Choosing a notebook

[Sanchez]

So in less than a month I'm going to get a nice big cheque for a laptop of my choice. I'm looking for an ultra mobile notebook because they look sick, and they're small and i'm only looking for a web browser and some casual gaming, Red Alert 2 and such.

I'm looking for something 12" or lower that meets my budget of £1700 (actually an estimation of what i'll be getting, if it's a little higher I can pay the difference).

 

I've narrowed it down to 3 choices although if you have a better idea, pray tell.

 

1. Asus U2E

Processor & Cache Memory

 

Intel® Core™ Duo Processor U7500 : 1.06 GHz FSB: 533MHz, 2MB L2 Cache;

 

Mobile Intel® GM965 Express Chipset + ICH8M

Main Memory

 

DDR2 667 MHz SDRAM, 2 x SODIMM socket for expansion up to 4GB SDRAM

Display

 

11.1" WXGA

LED backlight ColorShine,Color-Shine (Glare-type),Asus Splendid Video Intelligent Technology

Video Graphics & Memory

 

Embedded Intel® GMA X3100

Hard Drive

32GB SSD + 160GB External HDD

 

Optical Drive

5.25" , 9.5 mm

Combo:

DVD Super Multi Double Layer:

Card Reader

 

8 in 1 card reader: SD,MMC,MS,MS-Pro,mini SD w/ adapter,MS-Duo,MS-Pro Duo via adapter

Video Camera

 

0.3 Mega Pixel web camera

(Optional)

Fax/Modem/LAN/WLAN

 

Integrated Intel® High Definition Audio chip ( Azalia) compliant MDC fax/modem and 10/100/1000 Base T

Built-in Bluetoothâ„¢ V2.0+EDR(optional feature)

Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN or Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection(optional)

 

1 x Microphone-in jack

1 x Headphone-out jack (S/PDIF)

1 x VGA port/Mini D-sub 15-pin for external monitor

3 x USB 2.0 ports

1 x RJ11 Modem jack for phone line

1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert

1 x micro-DVI port

 

Pros:

Comes with 3 AND 9 cell battery.

Most memory(but most of it external)

Second nicest looking, especially in black.

Great screen density (1368x768)

Benchmarked 8 hour battery life light usage on 9 cell

2. Toshiba R500

Technology type : Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology featuring Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor Ultra Low Voltage U7700, Intel® Wireless WiFi™ Link 4965AGN network connection and Intel® 945GMS Express chipset

clock speed : 1.33 GHz

front side bus : 533 MHz

2nd level cache : 2 MB

Operating system Genuine Windows® Vista® Business Edition

System memory standard : 2,048 (1,024 + 1,024) MB

maximum expandability : 2,048 MB

technology : DDR2 RAM (667 MHz)

Solid State Drive capacity : 64 GB

height : 3.0 mm

Display size : 12.1 "

type : WXGA Transflective TFT High Brightness display with LED backlight technology

internal resolution : 1,280 x 800

Graphics adaptor manufacturer : Intel®

type : Intel® GMA 950

memory : up to 256MB total available graphics memory with 2GB system memory

memory type : shared

Internal video modes

Max External Video Modes Max Resolution : 1,920 x 1,440

Max Refresh Rate : 100 Hz

Non-interlaced resolution with max refresh rate : 1,280 x 1,024

Interfaces 1 x DC-in

1 x external monitor

1 x expansion bus connector

1 x RJ-45

1 x i.LINK® (IEEE 1394)

1 x SD Card slot

1 x external microphone

1 x headphone (stereo)

3 (Left 2, Right 1) x USB 2.0

Expansion 1 x memory slot

PC Card slot for 1x Type II card, type : connects to Slim Port Replicator II (optional)

number of expansion types : 1

Wireless communication Wireless Technology : Bluetoothâ„¢

Compliancy : Wi-Fiâ„¢

Network Support : 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N

Wireless Technology : Wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/Draft-N)

Wired communication topology : Gigabit Ethernet LAN

speed : 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T

Sound system supported audio format : 24-bit stereo

speakers : built-in monaural speaker

Keyboard keys : 86

Windows keys : 2

special features : spill-resistant keyboard

Pointing device type : Touch Pad

interface : PS/2

Battery technology : lithium-ion

maximum life : currently no official Windows Vista® battery benchmark result available

AC adaptor input voltage : autosensing AC adapter (100/240 V) for worldwide usage

Physical dimensions W x D x H : 283 x 215.8 x 19.5 (front) / 25.5 (rear) mm

weight : starting at 0.779 kg

 

 

 

Pros:

Lightest and thinnest

64GB SSD

3 year warranty

8 hours of battery according to Toshiba.

