What should be my next laptop? I have $1200 dollars max.

2 questions....1# do you have a specific recommendation for a quality laptop that can give me what I want. 2# do you know of any legit websites other than Cnet that will let you filter through your specifications?

Hello all. I am currently using a Toshiba Satellite L305-S5946, with 220GB(70GB used). 15.4inch screen from corner to corner. I am looking for a 16+inch screen. Just overall looking for a better computer(new only)

Currently I have everything mostly optimized, without any windows opened I use up 100,000 memory usage on 24 processes, and with every program I like using we are looking at 600-750K of memory usage on 30 processes. I intentionally peeked my computer out to see what the slow down was and I had on a few programs 5-10 sec stop between major functions, like accessing menus and saving files, where before there was 0 lag between functions. Though it is not as glitchy as it sounds, I have no lag in general use with all my programs, but the major functions on each program are what gives me lag.


Here is a link to the specs from the Toshiba website.
http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/...5946&selCategory=2756709&selFamily=1073768663 Edit: look at the 3rd tab to the right from from Downloads tab to see the Detailed Specs.

 

Newegg.com has a wide selection of laptops and a nifty filtering system (on the left hand of the screen) that will let you narrow down your machine based upon specifications that you build up.

 

Here's a question.....I have heard that when you use up a lot of your hard drive, then it will operate slower. So if I go from a 220GB(5400rpm) to a 160GB(7200rpm), then will I see an increase or a decrease? I use 70gb of space, and will likely peek at 90bp before I clear some up. I am currently doing a video project. So do you see I will go from using 32% to using 43% of hard drive space. I am wondering if the extra rpm will over ride the increased percentage of space.

The specs for my laptop are in my original post. Below is one I found on new egg that fits my specs. Feel free to tell me if I am looking at a piece of junk:-o

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834157592

 

Hard drive space is definitely not a performance issue for you, as you are using less than half the hard drive with either drive. Going to a 7200rpm drive will make your system much much snappier.

 

that is what I was hoping.

Below are the specs of my laptop vs. the one I want to buy.

Moving from a...
Toshiba Satellite L305-S5946 vs. HP EliteBook 8730W(AR218US#ABA)

Intel core duo processor T6400 2,(2.0ghz) vs. Intel Core 2 Duo T9600(2.80GHz)
800mhz vs. 1066mhz
5400rpm(250GB) vs. 7200rpm(160GB)
3gb memory vs. 4gb memory
2mb for L2 cache vs. 6mb L2 Cache
1280X800 vs. 1900X1200
15.4in vs. 17.0in
video memory 0(it borrows from RAM) dedicate memory vs. 256MB dedicated memory

Does this mean I can upgrade by adding a second 4gb memory card?
Memory Speed DDR2 800, Max Memory Supported 8GB

Not for sure if the graphics cards are better or worse?
Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD vs. ATI Mobility FireGL V5725
220GB vs 160GB

Understand though guys, I am trying for improvement relative to what I got. I understand that some of you may have the coolest computers ever, I am just looking for something of the same quality or better in part manufacture, and a marked improvement in speed/processing ability. What I am really wondering is if this new laptop will be a lot better based on my usage, or just a little better relative to what I got.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834157592

 

You haven't said exactly what apps you tend to have open at the same time so I'm a bit inclined to wonder whether you might be able to simple to make some change to your computing practices that would prevent that sluggish you're complaining about. Can you provide more details on your computer usage?

As far as the hard drive component of your computer is concerned, you could replace the 5400 RPM hard drive in your current system with a 7200 RPM hard drive.

 

I put my usage in my original post, but stated again.........I believe I have optimized as much as I can. I went through all the steps to cut the fat in my OS(vista), then I cut my startup apps that run in the background from 34 to 24. out of a 250gp hard drive I use 70gb, will likely go to 90gb before I transfer over to external. Without any windows opened I run at 100K memory usage, and with all my apps opened I run 600-750K memory usage.

And also, I just want a new bad boy computer and don't want to get it and realize it is only slightly better. I want one with marked improvement. I was just checking with the people on the forum to see if what I am about to buy isn't all that much better. If it isn't that much better, then I am inclined to agree wit you, but the specs look good to me. But I am not savvy enough to really know if it is as better as I think it is.

 

I shopped around a little for you at the usual places, and found the Dell XPS 17 laptop ($1167) to be an excellent choice from the price/performance perspective. It definitely has all the horsepower you need, and it already comes fully loaded,so there's really no extras to buy, unless you want to add $50 for a higher-end battery. take a look:
http://www.dell.com/us/p/laptops#facets=52538~0~821509,51795~0~812540,135390~0~6687268,52176~0~817062,55846~0~5930681&p=1

Plus, if you look around, you can always find promo codes for money off the asking price, or if you call dell to buy it instead of buying it online, they will deal with you. Alot of people don't know that about Dell.

 

To sort out seemingly equal laptops, I would suggest checking out Window Experience Indexes (WEI) on your final selections.

Windows Experience Index
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-experience-index

In particular, Graphic card rating is usually the weakest link in any computer, and especially laptops.
Obviously personal preference will play the major part of your final selection, (price, etc.) but WEI's may assist you in your choice.

A google search using windows experience index laptop at:

http://www.google.com/search?q=wind...op&hl=en&num=10&lr=&ft=i&cr=&safe=images&tbs=

will provide over 300,000 links for more background/info.

Best of luck in your final selection.

Bazza

 

Thanks for the reply guys. I think in the end I have to decide for myself, but I am set on the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834157592 unless anyone has any devastating news about it not being what I think it will be.

One more time so people can view the specs to see if they have any objections in me thinking that this is gonna be way better than my current laptop.

My laptop(Detailed specs is 3rd tabe over)
http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/...5946&selCategory=2756709&selFamily=1073768663

The one i will buy in two weeks.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834157592

Other than that I will post again when I can review and compare the two.