Looking for ultraportable (3810TG?)/powerul netbook (1201N)

68 lost souls

Hey, in the market for either an ultraportable laptop or a netbook. Was origionaly looking at an EEE 1201N but I think the battery life is just going to drive me nuts and the sales guys in sevral shops have put me off it, a friend got an acer recently and likes it. I'm looking for something between 11" and 13.3" more power then the average netbook so it can handle some light photoshop in case I have to do touch ups before presentations etc.

Budget: Preferably 600 max but sub 1000 definately

Intended use: college work, internet, e-mail, Word processing, light photoshop when I dont have access to my desktop, some video playback, traveling. I have an external harddrive and DVD drive, wouldnt say no to upgrading to an external bluraydrive when they come down in price a bit so HDMI out to a TV would be nice, thats why I was looking at the 1201N initially.

Mobility: Thisis important, I want to be able to put it in my bag and bring it back and forth to colege everyday and hope to be traveling soon so I want to have a decent battery life to carry it with me as well as not weigh me down when Im traveling

Warranty: The more expesive the laptop the more important this is to me. I would actually prefer to buy in a bricks and mortar shop in case I have any issues but I wouldnt mind going online if it was worth it.

What Operating System do you use?

Still using XP at home, wont touch Vista with a barge pole, kind of want W7.

Thanks.

EDIT: I know the new fleet of portables and netbooks is out this Q so I wouldnt mind waiting a few weeks but not too long. Ive already been waiting since around OCtober and its about time to bight the bullet.

DemoniK

Had similar need myself...
bought an Acer Aspire 1810tz for just over €500. 11.6" 1388x768 screen, 1.4Kg and 8hrs battery.
Posted about it a few days back http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055807643
Well worth a look.

68 lost souls

Researching the 1810TZ I stumbled upon the 1820ptz, a tablet version, play.com are running these at 700 but ar eout of stock. I wonder what this would be like and how they measure up. I know there are different specs in different countries so has anyone got any idea of what the UK/Irish ones would be like?

EDIT: what do you reckon? Also is this actually an acer owned site and or is it reputable? What do yo guys think of the spec? As far as I can see its almost identical to the 1810TZ http://www.acerdirect.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_1820PTZ_Laptop_LX.PNA02.018/version.asp?switchc=e

NyquistFreak

My two cents for what its worth... toshiba satelite t110 107 here's specs, I'm way too lazy to go transcribing though! http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/innovation/product/Satellite-T110-107/1076584/toshibaShop/false/
I got one myself there before Christmas for much the same purpose as yourself but using music software instead of photoshop, happy out with it

DemoniK

68 lost souls wrote: »

Researching the 1810TZ I stumbled upon the 1820ptz, a tablet version, play.com are running these at 700 but ar eout of stock. I wonder what this would be like and how they measure up. I know there are different specs in different countries so has anyone got any idea of what the UK/Irish ones would be like?

EDIT: what do you reckon? Also is this actually an acer owned site and or is it reputable? What do yo guys think of the spec? As far as I can see its almost identical to the 1810TZ http://www.acerdirect.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_1820PTZ_Laptop_LX.PNA02.018/version.asp?switchc=e

It's essentially the same laptop with a rotating touch screen. Nice price on it too...
The UK versions are pretty good, but don't have Bluetooth.

As for the site - no it's not an Acer site, but a front end to laptopsdirect.. Couple of posts around here on them... Essentially they are ok to buy from and get it to you, but if you end up having issues then they are a big problem.. I took the risk, but may be worth checking out elara and dabs too.

The toshiba is also very nice - only downside is same money for a single core CPU versus a dual core in the Acer. But does have bluetooth if you need that. No mention if the wifi has the 5GHz arial which is the only other negative with the Acer.

68 lost souls

The single core is really a deal breaker for me although I respect toshibas quality and have been recommended other Toshibas in the past not sure its for me. Ok so the options at the moment are:

1810TZ - Intel Pentium SU4100 1.3GHz 2MB Cache, 3Gb DDR2 ram , Intel GMA 4500MHD, 250GB HD, €552.97 available now

1820PTZ - Intel Pentium SU4100 1.3GHz 2MB Cache, 3Gb DDR3 ram, Intel GMA 4500MHD , 160GB HD, Touch screen, bluetooth, €646.14 estimated delivery 8th February ( possibly later)

1820PT - Intel core 2 duo SU7300 1.3GHz 3mb Cache, 3Gb DDR3 ram, Intel GMA 4500MHD , 160GB HD, touch screen, Bluetooth, €730.84 estimated 8th February (I reckon longer)

All claim 8 hour battery life and prices are from elara. Opinions or suggestinos welcome. Is it worth the extra wait and 80 euro for the better processor?

