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General discussion

Looking for a Notebook... Advice?

Mar 3, 2005 1:06PM PST

I am from Toronto, Canada and have been looking around lately for a new notebook. I am a student that will need a laptop for university next year, so portability is definitely a must. I will mainly be using the computer for basic email/word processing functions, some multi-media work like video editing, music, etc... I need a machine that has a long battery life, clear screen, a DVD/CD RW burner (8+ speed) and wireless internet included.

I have been looking at the Dell Inspiron 700m as well as the Toshiba Satellite A70-AB2 3.33 GHZ Pentium M.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. As far as cost goes, it is not a major issue. I want to get a notebook that will last for the next 3-5 years and can handle the daily rigours of my everyday life.

Discussion is locked

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some suggestions to consider...
Mar 4, 2005 2:41PM PST

a centrino would best suit you, longer battery life and great wireless connectivity. it should also handle all your other multimedia needs provided it has a video card with dedicated memory. If cost is not a major get one featuring ati's more popular video cards like the 9700 or x600 pci xpress or higher with 128 or higher memory, bright/ultrasharp wxga, wsxga, or wuxga for that high contrast glossy look (Trust me your eyes will love you for it), thin and light, and also faster processor 2.0 or higher or even the new sonoma's. But before committing to buying, impressive hardware specs don't always lead to better performance, check out reviews where their performance is measured and compared to it's competition.

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Notebook Advice!
Mar 4, 2005 10:23PM PST

After some experience you will find that whatever you buy will not be used for only the basics. The advice offered by Ohlang is sound.
I suggest you have a good look at iBook G5 with at least one gig memory. You will find it will do whatever you think you want to do now and a bit more.
Your interests are bound to extend. Music, films, videos, DVD,VDs writing networking, photos and the lot.
If you maintain your enthusiasm you will find that whatever you buy will need improvements after three years if not before. So keep this in mind that whatever you buy has the capacity for improvement.
I think iBook will serve you best.
shafiq
uk

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some advices
Mar 5, 2005 3:19PM PST

if you wanna a long battery life, you'd better choice a notebook which has Intel? Centrino? Mobile Technology. It will give you long battary life.and also wireless.
but the price is a little bit higher than others. Dell Inspiron 700m's video card is not very good, it's just for daily use, if you want to play game i think it's not suitable.I think Inspiron 9300 is suitable for you.It will cost you $1,8292(CD).It's about 300$(CD) than inspiron 700m. But considered for long time use, i think it's necessary.
It's just a advice.

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laptop choice
Jan 27, 2008 8:00PM PST

I would go for the toshiba. But it all depends on your needs. Screen size, battery life etc.
There are a lot of sites that can help you with your choice. For example www.notbookreview.com or www.laptoptip.nl

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look at this
Jan 29, 2008 6:59AM PST

If you want a small laptop with a good battery look at the dv2700t from hp at 14 inches and up to 7 hours on a charge not bad.