new laptop advice..

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

I've been burdened yet again with a mission to find the 'best' PC
because of my status as biggest nerd around my group of friends.

This time I've been given the task to find a suitable laptop, but I'm
pretty clueless on the subject. I would google, but I really don't know
what makes/models to start with. Would be great if I could narrow down
the choice.

I've managed to narrow down exactly what features he's looking for
though, and they are:

Wireless - very important.
med/high battery life
Small size
External DVD drive - although as long as its small he's willing to
accept one with an internal drive.
Internal Camera - although he will accept one with a wireless camera.

....and he wants it to look cool.(!) He likes the look of the SONY VAIO
laptops

He will mostly be using the PC for business apps (Exel and Word) and
video conferencing.

He's not given me a budget and he wants the best of the best. But I've
put a limit of around £2000, I'm guessing that should cover it without
needlessly wasting money.

Any ideas at which makes/models I should be looking at.

Thanks

p.s He also wants a wireless printer, any recommendations here? (mostly
for printing word and exel docs.)

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

On Fri, 07 Jan 2005 19:16:51 +0000, OVS <sa@Sa.com> wrote:

>...and he wants it to look cool.(!) He likes the look of the SONY VAIO
>laptops


So just look under the Sony website and pick. Nothing else will look
as cool as the Sonys.

A 12" is perhaps the perfect compromise between portability and a
resonable sized keyboard/screen.

Sony used to bad on batteries. I haven't checked the latest models, u
want a 4 hours+ with the standard battery (ignore the optional
extended battery bit).

That's it.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

OVS wrote:

> I've been burdened yet again with a mission to find the 'best' PC
> because of my status as biggest nerd around my group of friends.
>
> This time I've been given the task to find a suitable laptop, but I'm
> pretty clueless on the subject. I would google, but I really don't know
> what makes/models to start with. Would be great if I could narrow down
> the choice.
>
> I've managed to narrow down exactly what features he's looking for
> though, and they are:
>
> Wireless - very important.

Nearly all of them have this.

> med/high battery life

Pentium-M, note that "Centrino" is the Pentium M used with a specific set of
other Intel parts--most machines that have the Pentium-M would be Centrino
if they used an Intel Wifi chip.

> Small size

How small is "small"? Does he want 2 pounds? 3? 4? How small is he
willing to go on the screen?

> External DVD drive - although as long as its small he's willing to
> accept one with an internal drive.

If he's willing to go with an external DVD drive then he has a range of
options--he doesn't have to use one provided by the manufacturer of the
machine. He should be looking for firewire and USB 2 "High Speed" ports.

> Internal Camera - although he will accept one with a wireless camera.

I don't think you're going to find a current very small model with a camera.
As for wireless cameras, again he doesn't have to use one provided by the
manufacturer of the machine.

> ...and he wants it to look cool.(!) He likes the look of the SONY VAIO
> laptops
>
> He will mostly be using the PC for business apps (Exel and Word) and
> video conferencing.
>
> He's not given me a budget and he wants the best of the best. But I've
> put a limit of around £2000, I'm guessing that should cover it without
> needlessly wasting money.
>
> Any ideas at which makes/models I should be looking at.

If he wants a very small machine you might want to take a look at
<http/www.dynamism.com>, which imports a variety of Japanese home-market
products that aren't normally available in the US--they cover the warranty
by paying the FedEx both ways to ship it to Japan.

> Thanks
>
> p.s He also wants a wireless printer, any recommendations here? (mostly
> for printing word and exel docs.)


--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

 

[Dave]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

In article <3485h5F45u6j7U1@individual.net>, sa@Sa.com says...
> I've been burdened yet again with a mission to find the 'best' PC
> because of my status as biggest nerd around my group of friends.
>
> This time I've been given the task to find a suitable laptop, but I'm
> pretty clueless on the subject. I would google, but I really don't know
> what makes/models to start with. Would be great if I could narrow down
> the choice.
>
> I've managed to narrow down exactly what features he's looking for
> though, and they are:
>
> Wireless - very important.
> med/high battery life
> Small size
> External DVD drive - although as long as its small he's willing to
> accept one with an internal drive.
> Internal Camera - although he will accept one with a wireless camera.
>
> ...and he wants it to look cool.(!) He likes the look of the SONY VAIO
> laptops
>
> He will mostly be using the PC for business apps (Exel and Word) and
> video conferencing.
>
> He's not given me a budget and he wants the best of the best. But I've
> put a limit of around £2000, I'm guessing that should cover it without
> needlessly wasting money.
>
> Any ideas at which makes/models I should be looking at.
>
> Thanks
>
> p.s He also wants a wireless printer, any recommendations here? (mostly
> for printing word and exel docs.)
>

