I have a baby on the way (one that poops and screams) and as such need to get rid of my desktop PC. Its been my baby the past year for all my post processing needs. Its only a Sempron 2800, 1GB RAM and inbuilt graphics (Shuttle XPC), oh and 17 TFT.
I want to buy a laptop and monies are very tight. Budget will be £500 absolute maximum.
For me its going to be all about the screen on this laptop, which is why I am thinking a 17 laptop is the best choice. And secondly the processor. All laptops have much better specs than what I have been using so I am presuming a Core 2 Duo of any sorts will be miles ahead of my existing Shuttle which actually does everything I need it to.
I have seen a 17" HP laptop which has a Tru-Bright screen, it looks glossy and picture seems really nice. Is this just a gimmick and all laptop screens for the money i am spending will be pretty much the same? Am I right in thinking I should go for the 17" screen, laptop does not need to be portable as it will never leave the house. Its just my current 17 TFT is a square shape screen, where now they are all widescreen. Will a 154 widescreen be just as good as my current screen? Am I being overkill with the 17 screen?
Lastly, is there much different between the AMD 64 Dual Core and Intel Core 2 Duo? Would you prioritise one over the other, or again is it a case of personal preference?
It also has to be a PC not an Apple
Really appreciate any advice received. Will be buying the sales in Jan, but wanted to get an idea of what can be had now, that you would recommend?
Thanks for reading
Laptop screens are certainly not all the same - wherever possible Id try and actually see the machines youre thinking of in the flesh, as its very difficult to perceive the actual differences by stats and online pictures alone.
For example, Ive got a bog-standard 15 inch Dell laptop for work, which is fine for what I use it for, its garbage for movies etc though, contrast is too poor.
But then Ive seen a couple of Sony laptops, and Dell with the more expensive screen options that look devastatingly good in comparison.
I would guess your price-point might be the only problem in this regard.
If your not leaving the house get the 17" everytime. Only reason not to is logisitics reasons really.
HP screens tend to be really nice especially in their higher end models. Acers on the other hand are cheaper and not as vibrant. Dell as BigSoy says tends to depend on the make / model or how you have it customised.
Im told Samsung have nice screens but havent seen this myself. Might be worth a look - Ive seen some good deals in Tescoss on Samsung lappies.
mine has the 15.4" HP Tru-Bright screen. Its at least as good as, if not better than the Dell screens. i think they are the same screens to be fair, but with different names.
Quote from: mrtFor me its going to be all about the screen on this laptop, which is why I am thinking a 17 laptop is the best choice. And secondly the processor. All laptops have much better specs than what I have been using so I am presuming a Core 2 Duo of any sorts will be miles ahead of my existing Shuttle which actually does everything I need it to.
If your shuttle can take a reasonable graphics card then 3D games is one area where it will outclass most laptops. If you dont play them though this doesnt matter. Upgrading is an area that a laptop is limited in. A shuttle may not be any better though, I havent had one as yet.
QuoteI have seen a 17" HP laptop which has a Tru-Bright screen, it looks glossy and picture seems really nice. Is this just a gimmick and all laptop screens for the money i am spending will be pretty much the same?
Not all laptop screens are the same, some have problems with viewing angles and contrast. Most have issues with bright light.
QuoteAm I right in thinking I should go for the 17" screen, laptop does not need to be portable as it will never leave the house. Its just my current 17 TFT is a square shape screen, where now they are all widescreen. Will a 154 widescreen be just as good as my current screen? Am I being overkill with the 17 screen?
If you are going for a Desk top replacement then go for a big screen, also check how good it is at playing DVDs.
QuoteLastly, is there much different between the AMD 64 Dual Core and Intel Core 2 Duo? Would you prioritise one over the other, or again is it a case of personal preference?
The Core 2 Duos are better and will remain so for some time. The latest AMDs have an intermittent crashing problem, patching the bios to fix cuts 10% off the speed.
Quote from: SeriousThe Core 2 Duos are better and will remain so for some time. The latest AMDs have an intermittent crashing problem, patching the bios to fix cuts 10% off the speed.
being fair here. The TurionX2s arent suffering the same issue. Though ill admit mine isnt as fast as "good" core2Duo, its as quick as an older 2xxx core duo running at 1.8. Plus ive found that installing XP on it, and using the AMD power manager instead of WIndows in-built one im getting 2.5-3 hours out of it in normal usage. Was playing GTA : San Andreas for just over an hour yesterday without even noticing the power lead wasnt plugged in.
Oh, and the intel on-board graphics suck donkey balls.
Thanks for all the comments guys. Have just been setting up a HP core2duo lappie for my wife parents. Its got a 154 widescreen which is actually pretty impressive. Think I am going to go with HP and get a 17 one.
Quote from: BeakerOh, and the intel on-board graphics suck donkey balls.
They always have, intel cant make a GPU for s**t ;)