MLAP - So I've decided I want a new LAPtop...

[maverick73]

I usually upgrade my computer every 3-4 years and it's that time again. Instead of a desktop though, I am thinking of jumping on the notebook bandwagon. I generally trust cnet and pcmagazine reviews on computer related stuff and after doing some research, I've narrowed it down to 2 choices:

Toshiba Qosmio G25-AV513 $2089 to $2499 US
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1827541,00.asp

HP Pavillion DV4000 $849 US
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1858634,00.asp

The Toshiba is considered the best in the "entertainment laptop" category and the HP is considered the best in the "mainstream laptop" category. Plus, the price looks very attractive. At $849 it would appear one cannot go wrong... worst case if I feel I need more, it would make a good 2nd system.

My main concern is how portable a notebook with a 17" screen will be (the Toshiba). I want to be able to take it with me on travel. I'm going to Future Shop, Best Buy, Visions, etc. tommorow to check some of models in person out for feel, but will be buying online in the US. Any last minute advice much appreciated!

 

[maverick73]

A funny review

Some dude on cnet wrote this... gave me a chuckle. It's funny how he got "doged" out by his friends on his inferior former laptop.
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"I am a big on games yet I used sonys for years and my friends had dells.I was the underdog looking for the upgrade to join 2005.I came across this g25 on c/net reviews and was very confused being like i said my buds are dell users . I bought the G25 and I could not beleave what i had in front of me.this notebook is so pretty as powerfull.my frinds were taken back by my choice but now they understand.this g25 is much better as fare as gaming,screen,hard drives.I set my g25 next to my friends xps2 and played Doom-3 and my friend was mad.and I was happy.no more getting doged out about my notebook.I made the right choice thanks to c/net reviews.thanks for the help because i was way confused.Thanks Thanks "

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Upon further consideration, I think this is the laptop for me. I read about the easy step by step drag and drop connectivity for wireless hot spots, whereas the HP just uses the default windows XP utility.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1783414,00.asp

The screen and speakers seem to be the best out there as well after reading the 34 user reviews on cnet. I like how it is the only laptop with component out connections as well.

Ok, so who has a hookup with Toshiba to get me a killer deal on this locally so I don't have to buy online?

 

[Randy Whorewald]

Ibm

I have had several IBM laptops and while they do cost a bit more, they are rock solid and service is top notch. Not sure why you want such a large screen for toting around?

 

[shak]

don't do it!!!!! IMO a laptop is all about being small and easy to tote around.......sure the 17" would be nice when you're at the destination but its a biatch to drag aroung. I'm thrilled with my iBook 12" while on the road!

HFS

I second the above opinion....i have a 12" powerbook and been loving it ever since i got it....used to own a 15" toshiba, while performance was satisifactory, its a bitch to carry around....

 

[hitrack]

Mav not really sure if your looking for a desktop replacement just to bum around the house with so your not tied down to one room?? or full blown portability. In that case like the others say the lighter the better, forget about bing able to play games on it. Just surf net and some movie watching.

 

[FuZzYknUckLeS]

What's your budget?

You could go with the metrosexual-attracting iBook, or get a real machine like the Sony VAIO VGN-TX670P.
Alot of the Sony VAIO line are great. But you really need to be more specific on your needs and budget.
If it's portability you want, I have to agree with hifi. That 17" monster is a ball 'n' chain.

 

[maverick73]

Update

I haven't been boxing day shopping in a long time... now I remember why... I hate waiting and crowds...

I couldn't even find a parking spot at Future Shop... in the end, I just said f$ck it and parked in the handicap spot... no handicap person is going to be able to "move" in such a crowded store anyways. I'm sure most handicapped people stay at home on boxing day to avoid any "crowd injuries."

FS had most of the low end laptops... but at least I could get a feel for them... you guys were right, 17" is huge and is not really "portable."... even the 15.4" models are quite big and heavy... the biggest I would get for a true business portable would be 14"... and even then, I would be inclined to get the 12" or one of those mini tablet PC's.

That being said, I am looking more for a desktop replacement that I can bring downstairs into my home theater setup and connect to it. I also want to transfer my VHS movies to DVD, connect my Mini-DV camcorder to it, and be able to surf the web in bed or any room in the home wirelessly. If I went on road trip vacation, I would also like to bring this little "entertainment center" with me, which is why I'm set on the Toshiba Qosmio G25-AV513.

So after FS, I check out Staples... nothing special... so then I head to London Drugs... and they have the Canadian version of the Qosmio there... its the Qosmio G20... and it was $2400 CDN... the G25 is a USA only model. Somebody PM'd me and said that LD has a great no questions asked return policy. I am thinking of getting it and putting it through it's paces... it's hard to buy a laptop just based on specs and features... I want to be able to try it out. So I'm now comparing the G20 with the G25... I'd rather buy local and support Canada if possible... Any last minute pointers?

