Hello all! Going back to school for computer programming and looking for a reasonably priced, durable, laptop to get me through the next 3 yrs or so. Kinda shaky on what I want at the moment as I know compromises will be necessary (battery life vs power, portability vs size, etc), but not sure which side of the fence to hedge the bet so to speak (do I want a behemoth, battery eating desktop replacement, or compromise on a little more battery life and small screen size). So, sorry in advance if the following details are less descriptive. Also, anyone who uses their laptops for programming, definitely appreciate your experienced opinions.
Here it goes:
1. What is your budget?
Preferably $1,200.00 USD or less (thought willing to make minor adjustment if the enhancement is worth a jump in price. Within reason: not jumping to $2200 or anything)
2. What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
This is a toughy. I like the idea of a smaller notebook for portability, but worried about how big of a pain that could be for programming on the go (screen real estate). I have 2 external monitors I could hook up to, but would be nice to get away and work somewhere else. I guess I am willing to go to something the size of the m11x unless I get some persuasive arguments against it.
3. What screen resolution do you want?
1920 x 1080 is nice, but doesn't have to be (can always use an external monitor). Something that movies and games wouldn't look like complete crap on the go.
4. Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
Somwhere in between but closer to a desktop replacement. I guess the answer being, as close as you can get to a desktop replacement, but with the build quality and weight to be portable without destroying my back. Would prefer to have some sort of graphics switching on the fly (whether it uses optimus or press of a button/ don't want to have to reboot for it to take affect).
5. How much battery life do you need?
3 hrs plus would be nice under regular use (surfing the web, email, MS office, etc).
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)?
Would like to at least be able to play SC 2, Civ 5, Diablo 3 at medium or better settings. Higher quality the better.
7. What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo / Video editing,watching movies, Etc.)
Will definitely use it to code. Photo and video editing would be nice, but is not something I do right now. Might use to watch movies. Would like to be able to game at a decent quality.
8. How much storage (Hard Drive capacity) do you need?
Looking at 500gb at 7200 rpm. Prob won't go solid state.
9. If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.
Would be willing to use newegg, amazon, etc. Don't have any experience with Tigerdirect, but would consider based on experience of others. Also willing to by direct from manufacturer (dell, etc).
10. How long do you want to keep your laptop?
At least 3 yrs ideally.
11. What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ?
Does not matter to me. Willing to use an external drive if necessary (as in case of the m11x, etc). Blue ray is not a necessity but added bonus if it comes with it.
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.
Unwilling to purchase from Acer/Gateway or HP/Compaq. Based on reading on other user experiences. Is a shame with HP because they seem to have some compelling products in the envy line.
Interested in Asus, possibly Dell (but a little skeptical), Toshiba, Alienware (m11x specifically), interested in Sager (but a little nervous as I do not know much about them or xotic pc for customer svc), and Lenovo.
13. What country do you live in?
USA
14. Please tell us any additional information if needed.
I was originally looking at the m11x. It's power vs portability/battery life/ build quality look intriguing. My main worry is that it might be underpowered (ULV processor, DX10 gfx card, and I see that it uses 800mhz RAM in its newest incarnation). I am not as well vs'd as those who use this site most likely. Know just enough about cpu's and gpu's to be dangerous, but not enough to make as informed a decision as I would like. For instance, I don't know how much cpu, gpu is ideal for debugging, running, compiling complex code. I do know that you can code on anything pretty much. But want to be able to do more than that. I know in the beginning that the code will be less complex, but don't want to buy something I can't use or will not run smoothly a yr or 2 down the line. Would also be nice to be able to run video editing or 3d software in the future should the idea strike me.
Def want something with a very durable build as I plan to lug it around a little. Needs a relatively strong chassis. Doesn't need to be a Toughbook though (I take care of my things.
Sorry if that is vague and any help or insight given will greatly be appreciated. Want to make the purchase within the next couple of wks. Also, any additional information I can provied to narrow things down or help you guys help me. Feel free to ask and I will respond the best I can!
Look forward to seeing your responses.
Here it goes:
1. What is your budget?
Preferably $1,200.00 USD or less (thought willing to make minor adjustment if the enhancement is worth a jump in price. Within reason: not jumping to $2200 or anything)
2. What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
This is a toughy. I like the idea of a smaller notebook for portability, but worried about how big of a pain that could be for programming on the go (screen real estate). I have 2 external monitors I could hook up to, but would be nice to get away and work somewhere else. I guess I am willing to go to something the size of the m11x unless I get some persuasive arguments against it.
3. What screen resolution do you want?
1920 x 1080 is nice, but doesn't have to be (can always use an external monitor). Something that movies and games wouldn't look like complete crap on the go.
4. Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
Somwhere in between but closer to a desktop replacement. I guess the answer being, as close as you can get to a desktop replacement, but with the build quality and weight to be portable without destroying my back. Would prefer to have some sort of graphics switching on the fly (whether it uses optimus or press of a button/ don't want to have to reboot for it to take affect).
5. How much battery life do you need?
3 hrs plus would be nice under regular use (surfing the web, email, MS office, etc).
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)?
Would like to at least be able to play SC 2, Civ 5, Diablo 3 at medium or better settings. Higher quality the better.
7. What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo / Video editing,watching movies, Etc.)
Will definitely use it to code. Photo and video editing would be nice, but is not something I do right now. Might use to watch movies. Would like to be able to game at a decent quality.
8. How much storage (Hard Drive capacity) do you need?
Looking at 500gb at 7200 rpm. Prob won't go solid state.
9. If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.
Would be willing to use newegg, amazon, etc. Don't have any experience with Tigerdirect, but would consider based on experience of others. Also willing to by direct from manufacturer (dell, etc).
10. How long do you want to keep your laptop?
At least 3 yrs ideally.
11. What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ?
Does not matter to me. Willing to use an external drive if necessary (as in case of the m11x, etc). Blue ray is not a necessity but added bonus if it comes with it.
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.
Unwilling to purchase from Acer/Gateway or HP/Compaq. Based on reading on other user experiences. Is a shame with HP because they seem to have some compelling products in the envy line.
Interested in Asus, possibly Dell (but a little skeptical), Toshiba, Alienware (m11x specifically), interested in Sager (but a little nervous as I do not know much about them or xotic pc for customer svc), and Lenovo.
13. What country do you live in?
USA
14. Please tell us any additional information if needed.
I was originally looking at the m11x. It's power vs portability/battery life/ build quality look intriguing. My main worry is that it might be underpowered (ULV processor, DX10 gfx card, and I see that it uses 800mhz RAM in its newest incarnation). I am not as well vs'd as those who use this site most likely. Know just enough about cpu's and gpu's to be dangerous, but not enough to make as informed a decision as I would like. For instance, I don't know how much cpu, gpu is ideal for debugging, running, compiling complex code. I do know that you can code on anything pretty much. But want to be able to do more than that. I know in the beginning that the code will be less complex, but don't want to buy something I can't use or will not run smoothly a yr or 2 down the line. Would also be nice to be able to run video editing or 3d software in the future should the idea strike me.
Def want something with a very durable build as I plan to lug it around a little. Needs a relatively strong chassis. Doesn't need to be a Toughbook though (I take care of my things.
Sorry if that is vague and any help or insight given will greatly be appreciated. Want to make the purchase within the next couple of wks. Also, any additional information I can provied to narrow things down or help you guys help me. Feel free to ask and I will respond the best I can!
Look forward to seeing your responses.
/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220739
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