Datastreams

Once again I find myself wanting a laptop. As much as I’m loving the new space downstairs there are some times I just don’t want to trek down, just flop in bed or just anywhere for that matter. I’ve already been floored at computer prices since I built my current rig. I actually would have saved a few hundred had I just bought something premade. The only reason I’d continue to self build is because I have a damn sharp case that I’m quite fond of and barring any major revisions I shouldn’t need to replace everything on the next build.

I’ve been on and off checking the Dell website the last couple of weeks. My laptop doesn’t need to be a monster. Hell it doesn’t even need some the more robust options I normally wouldn’t consider not having as the main purpose of this thing would be a mobile work platform. Graphics intensive games can stay on the desktop. Still, I do have some standards, just in case, and a few of them are premium. I want new, mostly because this would be a second system, and if it goes down I have no qualms sending it in for repairs if it’s not something I can swap out myself in 10 seconds. That’s pretty much the hard drive and ram. Most of the other components are unit specific so unless they want to ship me the part with a return tag for the defect I can settle for warranty service.

It doesn’t necessarily need to be a Dell. It’s just easier to get the options I want from them. I poked around the Den of Evil last week whilst picking up the last of season 3 of Avatar for the wife as well as something for me to play (Assassin’s Creed, review to follow shortly).  Like I mentioned above I’ve already been floored by prefab prices. I haven’t checked out Walmart yet but I’ve heard they started carrying Dell as well. Won’t buy it from them but I want to see just how low they can go. Anyway, Laptops easily outnumber the desktops by three to one if not four to one. I found this a little surprising and my coworker says the mobile mentality has really set in. Couple this with the fact that even if people don’t ever move the thing, the fact that they can just close the top, unplug and go is a big seller. They also take up a lot less space and the the box on the desk is a turn off apparently.

On the small side they have several tiny laptops which is really a big seller in my books. As far as form is concerned the last line of HP laptops prior to the Compaq merger had my favorite. It was small and sleek, and had one of those support cradles (don’t know the actual term for these things) Which contained the optical drive, additional battery and the lesser used I/O ports. The main unit itself felt great, light and not flimsy. That thing is still in my mind as the ideal.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, and in line with the whole desktop replacement mentality are some units nothing short of monstrous. Dell’s original run of XPS laptops had one of these brutes but it made sense as the LAN party gamers dream. The hinge doubled as a handle and the keyboard was full size and detachable. I believe it boasted a 20″ screen. Dell has a new Studio line with 17″ screens and full keyboards. I’m still considering these if only because it would be great for when I decide to flop in bed and want to watch a movie. Several manufactures are boasting monster laptops, although in the more traditional form factor. I checked a few sites and there are several 20″ plus brutes out there. Desktop replacement yes, easily portable no.

So I’m still very undecided. Getting a laptop is a yes for me, but the big hangup for me right now is the size. Small and easily portable, or larger (not the monsters) are more visual friendly? I’ve got plenty of time to think on it. My extra cash is for the TV at this time.