high resolution laptops

[juane414]

I'm comparing laptops for an upcoming purchase... and I'm having a hard time deciding on what to get. I want to get something a little bigger for desktop replacement with a high resolution display.

So far I've looked at the Dell Studio 15 and Studio 17, the Dell Latitude D630 and the 15.4 inch latitude. I've also looked at the Lenovo T61, Asus M70, and Acer 6920 and 8920. They all seem to be pretty nice.

I would like a Core 2 Duo T8300 or T9300, 4GB ram, and discrete graphics. I've checked out some reviews but does anyone here know something I don't about these things?

Thanks for taking the time to help me out.

[Ashura]

I just bought a Gateway P-6860 FX that I'm really happy with.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8780198&st=P6860+fx&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1204332501169

Although the CPU is weaker than what you're looking for, at that price you get a 17 inch screen, 4 gigs of RAM and an 8800M GTS. You can upgrade the CPU personally either now or later on for another 300 for the T9300.

EDIT: Here's a favorable anandtech review of a lower model version of this laptop.
http://www.anandtech.com/mobile/showdoc.aspx?i=3273

[juane414]

I looked at the Gateway FX, and really like it a lot. The downside for me is that I'm really hoping for full 1080p resolution. 1440x900 is what I have now on my desktop, and doesn't really seem that special for 17". I'm a tiny pixel fan, some people don't like it but I love it :). If there was an option to get the 1920x1200 panel on the cheaper FX I would definitely go for that and just upgrade the cpu. That is really awesome that the cpu is accessible from the bottom of the laptop though. I can't tell you how many screws I've lost from my current laptop trying to take it apart!

After doing some more thinking, I think I might choose between the Dell Studio 15 and the Latitude D830. I just don't need a powerful graphics card because I don't really play games anymore. I've had my hands on a few Latitudes, and I really love them. They are solid business laptops but they lack a few things that I like about the Studio 15. (HDMI output and Blu-Ray specifically, also the bottom panel on the Studio 15 comes off in one piece so its easy to access the components) However, the Studio 15 lacks some of the security features (and the directional stick cursor on the keyboard). I might go with the Studio 15 and upgrade the cpu myself...

I'm still considering the Asus M70, but they are hard to find and there are no options to customize other than what you upgrade yourself. I can also get a discount on Dell's (and better warranties) through my dads job :).

[juane414]

I'm not sure what to do... I can get the Studio 15 and the XPS1530 both for 1,600 with similar configurations. I would go for the XPS since the 8600gtm is a little better than the 3450 mobility... except the blu-ray drive is $400 on the XPS while its only $200 for the Studio 15. So... the XPS would be sweet, but I would love to get blu-ray and can't justify $400 for the blu-ray on the XPS... I'm torn!!!

[MattODoom]

I have the xps m1530 w/ 1920x1200 display. Its a lot of resolution on a 15.4" screen... I love it! If youre looking for a 17" model though then obviously that wont work for you.

As far as a blu ray drive goes im sure you can snag an external USB model for less than the $400 internal.

[juane414]

Yea, thats really the only throwback to the xps... I like the fact that the bottom of the studio 15 is one large removable panel. Can you access the cpu, hdd, and other hardware on the xps via the bottom panels?

[NettieZoom]

Yea, thats really the only throwback to the xps... I like the fact that the bottom of the studio 15 is one large removable panel. Can you access the cpu, hdd, and other hardware on the xps via the bottom panels?

No but I can remove the upper bezel and keyboard in like 18 seconds or so hehe.

[MattODoom]

Yea, thats really the only throwback to the xps... I like the fact that the bottom of the studio 15 is one large removable panel. Can you access the cpu, hdd, and other hardware on the xps via the bottom panels?

On the m1530:

-Small access panel on bottom reveals all the mini slots for wireless cards
-Larger plate reveals CPU, GPU ?Northbridge? (The whole heatpipe assembly), as well as both DIMMs for RAM
-HDD slides out the side with 4 screws (easily changeable)

So all in all, very easy to work on

[Charr]

I have been using my T61 for a few months now, and really like it. I have the WSXGA+ version, which is my peference in a 15.4" display. However, I am a huge fan of the aggresive power settings. With the specs in my sig, I can get nearly six hours max with Wifi off and everything clocked down, that would be even more without the 7200RPM and the 8400GS. I just ordered an ultrabay battery to swap out with my DVD drive, and I am hoping to push ~9 hours on battery.

[juane414]

9 hours sounds amazing. I just ordered myself an XPS M1530. Battery life is not a huge concern for me, because this is more of a desktop replacement, not aiming for much mobility. I couldn't justify spending $400 to upgrade to blu-ray when I can get an external one for $200. I'll still with old school DVD for now :)