Tech Help: Buying new laptop

[X.]

Have to get one by the weekend. Budget: not to exceed 4000aed.

Consider that I'm not into any Dual Core shit, and I don't care about processor compatability with the upcoming Windows Vista, I will use the new laptop primarily to running the MS Office suite, moderate web design/development and d/l a massive amount of movies, music and p0rn. Don't play games.

Lastly, it must be below 2kgs for travel and look sleek.

What do you guys think of Fujitsu-Siemens:

Amilo M6450G
Intel Pentium M Processor 735A 1.7GHz (2Mb Cache) 512MB DDR
80GB SATA Hard Disk Drive (5400RPM)
8x DVD+-RW/+-R Dual Layer Writer Drive (8x DVD-R)
12.1" CrystalView WXGA 1280x768
SDRAM Memory (256Mb onboard,256 slot 1.2Gb Max)
Intel Media 900 Graphics (128Mb shared mem) 
Windows XP Home Edition SP2
1 Year Int'l Warranty with Insurance against Theft/Fire/Excessive sperm spillage

[kaytee]

A friend bought the HP 4450 last week for Aed 3450.

HP 4450
Intel Centrino 1.7GHz
1GB DDR
15.4"
100 GB RAM
Windows XP Home Edition
Comes with card reader
No bluetooth capability

Dont remember other specs but he got an external billington bluetooth and a carrying case with it for Aed 3450. You might wanna check it out at Al Ain Center.

[X.]

Thanks for the info, Kaytee, I've looked at HPs they are bulky, and I'll looking at below 14" screen to save on the weight. Plus bluetooth I've never used once on my present laptop so can live without it.

Yes, I should be checking out Al Ain Center as my 'research' has been restricted to the dearth of Mall of the Emirates and some such. Thanks again, other recommendations are welcome.

[sammy]

yup! hp's have bulky machines......the one kaytee mentioned...i think its the paillion....
As for fujitsu Siemens, i've had bad and good experience....in the office....it was all bad...the machines were'nt strong enough.....but that was the models 2 years ago. I know people who have about 2 year old fujistu tablets and wont let them go even if you paid them ! As for the one you mentioned, the only flaw i see is it has cheap graphics solution. I'd rather get something with a graphics card and dedicated memorey, even if i dont play games.

P.S : Are you considering tablets ? They have some good light ones, and you keep the weight down by carrying only the essentials......cons are you wont have a dvd writer / etc all the time...they are all external.

[X.]

As for the one you mentioned, the only flaw i see is it has cheap graphics solution. I'd rather get something with a graphics card and dedicated memorey, even if i dont play games.

The sales rep warned me about the graphic card, but honestly, I couldn’t think of any reason that would make me want to have a powerhouse graphics chip and dedicated memory. But if I’m running movies off my laptop or even presentations and projecting them on LCD TV will there be any problems with the present graphics card?

If I want to buy this laptop and upgrade later, do you think the hardware of this model will support it? Boost memory through expansion slots?

Are you considering tablets ? They have some good light ones

I wouldn’t know what to do with a Tablet PC! What are the pros and cons of a standards laptop vs. a tablet? I have an external DVD Writer so that’s no problem.

I’m open to all suggestions right now, that’s why I posted this here, so thanks for all the advice, sammy.

[X.]

Sam, about the graphics card, if in future, I want the capability to cut digital video on the laptop using Final Cut Pro and other editing suites, what options should I consider in the laptop - hardware wise?

[captainhowdy]

Sam, about the graphics card, if in future, I want the capability to cut digital video on the laptop using Final Cut Pro and other editing suites, what options should I consider in the laptop - hardware wise?

1. Final Cut Pro wont work on anything except for Mac or on a Dual Core once FCP goes 'Universal'.

2. And to get the best out of any video editing software, you'll need atleast 1GB of RAM, 100 GB of hard disk space and atleast a 128 MB ATI Radeon graphics accelerator.