 

[tarzan]

The G25 seems like it's a notch up from the G20. Too bad it's not available in Canada. Guess you will be stuck with the G20 here but it's still an amazing machine.

I find London Drugs generally has the best customer service. They are my first choice to shop at.

 

[LonelyGhost]

Any last minute pointers?

Yeah, don't drop it!

 

[maverick73]

The G25 seems like it's a notch up from the G20. Too bad it's not available in Canada. Guess you will be stuck with the G20 here but it's still an amazing machine.

I find London Drugs generally has the best customer service. They are my first choice to shop at.

I found out there is 2 models of G20... G20-202 and G20-602... the 602 is actually BETTER than the G25... but the 202 is a slightly lesser model...

G20-602 is $3400 CDN... G20-202 is 2800 CDN... on sale for 2400 CDN at London Drugs...

G25 is $2500 US, on sale for $2100 US online or full list at $2500 but you get free printer, carry case, and hub... a supposedly $200 value but it involves mail in rebates... and I just don't have the patience for mail in rebates and there is never any guarantee they follow through... not worth the hassle... so the way I see it is $2100 US online... or try to negotiate with London Drugs...

You are right, they DO have the best service... all the salespeople were really friendly and helpful... the guy said he would talk to the manager tommorow to see what they could do on the price for the top of the line unit...

With the 602, u get dual 100 GB hard drives whereas the 202 you get 60 GB. The processor is a 2.0 Ghz vs. 1.86 for the 202... not really too concerned about those 2 specs... but the main thing for me is the native resolution.. it's 1440 x 900 for the 602 but only 1280 x 768 for the 202... I like my displays BIG... I run a 21" Sony with 1900x1440 currently and I don't think I could handle only 1280 x 768 without doing into withdrawal... then again, I guess I could hook it up to my Sony when at home... but then that kinda defeats the purpose since it wouldn't fully replace my desktop... I want to sell my monitor and everything else. decisions decisions...

I'm gonna call again tommorow and see what they can do on the price for the top unit.... maybe if they can knock off $400 off the 602 like on the 202, I will go for it.

 

[FuZzYknUckLeS]

Costco often carries some sweet units as well. Great prices. No hassle return.

 

[carguy]

you should wait ...

maverick73

I would wait or look at alternatives. Here's my rationale:

1. never buy leading edge high-tech as prices will drop when the new model/cpu comes out or as Intel drops prices
2. new dual core mobile processor is being introduced at CES next week
3. it's cheaper for you to buy a high performance desktop and a cheap notebook than a Qosmio
4. you may want to wait for a Vista (new OS) which (should) ship towards the end of this year

btw, I'm not a computer dealer so I'm not trying to sell you anything. PM me if you want to discuss further.

regarding MCE, I forgot to add:

1. you can turn most notebooks into media center devices by changing the OS or buying it that way
2. having the MCE server be your desktop has a several advantages including the ability to do PVR while your notebook is not connected and much better quality graphics

 

[LonelyGhost]

maverick73


4. you may want to wait for a Vista (new OS) which (should) ship towards the end of this year

I did recommend the AMD 64 to Mav for his laptop choices ... runs all regular software and ready for the new 64-bit tech.

 

[maverick73]

1. never buy leading edge high-tech as prices will drop when the new model/cpu comes out or as Intel drops prices
4. you may want to wait for a Vista (new OS) which (should) ship towards the end of this year

btw, I'm not a computer dealer so I'm not trying to sell you anything. PM me if you want to discuss further.

regarding MCE, I forgot to add:

2. having the MCE server be your desktop has a several advantages including the ability to do PVR while your notebook is not connected and much better quality graphics

Ok so the plot thickens .

1. In the history of my buying career, I've always bought in the so called "sweet spot" never the leading edge... for the reason you mentioned. However, one area I've always bought near the leading edge is the display. I want to live to 130 and I want to be able to see near perfectly when I die. Although likely, I cannot 100% rely on man discovering a way to preserve perfect vision for life... therefore, when 15" monitors were standard, I got a 17" top of the line monitor (honestly, one of the best investments I've ever made on my eyes... lasted me 8 years!).. when 17" monitors were standard, I was getting 21", and so on. I like the $2400 option better, but the lower native resolution and contrast ratio is what kills it for me.

4. Aren't we already at the end of this year?

MCE:
2. I'll PM you about that one...

 

[carguy]

Ok so the plot thickens .

1. In the history of my buying career, I've always bought in the so called "sweet spot" never the leading edge... for the reason you mentioned. However, one area I've always bought near the leading edge is the display. I want to live to 130 and I want to be able to see near perfectly when I die. Although likely, I cannot 100% rely on man discovering a way to preserve perfect vision for life... therefore, when 15" monitors were standard, I got a 17" top of the line monitor (honestly, one of the best investments I've ever made on my eyes... lasted me 8 years!).. when 17" monitors were standard, I was getting 21", and so on. I like the $2400 option better, but the lower native resolution and contrast ratio is what kills it for me.