 

3. Sony TZ

 

Product Description Sony VAIO TZ31WN/B - Core 2 Duo U7600 1.2 GHz - 11.1" TFT

Dimensions (WxDxH) 27.7 cm x 19.8 cm x 3 cm

Weight 1.2 kg

Localisation English / United Kingdom

Platform Technology Intel Centrino Duo

System Type Notebook

Built-in Devices Wireless LAN aerial, Bluetooth aerial

Embedded Security Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) Security Chip , fingerprint reader

Processor Intel Core 2 Duo U7600 / 1.2 GHz ULV ( Dual-Core )

Cache Memory 2 MB - L2 Cache

RAM 2 GB (installed) / 2 GB (max) - DDR II SDRAM - 533 MHz ( 1 x 2 GB )

Card Reader Yes

Hard Drive 120 GB - 4200 rpm

Optical Storage DVD±RW (+R double layer) / DVD-RAM - integrated

Display 11.1" TFT 1366 x 768 ( WXGA ) - X-black

Graphics Controller Intel GMA 950

Memory Allocation Technology Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0

Audio Output Sound card

Telecom Fax / modem / cellular modem - 56 Kbps

Wireless Broadband (WWAN) HSDPA

Networking Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft), Bluetooth 2.0 EDR

Notebook Camera Integrated - 0.3 Megapixel

Input Device Keyboard, touchpad

Battery Lithium Ion

Run Time (Up To) 7 hour(s)

Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Business

Manufacturer Warranty 1 year warranty

 

Pros:

Looks sick

Second lightest and thinnest

Good screen res

Built in HSDPA.

 

So if you were me which would you go for? I think i'm currently siding with the Asus U2E

[Caris]

Thought you were getting a Macbook Air? That's what i would advise but if you want a Windows notebook get the Dell m1330 for sure. It's the bad boy of portable notebooks imo.

 

[Sanchez]

Eh, changed my mind on the Air after the hype died down, I'm going to give priority to other form factors than thickness and if I was to get an Air I would want an SSD (£2000). No SSD is a fairly big con on the Sony's part as well.

[That Guy]

Sony one does look good, and I do think they offer high quality products.

 

I've totally done a U-Turn in Sony over the last 6 months.

[thirtynine.]

My mum has the toshiba, the screen is horrid, the back light is really visable and not distributed across the screen properly. And the mousepad feels nasy and rough, and the mouse clicky bits are not so great, but the machine its self is great, if you can get over those features.

[Caris]

I would pick the Sony as well.

[Konfucius]

I'd get the Toshiba but I don't think either of them are a bad choice.

But I wouldn't take the Asus because it doesn't have a Core 2. Not that you need 64bit support but the Core 2 keeps quite a bit cooler.

[McPhee]

If you'd use the HSDPA connection then the Sony.

 

There's always this too: http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/170232/

 

Not sure when it will arrive over here though. I'd think it'll be about £1700 once the stores get a hold of it, rather than the £1700 + VAT of the RRP. It's basically Lenovo's take on the Macbook Air, only it has more USB ports, a DVD Drive, HSDPA, Wireless N and an SSD (although it is slightly larger and heavier)

[Sanchez]

Yes, I briefly considered the X300 but honestly, Lenovo need to get over the goddamn 1990's thinkpad look, I find it disgusting.

 

I think I would use the HSDPA connection, that does mean that I can just slip my 3 simcard in there and use it for mobile internet, right?

[nightwolf]

Thought you were getting a Macbook Air? That's what i would advise but if you want a Windows notebook get the Dell m1330 for sure. It's the bad boy of portable notebooks imo.

 

 

Eurgh don't get the macbook air the damn thing only has one usb and even then if you want to use CD's you have to buy an extra thingy to do it!

 

 

I'm not sure I'm allowed but I'm going to thread hijack. For my birthday in june my parents want to buy me a laptop for uni, which will be for game design and some heavy games along with lots of space for music and whatnot.

 

However I don't think my budget is huge I'm thinking something like 800pounds if not less.

 

I don't really care about screen size but 17" would be nice, along with 3 usbs and cd-drive. I have to be pretty careful where I buy it from because my parents aren't one from buying online with websites they don't know about.

 

picky eh!

[AeroScap]

Nightwolf:

 

If you are going to be a doing games and heavy game playing I would recommend you go for a desktop!! with 800 squids you can get a 20" mon and a quad core and a MASSIVE HD etc for that money! deffo the way to go imo for uni.

 

I just carry everythign around with a usb stick! and the uni pcs are more than adequate for when you want to use it!!!

 

PS: I got a 500gb with mine and i cant possible dream of filling it.. (inside of 1year :P) + my 20" dual core 500gb 9600GTS was only 600!!

[nightwolf]

hmm, I've not had a desktop for two years now haha ^.^, I'm not really sure a desktop is an option, although it maybe easier, I will have to keep with a laptop, which is why I'm asking for help.