I agree with everyone who suggested Sony if looks are important. I just
got a Sony VAIO T150P/L. Right at 3.1 pounds, 4+ hour battery life in
actual use with full backlight, built-in DVD+/-RW, 802.11b/g wireless,
but no camera. However, with as small and light as the T150 is, your
friend can get one of those very compact Creative netcams that clip to
the top of the screen. I have one and the images are really good. As
for usability, the keyboard is more cramped than the S-series, but
really doesn't take you long to adjust. The screen is bright and clear,
although text is somewhat small at the native resolution of 1280x1024.
Overall the unit looks extremely cool as Sony stuff usually does. Given
its compact size and weight, you won't think twice about taking it with
you on trips.

Dave

 

[Dan]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

The new sony series is very nice

"OVS" <sa@Sa.com> wrote in message news:3485h5F45u6j7U1@individual.net...
> I've been burdened yet again with a mission to find the 'best' PC because
> of my status as biggest nerd around my group of friends.
>
> This time I've been given the task to find a suitable laptop, but I'm
> pretty clueless on the subject. I would google, but I really don't know
> what makes/models to start with. Would be great if I could narrow down the
> choice.
>
> I've managed to narrow down exactly what features he's looking for though,
> and they are:
>
> Wireless - very important.
> med/high battery life
> Small size
> External DVD drive - although as long as its small he's willing to accept
> one with an internal drive.
> Internal Camera - although he will accept one with a wireless camera.
>
> ...and he wants it to look cool.(!) He likes the look of the SONY VAIO
> laptops
>
> He will mostly be using the PC for business apps (Exel and Word) and video
> conferencing.
>
> He's not given me a budget and he wants the best of the best. But I've put
> a limit of around £2000, I'm guessing that should cover it without
> needlessly wasting money.
>
> Any ideas at which makes/models I should be looking at.
>
> Thanks
>
> p.s He also wants a wireless printer, any recommendations here? (mostly
> for printing word and exel docs.)

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

On Fri, 7 Jan 2005 16:11:21 -0600, Dave <ds@es.org> wrote:

>I agree with everyone who suggested Sony if looks are important.


Actually, the coolest to me is still the milky-white iBook. Out the
left field, lights years away. Too bad my work requires lots of
Wintel applications. If just word/exel etc, the Apple may just fit the
bill.

I don't like the G4 as much, they looks like a slap of something,
makes me feel like climbing the mountain and proclaim the ten
commandment <g>

 

[Dan]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

That samsung X30 is really nice. But for 3700 U$D ??
"OVS" <sa@Sa.com> wrote in message news:3485h5F45u6j7U1@individual.net...
> I've been burdened yet again with a mission to find the 'best' PC because
> of my status as biggest nerd around my group of friends.
>
> This time I've been given the task to find a suitable laptop, but I'm
> pretty clueless on the subject. I would google, but I really don't know
> what makes/models to start with. Would be great if I could narrow down the
> choice.
>
> I've managed to narrow down exactly what features he's looking for though,
> and they are:
>
> Wireless - very important.
> med/high battery life
> Small size
> External DVD drive - although as long as its small he's willing to accept
> one with an internal drive.
> Internal Camera - although he will accept one with a wireless camera.
>
> ...and he wants it to look cool.(!) He likes the look of the SONY VAIO
> laptops
>
> He will mostly be using the PC for business apps (Exel and Word) and video
> conferencing.
>
> He's not given me a budget and he wants the best of the best. But I've put
> a limit of around £2000, I'm guessing that should cover it without
> needlessly wasting money.
>
> Any ideas at which makes/models I should be looking at.
>
> Thanks
>
> p.s He also wants a wireless printer, any recommendations here? (mostly
> for printing word and exel docs.)

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

> So just look under the Sony website and pick. Nothing else will look
> as cool as the Sonys.
>
> A 12" is perhaps the perfect compromise between portability and a
> resonable sized keyboard/screen.
>
> Sony used to bad on batteries. I haven't checked the latest models, u
> want a 4 hours+ with the standard battery (ignore the optional
> extended battery bit).
>
> That's it.

I was thinking the same, but I've heard quite a few negative comments
regarding the VAIO range, battery life being one. But you're right,
whatever else I pick for him (so far been looking at the IBM X40) he's not
going to be satisfied with its looks, especially with the IBMs sturdy
styling.

