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Features I consider in order of importance:

Cost- max of 1200$, though I'd prefer sub 1000$ (rather blow money on the desktop)

Durability - something w/ the rigidity of the Latitude Dseries (metal casings)- 30%

Screen resolution (preferably at least 1280x1024)- I'll live w/ less than that if I really have to. 30%

Should be able to read DVDs and write CD-Rs. Don't care about DVD burning, since the desktop can take over that and other storage related functions. 20%

Performance is not really that important- anything is faster than what I have now- preferably 512 of RAM though (more can be gotten later, so eh). If there is discrete graphics, I prefer nVidia (Linux compatibility), though I'll live w/ ATI. 20%

Trackpoint/joystick thing would be nice.

Decent wireless card (preferably Intel or some other Linux compatible chipset, or if not none at all, since I already have a PC card one).

I was looking at a D510/D610, but those were rather expensive (and 510 limited to 1024x768), so hopefully somebody knows of better deals?

Well, it's just me, but...

http://www.apple.com/ibook/

$999
1.33GHz PowerPC G4
512K L2 cache @1.33GHz
512MB memory (DDR333 SDRAM)
12.1-inch TFT Display
1024x768 resolution
ATI Mobility Radeon 9550
32MB DDR video memory
40GB Ultra ATA hard drive
Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
Built-in AirPort Extreme
Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
Scrolling Trackpad
Sudden Motion Sensor


It's got everything you list except, except a lower screen resolution than you wanted. And the card isn't Linux compatible but it already runs a UNIX-based OS.

AND it has Bluetooth and a GPU that can run some games (low VRAM, but a 9550 is quite good for a sub-$1000 laptop).

I know, you'll probably slap me just for posting it.

Check out Gotapex.com for the latest Dell deals and coupon codes.

Thanks to them, I got an Inspiron 9300 (P-M 1.6Ghz, 512MB, 40GB, DVD/CDRW, 64MB Radeon X300) and a carry bag for $967 shipped.
In other words, my Dell kicks some Apple ass.

I'd wait for Apple's PowerBooks to be updated, honestly. Normally, I don't really recommend Macs to Windows users unless they're just fed up with Windows, but you'll have a very difficult time finding a better-built, better-featured laptop than the PowerBook at its price point. They're extremely durable, have beautiful screens and the keyboards are the best in the mobile industry, bar none.

IBM/Lenovo T43 (1875E1U)

Pentium M 1.6GHz
14.1" 1024x768 LCD
Windows XP Home
256MB of RAM
40GB HD
CD-RW/DVD-ROM
Intel 2200BG WLAN
Intel GMA900

$1,064.35 after educational discount.

Durandal wrote:I'd wait for Apple's PowerBooks to be updated, honestly. Normally, I don't really recommend Macs to Windows users unless they're just fed up with Windows, but you'll have a very difficult time finding a better-built, better-featured laptop than the PowerBook at its price point. They're extremely durable, have beautiful screens and the keyboards are the best in the mobile industry, bar none.

He's actually a Linux user, at least that's the impression I got.

I'd agree with your recommendation except that it far exceeds his price point (it's $1399).

Asus z71v would be a good choice. 1600x1050 screen, gf6600 128mb video, P-M CPU. The cost varies depending on what you choose for CD / HD / RAM / CPU speed but it's generally around 1200.

Praxis wrote:Well, it's just me, but...

http://www.apple.com/ibook/

$999
1.33GHz PowerPC G4
512K L2 cache @1.33GHz
512MB memory (DDR333 SDRAM)
12.1-inch TFT Display
1024x768 resolution
ATI Mobility Radeon 9550
32MB DDR video memory
40GB Ultra ATA hard drive
Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
Built-in AirPort Extreme
Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
Scrolling Trackpad
Sudden Motion Sensor


It's got everything you list except, except a lower screen resolution than you wanted. And the card isn't Linux compatible but it already runs a UNIX-based OS.

AND it has Bluetooth and a GPU that can run some games (low VRAM, but a 9550 is quite good for a sub-$1000 laptop).

I know, you'll probably slap me just for posting it.

Seems nice (smaller than a D[65]10), but I might have to run Windows for later semesters, and my desktop PC is woefully underpowered (I might get a desktop as well, hence the need to be as cheap as possible on the laptop, but that can't be guaranteed). Having one mouse button on the touchpad also bothers me (and lack of TP).

phongn wrote:IBM/Lenovo T43 (1875E1U)

Pentium M 1.6GHz
14.1" 1024x768 LCD
Windows XP Home
256MB of RAM
40GB HD
CD-RW/DVD-ROM
Intel 2200BG WLAN
Intel GMA900

$1,064.35 after educational discount.

