I'm looking to buy a new laptop - suggestions on models to consider, please.

I'm looking for a "thin/light" model. Definitely none of this Pentium-4 rubbish, so ultra low/low-voltage P3-M's, Centrino's, low-voltage Athlon XP's, maybe even Crusoe's. I'd like 3hr+ battery life, and a devide that weighs <2kg. Small footprint would be nice. Must have >128Mb RAM and >=20Gb HDD.

The intended usage is for programming (no heavy comiple jobs) - web coding, plus misc office stuff. It doesn't need to be able to play 3D games, this is a work tool. I just want it to be small/thin and lightweight.

What experience is there here of such devices? Any recommendations on models to consider, or ones to steer clear of?

Cheers...
Ben

 

PC Pro have been raving about the performance of the new Centrinos.

Acer TM800 Centrino

Toshiba M1 Centrino

"The TravelMate 800's chip may only be clocked at 1.6GHz, but the overall 2D benchmark score of 1.46 is faster than any other notebook we've reviewed. It won't disappoint 3D gamers either. With its 64MB ATi Radeon Mobility 9000 inside, 3DMark2001 SE returned a score of 6,963 in 32-bit XGA. Not even the Dell Inspiron 5100 (see p61) with its 2.8GHz desktop Pentium 4 CPU can compete."

2.75kg for it though but sounds like a great package for £1299+VAT.

[Edited by ChrisB - 3/21/2003 11:02:57 AM]

 

Thanks, Chris. If I were buying a desktop replacement I'd go straight for a device like one of those. In that scenario, the Acer looks excellent value. I'm still hoping for a smaller/lighter device than that. Other suggestions?

 

Any more ideas, folks?

 

I use a Compaq N410 at work - and think its great. Perfect for carrying around. Battery is pretty good. Decent resolution and plenty fast enough for Win2000 and Office apps, etc. Large hard drive. It even plays the game Unreal is full 3D, etc.

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/11375_na/11375_na.HTML

Very small - but screen still does 1024x768).

 

I have a compaq EVO N400c, nice n light, P3 750mhz, runs well with Office Apps, some games, W2K installed, 20gig 524mb RAM, it is a decent bit of kit. Downside, battery only lasts about 1hr.45mins.

Also have a compaq EVO N610c, more plasticy than the above, P4 256mb RAM, this weighs more but has built in CD/DVD drive (bonus)works just as well with W2K and Office apps plus Admin tools for domain. Has the finger touch pad and the nipple for use.

Out of the two i prefer the N400c, feels more solid when typing, i think the N610 is a rebadged HP (shoddy) laptop.but that one is works so cant complain, it lets me RIP all the MP3's i need.

 

Fujitsu Siemens have a very good range, i should know i work for them (not on the Intel stuff though) !!!!

Very good pieces of kit.

Talk to WillieF, he works for a FSC reseller.

Dave

 

Dell stuff, specifically the new D Family or even nicer (but a little small for my liking) the X200.

Either that or some of the Fujitsu laptops, which are a bit nicer still (but we don't have a contract with )

I still use an old 266MhZ Dell C Family, with two batteries and a WiFi card to do some coding while sitting in the garden/living room/bed/bath*

Cheers

Ian

* OK, I lied about the last.