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NEED HELP FINDING A ULTRA PORTABLE LAPTOP WITH A TRACKPOINT

post #1 of 20
2/25/12 at 2:38am
Thread Starter 

 

Hey Guys, I am new on the forums, I have had many Laptops in the past.
 
Ok First of all my budget I wanna stay under $1000, but can go up on the price if I really feel like the laptop is WOW!
 
 
CLIFFS NOTES: 
**MAINLY NEED ULTRAPORTABLE LAPTOP WITH A TRACKPOINT!
**WANT 3-4 LB Laptop with Trackpoint and SSD Hard Drive, I Would like 13.3 inch screen or bigger, rest of the default configurations are ok (Core i5/i7 and etc)
 
I Would also Like something more of a Late 2011 or 2012 Model.
 
Past Laptops:
 
Dell D620
Dell Inspiron i8000
Thinkpad T60
Thinkpad X300
 
And Few Others, well my Thinkpad X300 is great except that the LCD is broken :(
 
I love the slim size, the light weight, the ssd fast runing hard drive, BUT THE MOST MOST IMPORTANT THING, I NEED A TRACKPOINT
 
If you see all my laptops you will have noticed they all have a trackpoints, I hate using the TOUCHPAD! I still do on other laptops but hate it and sitting in bed I cant use a Mouse, and I dont wanna use a Mouse all the time.
 
So What I am looking for is input on a Good New Laptop:
 
I want Thin and Lightweight, 4 LBS or under. I Really want macbook air size and a PC of course, but I am willing to go few lbs more if the pricing is better and I can get a bigger screen. I have a 13.3 inch on the X300 but I want to go bigger if possible
 
Thin as my X300, I want the size similar to my X300.
 
SSD Hard Drive
 
I saw the Thinkpad X1, but feel like it doesnt have that style that I want now, I am tired of black thinkpads, I love them, but for the money I am sure you guys can help me find something else.
 
My Friend told me to check out Samsung np900x3a - WOW SO SEXY! I LOVE IT, and its $950 at Best Buy, I would buy it in a heartbeat if it had a Trackpoint :(
 
-
 
Also If I get a laptop now on Windows 7, will upgrading to Windows 8 have any driver issues, and will everything work perfectly.
 
Honestly I hated Windows Vista, so I Used XP on all my computers till 7 Came out.
 
THANK YOU FOR READING ALL THIS LOL
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post #2 of 20
2/25/12 at 5:50am
Since IBM copyrighted trackpoints and then sold their notebook business (and corresponding intellectual property) to Lenovo, your best option would be to go to Lenovo's website to see what you like. They did license the tech to a few other companies for specific products, but on the whole you'll find almost every notebook with a trackpoint is made by Lenovo.

Regarding upgrades to Windows 8, Microsoft has stated that it has the same hardware requirements as Windows 7, but we won't know about specific driver compatability or issues until after it's released.
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post #3 of 20
2/26/12 at 3:02am
Thread Starter 

Ok I have rethought some things, I will do upto 4.5-5 lbs but still need a trackpoint and now I would like to be able to get 15 inch Screen, I honestly dont travel with it, it sits on my lap, but I just like it to be light, I had a T60 and it was heavy, but I think under 5 LBS will be better than what I have experienced.

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post #4 of 20
2/27/12 at 7:32pm
It looks like the Dell Latitude notebooks have trackpoints, and they definitely have different styling than Thinkpads. I just tried customizing the 14" 4.5lb E6420 with an SSD, and it priced at $1080 + tax, which is just a bit out of your budget, but still fairly close.
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post #5 of 20
2/27/12 at 8:23pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djembe View Post

It looks like the Dell Latitude notebooks have trackpoints, and they definitely have different styling than Thinkpads. I just tried customizing the 14" 4.5lb E6420 with an SSD, and it priced at $1080 + tax, which is just a bit out of your budget, but still fairly close.


Just looked at that, Price I am sure I can find a good deal with discounts, and it seems you have found a perfect laptop due to its 14 inch screen and weight and trackpoint, but the only thing bothering me about it, is that the resolution of the display is only 1366x768.

 

I have always been used to high resolution, even on my x300 it was 13.3 but 1440x900. Am I asking for too much and a very high end laptop if I want high Resolution.  I feel there is so many good deals out there, I bought my dad a LENOVO Y550 IDEAPAD FOR $559 with nice features in 2009, it broke and he bought a LENOVO for $380+tax, 

 

and Here I am looking at a $1000 computer with same display resolution and similar things. I guess I am paying for the lightweight of the laptop and the SSD Drive.  I know smaller is more expensive, because I paid over $1500-2000 for my x300.

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post #6 of 20
2/27/12 at 8:27pm
Thread Starter 


OK I guess I was wrong and there is a 1600x900 resolution version of the display called a HD+.

 

Now My question would be, does this have the IPS Display like many reviews are craving, I know IPS is great as my iPad2 has it, and also the brightness factor 320 cd/m, how does that work, is there brighter laptops.

