I am looking for a decent Laptop. I will primarily use it as a desktop replacement, and get rid of my old desktop. The laptop will have two users – me and my wife. I use it a lot for browsing the web, watching movies (streaming as well as AVI from hard drive), programming (.net, SQL Server, Visual C++), and VoIP (Gizmoproject). My wife is a relatively light user, with browsing, emailing, social networking, etc.
Since I will be using it as a desktop replacement, I will also likely keep the laptop ON for extended times (I can’t remember when was the last time I shut down my desktop). I will also hook it up to an external DVI monitor. Thus, in all probability, I am going to need a port-replicator or docking station.
I also tend to hook-up a lot of add-ons to my laptop – 5.1 speakers, slingbox-like device, printers, etc. The more USB ports, the better. I will also require bluetooth receiver/sender for my cell phone:)
Based on my usage, I am looking for a Intel Core 2 Duo based machine with 4MB L2 cache, and 2Gb memory. Online reviews suggest that Lenovo Thinkpad and ASUS notebooks are the best in terms of durability. Although I prefer a light/portable laptop, frankly, I will rarely be travelling with my laptop, other than taking it to and from work at times.. so I will compromise on that aspect. I have a budget of close to $1350 for this laptop.
What suggestions do you, the readers of my blog, have; based on my usage. In addition to the above usage patterns, I also do not replace my computers for a LONG, LONG time (4-5 years).. so please do keep that in mind when you suggest.
Looking for responses 
Monday, July 23, 2007 at 11:31 am
If you will be running multiple CPU intensive applications at the same time, AMD dual core technology will work better for you, because each core has descrete cache VS the shared cache for Core2.
Light weight != desktop replacement.
Look for a laptop that has dedicated VIDEO memory, rather than shared. Look into some of the offerings from Toshiba and HP as well. Will you use the screen as well as the attached monitor?
Monday, July 23, 2007 at 11:33 am
Thanks John.. yes – I forgot about the dedicated VRAM. Will look into the AMD offerings.
Yes – I intend to use both screens simultaneously like a “dual-monitor” setup.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 12:01 am
Mihir,
I am a supporter of Dell. I have a Inspiron 6000 that I bought in March of 2005. It was fully loaded in its day and cost me under $1200. The only problem I have had with it is the charging pack. The wires are wearing away. Luckily Dell has sold so many that the replacement is inexpensive, less than $40 shipped.
Originally, I was dissapointed with Dell’s offerings of AMD laptops. But with their recent roll out of redesigned Inspiron and brand new Vostro(business class, replacing the Latitude) they have had a much better offering. You can now get an AMD core with HD High resolution screen, 7200rpm drive and large dedicated video card for under $1200. You cannot beat that price.
My recommendation is that if you (and your wife) are gentle with your laptops, then you can easily get by with the new Inspiron. If you need better durability, then look towards the Vostro.
Chris
Friday, July 27, 2007 at 3:03 am
Mihir,
You mentioned possibly leaving the laptop on for extended times. I know that some laptop hard drives can run pretty hot and are not meant to be left on constantly. I learned that first hand when I left my laptop on for a couple days and woke up one morning to find my hard drive was fried. After Googling around to troubleshoot it, I found numerous recommendations against leaving a laptop on for extended periods
Friday, July 27, 2007 at 10:23 am
Thanks for the heads up, Chris. I guess, for someone with my kind of usage pattern, a laptop is not a good solution.. I will probably stick with good-ol’ desktop