DemoniK

68 lost souls wrote: »

The single core is really a deal breaker for me although I respect toshibas quality and have been recommended other Toshibas in the past not sure its for me. Ok so the options at the moment are:

1810TZ - Intel Pentium SU4100 1.3GHz 2MB Cache, 3Gb DDR2 ram , Intel GMA 4500MHD, 250GB HD, €552.97 available now

1820PTZ - Intel Pentium SU4100 1.3GHz 2MB Cache, 3Gb DDR3 ram, Intel GMA 4500MHD , 160GB HD, Touch screen, bluetooth, €646.14 estimated delivery 8th February ( possibly later)

1820PT - Intel core 2 duo SU7300 1.3GHz 3mb Cache, 3Gb DDR3 ram, Intel GMA 4500MHD , 160GB HD, touch screen, Bluetooth, €730.84 estimated 8th February (I reckon longer)

All claim 8 hour battery life and prices are from elara. Opinions or suggestinos welcome. Is it worth the extra wait and 80 euro for the better processor?

if u really want touchscreen - go for the middle one. The SU7300 v SU4100 is just an extra 1MB of cache, otherwise is the same CPU - not worth an extra €80 IMHO.

68 lost souls

I Thats how I was leaning alright, I dont "need" a touch screen but I think it could be good for use in photoshop and taking quick notes or doing sketchs (I'm studying product design in college)

Ok so the 1820ptz is the choice if I go acer, just remembered the other one I was thinking of but not 100% on the battery or weight, the Alienware M11X is due out soon so I might want to wait for specs on that. What do you think?

DemoniK

yeah alienware would be tempting - nice Gfx chip
Q will be what is the weight and battery life

68 lost souls

They the exact same question I have, they say 6 hours normal mode and 2 hours in gaming mode but how accurate are manufacturers statements on battery life really? In my experiance not very. Also its a non removable battery which means it cant be replaced when it dies, or am I talking bull?

From the few pre launch reviews Ive heard people are saying its heavier then they were expecting but we will have to wait. It was supposed to be launched within a month of CES 2010 so I would be expecting a release date in early february?

Dunno if I should wait that long cause I know there are a new breed of processors coming out in March/April and if I wait till february Im just going to want to wait for them to come out. Damn technology is being developed just too quick to buy anything but not slow enough to be happy with what I have at the moment if you get me.

EDIT: Just read through the source file for the M11x microsite and it says it will start at $799 and weigh 4.5 lbs which is about 2kgs. No release date though.

DemoniK

battery times sound about right.

It's the SU7300 and the GMAX4500MHD so essentially the same. The 2hrs less is probably to light the keyboard, and keep the nvidia ticking over.

What's not clear is when does the nvidia kick in? I read the same articles and it;s not clear if you can use the nvidia when gaming in laptop mode, or does it only come into play when you connect an external monitor source?

Know what you mean by tech developing too fast... That's why u need to act when you want something (within reason).
In March/April will start seeing a flood of i3 CPUs coming out. Not sure if there are any CULVs in the initial launch..

I've come to the conclusion of not spending too much and changing more often Means I don't have the quickest machine, but it does what I want, and sure there'll be a better, nicer one in a years time.

68 lost souls

I was watching youtube videos from CES and the alienware rep said that you press ALT + F8? I think its one of the F buttons but cant remember the exact key and that switchs the cards.

68 lost souls

Ok so the M11x is out now. I still cant decide, I think I am leaning towards the 1820PT for the touch screen.

I will mainly be using this for researching design, watching videos and listening to music, web browsing, some photosop, general college work as in Word and Excel.

If I get the alienware do you reckon it could handle 3d rendering programs like solidworks and or Cinema 4d? I doubt ti but I was just checking.

There is around 230 in the difference so do you think it is worth it? I gain the graphics card and styling, double the harddrive and I lose a bit too though, mainly the touch screen, half the ram and little bit shorter battery life. I also loose the cost difference.

DemoniK

Doubt if the nvidia gfx will help those programs much - you really need 4GB mem and a good CPU to make them rock, and to be honest I doubt a CULV is gonna be the best solution for them - usable yes, but not performant.
The whole purpose of the M11x is gaming - hence the nvidia Gfx. If you don't plan on using it for that why spend the extra?

