In need of a new laptop

Curlyben · #1 Jan 25, 2007, 02:36 PM

My current Sony Vaio GRT is on its way out.
Suppose dropping it on to a concrete floor hasn't helped much.
So I have a budget of €2,000 (£1,300, $2,600 US Excluding TAX) for a new one, yes its for work, but that doesn't matter.

Bear in mind my current machine is a P4 2.8 with HT, 1Gb RAM, 60 Gb HDD, 16" screen, DVD write everything weighing in at 4Kg (More info HERE)
I don't want a girlie light weight machine, but a serious desktop replacement beast.

So what should I go for and why ?
Brand doesn't matter at all, neither does CPU.

Jesushelper76 · Jan 28, 2007, 06:08 AM

Ben,

I am not sure if you picked one up yet, but here is a website.

HP Laptops, Notebook Computers & Tablet PCs

Lets just say that I am an HP fan.

Joe

Curlyben · Feb 8, 2007, 01:14 PM

OK after some serious research I've found the one I like.
Its a Dell XPS M1710.
I've attached the spec sheet.
ANy comments ?
Yes I know is the US spec one, but it's better than the UK version at roughly the same price.

Jesushelper76 · Feb 8, 2007, 01:26 PM

Dell, why a dell. I do not understand why you would do that. What I have heard about dell is not good. I will avoid it like a plague.

I will take a look at the specs. Then comment again. Remember your talking to a HP Fan. lol

Curlyben · Feb 8, 2007, 01:28 PM

Joe, I was an HP fan switched to Sony, but overall I believe that this machine offers the serious power I want.
If you can find a similar spec'ed HP/Sony machine for the same price then I'm happy to have a look.

Bear in mind my ultimate dream is an Alienware m-ALX *Drool*

HERE's a review of the XPS

Jesushelper76 · Feb 8, 2007, 01:34 PM

Ben I am just joking, or maybe a bit. The only thing about dell is that you can not use anything generic. Everything you buy or replace it has to be a dell product. That is what I have heard.

I read the specs. It looks very powerful and very top of the line. It looks like a good pic for you Ben.

I do not know if Hp even has anything out there that is so powerful. Keep me posted. Let me know how it works out.

Joe

Nosnosna · Feb 8, 2007, 01:39 PM

I just wanna know how you can justify that much video card for a work machine... I wanna work where you work.

I'd step up the processor and RAM a notch myself, instead of the video card, but that's more in line with my work... I could really use 4GB for some of my research.

Spend the extra $2 to plant a tree. I mean come on... it's $2

Curlyben · Feb 8, 2007, 01:46 PM

Errrmm yesss well I need a high end card for stress testing databases in a graphical interface, well that's what I told my boss anyway.
Hey come I'm the entire IT department and I like to play games

I did think about upping the CPU, but didn't really see any advantage, ok a few extra on benchmarking but thats about it.
The UK doesn't get the "Green" options, otherwise I would of gone for the tree as well.

Nosnosna · Feb 8, 2007, 01:52 PM

If you're picking up the tab for this beast, you might consider the Inspiron instead of the XPS... I just got a very similarly specced E1705 last week (only major difference was the video card) for about half the price.

If the company is picking it up... well, I'm sure there are a few more things you can add. I know the extra RAM could help on the database work, and you can certainly get some mileage out of the better sound card.

Jesushelper76 · Feb 8, 2007, 01:59 PM

I am curious about that too ben. Is the boss picking up the bill? I hope so because it is quite pricey.