Buying a new laptop - my requirements - which model?

Hi

I'm moving around a lot these days so I'm about to buy my first laptop. However, I have no idea which model to get! I will be using it for.. everything. Work and play.
I'm not a gamer but I enjoy using apps like Google Earth. I want a robust fast performer that can handle several apps at the same time.

Budget: R15000 or less?

Here's a rough summary of the main requirements:

* Windows XP
* 2GHz(?) Core 2 Duo INTEL CPU
* 2Gb RAM, upgradable to 4Gb RAM (don't see a lot of laptops that can go up to 4Gb, but since Vista requires minimum of 2Gb to run; I don't want any hassles when I eventually switch from XP to Vista in future)
* 15.4" (or bigger?) Matte screen (don't like the glossy bright screens you see on most laptops these days - too much reflection for my taste)
* Decent screen resolution
* 128 Mb (min) *dedicated* VRAM
* 100Gb+ SATA h/drive
* 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN
* 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN
* DVD writer
* Preferably good built-in speakers
* Audio out, in case of bad speakers ;-)
* Built in webcam would be nice
* Decent battery life!
* Card reader
* Decent warranty/support

Which brand and/or model do I go for?
I like Toshiba but I can't find models that really live up to the specs I want, considering my budget. ACER seems to have a few models that meet the spec requirements but is Acer any good? They seem to be heavy as well.

I'm in the northern subs of Cape Town. Any decent laptop dealers in the area? Anyone bought from www.laptopdirect.co.za before? Great site with lots of info but...

Any suggestions will be appreciated!
Globetrotter

Hp Nw8440 - Might be a bit over your budget, but a very nice machine (my wife uses one)

How about this notebook - seems to cover most those specs.

http://www.ngrcomputers.co.za/asus-f3jc-series-f3jc72bu-notebook-p-4218.html

Have a friend that is about to buy that one, looks pretty good for the price.

I bought myself the Gigabyte 521U - very nice option though much cheaper than the one you want. Plays basic games (dota etc) and runs nicely, though I suppose u are planning to run more intentive proggies.

MrWireless said:

How about this notebook - seems to cover most those specs.

http://www.ngrcomputers.co.za/asus-f3jc-series-f3jc72bu-notebook-p-4218.html

Have a friend that is about to buy that one, looks pretty good for the price.

I bought myself the Gigabyte 521U - very nice option though much cheaper than the one you want. Plays basic games (dota etc) and runs nicely, though I suppose u are planning to run more intentive proggies.

Click to expand...

i purchased this laptop from rectron for R11626.00 including vat and i must say it is an awsome laptop
just my 2 cents

MrWireless said:

How about this notebook - seems to cover most those specs.

Click to expand...

Yes, the ASUS F3Jc Series F3Jc-72BU seems to cover most of the specs but it has a "colour shine" screen? One of those glossy screens? 70% of the laptops these days seem to have these glossy screens that look good but cause a lot of reflection.
Pity they don't offer all laptops in both the glossy and Matte screens.

rexter said:

i purchased this laptop from rectron for R11626.00 including vat and i must say it is an awsome laptop

Click to expand...

Which one? The ASUS or the Gibabyte? What do you like about it?

I notice that most laptops are only upgradable to 2Gb RAM. How do they expect ppl to run Vista properly on laptops if the advised minimum RAM is only 2Gb RAM anyway?

Globetrotter said:

Which one? The ASUS or the Gibabyte? What do you like about it?

I notice that most laptops are only upgradable to 2Gb RAM. How do they expect ppl to run Vista properly on laptops if the advised minimum RAM is only 2Gb RAM anyway?

Click to expand...

According to Microsoft the Windows Vista recommended system requirements are for 512mb ram for Home Basic and 1gb for Home Premium / Business / Ultimate. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/systemrequirements.mspx

Globetrotter said:

Which one? The ASUS or the Gibabyte? What do you like about it?

I notice that most laptops are only upgradable to 2Gb RAM. How do they expect ppl to run Vista properly on laptops if the advised minimum RAM is only 2Gb RAM anyway?

Click to expand...

for my requirements this seems fine without having to upgrade to more than 2gb.... and its still pretty fast

Can someone help me choose?

I have similar specs, but I don't mind the glossy screen.

I have narrowed my search down to:
1. Sony SZ48
http://www.sony.com.sg/vaio/app/vgn-sz48gn/index.html

2. HP Pavilion DV9291
http://www.hpshop.co.za/shop/product.asp?StockID=2848


I would prefer a smaller and lighter laptop (13.3 or 14.1), but I am attracted by the cheaper price and extras on the HP.

Comparison:
1. Both have the same processor (Core 2 Duo T7200).
2. HP has more graphics RAM (GeForce G0 7600 512MB), but screen is better on Sony (GeForce Go 7400 256MB). Sony can switch between onboard graphics card (to conserve power) and nVidia (for gaming).
3. Webcam on HP is 1.3MP compared to VGA on Sny.
4. HP 2x120GB HDD, Sony 160GB.
5. HP has a lightscribe drive - always wanted one of these.
6. Sony has fingerprint sensor - don't need it.
7. HP - altech lansing speakers.
8. 17inch HP vs 13.3inch Sony.
9. HP - vista home premium, Sony is vista business.
10. I can get HP for R15800 and Sony cannot get it cheaper than R17999.

My main worry is that the HP is too big and twice the weight of the Sony.

Any comments will be appreciated.

If you dont mind carrying a heavy machine then I'd say the HP is would be a nice buy and also closer to ur budget.

Just depends on how often u move around, how long u move around for etc etc.