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    P100 questions... what do you think? Thanks for the help!

    Discussion in 'Toshiba' started by iorek936, Jul 23, 2006.

  1. iorek936

    iorek936 Notebook Geek

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    I know this isn't in the "What notebook should I buy" section, but I was hoping to get opinions mainly from you Toshiba people :)
    First of all, I'm looking to replace my HP dv8000t, and I'd really like to get a Toshiba, but I have a few questions.
    I think I'm considering this computer: http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/cdetland.to?seg=HHO&poid=327377&fgpn=PSPA0U-0F101R&src=ABEM&cm_mmc=CNET_Feed-_-Notebook_PCs-_-_-_-Satellite_P100_ST7211_Customizable
    I chose this one, because I'm able to customize it to a certain extent, but I'm a bit confused when it comes to the memory, hard drive, bluetooth and wireless.
    Here are my questions:
    1. Are bluetooth and wireless integrated? Why does it mention something about an "antenna?"
    2. Why is the 120GB 5400 rpm Hard Drive cheaper than the 100GB 7200rpm Hard Drive? If it's because it's faster, would it really make a difference if I went for the 120GB instead of the 100GB?
    3. What is the best memory option they offer? If I see correctly, do they not offer at least 1GB RAM? In a review I read, it said something about being able to customize this computer with at least 3 or 4GB of RAM. How come I'm not seeing this? If you press "continue" it gives you the option of the 1GB memory, but does this mean I would have to install it myself? Would it come seperately?
    4. What is the better screen that they offer?

    Thanks so much for you're help and your time! I really really appreciate it!

    Here's some other stuff that might help:

    General Questions


    1) What is your budget? Around $2,600, but can do a little more

    2) What size notebook would you prefer?

    d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen (with a numerical keypad)

    3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? lots and lots of photoshop CS, video editing, photo storage, school work, i-tunes + music storage, internet, AIM, etc.

    4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? I'll take it places, but I'll mostly leave it on my desk

    5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? I might, so i want the capability

    6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? I want to stay away from HP because of the keyboard problems I've had with my
    dv8000t. I want something well-known, and not a mac.

    7) How many hours of battery life do you need? longer is better

    8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? i would like to see a model of it in the store, but I'll be purchasing it online because i want to customize it. it doesn't matter too too much though.

    9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
    USA

    Screen Specifics

    10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen? widescreen

    11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer? (I'm not really sure, but whatever is the best and the brightest.)
    Widescreen
    d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
    e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
    f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.

    12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? glossy

    Build Quality and Design

    13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? yes, the lighter the better, but it doesn't matter too much

    14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? at LEAST 4 years

    Notebook Components

    15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 120GB? 120GB at least. do you think this enough for a good amount of storage? i also plan to get an external hard drive at some point.

    16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive? DVD and CD burner, I don't really know the technical lingo too well

    ==========
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  2. zadillo

    zadillo Notebook Virtuoso

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    Just to answer one of your questions; yes, a smaller capacity 7200rpm HD is going to be more expensive than a 5400rpm HD. In terms of how much difference it will make, it depends on what you plan on doing with it. If you play a lot of games that load from the HD regularly, or do a lot of Photoshop work (i.e. reading from a scratch file regularly, etc.), the faster HD will help.

    Since you said you will be using a lot of Photoshop and doing a lot of video editing, which does involve a lot of reading and writing to the HD, the 7200rpm HD will definitely help.

    The tradeoff is usually in additional heat generated and less battery life. A 5400rpm HD is still quite acceptable though, so you should probably be fine with that. Heck, some people even make do with the 4200rpm 200 gig HD in the P105. But for your needs, a 7200rpm HD makes sense.
     
  3. iorek936

    iorek936 Notebook Geek

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    Okay, thanks so much for your help.

    I actually just figured out the answers to the other questions, so you guys don't need to post anymore. Thank you though.