<p>Let me first apologize for potentially wasting your time with another "I need a laptop for college!" thread. I've been browsing through CNET.com for reviews and profiles of different laptops and their performances. It has proved to be a very valuable website, yet I am still in search for more advice! I don't plan on getting a laptop until weeks or months from now, but I can never start my search too early!</p>
<p>Anyway, to the point: I'm still unfamiliar with what is the "norm" concerning laptops, but I was thinking of a 15'' screen, 80 GB HD, 1 G RAM, and the touchscreen feature would be great. Are these all reasonable features for a laptop? I will mostly be using it for typing things up, going online, and even playing a few games (I'm not a gamer though). I found the touchscreen feature to be useful, because the touchpad mouse can be very annoying sometimes.
[ul]
[li]Would a 15'' screen be sufficient for potentially watching movies, etc.?</p>[/li]
<p>[li]I currently have 1 G RAM on my desktop computer, and I have experienced no problems at all when accessing/engaging multiple programs, doing my work, etc.</p>[/li]
<p>[li]I probably won't use the 80 GB HD, but I've been told that it is a good idea to always have more HD space than you expect to use--for performance/speed purposes, as little of an effect this might present.</p>[/li]
<p>[li]I'm not looking for the latest, greatest video card but rather one that is sufficient in playing movies, etc. relatively quickly. Any suggestions? What are the average models (bits) for these video cards? What is the highest/lowest bits (?) for graphics cards?</p>[/li]
<p>[li]A relatively lightweight laptop is also desired. Any information on this would be greatly appreciated![/ul]</p>[/li]
<p>I've been searching around for laptops, and though I've only really seen a few different company models, I'd like to read about more. I recently looked at Averatec and thought they had interesting options. Has anyone used an Averatec laptop? What are your opinions on it/them?</p>
<p>One last thing--is it possible to get the aforementioned specs on a laptop that is under or between $2000 to $2100?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for all the insight and help while I go through this difficult process of choosing a laptop!</p>
<p>Toshiba has a pretty good touchscreen laptop starting at $999 base. 14.1inch screen, something like 40GB, 256MB RAM, whatever else....if you configure it to your specs it'll be around $1500-$1800</p>
<p>Toshiba:
<a href="http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/clin.to?coid=-26368%5B/url%5D">http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/clin.to?coid=-26368</a>
Apples:
<a href="http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/routingpage.html%5B/url%5D">http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/routingpage.html</a>
Macbook pro(15inch) starts at $1799 for college students. With your specs I expect around $2k-just over $2100.
Ibook (14inch) starts at something like $1200 for students. With your specs I suspect around $1500-$1600.</p>
<p>no no no no no</p>
<p>newegg.com</p>
<p>I just got my laptop two weeks ago.</p>
<p>Acer Aspire 9500 with 17" widescreen
512 MB of 5000something RAM (pretty much top of the line)
1.5 ghz M processsor (the only setback)
DVD burner - dual layer
80 GB hard drive
5 USB ports
remote control
3.5 hour battery life
7something lbs
built in wifi</p>
<p>all for only $900</p>
<p>It's so good for watching movies.</p>
<p>btw you don't need a touchscreen, just get a $20 USB optical mouse</p>
<p>I'm sorry for not clarifying before, but I confused "touchscreen" with "Tablet PC". I've come across about 4 models, but each seem to have 512 MB RAM installed.</p>
<p>Acers are crap!!!! Don't get it.</p>
<p>Sony SZ line is SICK</p>
<p>In addition to CNET, <a href="http://forum.notebookreview.com/%5B/url%5D">http://forum.notebookreview.com/</a> (notebookreview.com's forum) might be helpful.</p>
<p>I actually found a complied list of Tablet PC (Convertibles and traditional Tablets) from Microsoft's website, if anyone else is interested:
ttp://<a href="http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/tabletpc/evaluation/products.mspx%5B/url%5D">www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/tabletpc/evaluation/products.mspx</a></p>
