Notebook widescreens

Hi guys,

Just signed up, but been monitoring the forums for a while - kudos to you & the creators for making such a excellent forum base & site.

I'm looking to buy a new notebook for travel/uni and I was just wondering of the views of people who already own a notebook with a widescreen.

I'm a bit worried of purchasing a TravelMate with a 15.4" widescreen thinking it would be massive & impractical to carry around with me.

On the other hand if I were to buy a 12.1" - would this be too small in order to do work on it (ie film/music editing) for a long period of time.

Plus could anyone give me any recommendations for the features noted above? I'd ideally like to spend no more than £900.

Your thoughts would be very welcomed!

Thanks.

 

Are you limiting this to Acer? If not, this post needs to be moved.

 

Why not split the difference and get a 14" laptop? I think Acer makes one over there.

 

Yes this is chiefly Acer models.

Had a look at a 14" model previously, TM3200, however its 4:3 not 16:9

However you're right, something in the middle would surfice.. its difficult though, not actually being able to have a play with a range of Acer notebooks "in the flesh" if you like. I can only really make judgements online for my needs.

 

A delima for sure - don't ya wish they made one with flip out wings to meet all the needs ?

I have a 15.4 (see sig) - and take it wherever I go. Comming from an Old Dell Latitude - I find the Acer travel friendly. Not too heavy and for me the more the more screen the better. (I actually regret not going for 17) .

On planes in coach (where I sit anyway hahah) - it is a little cramped on those trays , but it will fit. Last flight I was on person beside me had a Dell 9300 17in and she was watching a movie.

Given your budget and the recent release of the 8204 if you can you may be able to get an archaic 8104 like mine for that price.

So I guess it depends on your priorities. Some retail places will offer a 10 - 15 day no questions asked retrun policy - maybe go that route and at least have a week or so to test

Not sure why are limiting to Acer - there are lots of great alternatives out there (that said I am very pleased with my Acer)

 

Well I think a 15.4" widescreen is a perfect size for multitasking. You can put 2 internet webpages side by side. You can put up a webpage, a couple chat windows, and watch a movie all at the same time. I for one, definitely need a widescreen from now on. There's no turning back.
Also, I think a 15.4" widescreen is perfect for film editing and any other graphic related work.

As for that midpoint, depending on your country, I believe Acer has a 14.1 WXGA (widescreen) available in the 3200 series.

 

Funnily enough I was looking at the 8100 series. I've found a 8103 which is just in my budget so I might play the market, as you say, & see if the price reduces following the 8200 launch.

Sounds like the 15.4 is cool for travelling from what you say, so I think I'll go with that. Good to hear it just fits on those tiny airplane trays & is not too heavy

Well I've been looking at getting a notebook for bloomin ages now & I've finally settled on an Acer (before that it was either an Acer or Sony - until I saw the price tag of the Sony!). So I think Acer is the best way to go looking at reviews & friends recommendations - its also in the right price barrier.

You're dead right mike - after having a play on a friends Powerbook at work I was hooked on widescreen - just couldnt face going back to my standard computer screen!

Also cant wait to play HL2 in all its widescreen goodness

 

I can't say much about the bulk factor of using a 15.4", but, in terms of carry size and weight, I personally don't have a problem with it. I don't know if I represent the norm on that matter, though. A lot of people have strong feelings about the differences between 14" and 15.4" computers.

Howie

 

At work, I have a 14.1 screen and my personal laptop, Acer 3003WCLI is a 15.4. There really is a significant difference in the size. Now I don't really travel much with the Acer, so I can't speak to how well that goes. I can say that the Acer is almost 1.5" longer and about .5 inch wider overall.