What Do You Consider The Most Important Laptop Part?

As of now, I'm simply curios as to this one thing: What does the majority consider the most important when buying, using, upgrading, or having a laptop? Is it the battery life, or maybe you always look for good weight. Is it the features that you value the most? Operating system or processor brand? There are many more options.

So, for the sake of getting the general consensus on the matter, I thought I'd make a poll comprising of the majority of the matters. Maybe your a gamer, so A is mst important. Possibly you travel a lot, so B is for you. Maybe you have a general outlook, and personally believe that C is the most nessecry part of a laptop. I understand we can, and will, have different opinions; but we may have similar ones as well.

So, what's most important to you

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Here is a list of the options, given alongside examples:

-Battery Life
Under 5 hour, 5 - 7 hour, 7 - 12 hour, Over 12 hour, etc.

-Weight
Under 3.7 pound, 3.7-4.4 pound, 4.4-5.5 pound, Over 5.5 pound,etc.

-Screen Size
Under 12.1 inch, 12.1 - 13.3 inch, 13.3 - 14 inch, 14 - 15.6 inch, 15.6 - 17.3 inch, Over 17.3 inch, etc.

-Resolution
1024 x 600, 1280 x 800, 1366 x 768, 1440 x 900, 1920 x 1220, etc.

-Brand
HP, ASUS, Apple, Toshiba, Samsung, etc.

-Operating System
Windows 7, MacOS, Chrome OS, Windows XP, Windows Vista, etc.

-Optical Storage
With DVD Drive, Without Optical Drive, With Blu-ray Drive, etc.

-Processor Brand
Intel CPU, AMD CPU, etc.

-Type
Notebook, Netbook

-Hard Disk Capacity
Under 128 GB, 128 - 320 GB, 320 - 640 GB, Over 640 GB, etc.

-Features
Solid State Drive, Widescreen, With Built-in Camera, etc.

-Other
Pointing Device, Installed Memory, Processor Speed, etc.

I understand that many of these are intertwined with one another, and therefore I'm not saying pick your favortite and drop the rest. Rather, I'm asking which of these are most important to you, so that when using a laptop this is what's most favored to you, and what you would want to have at the highest grade.

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Notes:
Your favorite doesn't mean only that item would be good and the rest bad, rather that you preffred part would be the best. If you had to coose 1 part to be top-of-the-grade, what would it be?
Don't rush in and vote- think about it.

LET THE VOTING BEGIN :thumbsup:

 

you should have put build quality

 

In order of importance:

Lenovo ThinkPAD, or specific HP's or ASUS' or ACER's (TP=100%, ACER=50%) - anything 'less' is not an option.

Windows 7 x64 Ultimate.

Latest Intel platform (cpu/MB) and latest Intel networking solution (wired/wireless).

IB QUAD CORE cpu with HD 4000 graphics and all VTx technologies (eg. i7 3720QM or higher).

See:
Intel Core i7-3720QM Ivy Bridge Mobile Review - HotHardware


16GB/32GB RAM DDR3 PC3-12800 (2x 8GB or 4x8GB Sodimms).

14" or larger screen and anything over 1366x768 (depending on size).

Integrated GPU - HD 4000 and up... (Yeah; games are YAWNNNN... boring to me).

Dual HDD 2.5" drive bays + mSATA.

240/256GB or 512GB SSD's for both drive bays - or 512GB SSD DB1 and 750GB HDD for DB2. 256GB (M4) mSATA SSD.

With DVD/Blu Ray Drive.

With fingerprint reader.

With Bluetooth 4.0+.

With TrackPoint hardware/software (yeah; only TP's do this right...).

With 'real' keyboard (yeah; again TP's best option for this too).

With backlighted keyboard - nice, but not a deal breaker.

With HDMI and VGA and DVI out - this can be a deal breaker...

With as many USB 3.0/2.0 ports as the chassis can support.


In addition to the above: I don't want a system that looks good, but fails at properly cooling the components inside (apple's need not apply...) and I don't want a system that keeps the fans, the HDD/SSD's, the RAM and the battery sealed/soldered and only servicable by the manufacturer (which makes the system total garbage, imo).


With the above main points taken care of, I would be happy (but maybe not completely satisfied...) for a little while.


