630m or X1 or D810

Hi all,

I need yer help. I need to buy a laptop. Firstly I will describe what i need it for.

I am a college student. I would be bringing my laptop with me most day to college by back pack. I will use it for the normal tasks, word processing, spreadsheets etc, internet, email, sql server, java development, dvd's, web design, visual studio etc.

I will also use it for part time web design that i do in .net so will be running vs, webmatrix etc.

I would hope to use the laptop in industry when i leave college. I would hope my laptop would be future compatible etc.

My choice is either the insprion 630m, latitiude x1 or latitude d810.

I dont know much about the 630m, seems reasonable in price. Its new on the market so havent seen many reviews on it.

I like the look of the x1 but seems kinda expensive. It is perfect in size (wonder if the screen is bit small??) and perfect for travel. My one problem with this is the processor, only 1.1ghz. I am wondering if i am shelling out a large sum of money if this is sufficent for me.

Finally the d810. IT is fairly large and may not be ideal for travel.

As you can see i am very confused and really need help, advice etc. So anyone out there that can help me?????

 

You have three different classes and sizes of notebooks there, you need to decide wether you want portability or best performance. None of them are comparable.

For most portability, but least power = X1

Balanced portability/power = 630m

Most performance/least portability = D810.

The Latitude series has the best build quality.

 

In notebooks, smaller equals more expensive.

 

Indeed it does. Even if the components are inferior to those of the larger models.

 

Thanks so far for everyones help. I dont know whter its performance or portability I want. O was hoping the laptops would dictate this, in that, the best overall laptop would win through and become the most attractive for me.

So, what i want is the best overall, all round laptop with a certain amount of portability and performance.

For most portability, but least power = X1 - How bad is the power? Is it too small for the tasks i require it for?

Most performance/least portability = D810. - How big is this, really?

The Latitude series has the best build quality. - Is it worth buying a latitude model over inspiron?

Some advice would be grateful. Thanks

 

What kills performance on the X1 is the slow hard drive not the CPU. The D810 weighs about eight pounds. If you are looking for a good small notebook to carry around I would look at some ThinkPad T43 or X32s, and the Fujitsu S series. If you want to play games, the Asus W3v is a good choice. You really should fill out the FAQ in the hardware forum so we can help more.

 

I would get the 630m, although as the poster above says if you play games get a w3v - that is one awesome laptop.

 

General Usage

What will you be using the notebook mainly for? Will you be using it to play games? Will you be using it for word processing / general productivity? etc. - General Productivity/Web Devlopment

Are you looking more at a very small notebook, a standard notebook, or a large desktop replacement? - standard notebook

Will you be carrying the notebook around a lot or be keeping it stationary most of the time? - I will be carrying it around in a back pack most days

How important is battery life to you? - Kinda Important

How long do you intend on using this laptop? - 2+ years

Features

Do you need lots of hard drive space? - No 30GB

Will you be burning DVD's or just CD's? - Burning both DVD's and CD's

Do you tend to work with a lot of applications at once? - Dont intend to but would like to be able to

Graphics & Display

How big would you like your screen to be? Do you care if it's widescreen or not? - would prefer a wide screen as it seems its the way laptops are going.

Are you willing to pay more for premium screens enhanced by XBRITE, Crystal View, or Bright View? (Go to the bottom of this post for an explanation) - Maybe, depend if the rest of the laptops specs suit

(If applicable) Will you be playing casual games or the latest games?

(If applicable) Will you be doing work in a 3D modeling program like 3D Studio Max or Maya?

Miscellaneous

Do you care if your notebook looks good or not? - moderately bothered by this

Are there particular brands you prefer or won't buy from? - Prefer to buy from Dell or Sony, maybe HP

How much are you willing to pay for this notebook? - Max €1800

Are there particular models you have already looked at? - Dell & Sony

 

If you are carrying this around a lot, I would suggest going lighter. Amongst Dells and Sonys, I would look at the Dell D610 or the Sony BX. Latitudes will offer better build quality than Inspirons. If you want a smaller notebook that can game a little, I would look at the W3v. Asus are very good notebooks. All of the ones I mentioned offer modular batteries for extra time. Good Luck.

 

Anyone have any views on the D610 for my requirements? I have looked into the D610 but the fact it doesnt have a wide screen is turning me off it.

Will have a look at the W3v, thanks.