Laptop Advice (For College)

[hlacheen]

Ok, so I'm going to college in the fall. At first I was just going to buy a new desktop (I currently have a 3-4 year old bigass Alienware.) Then I thought it would be nice to have a laptop, so that I can take it too class, or to lunch, or outside, etc...

I'm like the idea of a laptop to replace my desktop. I've never owned a laptop before though, so I don't know what I need. It will be a desktop replacement, I am willing to pay $1,000 - $1,500. I have a Samsung 204b that I am planning to connect to it. I only 4-6 table, so I think the Samsung will be sufficient for poker. So will a 15.4" be fine? I could get a 17", but will the increase in weight reall ruin the portability?

Also, I'm probably going to choose a Dell or HP. Both have student discounts, I think. Any preferences. Any suggestions for models?

Here is a HP I customized earlier:

HP Pavilion dv6500t customizable Notebook PC
RM098AV

* – Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
* – Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz/4MB L2Cache)
* – 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
* – Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
* – HP Imprint (Radiance) + Mic + Fingerprint Reader
* – 40% off upgrade from 1GB (2 Dimm) to 2GB (2 Dimm)!
* – 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
* – DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
* – Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
* – No TV Tuner w/remote control
* – High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* – Microsoft(R) Works 8.0
* – HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

$1,258.99

Anything you would change?

I plan on using the computer for school, 4-6 tables of poker, PT, PAHUD, forums, etc... I don't think I'll be playing any games, hence the integrated video.

[willw9]

I have the exact same thing as you know. Thing is really nice.

[hlacheen]

I guess my main question is, what do people think of the trade off between screen size and weight, considering I have a 204b for when I have it on my desk.

[brasilstu]

I have a the 15.4" screen. You will obviously need to size the tables. The tables will be quite small. They won't fill the screen because of the wide aspect ratio. I really have a problem with 4 tables - they're just too small. Here's a pic



You could go 17" - or you could get a second monitor, they're under 300 bucks now.

[hlacheen]

Will I be able to have the monitor running at 1600x1200 while the laptop is at 1280x800, or does the external monitor have to scale down to the laptop's resolution?

[willw9]

Monitor will run at 16x12. If you close the laptop the monitor will become the primary display, and only then will it be forced to run at 1280x800.

[brasilstu]

[ QUOTE ]
Will I be able to have the monitor running at 1600x1200 while the laptop is at 1280x800, or does the external monitor have to scale down to the laptop's resolution?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes.