Notebook Headache

[MatiasZ]

Hi everybody! I currently spend most of my time at the university, and I can't have easy access to all my work stuff (mail, files, etc) from there, so I decided to get a notebook. Since I wan't to carry it with me most of the day, I need it to be lightwave (<= 2kg) and have above average battery life (+2hs). I am having trouble finding a model that fits all my needs (see specs below), that is reliable, of good build quality (since is going to be "on the way" all the day it can't be too fragile) and doesn't have any known usual problems (heat, noise, keybord feel/size, etc). What I would like it to "sport" as is:

Minimum specs:
Core2 Duo, any speed (What's the practical difference with a Core Duo?)
1GB ram
Any disk size is OK
13.3" - 14.1" screen (12.1" is too small, 15.4" too big)
Wifi (duh)
Graphic card Vista Premium Capable (as in starting from Intel G950)
Built-in DVD reader

Very desired specs:
2GB Ram
Bluetooth
ATI or Nvidia Graphic card
Vista Business / Home premium
Built-in DVD Writer

Nice to have, not important specs:
Gigabit Lan
Fingerprint Reader

All of this, complying witht the weight and battery life described above. Finally, price should not exceed ~1500€ before tax.

If this is impossible to have, I would like to know what you think is the closest solution.

I've been looking at some Sony Vaio SZ models, but the only one in that price range is the SZ4MN/B (http://vaio.sony.es/view/ShowProduct.action?product=VGN-SZ4MN%2FB&site=voe_es_ES_cons&pageType=Overview&category=VN+SZ+Series), which I might be able to get for exactly 1500€ before tax, so is in the upper limit of my price range. I also really like Asus notebooks but coudn't find a model that fits these specs (whoever designed asus website should NOT... err.. design websites). Any input on this is widely appreciated, since I've been looking for something like this for a couple of weeks without luck, and don't have any first or second hand experience on notebooks like this.

Regards,

Matias

[Ike Turner]

Hi everybody! I currently spend most of my time at the university, and I can't have easy access to all my work stuff (mail, files, etc) from there, so I decided to get a notebook. Since I wan't to carry it with me most of the day, I need it to be lightwave (<= 2kg) and have above average battery life (+2hs). I am having trouble finding a model that fits all my needs (see specs below), that is reliable, of good build quality (since is going to be "on the way" all the day it can't be too fragile) and doesn't have any known usual problems (heat, noise, keybord feel/size, etc). What I would like it to "sport" as is:

Minimum specs:
Core2 Duo, any speed (What's the practical difference with a Core Duo?)
1GB ram
Any disk size is OK
13.3" - 14.1" screen (12.1" is too small, 15.4" too big)
Wifi (duh)
Graphic card Vista Premium Capable (as in starting from Intel G950)
Built-in DVD reader

Very desired specs:
2GB Ram
Bluetooth
ATI or Nvidia Graphic card
Vista Business / Home premium
Built-in DVD Writer

Nice to have, not important specs:
Gigabit Lan
Fingerprint Reader

All of this, complying witht the weight and battery life described above. Finally, price should not exceed ~1500€ before tax.

If this is impossible to have, I would like to know what you think is the closest solution.

I've been looking at some Sony Vaio SZ models, but the only one in that price range is the SZ4MN/B (http://vaio.sony.es/view/ShowProduct.action?product=VGN-SZ4MN%2FB&site=voe_es_ES_cons&pageType=Overview&category=VN+SZ+Series), which I might be able to get for exactly 1500€ before tax, so is in the upper limit of my price range. I also really like Asus notebooks but coudn't find a model that fits these specs (whoever designed asus website should NOT... err.. design websites). Any input on this is widely appreciated, since I've been looking for something like this for a couple of weeks without luck, and don't have any first or second hand experience on notebooks like this.

Regards,

Matias

Here ya go

Asus A8Je/n/s

http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?modelmenu=2&model=1409&l1=5&l2=26&l3=270



Price example with tax included : 1664€ with following specs :

Core 2 Duo T7200 (2Ghz 2Mo) Mem 2048 Mo DD 160 Go SATA 14 pcs WXGA+ ColorShine GeForce 7700 en 512Mo DVD-RW Dual Wifi 802.11a/b/g et Bluetooth Cam 0.35 Mega Win Vista Premium...
http://www2.grosbill.com/fr/ordinateurs/ordinateur-portable/1-portable-multimedia/52003/ordinateur-portable-ASUS-

[MatiasZ]

Here ya go

Asus A8Je/n/s

http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?modelmenu=2&model=1409&l1=5&l2=26&l3=270



Thanks! However, I see the model in Asus as a 2.4Kg notebook... Is a little over what I'm willing to carry everyday :(

[Ike Turner]

Thanks! However, I see the model in Asus as a 2.4Kg notebook... Is a little over what I'm willing to carry everyday :(

That's only 400g for god's sake! lol Hit the gym and you should be fine. It got all the features you want for the right price!

[MatiasZ]

That's only 400g for god's sake! lol Hit the gym and you should be fine. It got all the features you want for the right price!

Hehe yeah I know it doesn't sound like too much, but I think at the end of the day it does make a difference... for example that sony I pointed out before is 1.7kg, and I think it is noticable after hours of carrying it around :( Besides, battery life is supposed to be less than 2 hs according to a PC Pro review.

I find it a little low on the portability details, but it is an option :) Keep'em coming!

Thanks ;)

[Zaphod]

Thanks! However, I see the model in Asus as a 2.4Kg notebook... Is a little over what I'm willing to carry everyday :(Something's gotta' give. I don't think you'll find a 14" under 2Kg with all the goodies you want, and 13,3"s are not all that common. The only one I can think of that might fit the bill is the Asus W7J (http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=5&l2=75&l3=298&model=1142&modelmenu=2) . You might be better served bulking up enough carry a 14" or procure glasses for that small text on a 12.1"... :razz:

[MatiasZ]

Something's gotta' give. I don't think you'll find a 14" under 2Kg with all the goodies you want, and 13,3"s are not all that common. The only one I can think of that might fit the bill is the Asus W7J (http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=5&l2=75&l3=298&model=1142&modelmenu=2) . You might be better served bulking up enough carry a 14" or procure glasses for that small text on a 12.1"... :razz:

This sounds about right... :(

I'm still somewhat thinking on that Sony SZ4MN/B. Is a bit pricey and it has only 1 year manufacturer warranty (WTF Sony?) but is soooo nice. Anybody used a SZ from sony?

[epicstruggle]

The best light notebooks come from sony. Im not sure id recommend anyone else if your not willing to get something heavier than 2kg. Dells lightweight laptops are nice, but not as good looking as the vaios.

here are a couple of the dells:
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/latit_d420?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04
and here are 3 more:
http://www.dell.com/content/products/results.aspx/notebooks?~ck=anav&c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&a=15~0~71&navla=15~0~71

[MatiasZ]

Mmm... that D620 looks quite nice at 2kg. Plus, it has 3y warranty... I'm gonna go hunt some reviews. Thanks epic ;)

[epicstruggle]

Mmm... that D620 looks quite nice at 2kg. Plus, it has 3y warranty... I'm gonna go hunt some reviews. Thanks epic ;)
Glad to help, you might want to check: gotapex.com and www.fatwallet.com/c/18 for any deals that are running for dell equip.

[MatiasZ]

Mmm... that D620 looks quite nice at 2kg. Plus, it has 3y warranty... I'm gonna go hunt some reviews. Thanks epic ;)

Apparently those 2kg are a minimum spec with the 4cell battery, no DVD unit, etc... Regular weight is around 2.5kg, so I'm back were I started...

[MatiasZ]

Has anybody used a Tablet PC? I've found a pretty good deal for an Asus R1F, here are the details:

Core 2 Duo T5600, 1GB DDR2, 13.3" Screen - WXGA+ 1440x900, 120GB, DVD Writer, Gigabit LAN, Bluetooth, Fingerprint Reader, 1.95kg, 2.5+ battery life (and it comes with an extra 9cell battery apparently), Windows Vista Bussiness Tablet PC Edition, 2yr Warranty, all for 1430€ + tax (~1670€ with tax).

I've read good reviews about it, and forgetting for a second that it has only 1GB of ram (which I could upgrade for about 70€ on my own), it fits about everything I want. BUT, I don't know what to expect from the screen compared to a regular notebook for it being a Tablet PC, since I don't care especially for that funcionality (I think, I might end finding it incredibly usefull) and wouldn't want a "bad" screen in exchange for that. Any experience on this?

Regards,

Matias

[Ike Turner]

Has anybody used a Tablet PC? I've found a pretty good deal for an Asus R1F, here are the details:

Core 2 Duo T5600, 1GB DDR2, 13.3" Screen - WXGA+ 1440x900, 120GB, DVD Writer, Gigabit LAN, Bluetooth, Fingerprint Reader, 1.95kg, 2.5+ battery life (and it comes with an extra 9cell battery apparently), Windows Vista Bussiness Tablet PC Edition, 2yr Warranty, all for 1430€ + tax (~1670€ with tax).

I've read good reviews about it, and forgetting for a second that it has only 1GB of ram (which I could upgrade for about 70€ on my own), it fits about everything I want. BUT, I don't know what to expect from the screen compared to a regular notebook for it being a Tablet PC, since I don't care especially for that funcionality (I think, I might end finding it incredibly usefull) and wouldn't want a "bad" screen in exchange for that. Any experience on this?

