New Laptop Help

smeg · Post by **smeg** » 22 Sep 2007, 10:48

Hi Guys

Couldn't think of a better place to ask for help on this matter so here it goes. My 4 year old PC finally kicked the bucket and somehow self-ingested its own motherboard and I've decided to replace it with a laptop coz of the amount of travelling about that I have to do.

Right, the system needs to be able to handle architectural renderings, pretty intensive photoshop work and maybe a little bit of animation and video editing. Budget is around 17k and I need any advice on specs and where to buy that I can get.

Thanks to anyone that helps out

garp · Post by **garp** » 22 Sep 2007, 14:35

Dude, I can't recommend anything to you, but for 17k 8O...it's gonna be Shweeet

DJT · Post by **DJT** » 22 Sep 2007, 14:50

Try an Acer or an HP. For 17k it will be awesome. Saw a 2Ghz, Centrino Duo, 180GB HD, 2GiG Ram, 400MB Nvidia gfx, DVD writer, Acer notebook, for around 10k. So for an additional 7... WOW!

smeg · Post by **smeg** » 25 Sep 2007, 11:29

Was looking at either an hp, acer, toshiba or a dell, anybody have good/bad experience with these?

The dell inspiron 1720 caught my eye, but if I order now I have to wait until sometime in november to get it, whcih is beyond my timeframe.

Other models I've looked at include the hp 8710p and the hp dv9521ei. The biggest difference between the two is the graphics: the 8710p comes with an nvidia quadro NVS 320M and the dv9521ei comes with a 8600m gs. Which would suit better as I don't really know much about the two cards?

I'm needing good all-round work and play performance as the laptop is replacing my dead desktop.

Any advice?

Hex_Rated · Post by **Hex_Rated** » 25 Sep 2007, 12:00

The quadro is a professional graphics card meant for CAD, the 8600 is a consumer card for games and HD video decoding.

Terrorist · Post by **Terrorist** » 25 Sep 2007, 12:48

Go for Toshiba.....

smeg · Post by **smeg** » 26 Sep 2007, 09:35

I like toshiba, a friend of mine bought a qosmio not so long ago, very nice indeed. I can't seem to find anything in my price range that has the performance I need, open to suggestions though.

The system I'm considering (the hp 8710p) has the following specs:

intel core 2 duo t7500 (2.2ghz)
intel 965pm express chipset
nvidia quadro nvs 320m (256mb)
17' 1680 x 1050 wsxga+ screen
160gb 5400rpm sata hdd
2gb RAM
Lightscribe DVD Writer
Windows Vista Business

I'm going to upgrade to 3gb RAM (the 2gb is on one stick), but I think it should perform quite well. The only other thing that bugs me is the vista business, i would have preferred home premium for the multimedia benefits.

What do you guys think?

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » 26 Sep 2007, 10:52

I am posting from an HP 8710w and all I can say is its your best bang for buck. I did my fair share of looking around before deciding on this model.

Post by **ryanrich** » 26 Sep 2007, 11:20

I would also recommened HP, never had an issue with mine.

Rather upgrade to 4GB RAM though, it's cheap enough nowadays. A 2GB DDR2-667 SO-DIMM will set you back around R1400.

_SamIAm_ · Post by **_SamIAm_** » 27 Sep 2007, 11:18

Have you ever thought of eurocom's? http://www.eurocom.com/

they got some really nice stuff and you can build to the spec you want it. what i've seen and heard they stuff is awesome.

Dragoneyes · Post by **Dragoneyes** » 27 Sep 2007, 18:18

I had problems with my Acer's keyboard(2 laptops had the same issue) and took it back and got a Packard Bell. So i wont go with Acer

bootsie · Post by **bootsie** » 27 Sep 2007, 19:22

i had a fujitsu(crap)- recently bought a toshiba, awesome laptops. check out digital planet for pricing, ther prices reasonable.

StarBound · Post by **StarBound** » 27 Sep 2007, 19:37

I have a gigabyte but support sux like an electrolux. Also have a toshiba and I'd say thats the better way to go.

garp · Post by **garp** » 27 Sep 2007, 23:25

ryanrich wrote:I would also recommened HP, never had an issue with mine.

Rather upgrade to 4GB RAM though, it's cheap enough nowadays. A 2GB DDR2-667 SO-DIMM will set you back around R1400.

I Agree.. if you upgrade to 3gigs, it won't run in dual channle anymore thus reducing performance.

smeg · Post by **smeg** » 28 Sep 2007, 00:12

Thanks for all the responses, greatly appreciated.

Toshibas are very nice, but seem a little pricey compared to the competition (unless anyone can advise me differently)

The RAM upgrade will have to be postponed for a little while due to (sudden) budget constraints, but I'll definately go to 4gb some time in the future. 2gb should be fine for now anyway (hopefully).

This is the system I'm looking at:

http://www.hpshop.co.za/shop/product.asp?StockID=3095

And here's a review that I found pretty convincing (esp. the 3DMark performance):

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-HP- ... 456.0.html

The only things I'm not too keen on is vista business and the screen (would've preferred a glossy one). How are the hp screens in general?

For a shade over 15k I think it's a pretty good deal (and it comes with a 3 year warranty).

bootsie · Post by **bootsie** » 28 Sep 2007, 00:18

have a look at the hp pavillions

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » 28 Sep 2007, 08:52

Think you are on the right road with the HP 8710p, like I said I got the 8710w and trust me at that price range I challenge anyone to beat it.

garp · Post by **garp** » 28 Sep 2007, 17:00

I got a HP Pavilion DV9309ea that has a glossy screen.. this thing is brilliant. The quality and definition is beats my Acer X171 on desktop hands down.

Although I must mention that I used to have a HP NX 6110 and the screen was a bit dull... although at night in a dark room it was very very bright. but I found the colours were not very accurate to that of the Picture I had taken, when doing Photographic work

Post by **ryanrich** » 28 Sep 2007, 18:05

garp wrote:I got a HP Pavilion DV9309ea that has a glossy screen.. this thing is brilliant. The quality and definition is beats my Acer X171 on desktop hands down.

Although I must mention that I used to have a HP NX 6110 and the screen was a bit dull... although at night in a dark room it was very very bright. but I found the colours were not very accurate to that of the Picture I had taken, when doing Photographic work

Yep, I also have the glossy screen and 1680x1050 resolution and it's crystal clear, definitely a must!

bootsie · Post by **bootsie** » 28 Sep 2007, 23:51

if u want to spend 17K and not get 17K's worth then go for a Sony Viao

Post by **ryanrich** » 29 Sep 2007, 13:14

bootsie wrote:if u want to spend 17K and not get 17K's worth then go for a Sony Viao

Very true...

Xiphan · Post by **Xiphan** » 29 Sep 2007, 18:05

bootsie wrote:if u want to spend 17K and not get 17K's worth then go for a Sony Viao

ROFL!!!

For our trip overseas my Dad got us a HP G5000, though the specs for this model on the HP website is different to what we received, it is an awesome Laptop nonetheless! My Dad paid just under R7k for it and that got us the following:

Intel Dual Core T2080 (1.73GHz)
1Gb Ram
120Gb HDD
Vista Home Basic (You get used to it after a while!

)
Intel 945GM Express Graphics which includes TV-Out (S-Video)
15.4" Glossy Widescreen
The rest is pretty standard.

IMO this was the best bang for buck that my Dad could afford that included TV-Out, dual core and a decent HDD, now considering he only paid under 7k for it, you can just imagine the kind of HP you can get for 17k? If you're close to Pinetown/ Durban area, go to PC Zone and check out their specials, as this is where my Dad got his laptop from.