Need help with laptop purchase

[EstoyLoco]

I'm looking to buy my first laptop... but I am kinda lost to what to get as far as screen resolution goes...
I want a really nice sharp screen however, I'm worried that getting one as such will make the text/images so small that I have to squint all the time.

The laptop I'm looking at is the Dell 6000 series with 15.4" widescreen...

The 3 types of lcd's they offer are:

WXGA: 1280x800 / 1 Mpixels / 0.258mm
WSXGA+: 1680x1050 / 1.76 Mpixels / 0.197mm
WUXGA: 1920x1200 / 2.3 Mpixels / 0.172 mm

I really like the specs on the WUXGA, but I'm afraid it will look super small on the 15.4" screen... My desktop currently run at MAX 1280x1024, on my 21" monitor and anything above I find it too small and straineous on my eyes...


What would you guys recommend? The WSXGA?
Also how bad would it be to get the WUXGA and run it at the non native resolution? Would it be alot worse for example running WUXGA at 1680x1050 instead of its native 1920x1200? I just like the fact that the pixel pitch is so small on it.

 

[PSUstoekl]

Powerbook G4, 15". Over.

 

[Oyeve]

If those are the only models you are looking for then go with the second one. Go with the third if you want to go blind. And unless you need to run mac specific software, ignore the previous poster. Macs are completely and totaly useless unless there is some mac only piece of software you need.

*Dons Asbestos suit*

 

[EstoyLoco]

Hehe I love that... yes I too believe MAC's are useless. I don't know of a mac software that I would ever need that isn't on the PC...

how ever I cant say the same about the reverse

Anyways yeah. I think im leaning towards the WSXGA, i went to the store today and checked out WXGA (as all the ones in stores at these) and I wasn't too impressed by it...

 

[w00t]

Originally posted by: PSUstoekl
Powerbook G4, 15". Over.

he's right if your getting a laptop means ur really not gonna game which means ur best bet is mac. if i didnt game i know i would have a mac right now.

 

[Nocturnal]

I would have never considered an Apple laptop prior to a few months ago. If I had the cash I'd buy a 15" Powerbook and be over with it.

 

[EstoyLoco]

what is so good about it that is worth the extra money for an apple?

 

[shoRunner]

nothin, your simply paying for something to be pretty. well actually your paying so you dont have to deal with spyware/virus and not be able to use most software.

 

[ColKurtz]

You can never go wrong getting the highest resolution screen you can afford -- all other things being equal, that is. I would get a smaller screen with a Pentium M rather than a larger screen with P4, for example, and rank graphics chip performance over screen size as well. But side from that, remember you can adjust the font sizes on just about everything so don't worry about text/images being too small.

As far as the Apple vs. PC, I'm sure you know this is a religious debate. I'm not an Apple person myself, but be aware that you're paying a premium for what you get in Apple. You can get the same power for less in a PC than a Powerbook. Whether or not an Apple is worth the premium is a matter of opinion. This isn't just a Mac thing, though... You pay a premium for IBM Thinkpads, as well. I personally feel Thinkpads are worth the premium. Some people feel the same thing about Powerbooks (though these people usually have rainbow air fresheners and "mean people suck" bumper stickers :laugh: )

 

[deadmantyping]

1680x1050 would probably be the best for you