Regards,

Matias

Tablet PCs = great!
Don't worry about the screen. Also it uses Wacom tech for the touchscreen..so yo can't really go wrong there

[epicstruggle]

Ok, here are 14 laptops that meet the following criteria:
--Less than 4lbs
--Core 2 Duo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=Property&Subcategory=32&Description=&Type=&N=2030080032&srchInDesc=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&PropertyCodeValue=393%3A23203&PropertyCodeValue=445%3A14141&PropertyCodeValue=445%3A14142

hope that helps

[MatiasZ]

Tablet PCs = great!
Don't worry about the screen. Also it uses Wacom tech for the touchscreen..so yo can't really go wrong there

Great then! I've read some reviews where they point the screen as being "grainy", but couldn't find a picture where it shows how grainy really is.

Ok, here are 14 laptops that meet the following criteria:
--Less than 4lbs
--Core 2 Duo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=445%3A1414 2

hope that helps

Yes it does, thank you ;) Basically I see almost any model is from Sony SZ series, which are great, but of course too expensive (excluding the SZ4MN/B).

Thank you for all the input, it's been great. Right now, I've narrowed the decision down to two models: Asus R1F and Sony SZ4MN/B. I can get both within 100€ difference, and I think both with 2yr warranty. The Asus has the Tablet PC and fingerprint reader as pros, and the Sony being a Sony (build quality, screen), battery life and 2GB of RAM. I think my choice would be easier if I could see both in person but I'm not sure that's possible. Does anybody see a clear advantage between those two?

Thanks again for all the help!

Regards,

Matias

[Frank]

With a small screen and a high res, you might want to see how it looks running Windows and your favourite apps first. Vista is supposed to do better than XP, but expect many things to become tiny.

Sony Vaio is great, but very expensive. Asus has the best notebooks for the best price, Toshiba comes second.

[Snyder]

Well - what about a Thinkpad T60?

Shop (http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087&current-category-id=326565C287534222A76F120ED379FD6E)

I put together the model below in their US shop:

1
2613CTO ThinkPad T60 Series - 1 Yr Depot Warranty
4/13/2007** $1,483.00 $1,483.00

Processor
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T5600 (1.83GHz, 2MB L2, 667MHz FSB)
Operating system
Genuine Windows Vista Business
Operating system language
Genuine Windows Vista Business US English
Display type
14.1 SXGA+ TFT
System graphics
ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 128MB
Total memory
1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
Keyboard
Keyboard US English
Pointing device
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
Hard drive
80GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Ethernet
Integrated 1Gb Ethernet
Wireless cards
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (US/CAN/LA/AP)
Battery
6 cell Li-Ion Battery
Power cord
Country Pack North America
Modem cable (RJ-11)
PSTN cable
Language pack
Language Pack US English
Savings: -$ 335.00 Subtotal: $ 1,483.00


Should be just the thing you want (you can even go cheaper if you don't need the SXGA+ display...although it would be a shame, wouldn't it? ;) )
The only thing missing is another gig of ram which you should buy elsewhere since they want $170 for it.

According to the european website (I couldn't find it on the US site) it's 2.09kgs.

[MatiasZ]

Well, I went ahead and ordered a Vaio SZ4MN/B. I found it in stock in a on-line shop nearby, with 2yr warranty and went for it. It should arrive in the following days. I'll leave my impressions as soon as I have it. I discarded the R1F from Asus, because apparently they have big issues with battery wear after a couple of months of use: TabletPC Review Forums (http://forum.tabletpcreview.com/showthread.php?t=4792). They might sort it out soon, but I don't want to be part of that process right now ;)

With a small screen and a high res, you might want to see how it looks running Windows and your favourite apps first. Vista is supposed to do better than XP, but expect many things to become tiny.

For what I could see so far everything seemed OK. I know of a friend of mine that complains about it with a 12.1" Toshiba with XP, but I'm used to high resolutions/small text size and this is a 13.3" with Vista (if it makes any difference) so I hope I'll find it OK, but yes it was a concern and although I didn't check too many apps the ones I saw were fine.

Well - what about a Thinkpad T60? [...]

Nice option! I took a great look at it when I saw your post, and it was a great option, but I couldn't find any with the SXGA+ screen and that setup in Spain for a decent price, and I prefer widescreen although I didn't put it on my first post, because I assumed (wrong) that almost any new notebook was widescreen. They have a T60 WS model but is only 15.4" so it's heavy and big. The Thinkpad z61t was also an option which I saw after seeing the T60, but had the same availability problems.

In any case, thank you all for your input, it's been great to have all that info and feedback on this decision. I'll let you know how it goes with the Sony.

Best regards,

Matias

[MatiasZ]

Well, I've finally got my notebook. All I can say is: EXCELENT. It works like a charm, it has great speed, functionality, looks, build quality, battery life, is sooooo light. I recommend it to anyone.

Thank you for all the help on the decision.

Regards,

Matias