What about the R series?



The thing is that if it costs more than a D510 but still has only XGA resolution, I might as well go w/ the D510. I dislike Inspirons (maybe not the 700m though), and not too sure about Asus- I think I might just go w/ Dell or IBM.

Also, can't find anywhere to obtain discounts for IBM laptops (or for any other manufactuer for that matter- I go to GMU).
EDIT: Nevermind.

I think I'm going to get an IBM R50 for 900$ - sames specs as T43 but cheaper w/ WXP Pro - what's better about the Tseries? Lower weight- seems only a pound...

Look carefully at the specs if you're going IBM, you might not get a burner or WLAN or whatnot. The R-series is not quite as well built as the T-series but it is still a nice laptop.

phongn wrote:Look carefully at the specs if you're going IBM, you might not get a burner or WLAN or whatnot. The R-series is not quite as well built as the T-series but it is still a nice laptop.

How does it compare to the Latitude in terms of construction?

Whatever you do...

DO NOT GET A HEWLETT-PACKARD, EVEN THOUGH YOUR LIFE MAY DEPEND UPON IT!

The fucking piece of shit HP I had lasted fine for, oh, a month or two. And then it went downhill exponentially. To the point where, when power went out, it wouldn't last two minutes; it choked up every few hours or so; and frequent use of the reset button was necessary.

And I was stuck with it for two years.

If you must absolutely get HP, make sure you get the pay-through-the-nose 'You'll fucking replace this, hear?' warranty. Otherwise, you're just wasting your money. Trust me on that...

Elheru Aran wrote:[snip]

Or, just go with their business line. I liked my old HP quite a lot. Nothing went wrong with it for nearly 3 years, when the speakers required a new $2 fuse.

Pu-239 wrote:How does it compare to the Latitude in terms of construction?

Better, though still not quite as nice as the R-series.

Master of Ossus wrote:Or, just go with their business line. I liked my old HP quite a lot. Nothing went wrong with it for nearly 3 years, when the speakers required a new $2 fuse.

HP/Compaq's nc6230 actually compares quite nicely with Lenovo's T-series.

The Z-series is looking pretty slick too, but I have to see one before I can say anything. The HP nc-series is beautifully built.

Toshiba M45's have a 1200x800 widescreen with totally average build quality and performance. Not a great deal for the US version (the worldwide M40 is a much better deal, I think, since that's what I'm typing from). Check out the Acer 5000-series too - they're cheap and have Turions.

What about the HP NX series (I'm still leaning towards IBM though- the only reason why I'm considering the NX is the SXGA resolution, which doesn't seem worth 300$ more (HP doesn't seem to give student discounts for business notebooks)).

Just out of curiosity, if you spend a decent amount on a really good laptop, why bother getting a desktop?

Fleet Admiral JD wrote:Just out of curiosity, if you spend a decent amount on a really good laptop, why bother getting a desktop?

Upgrading laptops tends to be a bitch. You also aren't as flexible with what you can do, and then there's the whole heat issue. Plus, for a laptop to compete with a high-end gaming rig, you need to spend a good $5,000 for something you can get for under $1,000 to do the equivalent task.

Pu-239 wrote:What about the HP NX series (I'm still leaning towards IBM though- the only reason why I'm considering the NX is the SXGA resolution, which doesn't seem worth 300$ more (HP doesn't seem to give student discounts for business notebooks)).

I've got a nx7000, it's not a bad machine. However their quality control (2 years ago) leaves much to be desired (a considerable number of the computers had continuous problems, and basically every computer needed to have it's memory replaced). It's a fairly sturdy machine, though I dropped mine in the case one morning a little too hard and it required a whole new motherboard.

I wouldn't look at them specifically, but if you run into one for a good deal, it wouldn't be a terrible purchase (make sure to have at least a year's warranty though).

General Zod wrote:Upgrading laptops tends to be a bitch. You also aren't as flexible with what you can do, and then there's the whole heat issue. Plus, for a laptop to compete with a high-end gaming rig, you need to spend a good $5,000 for something you can get for under $1,000 to do the equivalent task.

