Search for laptop -- please help

[lokodezine]

Ok many of you probably have read my previous post "Buy from HP or BEst Buy" and with the many responses my views have changed.

I am looking for a laptop in the range of 800 - 1250 (give or take some). Also I would like the laptop to be preloaded with wireless capabilities/card.

This laptop will be used as my home pc and school pc. It's primary source will be for school work (taking to and from school) and entertainment purposes: surfing the internet, streaming, watching dvds, burning cds and dvds, and playing, downloading, listining to music.

Its secondary source will be designing purposes; such as using programs such as photoshop, dreamweaver, picture editing and some video editing.

I really will not be playing that many games on it and if I do it probably wont be the latest cool games, as I figure thats what I have a PS2 for.

So basically if anyone can lend a helping hand in describing what I Should look for int he laptop; such as should my main source be the processor type and if so how fast, what would be some good video cards (as I do want it to be fairly good) or even better point to a good laptop.

Thanks for your time and any help would be much appreciated...

[SonicVanguard]

Originally Posted by lokodezine Its secondary source will be designing purposes; such as using programs such as photoshop, dreamweaver, picture editing and some video editing.

Whatever laptop you decide on, increase your budget.

[lokodezine]

why do you say that?

[David M]

Have a look at Dell refurbished laptops.

[SonicVanguard]

Originally Posted by lokodezine why do you say that?

Photoshop and particularly Video Editing require a load of RAM (1Gig+), a fast, large hard drive (200Gig would do nicely), and a fast CPU (although the first two are more important). With video editing, it's all in capture and rendering. Capture is RAM+hard drive speed, rendering is RAM+CPU. So a hyperthreading CPU would also be a nice addition for rendering's sake.

For both you'll want a large screen - especially video editing where control windows can become numerous. So minimum 15" if not a 17" widescreen. I'd guestimate $1500 minimum unless you can catch Dell with one of their $750 off $1500 laptop deals (they run about once a quarter and usually last through the first 1500 purchases of ech model being offered).

[Jaggannath]

In line with this advice, perhaps consider looking at the Inspiron 9300 from Dell... it'd fit your need well, and I got it with a 40% off deal

[GaryRouth]

Dell is going insane with some of it's coupons available at sites such as http://www.techbargains.com

Have a look --- some of the deals have to be seen to be believed (and since you are buying from the Dell.com website, they're real). You may have to scroll down a bit, by the way, on the techbargains site, to see the Dell bargains.

The site also nicely lists all the major sales current at several stores (both online and brick-and-mortar) - so if you're interested in the HP lines, those get a mention, too.

If you are planning on video-editing, I'd recommend trying a model with discrete graphics (not just onboard video), and the connectors that your camcorder requires (probably FireWire).

Recent model laptops are just amazingly good. The screens have improved dramatically.

Have fun with it!
. . . Gary