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Looking for Laptop Buying Advice

post #1 of 7
5/1/06 at 3:18am
Thread Starter 
I need to purchase a laptop for a "whirlwind" family trip across the country by train. I've been trying to research laptops for some time, and am not getting very definitive (to me) answers. I do not need the fastest and the most furious system, as I game on a decent home system. What I need is something that can effortlessly play DVDs, has (preferrably) a 17" screen for said DVDs, and has decent storage for pictures and video being collected on the trip. I need a firewire port for the video and a USB port for the camera. I'd like a DVD RW in case the hard drive isn't big enough for all the media. I'm getting no "warm fuzzies" on who the maker should be (Dell, HP, Toshiba, Lenovo, Acer, Gateway, Sony, etc...) I'm also not totally convinced on the processor, though I think I'm leaning towards the Intel Centrino. I don't want to spend a lot, and I don't think I'm asking for too much to be in the $1000 ball park. Can anyone recommend a system or sytems that will do what I want, be RELIABLE, and allow me to buy meals on this trip? Thanks!
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post #2 of 7
5/1/06 at 3:52am
a single core pentium M will last the longest for battery, so basically a good choice would be Acer TravelMate 5602WSMi

specs are

- Intel® Pentium® M Processor 735
- Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
- Integrated DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive
- 17.0" WXGA+ (1440 x 900) TFT display
- Mobile Intel® 910GML Express chipset with integrated graphics
- 802.11b/g WLAN, 10/100 LAN, V.92 modem
Power
AC Adapter: 100-240V AC AutoSensing Adapter
Battery: 44 W 4000 mAh Li-ion battery pack (6-cell)
- Up to 2.5 hours life depending on configuration and usage
- 2.5 hours recharge time with power off, 3.5 hours with power on

Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions: 15.75" (W) x 11.61" (D) x 1.57" (H)
Weight: 3.66 kg (8.06 lbs.) with 6-cell battery pack
- Size and weight may vary depending on configuration

$1249.95 CANADIAN or $1019USD
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post #3 of 7
5/1/06 at 4:29am
If you dont mind buying used, I would go for a dell i9300. I had one of those before I bought this one and it sounds like what you need/want and I am sure ou could get if for around 1000 bucks if not better. If not you could use a dell coupon and get a del i9400 new. It will have a so so video card, core duo, and prefer nicely. I haven't checked the prices at dell.com in while but i am willing to bet you could get it for 1100 or so. Either way both of these 17inchers should fit your bill nicely.
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post #4 of 7
5/1/06 at 11:17am
dell e1705
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post #5 of 7
5/1/06 at 12:24pm
pr50wner: I disagree, I think the Core Duo has equal or better battery life than single core Pentium M processors.

I agree with jmac87 and boomheadshot45, the Dell E1705 would be a good fit. Just wait for a good coupon and you should be able to get one with the specs you need for under $1000.
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post #6 of 7
5/1/06 at 1:24pm
The Core Duo does indeed have better battery life than P-M, several sites have done tests and the Duo does about 10-15% better on battery life.

If you want to get a laptop that's going to last you a while get the E1705. The Pentium M systems are still good, but they will be outdated in a short amount of time with all the restructuring that Intel is doing. If you don't want to have to upgrade soon then get the E1705, it's a great system and you can get it pretty cheap with just the basics and a DVD burner. Plus it has a firewire port, SD card reader and a beautiful 17" screen. If you decide you want to go smaller go with the E1505, it's a 15.4" system that's a little lighter but has the same basic hardware in it. They are both very nice, very fast laptops. You'd be very happy with either.
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post #7 of 7
5/1/06 at 9:20pm
I also recommend the E1705. The system is spun off of the Dell 9xxx series systems, which are known to be good 17" systems.
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