Favorite component? Nah, that's not how a system works.

A system, like a team, depends on all the supporting players and when all are actually working together; the sum is greater than the parts.

(Take out (or weaken) any 'part' and the system loses much of it's shine - much like AMD systems feel like to me - 'balance' is key).

 

I like a well rounded machine, i.e. the right selection of parts and appropriate battery life to the size (e.g. 11",13.3",14",15.6",17", 18" DTR). So to please me, no GDDR3 GPUs for gaming machines with any resolution larger than 1366x768. Likewise, it is poor form to cram an overkill GPU/CPU in to a ultrabook which has to be continuously throttled because the form factor simply cant handle it.

 

Well, you basically answered my question. I understand that they work together as a team. LeBron James teamed with a bunch of 2-year olds could lose to a team of middle schoolers.

I wasn't asking for a "take this and leave that" sorta thing, rather something like what you said, the things that are the MOST IMPORTANT to you, that you esteem the most. If everything else had to be mediocore, what would be top-of-the-grade.

Anyhow, good post.

 

Hmmm... thinking about this some more, it isn't a single physical component (or all of them); it is the 'balance' that I spoke about before.

Even if everything is at the same level of 'mediocre'; that would be a good system in my eyes (for certain uses, of course).

The 'balance' needs to be within individual parts, between parts, between what's available on the market currently (including taking price into account) and finally; between what the final end user will actually use it for.

When these are all matched optimally; that specific setup/system is worth more to a user than even the hassle of moving to a newer/'better' system is (at least for a short while (~2-3 yrs...).

 

Keyboard and touchpad, It is ironic that both of these components are much better on a 5+ year old dell, than the 2 year old Asus I own.

 

Synaptics touchpad, I don't like ELANtech.

 

Display first and foremost. Though I'm also very biased towards the superior build quality of a business laptop.

 

For me the most important thing in a laptop is screen size. Since I bought my first 17incher, would never work or play on anything smaller, so whenever I am looking for a new laptop to buy, it needs to be at least 17inch.

 

I chose "other", Graphics card. Primarily for video editing. Last year I learned FCP 7 and it didn't matter much. This year I'm leaning MC6 and Adobe CS6 which are both 64 bit, and the graphics card is the hub of both those programs.

Yes, I know most folks here are CPU power hogs, but as far as I'm concerned, even last generation's CPU was sufficient. Of course I know it helps; and they work in tandem. But it's not as essential as it once was since mid-level CPU can efficiently run virtually any program (did I open up a can of worms saying that?).

Frankly, I'd pick screen resolution (17") as a close second. And the CPU (i7 tier anyway) would be a distant third.

 

For me it has to be the screen resolution/quality followed by keyboard and touchpad. I think more people should look for these first as they are the main interaction points between the user and the machine...

 

the problem is that while a good GPU is nice, manufacturers don't seem to understand that the GPU is not just the chip but also the VRAM, cooling and driver support too. I find that there is somewhat of an obsession with the CPU amongst OEMs and consumers, and I can understand why, i7s sell laptops even if its in a 17" monster with no GPU and would be totally overkill for the target audience. Another annoying thing I find is OEMs like to quote stuff like "XXX GPU with 2gb RAM!!" and then you find its GDDR3 or say they are more in-tune and do give you GDDR5, the chip is so anemically cooled it spends most of its time being throttled. On the last point, even if you can find a decent GPU without cooling or VRAM issues, you often find it requires a hefty price premium or is available on "premium" laptop lines for gamers.

I feel your pain, if it were up to me anything better than an AMD HD5730m would have GDDR5, if power or price is an issue, then use smaller quantities like 512mb or 1gb instead of ridiculous 2gb quantities. As for cooling, use a weaker CPU if need be, as long as the GPU has at least 1 heatpipe to itself.

 

Wow. I did NOT expect Other to be so high
In fact, I thought it would be the lowest. Quite interesting.

In other news, Resolution is primary. Guess people like big screens. However, I'm sure it's known that for such screen to be used to their full potential, you need other goodies to make sure it is laggy, or bad graphics.

Resolution 1920 x 1220 =

 

- Reliability (hardware of course, and also no gremlins with interactions between laptop and os\programs)
- Eye-friendly screen (reflexions\colors\black levels\details\contrast\luminosity)

so it's 'Other'.

