Need recommendation for a Notebook

Hi,

i am looking to invest in a notebook but am in 2 minds about which one to get.

i will be using it for photoshop, dreamweaver quite often in addition to the usual (internet ...), no games. one thing i would like is for it to be 64 bits compatible.

i think the MX7525 will be a good choice but am wondering if something like the MX7118 will be enough for my need (a saving of a few hundred $).

thanks in advance.
kay

 

You should consider the FAQ in the hardware forum and post there. With out knowing your budget it is hard to help. If you are looking for a good glossy screened notebook, I would look at the Fujitsu n3410. It is a well built notebook, much better than a Gateway, and has a dazzling glossy screen although it is a Pentium M based machine. You can check it out if you have a CompUSA or Frys nearby. If you really would like a 64 bit machine, I would look at something like a Turion CPU like the HP dv5000z or MSI 1029. It is AMDs 64 bit mobile CPU. They have better battery life and generate less heat. Good Luck.

 

I have the 7525, and it's a screamer...although would be better with an X700 and 5400 rpm hd for gaming. It does get hot, and battery just over 2 hrs., but if you get a chill mat and plan to keep it plugged in most of the time it's still the fastest single core, 64-bit processor option out there...for the moment.

 

my 7515 doesnt get very hot, just warm. All the ventilation is out the back unlike compaq/hp. I strongly recommend this model (or the 7525 of course) if you need powerful photoshop/dreamweaver performance. In essence, what you will be needing for that and what gamers need is very similar. keep that in mind. The turion with a good graphics card is nice also. Is it going to be mainly on a desk or mobile most of the time?

 

thanks guys, nice to hear good things about the 7525/7515 (being away for christmas, i missed out buying the 7515 before they got cleared out).

it will be mostly on a desk and in my bedroom for watching dvds. i wont be taking it anywhere when i am at home (not travelling) but i do have a few trips planned in the next year and will be taking it with me. but i wont really be using it on the road though, it will be going from 1 country to another and staying in someone's house, it might get used at the airports, or starbucks once in a while, that's all.

thanks,
kay

 

ya, i do want a 64bit machine and probably will not spend any more than what a 7525 costs unless the an 64bit dual core model comes on the market soon. i did consider the turion but read that athlon performed better, please let me know if i am wrong because that will open up a few more options. is the any word on amd release a dual core 64 bit processor for laptops in the near future?

i live in canada, so wont be able to check out those stores that you mentioned, futureshop has the gateways though.

since the models i am considering are gateways, i thought i would post on the gateway board, but i will post on the hardware forum too, thanks for the advice.

kay

 

Just curious why buy a gateway when there are so many other beautiful machines available? i have always found gateway chasis to be lacking in quality.

 

The best notebook CPU right now is the Pentium M in my opinion as it runs cooler and has better battery life. 64 bit is overrated. Most software is not written for 64 bit unless you are planning on running Linux. That will change over time as Windows Vista 64 bit is released in 2007 and more software is written for 64 bit. Windows XP 64 bit is not very well supported. By the time you'll need 64 bit, you will have moved onto you next notebook. The dual-core Pentium Ms are available now, but the selection is limited. The 64 bit versions are rumored for the fall. Something like the Asus Z70va or Z71v over at CanadaSys are better choices in my opinion. Good Luck.

http://www.canadasys.com/laptopasus.htm#BOA

 

You will not find a better bargain for such a machine (arguably). I recommend it by all means, as long as you plan on purchasing a service plan (which you should for all notebooks). The best processor in the notebook market IMO. Most people don't like the looks of the M520, but I for one like the way that it looks. And especially the way that it feels.
The one thing that you should be fully aware of is that the hinges tend to wear fast. Mine had to be tightened within the first 4 months of ownership.
Good luck

 

Personally, I just dont find a Pentium M equipped system to be a very responsive one. From my experience multi-tasking is difficult as the 750 1 gig ram model of my dad's i use seems a bit crippled when i give it a few simple instructions. It has great battery life, and little heat, but I prefer the technology of the integrated memory controller and faster system bus that AMD offers. Pentium M fans hold your responses as this is my personal experience/opinion, but even rendering times etc for media applications seem to blow away a pentium M- I know Pulp would be one to back that statement up. Turion dual cores should be arriving around Q2 or 3, with ddr 2 667 support with the new socket M2. Hellmans-the hinge issue seems to have been fixed as of the 7515s and later.. no problems with mine.

These are my opinions which I have the right to declare. I dont want to start another AMD vs. Intel war (which I do enjoy i must note), just voice my opinion.

 

mainly because they have more choices for with 64 bits processors with reasonable prices...

 

and because customers can walk into a store and look at and comparemodels right in front of their faces.

 

I do concur. In terms of raw horsepower, the Mobile Athlon 64 4000+ in the MX7525 is by and large the fastest notebook processor readily available, keeping in mind that Core Duo notebooks may well eclipse it in responsiveness and multimedia performance.

But Core Duo notebooks are a rarity on the market right now, and I found the performance of the higher class Pentium M 760 to be extremely disappointing against my own Mobile Athlon 64 3700+. Not just subjectively, but benchmarked as well.

 

Well, that's good to hear
Now I can fully recommend it.

 

yeah man.. My manager at BB has that same one as you, and Myself, a department manager, and a geek squad agent all have the MX7515 and no hinge problems out of any of us.

 

You mean your manager doesn't have any problems with cracking or tension-loss??
I must be missing something here... I'm confused

 

yeah he doesnt have any problems. He uses it at work every day hes there. I dunno i thought you and his model was the last one with problems. All im sayin is his are fine