I'm looking for a new laptop...

Posted by Dan on Sep 18, 2003 @ 4:10 PM

I've been researching laptop computers lately. I'm in the market to buy a new laptop and have finally decided the specs on what I think I want, but unfortunately, I can't find a notebook that matches what I want. I'm looking for the following:

  • Intel Pentium M, preferrably w/the Centrino chipset
  • ATI Mobility 9600 Pro (or higher)
  • >= 60GB Hard Drive @ 7200 RPMs
  • >= 768MB RAM
  • 15" display (undecided on widescreen or not)
  • 802.11a/b/g (at least b) and Bluetooth enabled

I've heard that HP/Compaq is coming out w/a new nc8000 model in the "Evo" case and from the spec sheet I download, it seems to match my requirements. Also, I heard that Voodoo PC was going to update their Envy m460 notebook to match those specs.

I really like the look and the specs on the Alienware Area 51m—but I'm worried about the heat of the unit and it's a little heavier than I'd like. I'd much prefer to have something lighter, as I like to use my laptop while sitting in my recliner at home.

If anyone has any recommendations, let me know.

Categories: Personal, Technology

4 Comments

  • Michael Conger's Gravatar
    Michael Conger
    Hey buddy. I don't know if you're still looking at laptops, but just FYI... I'm probably gonna buy a new Dell Latitude D600 sometime in the next 2 weeks. It has basically all the specs you're asking for (except for it's only a 14.1" screen not 15"... the D800 has a 15"). You may want to check it out. Prices are better than Compaq/HP and WAY better than IBM (A middle-of-the-road ThinkPad will cost you more than a 15" PowerBook, sheesh!) I'll let you know how I like it.
  • Michael Conger's Gravatar
    Michael Conger
    One more note... the Dell I described above is aprox the same price as the AlienWare notebooks. I like the dell better only because it's slightly smaller/lighter. But the Alienware machines look WAY cooler, plus, the rubberized patches on them for extra grip is a really nice touch.
  • Dan G. Switzer, II's Gravatar
    Dan G. Switzer, II
    Charlie Arehart just picked up a D600 and really likes it. He said he bought it from the Dell Outlet store:

    http://outlet.us.dell.com/Dispatcher?target=Invent...

    At the moment, I'm leaning towards the Voodoo Envy m355. They don't have all the features I'm looking for at the moment, but they're getting ready to release upgrades for it in a few weeks. I've been searching the net and Voodoo owners seem to be *very* happy. Plus, they have a lifetime upgrade policy--you can send your notebook back for upgrades such as upgrading the CPU, video chipset, etc. Check out the m355:

    http://www.voodoopc.com/systems/m355.aspx

    The other thing I really like about Voodoo is that each notebook is custom built from the ground up. They start by painting the case (and all external compartment doors) with high-quality automobile paint and then they apply a finish.

    While Dell has better support options (like on-site service,) I'm thinking the fact that machines are hand built in a quality environment that I've got a better chance of getting a solid working notebook. (Not that I haven't had good luck w/Dell in the past, but mass produced equipment tends to have a higher rate of fail out of the box.)

    -Dan
  • Michael Conger's Gravatar
    Michael Conger
    I had never seen one of those Voodoos before. You're right. They are SWEEEEEEEET! That notwithstanding dude, I went ahead and got a dell. I ordered my Latitude D600 last night (same one that Charlie got). The voodoo was VERY tempting, but a little more than I was willing to spend (aprox $800-$1000 more by my calculation). So, it's a boring gray case for me. Maybe I'll mod it a little. Anyhoo, it's supposed to get here in a week or so. I'll let you know how I like it.

    -Conger

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