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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Buying a new laptop...Ideas please
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 11/30/2006 05:08:36 PM · #51
I just wanted to reply to scalvert about the 20-25% performance boost to Core 2 Duo.

In the tests I've seen, it was more like 10-15% overall.

I also have another Q.

IBM T60 seems pretty nice but what about the R60?

The R60 seems even nicer to me. I mean, less crap you don't need and just raw power for your money.

What do you guys think?

If I had to buy a laptop today I'd probably go with the R60 Core 2 Duo with smallest HD possible, DVD burner and at least 1.5GIG RAM.

I've also been checking out for Asus but their website and line of products organisation are so of the worst I've ever seen. All those model numbers and you need to guess what's in the PC before clicking on a model, etc.

If I want RAW power, nothing else, which Asus laptop should I check out first? Thanks!

Message edited by author 2006-11-30 17:11:28.
 11/30/2006 05:35:10 PM · #52
Originally posted by scalvert:
Originally posted by Gordon:
On the same macbook pro, the performance is 50% slower running under OSX than running in XP.


FWIW, your benchmarks are obsolete. Mac OS X 10.4.8 gave PS a 35% speed boost under Rosetta.


Looks like you are right. This is a new set of benchmarks from a couple of weeks ago

Depending on what you are doing it is only 30% slower. But on some benchmarks it was 15 minutes slower or more. The rosetta numbers still look pretty bad. The performance seems to be all over the place running in the translation mode, which isn't that surprising.

Message edited by author 2006-11-30 17:36:52.
 11/30/2006 05:37:32 PM · #53
Originally posted by yann:
I just wanted to reply to scalvert about the 20-25% performance boost to Core 2 Duo.

In the tests I've seen, it was more like 10-15% overall.

I also have another Q.

IBM T60 seems pretty nice but what about the R60?

The R60 seems even nicer to me. I mean, less crap you don't need and just raw power for your money.

What do you guys think?

If I had to buy a laptop today I'd probably go with the R60 Core 2 Duo with smallest HD possible, DVD burner and at least 1.5GIG RAM.

I've also been checking out for Asus but their website and line of products organisation are so of the worst I've ever seen. All those model numbers and you need to guess what's in the PC before clicking on a model, etc.

If I want RAW power, nothing else, which Asus laptop should I check out first? Thanks!


I used this site Notebook Review

Go to the forums and you will find all the information you could ever dream of about every notebook made and reviews, warts, etc.... It would take you weeks to read all the information.

Regarding Asus. I agree that they are a little bit harder to decipher than Dell or Sony or IBM...however..that's mainly because as an Asian company selling direct to the US market..they bring the latest tech to market faster than Dell or the other big boys and are always offering new packages.

Go to the forums and you will find a couple Asus models that are the most popular. Suffice it to say...you are better off if you develop some idea of what you want ..then match the specs to the best maker of that product.

What size notebook? (ultraportable, portable, desk top replacement) What size screen? (12", 14", 17"?) What speed processor? What size and speed hard drive? What graphics card?

Prioritize your choices because there will be trade offs.

I want portability...no more 8 pound notebooks that break my back. I need 3 hours of battery life. As fast as I can get in that configuration.

Asus has 2 models that fit my criteria...thats 2 models more than anyone else! The Asus A8Js and the Asus W3J.
Both offer 14" screens, 5 pounds of weight, Intel Duo Core 2-2 ghz processor, Nvidia Go7700 512 meg video cards, 100 gig 7200 rpm hard drives, wireless, and not a lot of other worthless bloat. Plus..they seem to have a lot of people that are as picky as me happy with their purchase.

I am leaning heavy in this direction.

Message edited by author 2006-11-30 17:42:10.
 12/01/2006 03:44:39 AM · #54
Originally posted by yann:
IBM T60 seems pretty nice but what about the R60?

The R60 seems even nicer to me. I mean, less crap you don't need and just raw power for your money.

I went with the R60 (1.83MHz Core Duo, 1Gb RAM, 15" 1400x1050 screen, X1400 graphics) and I'm happy with it.

Typical configuration these days would be Core 2 Duo, 512 or 1Gb or RAM, 80Gb HD etc. The main decision you need to make is regarding the screen, the graphics card, and the build quality.

- Screen: Do you want widescreen or standard ratio? What screen size and resolution do you want (screen size determines the size and portability of the laptop) and do you want any special technologies like IPS

- Graphics card: dedicated or integrated? Do you want to play games on the laptop? (I'd say if you want to play games, then just get a console!)

- Build quality: The main difference between the R60 and the T60 is the build. The T60 has an alloy case which means it's thinner, lighter and more robust. R60 is still good, the keyboard is great, and the plastic they use for the case feels very strong. They both have the magnesium alloy roll cage and shock protection for the HD.

So, if you're on the road a lot then the T60 is for you. If you need an even smaller laptop, then the X60 is the 12" version. But the X60 doesn't have an integrated CD/DVD drive (to keep down the size) - It's still a very nice machine though.

And I'll second hokie's recommendation, //www.NotebookReview.com Tons of user reviews and manufacturer-specific forums.
 12/01/2006 09:38:19 AM · #55
I just found out that Asus is the company that was making all the Apple laptops. It was in a press release that another vendor is getting a contract for Apple ..some obscure Taiwanese company whose brand is not as well known as Asus. This mentioned in connection with Asus rolling out even more aggressive campaigns to sell laptops in the U.S. market.

So..I guess for people out there that like Apple style but want that in a PC form factor..one more reason to give Asus a shot.

