Need help deciding on a new laptop...

rpeters83 · December 23rd, 2008, 08:07 PM

My apologies if this is in the wrong forum, but I'm really split between getting a laptop or a netbook. I'm torn between two computers that are available at my local BB:

Sony VAIO CS Series Laptop - has a/b/g/n wireless, can do light gaming, and Vista (I like Vista)

...and...

HP Mini 1000 Netbook - small, lightweight, very portable, glossy screen (I like)

I'm a .NET developer and plan to use Visual Studio or Visual Web Developer on this machine. I also have a dual band wifi at home but like ultra portability.

Anyone have experience with either of these two or netbooks in general? What made you choose it? Any complaints? Also, how is the performance of the HP Mini? Is it easy to swap out the hard drive?

Help me decide. Thanks!

sharder8 · December 23rd, 2008, 08:10 PM

Sony Vaio FTW!!!

I have one at home and I work on computers and laptops everyday . . . Sony = long life and problem free.

HP = RMA and repairs.

Harder

Pexster · December 23rd, 2008, 09:31 PM

You might look at a Lenovo ThinkPad T500 if the cost is within reach. They have been running some really great deals lately. I think you would like the extra real estate that a 15.4" unit with WSXGA+ (1680x1050) would offer for your development tools. I just bought one of these but had to give it to my daughter. 50+ year-old eyes and the WSXGA+ do not mix well. I switched back to WXGA.

rpeters83 · December 23rd, 2008, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pexster

You might look at a Lenovo ThinkPad T500 if the cost is within reach. They have been running some really great deals lately. I think you would like the extra real estate that a 15.4" unit with WSXGA+ (1680x1050) would offer for your development tools. I just bought one of these but had to give it to my daughter. 50+ year-old eyes and the WSXGA+ do not mix well. I switched back to WXGA.

Thanks, but money is an object and I am sticking to these two, as they are at my local store and include free 18 month financing

sharder8 · December 23rd, 2008, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pexster

You might look at a Lenovo ThinkPad T500 if the cost is within reach. They have been running some really great deals lately. I think you would like the extra real estate that a 15.4" unit with WSXGA+ (1680x1050) would offer for your development tools. I just bought one of these but had to give it to my daughter. 50+ year-old eyes and the WSXGA+ do not mix well. I switched back to WXGA.

Lenovo ThinkPad's are also a good choice . . . same as with the Vaio's when it comes to durability.

Harder

rpeters83 · December 24th, 2008, 08:53 PM

I was able to get web access to a HP mini 1000 today and tried to play some Hulu on it. I'm not sure if it was the slow connection or not, but it seemed like half the videos I played were choppy and lost a lot of frames, even in non-HD mode.

Does anyone with a netbook watch Hulu in full screen and notice this too? I want a new laptop that at least lets me watch videos. Thanks.

rpeters83 · December 26th, 2008, 02:11 PM

If anyone was wondering, I picked up the Sony today (actually I'm on it right now).

So far, VERY nice machine. This thing is glossy red all over, but hey, I like red. Definitely a sexy machine.

Only downsides are the trackpad buttons are a little harder to click than my last laptop and I don't like how the AC plug is angled. Other than that, very nice. Love the keyboard.