Ultimately it's up to you though, but €230 is a big premium...
Maybe try to pick it up in the US - the starting price there is $799 not €830 - big difference!

68 lost souls

Yeah I was looking at the us site alright and worked out much cheaper for a nicer specced version with the customised name plate (its the small things).

I think Im just going to get the acer and then buy a second laptop for the other programs when I can afford it. I may as well get a 17" for them as they really need the bigger screen and if I'm going to be running with a 2 hour battery anyway Ill be plugged in. I was kinda dissapointed with the alienware specs when it finally came out. (Sells kidneys to buy M6400 Covet)

Time to order the acer. Thanks for the advice.

DemoniK

68 lost souls wrote: »

I was kinda dissapointed with the alienware specs when it finally came out.
Time to order the acer. Thanks for the advice.

same here - €300 more than the 1810tz just because of the GPU!! with less ram! shocking. $799 I could understand, but I think they've missed a beat @ €830.
I priced the one I would want (8GB RAM, SSD etc) - €1600!! It certainly isn't a budget model

Let me know how the 1820 goes - luv to hear how the touchscreen handles. I think the wife is eyeing this one up, so I might get a chance to "upgrade" it.

68 lost souls

Yeah if I was getting the M11X I would want it maxed out and the reports before it was launched was that the maxed out spec was still under $1000 so €1600 made me cry, at that I would be buying a decent 17" with a core i or quad core duo processor.

Ill let oyu know alright. Its apparantly in stock form 8th February so I reckon I.m hoping to have it before the end of next week and Ill try review it for you.

68 lost souls

Just an update. I cant order the 1820 until they come into stock so I have to wait.

In the mean time another computer that caught my eye is the HP touchsmart TM2. The wacom digitizer is very appealing and the multitouch looks great, I have however been warned off HP by a few shops that stock them so not sur eon that front. It also has a lsightly different res, more PC based then HD sized.

68 lost souls

Every week the eta keeps getting pushed back a week, by this stage I will be finished college by the time it comes out.

Im a bit confused at the moment, the HP touchsmart in some places say 9 hour battery life and other places says 4.25 hours where as the Acer says 8-8.5 hours pretty much everywhere.

The battery life is key to me right now. The Wacom digitizer had sold me on the HP till this cropped up. Does anyone know what the batter ylife will be like?

THe other advantage of the HP is dedicated graphics and a slightly larger screen, I have had seriuos trouble with a terrible touch screen on my mobile and I dont want to get stuck with a bad touchscreen on my computer as well, that is what is putting me off the acer.

talking_walnut

We seem to be looking for the same thing. Get out of my head

I found a proper, hands-on review of the HP TM2 here. They say they got battery life of about 5-5.5hrs. Not too bad at all. Acer seem to be known for their 8hr laptops which get close to the stated life.

Where did you (try) order from? Elara and laptopdirect are the only sites I've found that seem to have these listed. Personally I'm going to try get my hands on an 11" screen to see if I could handle that size. Not sure if I'd spring for the HP in the end. Tempting, but I probably can't justify it. Probably.....

68 lost souls

I tried buying from Elara. At the moment the battery is the only thing holding me back. At first I was looking to spend about 400-500 and get an asus 1201N but then I saw these two and they really cater for my needs as I had been on the market for a wacom tablet as well.

EDIT: Im thinking if I get the HP O could dual boot with Linux to save battery. Have linux for if I am just using the web and diactivate or lower the settings for some hardware and W7 for the rest. Would that work?

Also the reviewed version doesnt have the dedicated graphics but it has the slightly more powerful processsor then the Irish version, it also doesnt have the bluetooth. I reckon all of that would mean the irish versions battery wont last as long.

talking_walnut

68 lost souls wrote: »

I tried buying from Elara. At the moment the battery is the only thing holding me back. At first I was looking to spend about 400-500 and get an asus 1201N but then I saw these two and they really cater for my needs as I had been on the market for a wacom tablet as well.

EDIT: Im thinking if I get the HP O could dual boot with Linux to save battery. Have linux for if I am just using the web and diactivate or lower the settings for some hardware and W7 for the rest. Would that work?

Also the reviewed version doesnt have the dedicated graphics but it has the slightly more powerful processsor then the Irish version, it also doesnt have the bluetooth. I reckon all of that would mean the irish versions battery wont last as long.

I'm with you on wanting a good battery life. Don't see the point in having a laptop if it has to be plugged in most of the time.

As far as I can tell only the HP has a Wacom digitizer in it. The Acer just seems to have a normal touchscreen. Haven't found any details about it yet but if it is Wacom I'm sure it'd be mentioned.