 

I guess I am asking for too much in my budget

Quote:
Originally Posted by xraheelx View Post



Just looked at that, Price I am sure I can find a good deal with discounts, and it seems you have found a perfect laptop due to its 14 inch screen and weight and trackpoint, but the only thing bothering me about it, is that the resolution of the display is only 1366x768.

 

I have always been used to high resolution, even on my x300 it was 13.3 but 1440x900. Am I asking for too much and a very high end laptop if I want high Resolution.  I feel there is so many good deals out there, I bought my dad a LENOVO Y550 IDEAPAD FOR $559 with nice features in 2009, it broke and he bought a LENOVO for $380+tax, 

 

and Here I am looking at a $1000 computer with same display resolution and similar things. I guess I am paying for the lightweight of the laptop and the SSD Drive.  I know smaller is more expensive, because I paid over $1500-2000 for my x300.



 

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post #7 of 20
2/28/12 at 3:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by xraheelx View Post



OK I guess I was wrong and there is a 1600x900 resolution version of the display called a HD+.

Now My question would be, does this have the IPS Display like many reviews are craving, I know IPS is great as my iPad2 has it, and also the brightness factor 320 cd/m, how does that work, is there brighter laptops.

I guess I am asking for too much in my budget



It's not necessarily too much for your budget for the screen, but the combination of the trackpoint (which is comparatively rare and typically only found on business models), the SSD, and the screen is going to drive the price up. HP Elitebooks, for example, may have everything you want (although I haven't checked about the trackpoint), but for the options are going to be way out of your price range (and they also look rather similar to Thinkpads). Lenovo also has everything you want, spec-wise, but you don't like the styling so that's out. There are computers like the Samsung Series 9 you mentioned or the Asus Zenbook that meet the screen and SSD requirements but don't have the essential trackpoint, etc. Essentially, you're going to have a hard time finding something with a trackpoint, the style you want, an SSD, and a high-resolution screen without seriously overshooting your budget.
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post #8 of 20
2/28/12 at 8:52pm
Thread Starter 

So I have changed my decision, I used a few touchpads and noticed that as it is a big touchpad, I can use it properly, I used my dads LENOVO B570 for a hour and I found Touchpads are not that Bad.

 

Ok So the new DELL XPS 13 ULTRABOOK IS OUT

 

My Requirements of course are:

 

-MAX WEIGHT 4.5 LBS (WOULD PREFER UNDER 4 LBS) - THIN Under a Inch

-13-15 Inch Display (Want 14 inch Really) - High Resolution AT LEAST 1440 IF NOT 1600x900 - I LIKE THE WUXGA

-DISPLAY Should be the brightest out - I dont know the exact CD/M Numbers but I want a Bright Display and if possible the IPS Style which is more recommended and on my iPad 2

-SSD Hard Drive

-A NEWER 2011 or 2012 MODEL

 

I am wondering if I should go ahead and get a Ultrabook? THANK YOU!

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post #9 of 20
2/29/12 at 5:48am
If you're going the Ultrabook way, check out the Asus Zenbook UX31. It's got the best screen in an Ultrabook (1600x900 & 450 nit brightness), the fastest SSD in an Ultrabook (500+MB/s transfer speed), and looks pretty good, too. It's got a 13.3" screen and weighs under 3 pounds.
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post #10 of 20
2/29/12 at 6:45pm
Thread Starter 

 

I found a guy on Craigslist selling a E6320 for $600
 
Is it a good laptop and a decent price, He said he bought it new in September of 2011 and its got 4 Months left on Warranty.
 
He Bought it with Less Ram and Now has 6 or 8 GB of Ram (His Post and Title say Different, Waiting for his email)
 
He Also says it came with a 250 GB HD and He Added a Samsung 128 GB SSD, I dont know if he added it or replaced it, he could have done either (Waiting on reply)
 
Dell Latitude - E6320. 
13.1 LED Screen 1377x768 Res. 
Proc - i5 - 2520m, 2.5ghz. Sandy Bridge
Samsung 128 SSD
Warranty for 4 months from dell - with complete care replacement
6gb RAM
webcam
Finger Print reader
Bluetooth
Changer
Windows 7 Ult 
Office 2010 - LEGAL - not a hacked copy that will be rendered useless by windows update
backlit keyboard
6 cell extended 4 hour battery !
 