 

[Andrew]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

OVS <Ovs@spam.com> wrote:

: > So just look under the Sony website and pick. Nothing else will look
: > as cool as the Sonys.
: >
: > A 12" is perhaps the perfect compromise between portability and a
: > resonable sized keyboard/screen.
: >
: > Sony used to bad on batteries. I haven't checked the latest models, u
: > want a 4 hours+ with the standard battery (ignore the optional
: > extended battery bit).
: >
: > That's it.

: I was thinking the same, but I've heard quite a few negative comments
: regarding the VAIO range, battery life being one. But you're right,
: whatever else I pick for him (so far been looking at the IBM X40) he's not
: going to be satisfied with its looks, especially with the IBMs sturdy
: styling.

Pick a VAIO with Centrino and/or Pentium M and battery life should be
quite good.

Andrew
--
----> Portland, Oregon, USA <----
*******************************************************************
----> http/www.bizave.com <---- Photo Albums and Portland Info
----> To Email me remove "MYSHOES" from email address
*******************************************************************

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

Thanks everyone for taking the time with the great advice. In the end I've
decided with the Sony Vaio. There are a couple of models I'm going to show
him. I'm guessing though he'll go for the t-range. I'll take a look at the
creative webcam also.

Thanks again, it was much appreciated

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

"Dave" <ds@es.org> wrote in message
news:MPG.1c48c50161e039829896ab@nntp.ext.ray.com...
.....> I agree with everyone who suggested Sony if looks are important. I
just
> got a Sony VAIO T150P/L. ....

Ditto on this model, which I'm typing from now. But if he wants something
much lighter but more expensive ($3k), with a lesser screen and no optical
drive, have him look at the Sony X505, which I believe is under 2 lbs.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

On Fri, 7 Jan 2005 18:15:56 -0500, bobb wrote
(in article <oo5ut09hlseght51vcun6akokd57477clh@4ax.com>):

> Subject: Re: new laptop advice..
> From: bobb <None@NoWhere.com>
> Date: Yesterday 6:15 PM
> Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
>
> On Fri, 7 Jan 2005 16:11:21 -0600, Dave <ds@es.org> wrote:
>
>> I agree with everyone who suggested Sony if looks are important.
>
>
> Actually, the coolest to me is still the milky-white iBook. Out the
> left field, lights years away. Too bad my work requires lots of
> Wintel applications. If just word/exel etc, the Apple may just fit the
> bill.
>
> I don't like the G4 as much, they looks like a slap of something,
> makes me feel like climbing the mountain and proclaim the ten
> commandment <g>


I agree with you about the iBook. Stunning looking machine, great price!

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

SinghaLvr wrote:

> On Fri, 7 Jan 2005 18:15:56 -0500, bobb wrote
> (in article <oo5ut09hlseght51vcun6akokd57477clh@4ax.com>):
>
>> Subject: Re: new laptop advice..
>> From: bobb <None@NoWhere.com>
>> Date: Yesterday 6:15 PM
>> Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
>>
>> On Fri, 7 Jan 2005 16:11:21 -0600, Dave <ds@es.org> wrote:
>>
>>> I agree with everyone who suggested Sony if looks are important.
>>
>>
>> Actually, the coolest to me is still the milky-white iBook. Out the
>> left field, lights years away. Too bad my work requires lots of
>> Wintel applications. If just word/exel etc, the Apple may just fit the
>> bill.
>>
>> I don't like the G4 as much, they looks like a slap of something,
>> makes me feel like climbing the mountain and proclaim the ten
>> commandment <g>
>
>
> I agree with you about the iBook. Stunning looking machine, great price!

Actually, a Mac will run most PC applications and operating systems, however
since it is using software emulation of the Intel processors to do so it
runs them slowly, but still might be fast enough for many purposes.

Look up Microsoft Virtual PC.

--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

On Sat, 08 Jan 2005 01:48:59 GMT, Zen Cohen wrote:

> "Dave" <ds@es.org> wrote in message
> news:MPG.1c48c50161e039829896ab@nntp.ext.ray.com...
> ....> I agree with everyone who suggested Sony if looks are important. I
> just
>> got a Sony VAIO T150P/L. ....
>
> Ditto on this model, which I'm typing from now. But if he wants something
> much lighter but more expensive ($3k), with a lesser screen and no optical
> drive, have him look at the Sony X505, which I believe is under 2 lbs.

WOW, that looks amazing. I had decided on the T150P, but I'll show him the
X505 also.