3. For under Dhs. 4,000, this will be impossible.

[sammy]

12.1" CrystalView WXGA 1280x768
SDRAM Memory (256Mb onboard,256 slot 1.2Gb Max)

Sam, about the graphics card, if in future, I want the capability to cut digital video on the laptop using Final Cut Pro and other editing suites, what options should I consider in the laptop - hardware wise?

You cant upgrade the graphic card, and the max ram you can get is 1.2 GB. Not alot for video editing.
howdy's right about the graphics power and CPU you will need for the stuff u want to do.
I suggest you get something small now...to get the basic job done. and save up for either a mac powerbook or a desktop solution for your editing needs....and keep a heftier budget for it

[captainhowdy]

12.1" CrystalView WXGA 1280x768
SDRAM Memory (256Mb onboard,256 slot 1.2Gb Max)

Oh and by the way, Pro's dont give a shit about 'glossy' LCD's. This is a marketing gimick for kids, college students and other average users. All pro LCD's (Lacie, Apple Cinema Display, etc) are matte. Even the Mac Book Pro was introduced with only a matte LCD option and glossy was a standard on the lower end Mac Book which was targeted as high schoolers, college students and scoccer moms.

Save up my friend and buy a Mac Book Pro.

Windows is the AIDS of Information Technology.

[fizz]

I wouldn’t know what to do with a Tablet PC! What are the pros and cons of a standards laptop vs. a tablet?

Tablets are great as an alternative to typing (or even drawing). Think of them as laptops designed as PDA's. The software however that comes with them so far is rather primitive. Microsoft's One note is one of the most popular and while decent doesn't really reach the true potential of what a tablet can offer you. Everyone I know who had bought a tablet has never been able to justify its usage.

Plus, its cooler to be seen sipping at Starbucks with a good old Laptop.

[X.]

All great advice, thank you all 

I've decided to settle for a 'standard' laptop for now because I need to get rid of my present Acer laptop for something similar but *lighter* and I was only ankling to see if I could kind of squeeze more features into my budget which I've now set at not over 3500aed considering your insights (that Fujistu-Siemens model is available in that range).

So that you can all make fun of me together, I will post a picture of what I eventually buy right here!

[ozzylogic]

Brandwise, Toshiba, Dell or IBM, hands down!

[kaytee]

Brandwise, Toshiba, Dell or IBM, hands down!

IBM is now called Lenovo.

Business use = Lenovo is the king (very light)

Personal Use = Toshiba, Vaio and then Dell

I dont know anyone who uses a Fujitsu Siemens, so cant really comment on its performance but Lenovo and Vaio I can comment and I have to say they are pretty reliable.

[ozzylogic]

The laptops I've used, and did trouble shooting for:

1) IBM - rocks. It's still being sold under this name, and even though Lenovo manufactures them, for some weird reason, some are still called IBM, and don't appear as flimsy as the models under the Lenovo brand name. Been using one. Go for the T-series, not the R. And btw, when dropped, they really DO work afterwards.

2) Sony Vaio - don't ever buy it, coz' it's all design, not functionality.

3) Fujitu Siemens - trash, flimsy.

4) Dell - rock solid. Don't go for the Inspiron, if you have the budget for the Latitude which is for corporate use and a 3 year warranty

5) HP - flush the Pavilion. The business notebook (nc and nx series) is decent.

6) Toshiba - Satellite and Qosmio and Tecra. Stable, but huge and heavy.

7) and Puhleez don't go for an LG, Acer, Asus, etc. etc.

[sammy]

I dont know anyone who uses a Fujitsu Siemens, so cant really comment on its performance but Lenovo and Vaio I can comment and I have to say they are pretty reliable.

True DAT! toshiba's have come down big time on quality ...but all three are pricey options.
The lightest and smalled best looking ones = Sony
The Light but sturdy ones rock solid ones  = Lenovo

I personally have an IBM from work, and another HP / Dell / Compaq for my sisters and i like the IBM the best. The HP is huge and heavy, but powerful. The Compaq...is a std office machine. An amazing machine for its time...took alot of beating....and the dell....well...it used to be a light "good" notebook...till it met my little sister. Now, its more of a drop jaw (read LCD) egg squasher.