 

Video card for me. While the processor, memory, storage, networking card, and even the screen can be replaced and typically upgraded, you've got the same video card for the life of the system. While I don't need or look for something top end (as doing so would typically interfere with my other preferences), I always want a system with a video card that will remain capable for as long as I'll have the computer.

 

I'd personally it is the video card as most machines cannot be so easily upgraded and for gamers that is everything or people hit money issues. Everything else can be upgraded aftermarket, and the laptops I buy for gaming usually have decent enough screens (Alienware, Clevo rebrands).

Sent from my SGH-T769 using Tapatalk 2

 

Looks like Resolution and Fetures are head-to head. Surprisingly, I ven't heard anyone say anything about Features...

Hopefully, as time goes on, the poll will become more balanced.

 

1. Pixel Density

2. Weight

3. i7 processor

I don't compromise. (referring to my sony)

Although, if my notebook didn't have an optical drive space, then eSATA, USB 3.0 or Expresscard would definitely be necessary.

Yea but if we're talking a new notebook, you can play skyrim on medium with integrated graphics.

 

Initially it was always the screen for me but After getting my sager, it's the layout of the keyboard (1 year later and I still can't get used to the non standard numpad layout )

 

Ho-ho! Prcessor Brand got one!
Speaking of which, what would you say: Intel CPU or AMD CPU?

 

No doubt about it Intel CPU / PLATFORM.

Right after O/S choice: Windows 7 x64 Ultimate.

 

You missed lots of things that people care about (processor performance, hard disk performance, upgradability, graphics performance), and listed some things that nobody really gives a hoot about (processor brand, type-which is included in all the other criteria).

 

Yeah, I realize that now... long story short, I'm not terribly knowledgable with laptops; just above the basics.
But really, the things you listed are performence related. Everyone isn't into that sort of thing. But yeah, maybe I sould've given it some more space on the poll ._.

 

video card>*

 

Everything are important, The following factors that matters for me in order;

1. Size of laptop,
2. Overall look and building quality,
3. Optical bay for additional HDD and height space (9mm),
4. 14" matte screen in 13" body (Screen frame size),
5. How thin?,
6. APU 3D performance, efficiency,
7. Two DDR3 memory connector,
8. Backlit-keyboard,
9. Higher Screen resolution than 1366X768,
10. Wireless+ Bluetooth together,
11. Temperatures,
12. Fan noise,
13. Weight,
14. Tweak bios,
15. Brand of laptop,
16. No USB 2.0, but 3.0 ports, HDMI, SD card reader, mSata port, Webcam,
17. Price.

Battery time, CPU performance not really important for me after a certain level, maybe all today's available laptop is good enough.

 

This question needs more parameters. For example, if screens are not top on the list, does that mean we don't get a screen at all?

 

I take it that it means we'd be shafted with 15.6" 768p displays or 900p 17.3" displays.

 

Think of it this way: Your screen will be mediocre, while X will be top-of-the line.

 

For me: PRICE

 

Ok, then, here you go Acer Aspire AOD270-1410 10.1" Netbook 320GB Intel Atom Dual Core 1.6 GHz 1GB on eBay!


It's good to get a balance of quality and price. Too much of etheir will hurt your wallet/use, depending on which direction you take.

 

I mean I set the max amount of money I would spend, and find the machine that offers the most for it.

 

Guys! Girls! (men, women!!!)...

Balance, balance balance (always the most important).

(Post 7).

 

disagree completely, mister you are basing that premise on nothing, rainbows is the most important thing, and without moderation please!

 

price and quality

 

Lol...


Yeah, when I'm buying a new platform I am always looking for the one at the end of a rainbow - haven't got lucky yet...


lol...

 

GPU options - if I can't get a good GPU in it I don't want it.

 

For me, it'll be performance, price, portability and quality.

Hence why I settled on my little W110ER. Fits everything well except the portability part. The 3 hour-ish battery life is a downer.

 

For me it would be Resolution, after that it'll be the keyboard and how the machine looks overall (I don't like overly thick laptops unless the internals require it like the M18x, I'll happily take one if you give it to me )

For the resolution, as long as its 1920x1080 (or whatever high DPI nonsense they come up with, I better be able to fit the same amount of objects on the screen as I can now otherwise I don't care). Outside of that it's more balancing between other things.