 

The problem is also because right now I cannot keep a desktop in my room so for 8 to 10weeks I will have nothing and then have to sort it whilst I'm at uni which isn't something I want to do.

[Caris]

Dell XPS M1530.

[McPhee]

hmm, I've not had a desktop for two years now haha ^.^, I'm not really sure a desktop is an option, although it maybe easier, I will have to keep with a laptop, which is why I'm asking for help.

 

The problem is also because right now I cannot keep a desktop in my room so for 8 to 10weeks I will have nothing and then have to sort it whilst I'm at uni which isn't something I want to do.

 

What i'd do is spend £600 on a desktop and get an EeePC for notes and stuff. You get the best of both worlds and you'll have a monitor to plug you're 360 in to, saving you money on a TV

[nightwolf]

True, I'm probably won't though, Right now the only things I care about is having at least 1gb ram, duo core 2, and a decent enough graphics card.

 

I'll probably buy a seperate tv, just because. So I wanted to I could connect my laptop to the screen. If it was needed, which I doubt it.

[RoadKill]

Gaming on a laptop is not the right way to do it, it's expensive, will have shit battery life, and will get hot - all whilst being slower than a cheaper equivalent desktop.

 

Desktops are for gaming, laptops are for light usage.

 

Depends on your requirements though - but since you say "heavy games" and "lots of space" there really is no better option than a desktop, where drives cost a fraction of laptop drives, and are quicker...

[nightwolf]

Gaming on a laptop is not the right way to do it, it's expensive, will have shit battery life, and will get hot - all whilst being slower than a cheaper equivalent desktop.

 

Desktops are for gaming, laptops are for light usage.

 

Depends on your requirements though - but since you say "heavy games" and "lots of space" there really is no better option than a desktop, where drives cost a fraction of laptop drives, and are quicker...

 

Sigh..the day when people will listen, eh? I've already said that for me a desktop really isn't an option, I frankly have nowhere to put it.

 

Heavy gaming is due to doing a games design course. Of course a desktop is quicker and god knows I'd love to have a desktop again, but I can't as I've already said.

 

If I can I'll buy myself a desktop whilst at uni, but for now I'm having to stick with a laptop.

[RoadKill]

Sigh..the day when people will listen, eh? I've already said that for me a desktop really isn't an option, I frankly have nowhere to put it.

 

Heavy gaming is due to doing a games design course. Of course a desktop is quicker and god knows I'd love to have a desktop again, but I can't as I've already said.

 

If I can I'll buy myself a desktop whilst at uni, but for now I'm having to stick with a laptop.

 

Oh, I listen, I'm just telling you how it is, and clearly you don't realise how small you could make a powerful desktop, still for less than a laptop - Micro ATX boards and cases are fully featured and not very expensive.

[nightwolf]

I know how cheap desktops are jesus holy mother of computing. I've said I can't get one and you insist on giving me information I frankly already know.

[MoogleViper]

I know how cheap desktops are jesus holy mother of computing. I've said I can't get one and you insist on giving me information I frankly already know.

 

What he's saying is you can get some desktops that are small.

 

What are your reasons for not being able to have a desktop anyway?

[Caris]

Dell XPS M1530.

 

I'd go with this guy. Dell m1530 is an awesome Notebook. Sexy as hell, thin, light, well priced, 3 year onsite warrenty and fair priced.

 

Oh and very fast for a Notebook, should handle most games fine.

[nightwolf]

What he's saying is you can get some desktops that are small.

 

What are your reasons for not being able to have a desktop anyway?

 

I've said already that I personally have no where to put it, I have no desk, nowhere even downstairs in the house to put it..

 

This is why it's so difficult, I'd love to have a desktop and I will probably end up with one next year whilst at uni, if I can afford it.

 

I know you can get very small desktops, but frankly I don't even have enough space for a pair of shoes on a non-exsistant desk...never mind a computer

[McPhee]

I'd go with this guy. Dell m1530 is an awesome Notebook. Sexy as hell, thin, light, well priced, 3 year onsite warrenty and fair priced.

 

Oh and very fast for a Notebook, should handle most games fine.

 

This is the problem Caris:

 

I'm looking for something 12" or lower

 

That Dell is 15.4"

 

It's a great laptop, but it doesn't fit in here.

[Sanchez]

This is the problem Caris:

 

 

 

That Dell is 15.4"

 

It's a great laptop, but it doesn't fit in here.

 

No, that was a reply to nightwolf's request. And I would also recommend it.

 

Can you confirm this for me?

I think I would use the HSDPA connection, that does mean that I can just slip my 3 simcard in there and use it for mobile internet, right?

[McPhee]

Can you confirm this for me?

 

It does, yes. Just make sure you check data costs with you're mobile phone operator or you're gonna get stung with some heavy bills.

 

Try T-Mobile, you can take out a data contract with them for £15 per month or add Web&Walk onto you're existing contract.