I am currently shopping for a laptop that will be good to take to school. I have been looking at this Acer
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115796
as it seems to have a good combination of power and portability. I know it seems like a desktop replacement but the 7.5lbs isn't to much of an issue although anything lighter I certainly would not reject.
One of my problems is other than the i3/i5/i7 Intels I'm really not all that familiar with some of the other cpu types like the intel T4500 and others and no nothing about the AMD's. I have heard some mention of ultra low voltage and low voltage but not sure what that means as far as performance. I also do prefer to have a DVD burner so that rather rules out the smaller netbooks for me.
Typically I run things like Microsoft Office, Open Office as well as any other applications needed for school. I would like to be able to install the Sims on it and run it but that can definately is a luxury and not a neccessity in a laptop purchase. I have been looking at the ones with 3D GPU's like the nVidia's and Radeons because they seem to be the ones with dedicated memory where as other types seem to share system memory which in my experience causes some noticable performance hits (please correct me if I'm wrong). Also, does a metal case for a laptop make a huge difference in cooling over a plastic case?
Any help you can provide is very much appreciated. Thank you
_What is your budget?
750-1000
2_What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
Size doesn't matter, but would like a good very clear screen.
3_What screen resolution do you want?
Something where a movie would look very good on.
4_Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
Something in between would be perfect, if portable means netbook.
5_How much battery life do you need?
3-5 hours.
6_Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)?
The Sims
World of Warcraft
Medium settings, but gaming is a luxury, not a neccessity for a purchae in my mind.
7_What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo / Video editing,watching movies, Etc.)
Maybe some phot editing, movie watching on occasion.
8_How much storage (H.D.D Capacity) do you need?
250+ would be nice.
9_If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.
Newegg.com
10_How long do you want to keep your laptop?
2-3 years at least.
11_What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ?
DVD burner
12_Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.
I've heard good things about Acer and Asus, but certainly would like to hear the community's expertise on brands.
13_What country do you live in?
USA
14_Please tell us any additional information if needed.
Would like something that stays relatively cool and wouldn't have to worry about having on and plugged in for 5 or 6 hours at a time.
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115796
as it seems to have a good combination of power and portability. I know it seems like a desktop replacement but the 7.5lbs isn't to much of an issue although anything lighter I certainly would not reject.
One of my problems is other than the i3/i5/i7 Intels I'm really not all that familiar with some of the other cpu types like the intel T4500 and others and no nothing about the AMD's. I have heard some mention of ultra low voltage and low voltage but not sure what that means as far as performance. I also do prefer to have a DVD burner so that rather rules out the smaller netbooks for me.
Typically I run things like Microsoft Office, Open Office as well as any other applications needed for school. I would like to be able to install the Sims on it and run it but that can definately is a luxury and not a neccessity in a laptop purchase. I have been looking at the ones with 3D GPU's like the nVidia's and Radeons because they seem to be the ones with dedicated memory where as other types seem to share system memory which in my experience causes some noticable performance hits (please correct me if I'm wrong). Also, does a metal case for a laptop make a huge difference in cooling over a plastic case?
Any help you can provide is very much appreciated. Thank you
_What is your budget?
750-1000
2_What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
Size doesn't matter, but would like a good very clear screen.
3_What screen resolution do you want?
Something where a movie would look very good on.
4_Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
Something in between would be perfect, if portable means netbook.
5_How much battery life do you need?
3-5 hours.
6_Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)?
The Sims
World of Warcraft
Medium settings, but gaming is a luxury, not a neccessity for a purchae in my mind.
7_What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo / Video editing,watching movies, Etc.)
Maybe some phot editing, movie watching on occasion.
8_How much storage (H.D.D Capacity) do you need?
250+ would be nice.
9_If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.
Newegg.com
10_How long do you want to keep your laptop?
2-3 years at least.
11_What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ?
DVD burner
12_Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.
I've heard good things about Acer and Asus, but certainly would like to hear the community's expertise on brands.
13_What country do you live in?
USA
14_Please tell us any additional information if needed.
Would like something that stays relatively cool and wouldn't have to worry about having on and plugged in for 5 or 6 hours at a time.