Multimedia Notebook

[f2prateek]

Hi, I am looking to buy a new laptop. My main priority is to be able to support 1080p playback via HDMI so I can hook it up to my TV to watch videos.Hopefully it is compact so that I can lug it around easily, but it is. Also, I prefer a laptop with an Core I-series processor.

I was considering the newly refreshed Alienware M11x. I was also considering the Dell Studio 17. Are there any other alternatives? My budget is $1200.

 

[Maziar]

Hello and welcome to the forums
We need more info,so please fill the FAQ first
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/50797-35-read-buying-laptop

 

[f2prateek]

1_What is your budget?
Less than $1100, maximum to $1200

2_What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?
No Preference.

3_What screen resolution do you want?
No Preference

4_Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?
Preferably portable.

5_How much battery life do you need?
At least 3 hours on high perfomance, 5 hours on power saving.

6_Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)?
Games....not not a priority. But maybe light games like CS and fifa on low settings

7_What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo / Video editing,watching movies, Etc.)
HDMI out with support for 1080p playback. I want to be able to use it as a media center to plug into my TV and watch movies.

8_How much storage (H.D.D Capacity) do you need?
I'll use external hard drives for my movies so my primary hard capacity can be low, like 160 GB

9_If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.
No site chosen yet

10_How long do you want to keep your laptop?
I want it to last the entire 4 years of college.

11_What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ?
At least DVD writer. Bluray ROM would be bonus.

12_Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.
Hopefully dell coz my college has a student purchase program with it. Plus my last 3 laptops have been dell and they've generally been upto the mark.

13_What country do you live in?
Live in India, but can purchase it from Canada or USA as well.


14_Please tell us any additional information if needed.
My main priority is the 108-p video playback via HDMI and that it should last for at least 4 years. This is why I am unsure about Alienware m11x as it has a relatively weak processor even in the new one to last for 4 years. The Dell Studio 17 has i7-720QM processor which I think will not be as outdated 4 years down the line, and plus it has a strong graphic card for under $1100.

 

[Maziar]

Studio 17 would be a good choice but it doesn't have that much battery life.
http://www.xoticpc.com/asus-u30jca1-p-2763.html
Would be good/

 

[f2prateek]

Thanks, but I'm looking for a minimum of i5-540QM.

Does anybody know what's the cheapest i7-720QM laptop?
Also, what is the minimum video card requirement for 1080p playback via HDMI? Will Intel HD Graphics work?

 

[Maziar]

I think you mean i5 540M,because we don't have 540QM.
As for 720QM,there are lots of great laptops,but the only problem is that they won't meet your battery life requirement,is that OK with you ?

 

[f2prateek]

Yeah sorry...I mean the i5-540M.

And yeah I can sacrifice the battery life for i7 720QM. I can always buy one extra battery for backup but I can't change the processor in the future so I'd rather go with a stronger processor for now.

 

[Maziar]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220696
Would be a decent choice

 

[f2prateek]

That's a good one. Thanks a lot

 

[Maziar]

You are welcome

 

[bloodcrane]

What about the Lenovo Y560...i believe there still on sale for 950 with a i7

 

[Maziar]

Well the OP is mostly using it for HDMI playback and watching movies,so i don't think an i7 will be necessary

 

[bloodcrane]

ya but that sweet deal(i7,4gb ram,ati 5730,500gb storage).....u just cant pass that up....at least i couldnt

 

[Maziar]

Yes i agree that it has a great price for its specs

 

[f2prateek]

Really? The one on the lenovo website starts at $1049 with a i5 processor. The i7 one is for $1299.

 

[Maziar]

Yes it is,because 5730 is faster than a 5650M(not a huge difference though)

 

[bloodcrane]

ya but when i bought it they had a sale for 350 off...so the i7 came out to be $950.....ithink it ended on the 10th tho.....but Lenovo is always having those type of sales just wait like a week or so....and im pretty sure another sale will pop up

 

[f2prateek]

Hmm...I'll do that. Btw how's Studio XPS 16? The Dell USA site has one for $1199 with HD 5730 and i7-720QM after some $350 discount.

 

[bloodcrane]

i just checked and there having a sale for an i7,8gb ram,ati 5730...for $1,104.15*
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/cart.workflow:add-e-coupon?CouponCode=USPLENOVO610

 

[f2prateek]

The link doesn't seem to work. I can't seem to get this configuration at your price

 

[bloodcrane]

kk....go to gizmodo.....they have daily like article called dealzmodo....http://gizmodo.com/5561061/gadget-deals-of-the-day.....scroll down till u see the lenovo deal....and wahlla...its show how to get it

 

[Maziar]

Hmm...I'll do that. Btw how's Studio XPS 16? The Dell USA site has one for $1199 with HD 5730 and i7-720QM after some $350 discount.

Studio 16 is a great laptop with one of the best LCDs in the market, but it becomes hot(even with normal usages)
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5719&p=2
"Heat and Noise
As in the previous version of the Studio XPS 16, the machine can get on the toasty side during heavy gaming. The palmrest and keys become noticeably warm (just under what I’d call hot). The extended battery helps to prop up the laptop and promote some airflow underneath, but placing this on your lap will definitely cause you to sweat. Even when just surfing the web (and viewing some flash videos), it gets warm"

 

[f2prateek]

So if I compare the Lenovo Y560(i7 720QM, HD 5730, 8 GB RAM) on discount and Studio XPS 16(i7 720QM, HD 5730, 4 GB RAM), both at an approx price of $1200, which is a better value for money? The lenovo one right? Coz it has 8 GB RAM

 

[bloodcrane]

yes definitely and its also a little bit cheaper.......only difference is which one do u like better aesthetically

 

[Maziar]

I would go for the Lenovo one because of having more RAM and a better cooling(i think)
Another good laptop in that price range is ASUS G73 which costs $1200 and perform better than either of those
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i7+Processor+-+Black/9741729.p?id=1218165344675&skuId=9741729
If the link doesn't work,go to bestbuy and search for "G73JH-RBBX05" (without "s)