Gotta buy a new lap top....thoughts?

[JThiessen]

I don't use the touch pad at all - can't stand trying to move around with it. Wireless/bluetooth mouse all the way for me.

I think I have narrowed it down to the HP 3D 17", the XPS 17", or an ASUS. I've got a business discount at Dell (@16% off), a 30% off with HP, nothing for ASUS. I looked at the Sammy's, but they dont appear to have the specs that I want - thier website details are not geared towards "technical" shoppers.

HP has a dual drive available - so I could get both SSD and standard - I'd have to go back and configure it to get the specs.

Frustrated trying to find local places that carry high end laptops. One of the downfalls of the internet I guess. I'd pay a little more to be able to have one today instead of waiting 2 weeks for one to be built, but it appears that I dont have that option available to me.

[whitrzac]

Originally Posted by JThiessen

I don't use the touch pad at all - can't stand trying to move around with it. Wireless/bluetooth mouse all the way for me.

I think I have narrowed it down to the HP 3D 17", the XPS 17", or an ASUS. I've got a business discount at Dell (@16% off), a 30% off with HP, nothing for ASUS. I looked at the Sammy's, but they dont appear to have the specs that I want - thier website details are not geared towards "technical" shoppers.

HP has a dual drive available - so I could get both SSD and standard - I'd have to go back and configure it to get the specs.

Frustrated trying to find local places that carry high end laptops. One of the downfalls of the internet I guess. I'd pay a little more to be able to have one today instead of waiting 2 weeks for one to be built, but it appears that I dont have that option available to me.

what HP and asus? both companies make good and crap laptops...

[JThiessen]

Jerry - what the heck makes you think I have not taken into consideration the advice given? I also got advice on another forum (one specific to HTPC users). Just because I'm not following your "model of need" to the tee, doesn't mean I did not think about it.

The only two machines that I have been able to find locally that have the three features I want (BD player, 1900x1020 screen, and numeric keypad) are the HP ENVY 17" (@$1400) and the ASUS 17" A1 (@$1700).

[whitrzac]

soooo, what did you buy?

[rawfuls]

Yes, I agree; what did you end up buying!?

[JThiessen]

Sorry guys - been putting in 70 hour weeks here. I ended up with the HP Envy noted above. Seems great so far - only complaint I would have is that it doesn't have the matte screen. Taking a bit to get adjusted to the size too - but its not much heavier than my old 15" Dell.

[whitrzac]

Originally Posted by JThiessen

Sorry guys - been putting in 70 hour weeks here. I ended up with the HP Envy noted above. Seems great so far - only complaint I would have is that it doesn't have the matte screen. Taking a bit to get adjusted to the size too - but its not much heavier than my old 15" Dell.

You can always pick up a matte screen check ebay, any screen that is the same size will bolt right up.

[rawfuls]

Originally Posted by JThiessen

Sorry guys - been putting in 70 hour weeks here. I ended up with the HP Envy noted above. Seems great so far - only complaint I would have is that it doesn't have the matte screen. Taking a bit to get adjusted to the size too - but its not much heavier than my old 15" Dell.

Nice!

I actually like the HP Envy series, they're pretty nice!
They have a MacBook look to them, which honestly, appeals to me.
Simple, sleek, and beautiful.

We haven't seen many Envys in the shop, except one... Where the lady was just.. well, let's just say there was never an issue....

They don't seem to have the same issues the DV series has, so woo!

Hope it runs for years to come!

Originally Posted by whitrzac

You can always pick up a matte screen check ebay, any screen that is the same size will bolt right up.

Not exactly.
There are different connectors in different models, usually, you can just get lucky and get one; but there ARE other specific ones per specific laptops.

That's why when a laptop comes into the shop, we either start looking through our screen stack for a viable option, or order a replacement right as we get it regardless of it's # in queue, so when we're ready to work on that laptop, the part is handy.

[whitrzac]

Originally Posted by rawfuls

Nice!

I actually like the HP Envy series, they're pretty nice!
They have a MacBook look to them, which honestly, appeals to me.
Simple, sleek, and beautiful.

We haven't seen many Envys in the shop, except one... Where the lady was just.. well, let's just say there was never an issue....

They don't seem to have the same issues the DV series has, so woo!

Hope it runs for years to come!



Not exactly.
There are different connectors in different models, usually, you can just get lucky and get one; but there ARE other specific ones per specific laptops.

That's why when a laptop comes into the shop, we either start looking through our screen stack for a viable option, or order a replacement right as we get it regardless of it's # in queue, so when we're ready to work on that laptop, the part is handy.

all of the laptop screens I've come across have the same connection on the back of them...