Laptop Help!

[J_UNTITLED]

Okay, here is the nitty-gritty-Tom-Pitty...


I'm in the market looking for a more or less "desktop replacement"-kind of laptop or one that I will be doing all of my daily computing on. Features that I'd ideally like to have would be an HD screen (capable of true 1080p), Blu-ray compatible and a backlit keyboard but considering that I am also looking for something more on the portable-to-ultra portable side in case I want to take it somewhere, the first option is probably not possible and the backlit keyboard is not a must as I do know/remember usually where or what keys I am hitting. Blu-ray compatibility is out then as well considering I don't want to be watching something in only 720p or even 1080i resolution.


So, now that just leads me back to square one. What the notebook will mostly be used for is just regular web surfing, e-mail, instant messaging, writing, music (although not for listening to on the laptop but for loading onto a portable device, mostly) and the occasional video clip watching. Wireless/wi-fi is a must, needless to say as well.


Considering all of the above for-sure-requirements in mind and that I am looking for a higher end middle of the line or even perhaps top of the line quality depending on the price, where should I start to look? What laptops out there would one recommend for someone like myself and with what I want to do on one? Obviously portability-wise, the new MacBook Air looks nice-ish and I dig the backlit keyboard immensely but it seems to leave quite a bit to be desired power-wise. But, considering the majority of what I would be doing doesn't probably need that much power, perhaps that then could be a potential candidate?


What about PC notebooks? What would one recommend from that? Really, I'm just trying to figure out what currently out or soon-to-be-out notebook would be ideal or quite decent for my needs.

[I DO BLU]

I would check this out it is a refurb but apple backs it.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...nplm=FA895LL/A

[J_UNTITLED]

Hmm... why would you say the Macbook Pro?

[I DO BLU]

It has all you want. It has the backlit keyboard the resolution is higher then

most notebooks at 1440x900 and you get garageband and others that are great

to make music with. Leopard is great does not crash and none of the annoying

spyware and popups.

[I DO BLU]

Also if you really want to use xp or vista it comes with bootcamp so you can

run those on the mac also.

[dadkins]

Shop for a VAIO or a Dell.
VAIOs do have several models(AR Series) with 1080p screens and Blu-ray drives.
FZ VAIOs are smaller and non 1080 screens, but *STILL* have a BD drive. HDMI to a HDTV... 1080p

Happy Shopping!

EDIT: A few BD *AND* 1080p refurbs here:

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...Price+Ss+%3E+0

[Sylin]

Originally Posted by J_UNTITLED

Obviously portability-wise, the new MacBook Air looks nice-ish and I dig the backlit keyboard immensely but it seems to leave quite a bit to be desired power-wise. But, considering the majority of what I would be doing doesn't probably need that much power, perhaps that then could be a potential candidate?

Correct. The MBA is not a desktop replacement. It's pretty much a glorified iPhone, really.

The MacBook Pro's are idea desktop replacements if you want to go with Apple. They can be configured to meet the requirements you have, but with some cost. I can speak from personal experience, tho, that the mid-range model for $2500 is fantastically awesome.

In a PC, I think the only choice you have is Dell or Sony.

[J_UNTITLED]

Thanks for all of the above replies! Anyone else have suggestions? Keep 'em coming as I'd like to get as many as possible. Remember, I don't need to have a 1080p-capable resolution nor a backlit keyboard as those were just ideally-speaking.


So, considering I'll the majority of the time be just doing word processing-type of work on it, a Macbook Air still isn't probably a worthy contender here?

[dadkins]

HP has Blu-ray drives and 1080p screens

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...ding=notebooks

[I DO BLU]

Also on the refurb i showed you can check daily in the mourning and sometimes the are as low as 1499.

[J_UNTITLED]

Originally Posted by dadkins

HP has Blu-ray drives and 1080p screens

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...ding=notebooks

I know and I love one of their notebooks but it is a bit out of my price range I think, sadly and also they probably aren't quite the ideal laptop for portability or... you know, actually sitting it on your lap.

[dadkins]

Originally Posted by J_UNTITLED

I know and I love one of their notebooks but it is a bit out of my price range I think, sadly and also they probably aren't quite the ideal laptop for portability or... you know, actually sitting it on your lap.

Portable is relative.
Even though I am disabled, I can carry a 8lb monster all day long(I have two of them)
On the lap... I have this 17" AR VAIO on my lap for most of the day - everyday.

Look into an FZ VAIO.
Screen Size:15.4”
Resolution:1280 x 800

With a BD drive.

[J_UNTITLED]

Thanks for the suggestions, dadkins. Anyone else?


So, truly, considering I'm the majority of the time going to be doing word processing-type of stuff on whatever I choose to get, is the MacBook Air still not a smart choice considering its notable limitations?

[I DO BLU]

I would love to have the air but there are a few downfalls. No drive at all but

you can use any computer for that. But you could download most software

direct from apple on there site also. That thing is so thin and small and does a

lot but the price is to high imho and the pro is better imho.

[w_tanoto]

portability you say? although normally I recommend HP, because you say portability, I'd say Sony VAIO FZ Series (AR series is not portable - 17 inch)
or
ASUS Lamborghini VX2

both uses BD

[J_UNTITLED]

Anyone else have a take here? I'd really appreciate it!

[w_tanoto]

Originally Posted by J_UNTITLED

Anyone else have a take here? I'd really appreciate it!

list of some laptop that includes BD drive. see the description. I haven't updated this for a while.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=19375

[J_UNTITLED]

Thanks, w_tanoto. Anyone else? Remember, again, a Blu-ray drive or having 1080p capability are not must-haves as that was just me being idealistic and... well, greedy.

[w_tanoto]

Originally Posted by J_UNTITLED

Thanks, w_tanoto. Anyone else? Remember, again, a Blu-ray drive or having 1080p capability are not must-haves as that was just me being idealistic and... well, greedy.

I see. if BD and 1080p are not must-haves, may I recommend HP Pavilion dv9700t or dv6700t (both have BD option, but not 1080p. The price is quite cheap).

If you want perfect 1080p, BD, and large screen, go with Pavilion HDX

Avoid Sony VAIO whenever possible. It's so overpriced (but you get BD and 1080p). Avoid Dell XPS1730 as well. It's gaming machine, so expect high prices for that SLI, though it includes BD and 1080p screen

[J_UNTITLED]

Thanks for that added bit, w_tanoto. Any other takers?