Suggestions for notebook for around $1000

[monkeywatcher]

I am in the market for a new notebook, and was hoping for some suggestions from the experts here. Here are the details:

What I am looking for:
Something lightweight <4 lbs, that is durable enough for lots of travel (e.g. Thinkpad)

Good processing power for running productivity software (office, and various statistics software), watching video (mostly hooked up to external display), and occasional gaming.

Ideal computer would have:at least i5 processor, 4 GB ram, decent video card, and 250 GB hard drive (SSD OS drive would be nice too)

Budget: Around $1000- but willing to go a bit higher if justifiable.



What I am considering now: The main three models that I have been thinking about are:Lenovo Thinkpad X220, or X1, and the new MacBook Air (13"). The biggest thing I am concerned about with the MacBook is the durability compared to the Thinkpad. I am very comfortable with Windows, so the Mac OS is not a huge selling point for me.

Any suggestions on one of these three models, other systems, or specs for the customizations?

Thanks!

 

[dalamchops]

x220 is the king at what you're looking for. It'll destroy the MBA in processing power, battery, display quality, and it has more ports. You can get a fully decked out x220 for $1000 especially with all the coupons that lenovo has been pushing out.

 

[monkeywatcher]

Thanks! Any suggestions on customization besides the IPS screen?

 

[Schadenfreude]

Well if gaming is a concern I'd go with a different option other than an X220, only because it comes without a discrete GPU.

A fantastic system, though. Most newer systems w/ a Sandy Bridge core or even Llano should be able to run your software fine, and since you did mention using it hooked up to an external monitor all you should be concerned about is size, build quality and a discrete GPU.

In that respect I'd recommend the Vostro 3450 - that's a deal link - as it has a (lower-end) graphics card that you can game occasionally on, the Asus U31SD is a fine choice too as it has a better GPU (but poor display) or you another potential option would be the ThinkpadT420 - it has a discrete GPU option as well as an option for an upgraded display; but without it being on sale it may blow your budget - there has been several sales on the T420 so if you can wait and keep your eyes open you may be able to score a deal.

 

[monkeywatcher]

Thank you for the tips.

 

[nickb64]

The bistro 3450 is essentially the laptop foe of a new Mac mini without OSX, I've been looking at it, and it should be pretty good for your needs, though I don't know how good battery life is on it. For the most part, battery life and discrete graphics don't go together, unfortunately.

 

[marcplante]

Interesting option from Costco at $899 that includes the following specs. I'm shopping myself, and interested in thoughts. i'd like to play the occasional game of BF2 or drive my old GP2 simulator, so I need some gamign power, but not latest, greatest.

Processor & Memory:

Intel® Core™ i7-740QM Processor 1.73GHz (Turbo Boost up to 2.93GHz)
1066MHz Front Side Bus
8GB DDR3 RAM 1066Ghz (2x 4GB, 8GB max); (2 x SODIMM slots)
Drives:

750GB (7200RPM) SATA hard drive
Blu-Ray ROM and DVD±RW Combo Drive
Graphics & Video:

15.6" HD display (1366x768 native resolution)
1GB ATI HD 6370 DDR3
Integrated 0.3M webcam
Communications:

Wireless LAN 802.11 b/g/n
10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN
Audio:

Built-in Altec Lansing HD speakers
SRS Premium Sound
Card Slots:

4-in-1 digital multimedia card reader (SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO)
Ports:

3 x USB 2.0
HDMI
VGA (15-pin)
RJ-45
1x microphone in
1x headphone out
Operating System:

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Power Supply:

6-cell Lithium-Ion battery
Additional Information:

Color: Dark Brown
Dimensions: 15.2" W x 10.2" D x 1.4" H
Weight (approximate): 5.8 lbs.




http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...6670&amp;N=4047229 4294900030&Mo=3&pos=1&No=3&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC5-Cat84&topnav=

 

[nickb64]

I wouldn't buy a laptop anywhere near $1000 that didn't have a sandy bridge chip in it.

 

[dclive]

I suggest you consider the Macbook Pro 13", available at $999 at a Microcenter near you. It's about 4.5 pounds, so does not meet your weight requirement.

 

[monkeywatcher]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I am leaning toward the x220 still, based on its durability. I travel a lot, and occasionally to places that are WAY off the grid. I need something that can handle a lot of dust, moisture, and hold up to the rigors of travel (this laptop is replacing a Toughbook W5). If I find that it still doesn't handle the occasional game that I want to play, I might go for an external video card in the future for at home use (DIY ViDock).

Any suggestions about the customization options. I am thinking the following configuration:
[FONT=&quot]Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.5GHz, 3MB L3, 1333MHz FSB)
IPS screen upgrade
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 (2x2 AGN)
9cell battery
[/FONT]

After purchase modifications:
Add: 4 GB DDR3 1333
Possibly Add: Intel 310 80 GB SSD

Any suggestions or issues that you see?

Thanks Again!

 

[allthatisman]

Although you want something light and portable, I just bought an open box G73sw from the Egg, and with the Core i7 Q2630 and I can attest to the cool and fastness of this CPU. I can game on the thing all night long and it's never hot. Did I mention that this laptop replaced a Core i5 750/HD 6950 desktop and I can hardly tell...?

Anyway, just some perspective.

 

[monkeywatcher]

Looks like an good machine for what you want. But like you said, there is a pretty big difference in weight.

 

[biostud]

look at some the hp business line 4330s or 5330m

 

[dclive]

For small size and a great OS I'd suggest simply getting a Macbook Air of some sort. You can get a last-gen model for $750, or a current one for $999. Wait a few weeks and the prices will drop by $50 or so. If you're a student you should be able to get the $100 Apple iTunes credit / free printer business, if you want to buy from Apple.

I find the aluminum Macs handle travel and rough treatment far better than the plastic bodies on most other brands these days.

 

[warrax10]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I am leaning toward the x220 still, based on its durability. I travel a lot, and occasionally to places that are WAY off the grid. I need something that can handle a lot of dust, moisture, and hold up to the rigors of travel (this laptop is replacing a Toughbook W5). If I find that it still doesn't handle the occasional game that I want to play, I might go for an external video card in the future for at home use (DIY ViDock).

Any suggestions about the customization options. I am thinking the following configuration:
[FONT=&quot]Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.5GHz, 3MB L3, 1333MHz FSB)[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]IPS screen upgrade[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 (2x2 AGN)[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]9cell battery[/FONT]


After purchase modifications:
Add: 4 GB DDR3 1333
Possibly Add: Intel 310 80 GB SSD

Any suggestions or issues that you see?

Thanks Again!

The x220 is nice and that configuration is almost the same as mine, but if your expecting toughbook level durability I think you are going to be disapointed. While the x220 is a notch above consumer grade laptops in terms of build, I'm not sure it will handle "dust and moisture" as well as any other laptop let alone a toughbook.