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    Comments on selection of laptop

    Discussion in 'Toshiba' started by NotebookModelSeeker, Jun 1, 2010.

  1. NotebookModelSeeker

    NotebookModelSeeker Notebook Enthusiast

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    I filled out a desired laptop feature list at http://forum.notebookreview.com/what-notebook-should-i-buy/484100-selecting-asus-notebook.html#4

    I don't do any gaming or scientific computing, processor performance requirements are modest. I'll mostly be doing surfing and document review/creation (M$ office, Word, Powerpoint, Visio, etc.), the occassional streamed movie (perhaps from YouTube). An IT-type friend suggested going for an i3 to prolong the life of a battery charge. Presumably, he didn't suggest earlier architectures because I'm hoping to keep this laptop for many years. I don't know, maybe some compatibility issues down the road, or maybe the newer architecture is more power efficient.

    My last laptop had a 14" screen, and was not as flat and wide as today's aspect ratios. It was the perfect balance between desktop replacement and portability (this will be my only computer). However, my friend also suggested Blu Ray, which mostly doesn't exist for screens smaller than 15.6". Though I don't really care about Blu Ray at the moment, I think it very plausible that in five years, it could dominate over DVDs. So I'll target Blu Ray and go for 15.6".

    The friend suggested at least 4GB RAM. For my simple usages, I was wondering if there was any point in going even higher.

    To avoid limitations looking into the future, I will go for 64-bit Windows 7 Professional. I will also install Windows XP Mode (available free for Windows 7 Professional) in order to run legacy 32- bit apps like Palm Desktop 4.1.4. Newsgroups indicate that this allows synchronization with a docked Palm PDA over USB. Of course, I will replace this PDA in the near future but not sure when, nor with what. I need XP Mode as insurance (and in case other legacy apps need it). On the USB, I will seek USB 2.0, which is pretty well standard.

    My friend mentioned an SDHC port for an devices I may own, but this seems rather rare for notebooks (in contrast to SD). I'll get an external reader if needed.

    I initially decided on ASUS K52F/K52JR, but I encountered information about persistent and pervasive noise due to interaction between an inductor coil on the motherboard with the processor in low power mode:
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    Now I've explored 15-16" Toshibas at Laptops & Notebook Computers | Toshiba Direct

    I found only one model that can be configured to meet all desired features:
    Satellite A500-ST6644
    Satellite A500-ST6644 Laptops | Toshiba Direct.

    If you have any comments on this choice for the specified criteria, I welcome them. They could be from personal experience or what you hear on the grapevine.

    Also, comments are welcome on whether bluetooh will take off. It would be a pain to try get that functionality afterward.

    Finally, a local question: Is there a retailer in Ottawa, Canada, that can obtain this model?
     
    NotebookModelSeeker, Jun 1, 2010
    #1