PS...

Here is another question. If Mac Book Pros can run Win XP Pro software...Why can't PC Duo Cores Laptops run Apple OSX?

Message edited by author 2006-12-01 10:19:41.
 12/02/2006 11:24:57 AM · #56
OK...thought I would post my current progress on the laptop search considering several other people are following this thread..

It comes down to 2 laptops and 2 seperate platforms.

Macbook Pro with OSX and Asus PC with XP Pro.

I will list the specs for each below and the price before doing the pro and cons.

Apple Macbook Pro Specs at $2,543.00:
-Running OSX and Bootcamp with Windows XP Pro
-Intel Core 2 Duo 2.33GHz
-2GB DDR2
-120GB SATA/100 5400 rpm
-ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB of GDDR3 SDRAM
-15.4" TFT 1440x900
-6x SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW)
-Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11g
-Glossy Display

Asus A8Js PC Notebook specs at $1,827.00:
-Running Windows XP Pro
-INtel Core 2 Duo 2 GHZ
-2GB DDR2 Ram at 667MHZ
-100 GB SATA drive at 7200 rpm
-GeForce 7700 with 512MB of GDDR3 SDRAM
-14.1" WXGA 1400x900
-8X Dual layer HD/(DVD±RW/CD-RW)
-Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11g
-Glossy Display

Now..this is the hard part..which one?

Apple Macbook Pro versus Asus Notebook Pros and Cons:
......Pros of Apple
-Apple offers both OSX and XP Pro usability
-Apple has faster processor (2.33GHZ versus 2.0GHZ)
-Apple has nice integrated intuitive software
-Apple Aperture software available
-Apple LCD is better quality
-Apple has great build quality

......Cons
-Apple has a slower hardrive (5400 rpm versus 7200 rpm)
-Apple has a slower video card with less memory (ATI 1600 is half as fast as GeForce 7700 and half as much memory)
-Apple has a slower/lower grade DVD Writer
-Apple is $700 more than the Asus

It just seems like the Asus pounds the Apple...so what am I missing?

Anybody?

Message edited by author 2006-12-02 11:29:51.
 12/02/2006 11:29:11 AM · #57
Without reading the whole thread have you checked with people running the new dual Apple OS / Windows Intel chip systems? Seems to me there has got to be a compromise there somewhere that would be bad for both but I have not talked to anyone who has run them.
 12/02/2006 11:34:13 AM · #58
Have you 'tested' / 'looked at' at glossy displays?
My brother has a Dell with a glossy display and I really hate it. Too much reflection from lightsources, there is alway something reflecting unless you work in total darkness.
The one on my Acer is matte / non-reflective and much easier on the eyes and way better with photos. But that is just my opinion.


12/02/2006 11:36:10 AM · #59
Originally posted by jbsmithana:
Without reading the whole thread have you checked with people running the new dual Apple OS / Windows Intel chip systems? Seems to me there has got to be a compromise there somewhere that would be bad for both but I have not talked to anyone who has run them.


According to all that I have read so far (and that is A LOT!..good grief :-/ ) the Apple Macbook Pro runs Windows XP Pro natively.

According to all the posted benchmarks, that means basically it operates just like any other PC Laptop running XP with the same hardware.

That is a great feature...HOWEVER!!! I know from all my years working with computers that there may be drivers issues. I havent read of any specifically but there is that fear of some incompatability.

I really like the features of Apple's Aperture. It just seems made to order for a product photographer like me who shoots in raw and need powerful Raw workflow. I wonder..if there is a PC equal to Aperture.

I am all about the software. Asus actually makes the Macbook Pro to Apples specs and the two look very similar in overall construction.

It just confuses me, an unbiased buyer of computer stuff...why Apple has this perception right now of such great value when I am having a hard time seeing it minus a few software applications and the OSX operating system.

Message edited by author 2006-12-02 11:39:26.
 12/02/2006 11:38:28 AM · #60
Originally posted by Azrifel:
Have you 'tested' / 'looked at' at glossy displays?
My brother has a Dell with a glossy display and I really hate it. Too much reflection from lightsources, there is alway something reflecting unless you work in total darkness.
The one on my Acer is matte / non-reflective and much easier on the eyes and way better with photos. But that is just my opinion.


I'm with you on this Azrifel. I too have seen glossy displays that may have a bit of glare. I am still on the fence about this.
 12/02/2006 11:52:22 AM · #61
I've owned several Dell laptops ... I really like their "at home" extended warrante, many times after being 3 years old I got next day service.

I now have a Sony VAIO AR-150G with the 17" wide screen. I love the gloss screen especially when doing photos. It is very fast, the graphics and screen are excellent. The only issues are there are not any CF slots, only sony specific cards. The Biggest problem I have with it is POOR battery life. From a fully charged battery it is down to 60% in 15 minutes and completely dead in one hour. That may be due to the high power and big screen.

If I was to do it again I would go back to Dell.

12/02/2006 12:37:43 PM · #62
dell is having a sale for anyone interested in a dell.

//www.dell.com/smb/gingerbread6


12/13/2006 09:20:36 PM · #63
FYI, if anyone is looking for a MacBook Pro, MacConnection has NEW 2GHz Core Duo models (the previous model) for $1299. That's $150 less than Apple charges for a refurbished one! You can also get a wireless mouse and laptop case for free after rebates.

The processor in this model runs about 25% slower than the current 2GHz MacBook, BUT you get a larger 15.4" screen, 128MB ATI video, an express card slot and a backlit keyboard.
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