Are you thinking of using something like Presto or Chrome OS for your light weight Linux? I'm not sure how good at saving battery life they would be. Presto seems to have a good few complaints about poor battery life (with the promise that the final, pay version will have it fixed). Not sure about Chrome OS but I'd investigate first to be sure. Neither seem to give you much scope for tweaking things yourself (unless you dive into the source code ).

Have you considered getting a second battery? Doubles the battery life....

68 lost souls

Yeah a second battery is something Im considering. Most of the time I wont need but but for example this summer I plan on driving route 66 and Im sure I will be going a while without charging so would be nice to be able to use it on the road, times like that a second battery would come in handy.

I was thinking some really light linux like what came on the eee701. Ive used a 7" eee and the screen was very small. Was playng with an acer 1810TZ in pcworkd today, looked really nice, screen was ok size and the keyboard was great. In terms of size I reckon the 1820 would be big enough but I really dont want to be stuck with a crappy touch screen. My phone has let me down on that front and if Im usin gthe tablet to sketch ideas and that it would be a pain.

talking_walnut

Something I just noticed when watching the video reviews in the link I posted above; she mentions that it has the integrated graphics card with optional ATI card if you build it to order (in the states). She figures you should go for it because the graphics card can be disabled (going back to the integrated) when you want to conserve battery. I'd guess it'd be the same with the version on elaras site. Still won't get the same battery life as the Acer but it means the 5-5.5hrs she got testing it would still hold.

68 lost souls

Ok. About to order this from elara for 900~ euro. Before I do is there anything I should look at. THis is a big purchase for me and I expect to have this laptop fo around 3-4 years before I can afford/justify a new one.

talking_walnut

Just posting to say I got my HP TM2 yesterday (great delivery by Elara by the way, only ordered Wednesday). So far I'm loving it. Keyboard is lovely to type on, touchscreen is good, tablet mode is very nice, screen size is perfect for my needs. It's a bit heavier than I would have liked but that's the trade-off for having the tablet so can't complain.

I haven't done any real work on it so far but should be using it a fair bit over the next week so will give it a good run through it's paces. There's a bit of confusion about the specs and what's included in this version so I'll post it below

Specs:
Intel U4100 (1.3GHz) - Pentium chip (2 cores)
4GB RAM
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4550 + Onboard Intel 4 graphics (switchable)
~300GB HDD

Included extras:
External DVD-RW
Protective Sleeve
Fingerprint Scanner
(Radeon Card also extra in US version)

Specs seem to be fine for my requirements but I guess time will confirm that. I'll check back in a week to see if anyone wants follow up info

68 lost souls

Thanks, I just got the TM2 aswell, I decided to go with it, arrived on Friday from ELara but I was away for the weekend. So far Im happy with it. Only issue is getting used to W7 after being on xp for years. Have to install some more software and do some work on it during the week. But its all postive for now.

-Corkie-

I know this is a bit off thread but look at the price of this!!!!!!!!


http://cgi.ebay.ie/CHEAP-DELL-LAPTOP-20-GIG-HD-256-MB-Ram-WIRELESS-WARRANY_W0QQitemZ280460388162QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_Laptops_EH?hash=item414cbde742

Dream on:rolleyes::rolleyes:

talking_walnut

Just thought I'd post my feelings on it so far. I'm loving it! Loads of nice little touches that make it a pleasure to use. The physical button for turning on and off the wireless connections (wifi & bluetooth) for instance, is a nice addition to the side of the laptop for easy access when in tablet mode. I thought it was a bit on the heavy side at first but I've changed my mind on that. It's light enough that I'm carrying it every day even when I probably won't need it.

The only real problem I have is the ultra glossy screen makes it hard to use in any kind of light. That seems to be in most laptop these days though.

All in all I'm delighted with it. More than enough juice to do whatever I want to on it (word processing, powerpoint, light MATLAB work, web browsing, etc.). The tablet part is very nice. Just discovered Microsoft OneNote

68 lost souls

I must say Im pretty much of the same feeling, the screen is filthy at the moment and too shiny but Im loving it over all. I have done some solidworks in it as well as drawings and sketchs in sketchbook pro and corel paint it touch. They are great, I have also been taking notes in onenote during lectures, saves me losing loose pages like I had been doing.

In terms of weight it is a bit heavier then I was looking for but Ill live with it since I have the added benefit of the tablet and I have been carrying it in and out of colleg emost days. Wouldnt know how to work without it now.