Shipping out!!!!

Ok guys I’m ready to look for another notebook. I saw that new Sony at Best Buy and “me likes”. I’m looking for a full featured notebook. I need one that’s loaded ei: TV, DVD burner all the bells and whistles. I must say quality is the most important feature. I’m going to be deployed soon and I’ll need a quality machine to get me through it. Any suggestions?

 

There's probably only a few units that have a TV Tuner built in, Sony & Toshiba (I believe). They're both 17" models. You could always get an external USB 2.0 TV tuner that you can connect. But if you're looking at the Sony and you want opinions on this unit, you may get more responses if you posted this in the Sony forum. [ ]

You could pickup a low cost eMachines unit that has a DVD burner and then buy an external TV tuner. I think that'll be the cheapest option. The Sony's are WAY overpriced IMO, you're mainly paying for the name.

If you thin eMachines is not a large enough company, how about Toshiba or HP? The Toshiba M30/M35 or the HP ZT3000 series. 15.4" Widescreen LCD's, you can config them to have DVD burners (HP only supports + media, while Toshiba supports both + & -). They're fairly slim and will run for over 3+ hrs (depending on what you're doing).

For TV Tuners, you may want to look at the ATI TV Wonder USB 2.0. It's a nice unit that will allow you to capture uncompressed video if you want to your HDD, compress later and burn onto DVD.

-Vb-

 

While the Sony has a great looking display, note that it's surface is also highly reflective. While shopping, I looked over at a Sony and thought 'Wow, that looks great". But when I stepped in front of it the screen almost completely washed out. It was tilted back and the ceiling lights were causing the glare.

Knowing I would be using the notebook outside often I went with the eMachine M6809 widescreen instead. It also has many more features for a comparatively priced notebook. And the 6 in 1 card slot has proven very usefull as I have used four of the slots already.

Very pleased with my purchase.

Edit note: Bought an Acer TV card for about $70 IIRC that works just fine. Small and easy to hook up.

 

Thanks guys! I think I'll stick with emachines for now.

 

Where are you shipping out?

You going to be deployed on a ship or what?

 

To the Big Sandbox [8D]

 

Well, good luck. I'm lucky/unlucky enough to have missed both OEF and OIF when I was on the USS Kitty Hawk, and now I'm chillin' in Singapore for a few spending some "QT" with my family. Since you'll have a laptop, I assume you're not gonna be "in the ish". Last time I was in the box was 93' and it was hot as HELL. If you're gonna be on a ship, and have the room in your spaces, bring a brita water filter. The water always seems to be messed up on the hottest days...

 

Thanks guys! Maybe i'll logon from Bagdad.[8D]