[Old Chipper]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Hi,[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I'm looking to buy a notebook for my genealogy research use. It will not be my main computer and I wouldn't be doing anything that requires a high spec machine - mostly photos, data collection, internet, etc.. What I do want is a reasonably quick machine with good screen resolution. After spending several days reading every forum I could find. I concluded most don’t give enough info for the experts to really help them. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I collected these questions. I hope with this amount of info, one of you can help me![/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Thanks[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Harry[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Questions I have asked myself![/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]1) Exactly why do I need a newer laptop/notebook! My 10 year old Sony VAIO is no longer useful. I’m told it can’t be upgraded! Plus the batteries are a 100 bucks! I need a unit that I can take with me to the Library or County Clerk’s office to scan wills, birth certificates, etc. I often take hundreds of headstone photos in a day. I fill several Media cards, then download them back at my truck, check the results and go out again. I often go to people’s home and scan in family photos, which I can later edit and repair.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]2) What is my budget?[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Around $800 although am prepared to stretch to $1,000.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]3) What size notebook would I prefer?[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I like things big and heavy! Heavy duty and well built is always better than dainty and cute! 15.5” or larger screen![/SIZE][/FONT]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]One that doesn’t run so hot. No Macs. More interested in their customer service! One that has tech’s that speak English and know their stuff. A brand that will stand behind what they sell.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Email, surfing the internet, editing photos, often run several programs at once. (Like word processing, a genealogy research site, and a Google search all at once.) DVDs, and sometimes record a little music to CD.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? Mostly will be left in one place, but occasionally will take it in my truck to a cemetery or County Clerk’s office, or with us in our recreational vehicle on trips. [/FONT][/SIZE]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]No games at all, well maybe some card games.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]8) How many hours of battery life do you need?[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]The more, the better, and cheap enough that I can afford several![/SIZE][/FONT]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]I'd prefer XP Pro. Or a notebook I can down grade to XP! Don’t want to have to buy all new programs.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Don’t care as long as my old eyes can see it! Probably the standard XGA -1024x768 or SXGA - 1400x1050 I’m thinking of going for mid-range as I want something decent for my photos.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Don’t really know?[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Build Quality and Design[/FONT][/SIZE]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Not at all, just not flimsy or delicate![/SIZE][/FONT]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Not be DOA and for 4-5 years at least.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Notebook Components[/FONT][/SIZE]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]16) How much hard drive space do you want? [/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Oh, 75-100GB, It’s not important, as I always use my external hard drives to store my data, only have the actual programs on the unit’s hard drive.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]17) Do you need an optical drive? [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]DVD-CD/RW sounds like the most sensible option.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]18) What other options?[/FONT][/SIZE]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Must have multi Media card reader, and must have wireless network, (Wi-Fi), also want USB2 Ports. Want to be able to easily shut off the touch pad.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[kanoakavirus]

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/143913...oduct_overview great lappy, ive orderd one myself

[Carbon]

Try this. It's not the cheapest option, but the Penryn processor will help your battery life, it's a good spec for the money (often good C2D laptops are well over $1000), and Toshiba's a good brand. 17" screen, should be zippy.

Could also try this but you're getting a bit of a hit on processor & battery life.