<p>This technology seems to be fairly new, so the prices of these are still high compared to peer laptops (which is expected, of course). Now, I'm debating whether a Tablet PC would really be worth it. It seems as though the Averatec gives the best value (cheap and quality) for the buck. I've read good reviews about it.</p>
<p>However, the Averatec comes with only 512 MB RAM and I don't know whether it is upgradable or not. Any added advice would be great! Thanks.</p>
<p>P.S.- Any inputs on Tablet PCs in general would be appreciated as well, thanks!</p>
<p>I actually just found an interesting Gateway:
<a href="http://www.gateway.com/products/GConfig/proddetails.asp?system_id=cx200x&seg=hm%5B/url%5D">http://www.gateway.com/products/GConfig/proddetails.asp?system_id=cx200x&seg=hm</a></p>
<p>After talking to various people, they all seem to have the general opinion that AMD is desired over Intel M. Unfortunately the Gateway laptop aforementioned does not come with AMD. Can anyone give his/her thoughts on AMD or the Gateway laptop? Thanks!</p>
<p>P.S.- This Gateway laptop has an integrated Graphics Card. How will this affect the DVD quality? Will I be able to tell the difference?</p>
<p>Edit:</p>
<p>Actually, a "64MB Graphics w/ HyperMemory Technology" can be included (instead of the integrated graphics card) for $100 more. If anyone is curious, you can press "customize" from the aforementioned link for more detailed, customizable features.</p>
<p>I really think this is a great deal overall, but I would still love some more opinions on it! Thanks!</p>
<p>I don't want it to flood this thread with useless posts, but I've customized a laptop (Tablet PC convertible) that seems like a pretty good deal. The following are the specs:</p>
<p>Gateway® CX200X</p>
<p>[ul][li]**Operating System:* * Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet PC Edition </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Application Software: Microsoft® Works 8.5 </p>[/li]
<p>[li]**Processor:* * Intel® Pentium® M Processor 750 (1.86GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache) ........ [+US$50.00] **</p>[/li]
<p>[li]Memory:* * 1024MB 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2-512MB modules) (limited time promotion) </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Video: * * ATI Mobility Radeon® X600 64MB Graphics w/ HyperMemory Technology ........ *[+US$100.00] *</p>[/li]
<p>[li]Hard Drive:** 80GB 5400rpm Serial ATA hard drive (limited time promotion) </p>[/li]
<p>[li]**Optical Drive:* * Modular 8x Multi-Format Double Layer DVD Writer (DVD±R/±RW/CD-RW) </p>[/li]
<p>[li]**Extended Service Plan Including Limited Warranty:* * Notebook Value Service Plan -- 1 year parts/labor/no on-site/1 year technical support </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Digitizer Pens: * * Gateway Executive Stylus Pen w/ Continuous Sensing Technology </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Speakers: ** External speakers not selected </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Battery: * * Primary 12-cell Lithium ion battery with AC pack and 1 yr. limited battery warranty (to accommodate additional cells, this battery extends beyond the end of the system) ........ *[+US$44.00] *</p>[/li]
<p>[li]Security Software: * No Security Subscription Selected </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Floppy Drive: *** 7-in-1 media card reader (Memory Stick®, Memory Stick Pro®, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, xD Picture Card, Mini Secure Digital, RS-MultiMediaCard) </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Expansion Slots: *<a href="1">/i</a> Type II PC card slot </p>[/li]
<p>[li]**External Ports:* <a href="3">/i</a> USB 2.0, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), VGA </p>[/li]
<p>[li]**Screen:* * 14.0" WXGA TFT Active Matrix (1280 x 768 max. resolution) with Rotating Hinge for Tablet Functionality </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Keyboard and Mouse: Full-Size Keyboard and EZ Pad® Pointing Device </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Multimedia Package: Integrated sound and stereo speakers, headphone/speaker jack, and mic jacks </p>[/li]
<p>[li]**Modem:* * Integrated V.92 56K modem </p>[/li]
