looking for laptop recommendations

PhantomOG
PhantomOG Posts: 2,409
edited April 2011 in The Clubhouse
So the LCD on my ~3 year old HP dv9500z went out. Would obviously like the best laptop for the lowest $$ that fulfills my needs. Unfortunately most of my "wants" are only available on really high end models even though I don't particularly need a powerful processor/laptop. So things I want:

+High res screen. Prefer FHD(1920x1080). This puts me in the 15-16" screen size which I'm ok with.
+Numeric keypad. If I'm getting a 15-16" laptop, I want a numeric keypad.
+Matte/non glossy screen. I'm sick and tired of looking at my reflection on this HP.
+Better build quality than this consumer level HP that crapped out on me.

Don't need a high end processor. I'm mostly using this for the usual office/email type work, with "real" work being done though VNC/NoMachine.

Top choices so far:
Sony C series VPCCB190X CTO (concerned about the glossiness of the screen)
Dell Latitude E5520 or E6520
Lenovo ThinkPad T520i

I'm obviously open to cheaper suggestions than the above (all ~$1k). The other side of me says I should just buy some low end $300 laptop and be happy it if lasts 3 years like my HP did which cost me $1200 back then. :frown:
Post edited by PhantomOG on
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Comments

  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited April 2011
    Most laptops with matte screens are going to be business class. That's a huge plus because most business class warranties are excellent. Also, you get stronger materials... dell is using magnesium and such on their business class laptops

    I have a dell E6510 w/ a FHD screen. I like the laptop and blah blah, but I can say that dells generally have higher repair rates... of course, many people go a lifetime without having to repair theirs... and NBD warranty will have you up in a day.

    I hear nothing but good things about the thinkpad series, I would definitely consider it. I have used an older think pad and they are built solid.

    Dells outlet has some NICE prices... I suggest you give it a look
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  • PhantomOG
    PhantomOG Posts: 2,409
    edited April 2011
    why do no laptop manufacturers offer any way to select laptops by screen resolution... so frustrating!

    Is there a secret to searching the dell outlet for a FHD screen?
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited April 2011
    PhantomOG wrote: »
    why do no laptop manufacturers offer any way to select laptops by screen resolution... so frustrating!

    Is there a secret to searching the dell outlet for a FHD screen?

    I honestly don't remember, I thought there was a search for it.

    The only ones with the 1920x1080 matte screen will be E6510/E6520
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  • PhantomOG
    PhantomOG Posts: 2,409
    edited April 2011
    found a 6510 with FHD, for $929. Doesn't seem like too much more gets you the current model with Sandy Bridge which I'm assuming would be worth it over the older models. That said, it probably wouldn't matter for my uses, but if I'm spending $900+, I might as well throw in a few bucks more for current models I'm guessing.
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  • cokewithvanilla
    cokewithvanilla Posts: 1,777
    edited April 2011
    What are the specs on the e6510 for 900?

    for me, configuring a e6520 w/i5 2520, dedicated video (worth it), FHD = 1450

    if I add a webcam or bluetooth, it will be 1.5k

    if you don't need SB and can save 600.. it might be worth it. Keep in mind that the E6520 has HDMI and the E6510 has DisplayPort..

    Oh and I nearl;y forgot one of your requirements.... E6520 has number pad... E6510 does not
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