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General discussion

Looking to buy my first Notebook

Jul 28, 2004 10:48AM PDT

I am looking to buy my very first Notebook. It will be used mainly for work. I will travel a little with it but not too much.

Here is what I am looking for component wise:

1. Intel Mobile Pentium M Processor
2. At least 512 MB RAM. What speeds are available?
3. 15"+ high resolution screen.
4. 40 GB hard drive.
5. A CD-RW + DVD drive (fastest one possible)
6. As light as possible.
7. Wireless capability
8. Ethernet port
9. Good reliability record.
10. Non-Mac.
11. Quiet machine
12. Nice key board.

I have looked at IBM, Dell, Toshiba. The more I look the more confused I am.

Any pointers are appreciated. Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Read
Jul 28, 2004 11:03AM PDT
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Re: Read
Jul 28, 2004 11:58AM PDT

The key issue for weight if you have decided on the Pentium M (which are thinner and lighter than Athlon 64 or Pentium 4 M laptops) is the LCD screen choice.

Getting a 15" square or 15.4" widescreen will still put you in the 6.2-6.9 pound range.

Getting a 14.1" screen can take you down to 5.5 pounds or lower.

IBM's have excellent keyboards and are also built tough for traveling and business use. However, they mostly have the 14.1 screen. If that is what you want that is a good choice.

The Toshiba Techra business line is also a good choice and also uses 14.1" screens. I think the keyboard feel is not as good as the IBM but you should try any choice before you buy it.

Also, you need to decide if you want the standard XGA resolution (1024x768 on square screen or 1200x800 on 15.4": widescreen) or higher if you are using spreadsheets heavily (SXGA or UXGA).

Dell has the 8600 with a 15.4" widescreen that is popular but it is on the heavy side at 6.9 pounds (case not designed for Pentium M) and the keyboard is not very good in feel.

Toshiba has the M35 series (example M35S456 for retail $1999 is excellent with new XGA Trubrite LCD like Sony Xbrite and 15.4" widescreen. It weighs 6.2 pounds

I have the Compaq X1000 which is the same as the HPZT3000 --both have the 15.4" widescreen and weigh 6.5 pounds and have one of the best keyboards outside of the IBM .. see x1000forums.com

You can custom order the Toshiba, HP/Compaq, and Dells online.

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Re: Looking to buy my first Notebook
Jul 28, 2004 12:02PM PDT

The Compaq X1360US I have runs nearly completely silently in normal use. The fan does not even come on unless burning DVD's/CD's or playing one or using the hard drive frequently (for a game or an intense program).

I use it nearly 100% of the time in front of a 57" widescreen TV at night so this silence is great.

The Toshiba M35 runs a bit more hot and runs the fan a bit more but it would still be quieter than a Pentium 4M laptop.

Both bet 3.5-4 hours using wi-fi (make sure you get Intel 2200 or 54G/b.

I don't know about the others but in general a Pentium M laptop will run quieter with less heat.