<p>[li]**Network Adapter:* * Integrated Broadcom® 10/100/1000 Ethernet Adapter </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Internet Service Provider: Six months America Online® Internet access </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Integrated Wireless Networking Adapter: Integrated 802.11b/g wireless networking card </p>[/li]
<p>[li]**Part Number:* * 1008573 </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Additional Software: Adobe® Acrobat Reader® 7.0 and Google Toolbar </p>[/li]
<p>[li]Operating System Software Backup Media: Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet (SP2) Backup CD </p>[/li]
<p>[li]**Personal Productivity:* * Microsoft® One Note, Microsoft® Experience Pack and Microsoft® Education Pack [/ul]</p>[/li]
<p>*Price: $1,593.99 *</p>
<p>I skimped on the anti-virus program because a friend is actually providing me with a copy of that, as well as programs from Microsoft Office. I feel as though this is one of the better deals I can get, especially with a discount (already included in final price) of approximately $400--which was the free upgrade from 512 MB RAM to 1 GB RAM and a 40 GB HD to a 80 GB HD.</p>
<p>I bolded the specs that I upgraded from the standard specs: 1.73 GHz to 1.86 GHz processor speed for +$50.00, Integrated Graphics Card to a 64 MB Graphics Card for +$100.00, and an 8-cell battery to a 12-cell battery for +$44.00.</p>
<p>Feel free to add any input. Thanks!</p>
<p>KRabble88--I'm thinking [hoping, rather...IF my parents shell out the money for this as my grad present :P] of getting a Tablet PC too, but I heard Gateway notebooks and Acer notebooks suck, so I'm kind of wary of them.</p>
<p>They look SO FECKING AWESOME though. Are you planning to get one that needs a docking system? Because I think I personally would rather have like...the keyboard attached, in case I want to use that one time, so I don't have to drag around the extra equip.</p>
<p>I'm not sure where you heard that Gateway notebooks (in general) sucked, but this particular one seems to have good reviews: <a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/Gateway_CX200X/4852-3121_7-31533954.html?tag=uolst%5B/url%5D">http://reviews.cnet.com/Gateway_CX200X/4852-3121_7-31533954.html?tag=uolst</a></p>
<p>But in case you don't have the time to read all of them, the general concensus is: there is no S-Video Out (so you'll have to get a specialized cable that can connect your laptop to a TV to watch movies, shows, etc.) and it's a little weighty (approximately 7 pounds). Other than those two disadvantages, everything is as great as it sounds, especially with the limited-time offer (free upgrades). And in case you missed the link before, here is the URL for the details on the CX200X and its companion CX200S:
<a href="http://gateway.com/products/gconfig/prodhmseries.asp?seg=hm&gcseries=gtwycx200&clv=LNav&cmpid=index*home*Promo_1*CX200S999dblhddv*products/gconfig/prodhmseries%7E%7Easp%5B/url%5D">http://gateway.com/products/gconfig/prodhmseries.asp?seg=hm&gcseries=gtwycx200&clv=LNav&cmpid=index*home*Promo_1*CX200S999dblhddv*products/gconfig/prodhmseries~~asp</a></p>
<p>But to answer your last question, no I'm not getting a docking system. I hope to get the PC Tablet (Convertible from notebook to slate-form).</p>
<p>By the way, a "free" printer is included (free after mail-in rebate). There are actually several options, printer 1 is $0.00 after mail-in rebate, printer 2 is $9.99 after mail-in rebate, and printer 3 is $29.99 after mail-in rebate.</p>
<p>Tablet PCs!</p>
<p>The Averatec has been out for a year. The early reviews seemed promising, but buyers found a lot of problems with them (particularly with the CMOS battery which were prone to failure). You may want to visit Tabletpcbuzz.com's Averatec forum to see what people say about the product. </p>
<p>Gateway has just announced new Tablet PCs (the CX210/M285E). These Tablets use the new Intel Duo Core processors. Reviews should be coming shortly. </p>
<p>Before making up your mind on which Tablet PC will meet your needs, you should verify that your configuration will run MS's Vista (whenever it's released). </p>
<p>Like all laptops, Tablet PCs have two memory slots allowing you up to 2 G of memory. As with regular laptops, manufacturers usually use two 256 M memory sticks to give you 512. To upgrade, to one G, you end up replacing your original ram.</p>
