in mind that both are gaming laptops, don't expect real portability, great battery life, or anything close to cheap prices.
(o and the last comparison link is a little out of date)
<!--QuoteBegin-DaJMasta+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (DaJMasta)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Don't get P4 lappies if your going intel, always get Pentium Ms.
The Pentium M 1.86 GHz CPU will perform on par with a P4 2.8 GHz with HT. Or at least close to it.
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Thank you for clearing that up.
<!--QuoteBegin-DaJMasta+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (DaJMasta)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->For AMD, they are desktop processors, just only in socket 754 variations (that I've seen).
Think of 5400 RPM as a minimum, many places don't offer less.
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Hmm... Looks like I'm going to have to pass up AMD on this round. <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/sad-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
HP had ~4000 rpm drives. Definitely a no-no.
<!--QuoteBegin-DaJMasta+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (DaJMasta)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Good graphics card: Definitely go for something current-generation, a 9800 pro or a 9700 pro is all fine and good, but theres big performance differences between the 9700, 9800, and x800 for example, and at least some shader features which will be taken more advantage of in the future. For graphics i would say an x600, x700, x800, GeForce Go 6800 or Go 6800 Ultra. Theres much less selection, sometimes splurgeing to get the expensive one isn't so bad.
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Good graphics card makes or breaks a sale in my opinion. I am an avid ATI advocate (ha! I'm funny), but if the 6800 does better than the x800, I'll go with that.
<!--QuoteBegin-DaJMasta+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (DaJMasta)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Look at some of these:
HP ZD8000 series (P4 cpu, but x600 graphics and a 17 inch display)
HP ZV6000 series (A64 cpu up to 4000, only downside is ati xpress 200M graphics....)
Dell Inspiron 9300 or Inspiron 6000 (only x300, but my friend just got one and it runs guild wars and CS:S just fine)
ACER, ABS, and ASUS make some kwality lappys worth taking a look at, just they are much less readily available.
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I did look at HP's offerings. The
<a href='http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_series.do?series_name=zd8000_series&catLevel=2&category=notebooks/hp_pavilion&storeName=computer_store' target='_blank'>ZD8000</a>
did catch my eye, the only(?) drawbacks being the P4 instead of P(M) and the x600.
The ZV6000 was fine until the graphics card. Have to pass.
The
<a href='http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspn_9300?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs' target='_blank'>Dell Inspiron 9300</a>
was also one I liked. Starts getting a bit pricey though.
ACER and ABS I'll have to look into. I checked ASUS, like you said, it's just harder to find.
<!--QuoteBegin-DaJMasta+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (DaJMasta)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Invest in the good screen, theres no point in a gaming lappy without a good screen (unless u have external monitor). Get something high resolution too, a 15.4 inch widescreen is just great most of the time when it can put out double the pixels as my desktop LCD (1280x1024) many can do 1400x1900 or so.
Buy a keyboard and mouse, don't wear out the built in keyboard when you don't have to.
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Good screen is now on my list. I plan on getting a comfortable mouse and keyboard, I <span style='color:red'><b>LOATHE</b></span> touchpads. Ick.
<!--QuoteBegin-DaJMasta+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (DaJMasta)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->O and memory, get a bunch, and get as few sticks as possible (unless it prevents you from dual channeling). It's the simplest upgrade on a laptop, and it's easier if you have an open slot.
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Amen.
Continued due to post limit reached ---->
<!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
And pick something you like. Don't get features you don't want or hardware you won't need, it's a huge investment and it can't change very much over its lifetime. If you can forsee alot of travelling, maybe a desktop replacement isnt the best idea either....<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yup, yup, and yeah, I'm still wrestling with the desktop idea, but really weight and size are not issues.
<!--QuoteBegin-DaJMasta+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (DaJMasta)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->finally, keep your laptop on an AC adapter when gaming. Because of power saving modes, running games on battery power can give you a 20-40% decrease in framerate.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
When I'm not plugged in, I'm only doing text/net/non-battery slaughtering tasks.
<!--QuoteBegin-antifreeze+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (antifreeze)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Current AMD Mobile processors are pretty crap to be honest, however...
As for Pentium M, they are pretty damn awesome. you will pay a bit more for a P-M but the batterylife and power is awesome for a mobile chip. Using "Speed Step XP" you can eek out that last little bit of battery life.
Edit:
I have a 1.6Ghz Pentium M 725. The 725 has a larger level 1 cache so they are a bit more powerful and i stll get around 3 hours battery life. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Once again, I'm sad that AMD doesn't perform as well in this area. Another Pentium M compliment. I'm starting to sway in that direction.
<!--QuoteBegin-RuBy+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (RuBy)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I have to echo the pentium M clan. I personally went for a p4 3.06Ghz on my laptop and I saw the consequences. It heats up to amazing temperatures and the battery life is an hour at most. I constantly need an extra fan blowing on it if I want it to function properly.
Also I didn't now that you could have separate video cards in laptops, but if they exist I would definitely recommend going for one as the onboard stuff nowadays is crap.