It's more like 2 grand. Laptops are pretty good, the Pentium M's are powerful processors, and they can generally support 2 gigs of ram at a reasonable premium (though 1 gig should do the trick). The HD's are still a little slow (5400rpm standard, 7200rpm drives aren't cheap, but still pretty reasonable). What they lack is the high end graphics solutions. The top of the line mobile GPU is the 6800 ultra @ 256mb (upgradable), which, while good, isn't going to be as good down the road as a 7800gt, despite the similar pricing.

If you are interested in a high end laptop, I'd suggestthis one. It will run you just over 2 grand, but it should run this generation of games well, and the next fairly well.
Of course a similar desktop would be half the price, though there is something to be said for mobility.

InnocentBystander wrote: It's more like 2 grand. Laptops are pretty good, the Pentium M's are powerful processors, and they can generally support 2 gigs of ram at a reasonable premium (though 1 gig should do the trick). The HD's are still a little slow (5400rpm standard, 7200rpm drives aren't cheap, but still pretty reasonable). What they lack is the high end graphics solutions. The top of the line mobile GPU is the 6800 ultra @ 256mb (upgradable), which, while good, isn't going to be as good down the road as a 7800gt, despite the similar pricing.

For a cheaper made high-end laptop, sure. But for something like Voodoo, Alienware or Falcon NW, a high-end gaming laptop can -easily- run you 3 to 5 grand, depending on which options you decide to stick in it.

Is 100$ more for the R52 w/ a P-M 1.73 + GMA900 vs the R50 w/ a P-M 1.6 w/ 855GME worth it?

EDIT: Probably going for R52 w/ Radeon X300- (has SXGA) how do the Linux Radeon drivers compare to Intel's?

Also, is there any point to getting WinXP Pro instead of Home if the only thing I do on Windows is gaming and maybe some 3D apps? Can XP Home mount SMB shares?

EDIT:
Has anyone tried refunding their copy of Windows? I really don't need it since I can get Windows from MSDN, and would like to save 85$

General Zod wrote:For a cheaper made high-end laptop, sure. But for something like Voodoo, Alienware or Falcon NW, a high-end gaming laptop can -easily- run you 3 to 5 grand, depending on which options you decide to stick in it.

Yes, name brands do cost more. Buying a desktop from Alienware can cost 50-100% more too, so really it's not an issue. Also, alienware sells the supermassive sager np9880 (redone slightly of course). They foolishly use desktop p4's, wholly inferior products compared to AMDs and Pentium M's (at least for gaming).

Knowing where/what to buy is a big issue. While you could spend 5 grand on a high end laptop, you don't have to. I do believe that is why Pu-239 was looking for recommendations.

As an aside, I've heard that intel is coming out with it's dual core pentium M shortly, which would provide laptops with both high quality gaming without sacrificing some of the multi-tasking power of the p4s.

Pu-239 wrote:Linux drivers

Dangerous waters, it's only fairly recently that ATI started offering mobile drivers for their products for windows (before that you had to go to the laptop manufacturer for drivers). According to their website, you must get your drivers from the laptop vendor. However there is this, I'm not sure what it all means however.

Not sure how Nvidia works their mobile drivers.

InnocentBystander wrote:If you are interested in a high end laptop, I'd suggestthis one. It will run you just over 2 grand, but it should run this generation of games well, and the next fairly well.
Of course a similar desktop would be half the price, though there is something to be said for mobility.

ibuypower.com has some really nice 15.4'' lappies, now, and one that even uses a Turion for some variety. For a ridiculously high-end solution, though, go with Hypersonic. Their mobile solutions made my jaw drop when I saw them. One of their 17 inchers supports a 3.8 P4 and up to 4 GB's of RAM, and they've got a 15.4'' one that sports your choice of an AMD 4800+ or an FX-57. Their ACTUAL mobile solutions are comparatively crumby, but their DTR's are really impressive. If you're really out to drop several thousand dollars on a laptop then they have some really cool custom paint options for the guy who wants to take out a second mortgage against his house in order to get his own personalized gaming machine.

Um, guys, less than 1200$
Not too performance obsessed, more concerned w/ durability, portability and screen resolution (I obviously like squinting at high res on small monitors).

I think I'm finalized on the IBM/Lenovo R52 for 1121$, 1177 after tax ( - I though there were no sales taxes online? ).

Pu-239 wrote:Um, guys, less than 1200$
Not too performance obsessed, more concerned w/ durability, portability and screen resolution (I obviously like squinting at high res on small monitors).

I think I'm finalized on the IBM/Lenovo R52 for 1121$, 1177 after tax ( - I though there were no sales taxes online? ).

If IBM/Lenovo has an office in your state then you must pay sales tax. However, which model did you get and with what discount?