<p>michuncle--you'll have to forgive me. For someone whose father worked for Intel for 13 years and is now the CEO of an engineering company in China, I'm a complete dunce at this sort of thing.</p>
<p>Duo Core Processors? MS's Vista? Replacing original RAM? x_x I'm completely lost. I'd ask my dad, but he's on a business trip right now.</p>
<p>Oh--and what about the IBM one? Is that a good deal?</p>
<p>From what I've read, this is what I gathered about each:</p>
<p>Duo Core Processors: the newest processing technology that Intel has to offer its customers. It's more powerful in multitasking, gaming, etc. (other processing-intensive activities).</p>
<p>MS's Vista: Appears to be the newest (will be released) version of Windows OS. I've read it's supposed to be released (for consumers, not businesses) by January 2007.</p>
<p>RAM: The more RAM allows more capacity for supporting various programs that run while you use the computer.</p>
<p>If I've gotten anything wrong, please feel free to correct me. But I'm now rethinking of purchasing the CX200X, if the CX210 will be released soon. I'm in no real hurry to purchase a Tablet PC Convertible, so waiting a few months will not be inconvenient. However, when do you suspect Gateway will offer discounts or free upgrades for the CX210? A few months? Anytime in the year 2006? Thanks!</p>
<p>Intel's Duo core processor:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.intel.com/products/processor/coreduo/%5B/url%5D">http://www.intel.com/products/processor/coreduo/</a></p>
<p>The Intel site gives you a good overview of this new family of processors.</p>
<p>Microsoft will be replacing Window's XP with Vista later this year or next. The upgraded operating system will make more demands on your desktop or laptop. If you're starting college this fall and are interested in Tablet PCs, you should spend time at the following sites:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.studenttabletpc.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.studenttabletpc.com/</a>
<a href="http://www.tabletpcbuzz.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.tabletpcbuzz.com/</a></p>
<p>Window's XP runs well on 512 Megs of ram (computer memory). For gaming, video editing or Photoshop, you should upgrade to 1 gig of ram.</p>
<p>Laptops have two memory slots located behind a plastic "lid" located on the bottom of the computer. If you have a laptop, look on the bottom and you should see a couple of access panels held in place with a screw or two. The larger panel gives you access to your laptop's hard drive. The smaller panel gives you access to your memory. Memory "sticks" are small, narrow circuit boards with ram soldered onto it. The sticks click onto a slot on the motherboard. Typically, the two slots have 256 M sticks of memory to give you a total of 512 M of ram. Manufacturers do this because it's cheaper than using a single 512 stick of memory. Had they used a single 512 stick, all you'd need to do is buy another 512 stick and install it. Your upgrade choices are to replace the first 256 stick with either a 512 or 1 G stick of memory. You end up with 768 or 1.256 G of memory. Either way, you end up with an extra stick of notebook ram that's going to be sitting in a drawer.</p>
<p>IBM (now Lenovo) has the X41 Tablet PC. It's an excellent laptop at the high end of the market (around $2000). </p>
<p>With Intel's duo core processors being introduced (the new Gateway Tablet and the Macbook Pro are being shipped with the new chip), computer companies will be introducing new models soon. </p>
<p>So, if you can wait until the new models to come out in the next couple of months, you should see a lot of exciting new products.</p>
<p>I'm sorry to bother you with a basic question, but I'm still a little iffy on the difference between the processors:</p>
<p>I've been continually told that the AMD processors are superior to Intel's processors (be it Centrino, Duo Core Processor, etc.) Why is that? What are the major differences?</p>
<p>Also, I don't quite understand why a Celeron Processor at speed X is not as powerful as a Pentium 4 Processor at speed X.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance</p>