 

As a gamer, GPU is the first thing I look at. No need for me to even look at a laptop with an insufficient GPU as I won't be interested.

 

I will go for the GPU as well, for me is really important.

Everything is upgradable but the GPU.

 

I'd say the GPU. I prefer to play games on my laptop, and don't want to worry about how fast I'll need to upgrade if I skimped out in the first place on it. The display is an extremely close second, as it's going to enhance everything you are viewing, or make things lackluster and dull.

 

I'd say the screen resolution and the display quality, as that's the spot I spend pretty much my entire working time looking at. Portability is also an important issue as I don't want to feel like carrying a desktop case on my back. Most of the people use to put another things in the laptop bag, like AC adapter, books, sandwiches etc., so it's important to get the lighteest one possible.

As for the mere configuration, GPU is the most important for me, without any doubts. As the posters above said, everything else is upgradeable.

 

For me, the GPU is most important in a laptop, then screen resolution.

No point in having a laptop with crappy graphics that struggles while playing videos at full screen, or a 17 inch laptop with 1440 by 900 resolution.

I vote Other

 

As a poor person the gpu is the most important part to me. Now that i have laptop, if i was to ever shop for a new one, other things like the screen quality and build quality would matter but, the gpu is the first thing i look at.

 

The poll options aren't very good. Almost 3/5 of us are voting for Other.

I think that if I were looking for a laptop today, one of the top considerations would be screen quality. So many laptops these days have low-quality, super-glossy, 16:9 screens. I want one that has a good display (preferably outstanding), and is matte, with a high preference for a 16:10 aspect ratio. Resolution I only really care about so far as that it has at least 800 vertical pixels - too many laptops today have 768, but those extra 32 pixels make a big difference. I think too many pixels is actually a liability. Screen size matters, but more in conjunction with the overall package than anything - I can see arguments for both 17" and 12" laptops, though it's probably preferable to have one of each than two of one.

Build quality/reliability is the other big factor that's missing from the poll. A laptop that isn't reliable is no fun, and you won't want to keep using it. That's why I quit using Windows Vista on my laptop - it simply wasn't reliable. And, not being the type of person who buys a new laptop every 1-2 years (mine is from mid-2007), having it last a long time is really nice. I highly doubt I would still have the same laptop had I cheaped out and bought an Acer (especially since they were even worse then than they are now).

Actual specs do matter, of course. But there it's more about finding the right price erformance ratio than anything. A top-end CPU is 20% better than the much more reasonably priced midrange Intel one, or high-end AMD one. Similarly with graphics, the best commands a big premium. There's also the factor that 4 years down the line, build quality will matter more than CPU/GPU performance. Sure, there's a difference - with good discrete graphics from 4 years ago, you can still play new games on low, whereas if you got Intel graphics, you probably couldn't play new games after 2 years. But whether you bought an 8700M GT GDDR3 or an 8600M GT DDR2 at the time really wouldn't matter much (the 8800 wasn't out yet, for those who wonder why I didn't mention it).

 

While I think the poll should include a gpu option, it isn't too terribly bad a compilation. 90% of consumers don't even consider the gpu whil purchasing a laptop. We here are the techies and nerds amongst the general population, and don't represent the general needs of most people.

as an anecdotal example, I work for a computer engineer and he isn't concerned with gpu options either. I chatted with him about hardware and he is more interested in efficiency and weight hehe.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

 

Well, I agree with you guys. Now that I relect, there should've been some more options, haha. Sorry. But of the options, it seems Resolution is #1. Guess that's pretty important, at least somewhat.
But I am suprised that 5 of the options are still at 0. Hmm...interesting.
Thanks for everyone's feedback! And hopefully we can still get some more votes!

 

slightly off topic: what really pisses me me off is most laptop ads show ever single spec but, the GPU even if it's just an intel and in some cases even if it's a low end nvidia or AMD card they just never list the GPU spec.

 

It's tough to pin the tail on one part; I voted Resolution. Second would have been the keyboard. Those are the two items on a notebook that affect my productivity the most.