4. Aren't we already at the end of this year?

MCE:
2. I'll PM you about that one...

Maverick73

1. video is one are where you actually "WANT" lower resolution screen. the more you stretch a video, the worst it looks. most of the computer scalers don't look as good as ce devices.

4. sorry, i meant to say vista ships end of 2006.

2. yes, mce is quite the processor hog. dual core support should help to improve system performance.

 

[FuZzYknUckLeS]

I did recommend the AMD 64...ready for the new 64-bit tech.

What exactly would that even be?
They're selling these processors, but the software they're intended to run seems to be a fuckin' country mile away.
Granted, the elimination of the front side bus will make your 32 bit apps run marginally (but not noticably) faster.
Still, I believe that being able to use a 64 bit chip to its full potential is at least one or two upgrades down the road yet.

 

[maverick73]

Maverick73

1. video is one are where you actually "WANT" lower resolution screen. the more you stretch a video, the worst it looks. most of the computer scalers don't look as good as ce devices.

4. sorry, i meant to say vista ships end of 2006.

2. yes, mce is quite the processor hog. dual core support should help to improve system performance.

1. This is contrary to what I've read. LCD screens (unlike CRT's) have a "native resolution" which is the resolution they want to be at and look best at. If you try using a lower or higher resolution (ie. stretching it like you said) then it will not appear as good. With the higher end model having a higher native resolution "hard built" into the screen, 1440x900 will look best on that screen. I don't even know if the lower model can achieve 1440x900. I would think the upgraded LCD is a big portion of the higher price.

4. end of 2006 doesn't do me much good when I need it soon .

2. Instead of PM'ing you, to make it more educational for everybody reading, you should post your recommendation here. What I'm hearing is that you are recommending that I get a desktop, situate it connected to my HT setup, and then get a laptop that is essentially "wirelessly connected" to my desktop at all times while in the house so I can take advantage of the greater abilities of the desktop and have portability at the same time?

 

[carguy]

more system information

1. This is contrary to what I've read. LCD screens (unlike CRT's) have a "native resolution" which is the resolution they want to be at and look best at. If you try using a lower or higher resolution (ie. stretching it like you said) then it will not appear as good. With the higher end model having a higher native resolution "hard built" into the screen, 1440x900 will look best on that screen. I don't even know if the lower model can achieve 1440x900. I would think the upgraded LCD is a big portion of the higher price.

2. Instead of PM'ing you, to make it more educational for everybody reading, you should post your recommendation here. What I'm hearing is that you are recommending that I get a desktop, situate it connected to my HT setup, and then get a laptop that is essentially "wirelessly connected" to my desktop at all times while in the house so I can take advantage of the greater abilities of the desktop and have portability at the same time?

Maverick73, I'm posting answers here but people may complain about the propellers turning too quickly.

1. Correct, higher resolution is better for graphics but is more costly. keep in mind text and video images display smaller. Games, if you care, will run slower and may not have support for 1440x900. For video, go for a fast response panel (<10millisec) and a wider color range ... use a video with showing white snow to test (i.e. oversimplification is no white contrast in snow = less dynamic range)

2. Correct. Wired ethernet or wireless 802.11a (or .11n when ratified) is needed to playback video on your laptop. .11a performance drops badly when the signal is poor. Note that performance requirements for MCE playback are less than MCE servers.

Having a separate DT and NB will a little more cost more but have less compromises. Also, go for a faster 54/7200 rpm drive on your notebook.

 

[maverick73]

Got it today!

I settled for the 202... 602 they wanted $3200 ($200 off list of $3400) and wouldn't budge...

I'm off for new years... going to the Pan Pacific... may write in from my new lap top tonight if I figure out how to set it up! lol

Got a killer deal on it... $2800 normally... $2400 sale... $2000 boxing day only sale ... but they honoured that price today... plus free $80 Canon photo printer until Dec. 30th only, but honoured today as well! Wow... $880 off the list price!!!... couldn't go wrong! For that price, I'll live with the slightly lower native resolution!! I don't care about the slower processor and 80 GB less drive space... woohoo!!!

It's like my new Mavi.... it will give me practice for when I have a baby... first learn how to take care of lap top like baby, then get dog and take care like baby, then have real baby and take care like baby...

 

[LonelyGhost]

It's like my new Mavi.... it will give me practice for when I have a baby... first learn how to take care of lap top like baby, then get dog and take care like baby, then have real baby and take care like baby...

first off, use protection ... lots of protection. and don't drop it.

and if you do drop it, don't admit you dropped it.

Have a Happy New Year Mavi and Mini-Mavi!

LG