If portability isn't so much an issue have you considered Shuttle computers?<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Another one for the Pentium M. Definitely leaning towards that. I knew the P4 would heat up quickly, but geez. Separate video card is a MUST. Shuttle computers have been considered, but I need the porability of a lappy.
spinviper, you gave me a <a href='http://alienware.com/product_detail_pages/Area-51m_7700/area-51m_7700_features.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51-M-7700&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT' target='_blank'>link to the Area-51M 7700</a>
I had considered it, read reviews on it, and customized it. Two things I hold against it.
1)P4, the thing's going to burn. I read reviews about it. Although Alienware's cooling system is pretty good, that thing runs HOT.
2)Price, it starts HIGH. Understandable because of its components, but still. Yeesh.
<!--QuoteBegin-KungFuDiscoMonkey+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (KungFuDiscoMonkey)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I have a Dell Inspiron 9100
3.0 ghz P4
1 gb Ram
60 gb 7200 rpm HD
128 mb Mobile Radeon 9700
XP Pro
CDRW/DVD
802.11b/g card
I'm pretty sure it has a firewire port. It has 4 USB ports and has VGA,DVI, and another kind of video connection
The monitor I have runs nativly at 1680x1050
I forget the other specs but I've been very pleased with it. It does run rather hot, and if I want to play games on the battery, I can at best get about an hour. I can play HL2 on mostly high settings and Guild Wars I can run on max settings. I'm sure with the newer graphics cards you would be able to do better on some of the games. I will warn you, the 9100 (or later models) is a big computer. I often have people ask if I have my computer on a docking station. and they are fairly heavy.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I like the specs of that computer, and I'm guessing that the Inspiron 9300 is just a generation later? And the performance sounds promising. Heavy isn't too bad. I'm starting to like the Dell offerings.
Just so you know, when this thing is at it's normal resting place, it will be hooked into this.
<a href='http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834999412' target='_blank'>Notebook Cooler</a>
I'm also considering, if not now, later, getting a firewire HD for it. I know firewire beats USB, but how fast is it? Or should I look at getting a dock for the lappy?
Also, check this company out.
<a href='http://www.powernotebooks.com' target='_blank'>Power Notebooks</a>
<a href='http://www.resellerratings.com/seller_info.pl?seller_id=1980' target='_blank'>Resellerratings.com's rating for Power Notebooks</a>
Thank you for all of your help so far guys. <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
EDIT CAUSE I'M BLIND:
<!--QuoteBegin-Sandstorm+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Sandstorm)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> My little brother burned up his laptop, just by leaving it plugged in and running all the time. Maybe it was just his particular laptop. However, laptops do take significant performance hits, have less expansion room, and generally cost more, to give you portability. I'm guessing this is for College, so you really shouldn't be playing games on it anyways. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yeah, this lappy's off when it's not in use. No F@H (Folding @ Home) for it on its spare time.
Portability IS expensive, but it's needed. And about the "you're-at-college-so-you-shouldn't-be-playing-games-anyways" comment, you're right, but I might need the power for modeling or photoshopping. Or maybe just a few rounds of UT2k4 or HL2....... <!--emo&:0--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wow.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wow.gif' /><!--endemo-->
spinviper:
next time please refrain from posting all that when a simple link would suffice.
EDIT: $2,860 w/everything. That just hurts my eyes looking at it.
It's all you need to know - great service, kick @ss laptops and the best prices around.
It's all you need to know - great service, kick @ss laptops and the best prices around. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
After looking at that site and pulling up their ratings on resellerratings.com, I'm quite intrigued. Nice layout and prices. Fairly new company.
Does the ATI x800 = the nVidia 6800 Go? Is the 6800 Ultra worth more $$$?
Does the ATI x800 = the nVidia 6800 Go? Is the 6800 Ultra worth more $$$? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
*WARNING* RABID ATI FANBOI POST AHEAD *WARNING*
When it comes to the mobile GPUs, ATI has had the upper hand for a long time. My no-longer-so-great 9700 (128 MB VRAM) still runs HL2 at 1024x768, with 2x AA and 8x AF with every detail set to maximum. ^^ If you snag a laptop with an x600, you'll be good to go for a long time and still have good upgrade flexibility.
It meets all of the criteria for CPU, GPU, RAM, and screen (and some battery life doesn't hurt). The Pentium M is powerful enough for my needs.
If you have any other thoughts, feel free to post. Might be ordering soon if I don't change my mind (again).
One last question, XP Media Center or XP Pro?
Thanks for your help everyone. <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Currently, the x800 mobile and GeForce Go 6800 are fairly evenly matched (and to the few that can tell a difference not when side-by-side) ati cards generally have a nicer looking image (and a big leg up for boosting the AA). If you really want kicking graphics though, the x800XT mobile just came out, and the 6800 Ultra mobile is available in some machines.
And if you really like AMD (and can maybe wait a month) Mobile Turion processors are starting to show up in lappys, they are comparable (if not lower) power rating than the pentium M (and 64 bit i believe).
In the review they say screen is a problem.....make sure to get the best option you can.
But otherwise the 9300 does look great. (gets more than double my desktop's 3dmark05 score) <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<a href='http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=265225' target='_blank'>Turion x700 notebook</a>