Yes I got from dell, I have the box, AC is 65 watt= Dell issue.
Battery is 6 cell extended. BT is whatever is standard for that model / The until came with a 250gb hdd and I added the Samsung SSD, and upgraded the Ram 
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post #11 of 20
2/29/12 at 6:49pm
Thread Starter 

 

Or a Thinkpad E420 for $525
 
I want to sell my ThinkPad E420 equipped with Intel i5-2430M CPU + 6GB Memory + 500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive + 720P HD Camera + Bluetooth 3.0
 
Details:
 
+Processor Intel Core i5-2430M 2nd gen Processor (sandy Bridge, 2.40GHz base, 3.0GHz turbo, 3MB L3, 1333MHz)
 
+Hard drive 500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
 
+Total memory 6 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz
 
+Camera 720p HD Camera
 
+Bluetooth Bluetooth 3.0
 
Operating system Windows 7 x64
 
Display type 14.0" W HD (1366x768), AntiGlare, Midnight Black
 
System graphics Intel HD Graphics 3000
 
Optical device DVD RW, Multi Recorder Optical Drive (12.7mm)
 
Keyboard spill resistant Keyboard US English
 
Pointing device UltraNav with TrackPoint & touchpad
 
HDMI yes
 
Battery 6 cell 2.2Ah Li-Ion Battery
 
Power cord Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter
 
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters ThinkPad b/g/n
 
+within 1 year Warranty 
 
 
This is a decent laptop with superb configuration. 
The condition is very new. I have used it for less than ten hours in total. Since I have another laptop, I could sell it to save money.
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post #12 of 20
2/29/12 at 6:59pm
With the Dell you found on Craigslist, you get the trackpoint, the SSD, and non-Thinkpad styling. It would work fine for you as long as you're willing to compromise on the screen (standard resolution) and the thickness (1.2 inches thick).

From your earlier posts, I don't know why you would be considering the Thinkpad since you said you didn't like their style. It also has a standard-res screen, is thicker than an inch, and doesn't have an SSD.
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post #13 of 20
2/29/12 at 7:05pm
Thread Starter 

I was thinking of buying a SSD and replacing the Hard Drive if I got the Thinkpad for a Bargain, Maybe $400-450? (Samsung 470 series 128 GB SSD on Craigslist for $100-140)

 

Far as the E6320 goes, its light weight right like 4.2-4.4 lbs? so Thickness is not as bad if its lightweight, and its full of features - SHould I try to bargain on it, or is $600 a decent price for it?

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post #14 of 20
2/29/12 at 7:06pm
Thread Starter 

I figured if I get a used laptop for $400-600 I Shouldnt cry about the screen and minor details, I will get a nicer one when Windows 8 comes out, I just want 4.5 LBS and under laptop, The trackpoint is not a big concern anymore, mostly SSD, but I can do that myself, I want a decent screen but Doesnt have to be the best

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post #15 of 20
2/29/12 at 7:18pm
Thread Starter 
I saw so many nice ultrabooks coming out for windows 8 like lenovos u300/400 that I told myself to wait and go the cheaper route, I realize I should look on craigslist and grab one for a deal thats slightly used. But I do wanter better screen, issue is those are rare, I can swap hd to ssd but screen i have to find it on craigslist
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post #16 of 20
2/29/12 at 7:44pm
If you're going to get a new computer this year when Windows 8 comes out, why not just wait until then?
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post #17 of 20
2/29/12 at 9:43pm
Thread Starter 
Because I am tired of using my X300 with broken lcd on right side, I put it in marketplace to sell, I want something to get me by, but dont mind spending if its a good deal. I like picking up my x300 with one hand, its easy n light, but the zenbook I checked out at bestbuy felt heavier on one hand even though its same weight, I think its because of the bigger n wider size maybe? I even picked up a Samsung Series 9, and a series 5, they felt ok but why does my x300 feel lighter lol, or is it just my brain, either way I realized I cant deal with a 4+ LB system, I am soo confused
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post #18 of 20
3/4/12 at 11:19pm
Thread Starter 

what do you guys think about this laptop

 

Staples.com has HP Pavilion DM4-3050US Laptop for $649.99 - $100 Rebate - $50 Rebate = $499.99 with free shipping. Thanks wir3d

Specs:
Intel Core i5-2450M Processor (2.5GHz)
14" LED Display (1366x768)
6GB DDR3 Memory
750GB Hard Drive
Intel HD 3000
Bluetooth
DVDRW
Webcam
6-Cell Battery
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit

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post #19 of 20
3/5/12 at 8:18am
Very decent price for the specifications.

cheers ...
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post #20 of 20
3/5/12 at 12:13pm
Thread Starter 
So I went ahead and got the laptop, Now I am wondering since I like SSD HD's so much, if I get a 128 gb hd and will it be much faster than the 5400 rpm 750 gb hd that it comes with, and I have a external so would I get good money for the 750 gb if I sell it, to at least cover some of the SSD cost, I have a external for extra storage.

It has 6 GB, but can go upto 16 GB, is more memory worth it since its cheap or is that more than enough, and again if I eold the stock memory could I get some decent money for it, on craigslist or forums or eBay?

Last but not least I hear this model has a port so u can hotswap a backlit keyboard in it from another stock HP keyboard.

I do wanna do the SSD if possible, I see Kingston HyperX 128 gb for $180, is it worth it, and would I just clone the recovery partition from the original HD?

Thanks guys!
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