Spec me a secondary laptop

.Andy · 27 Feb 2008 at 12:48

Right I normally spend my life developing on my MacBook Pro (15.4") but I'm doing more and more .NET stuff at the same time so running a VM isnt as efficient as it could be so I'm on the lookout for another laptop to use for .NET development.

Must Haves:
- 120gb + HDD
- 2Gb + RAM
- Core2Duo processor
- High Resolution Screen
- Light
- Well made known brand (lenovo thinkpad etc)

Nice to Haves:
- 14 inch screen rather than another 15.4" but flexible
- thin
- XP Pro (If it comes with vista/linux I'll just flatten it)

Thanks!

TheVoice · 27 Feb 2008 at 12:52

Dell XPS M1330 might be worth a look. Or the Dell Vostro 1400.

.Andy · 27 Feb 2008 at 14:51

Cheers but I didnt think they had the options for high resolution screens....

/goes to look on dell

sja360 · 27 Feb 2008 at 17:10

what kind of high res are you after? 1650 x 1080? higher? im not sure there are many sub 15.4" screens that do 1650x1080.
EDIT: checked dell's Vostro 1400 and it doesnt do above 1440x900, and the XPS M1330 doesnt do above 1280x800

so i dont think dells your choice if you want under 15.4" and more than 1440x900.

tom_e · 27 Feb 2008 at 17:17

id imagine more than 1440x900 on a 14inch screen is going to be very tiresome to use, can you not just use bootcamp and stick xp on the mac?

sja360 · 27 Feb 2008 at 17:20

blitz2163 said:
id imagine more than 1440x900 on a 14inch screen is going to be very tiresome to use, can you not just use bootcamp and stick xp on the mac?

i think though, he wants to be able to do his .Net stuff etc on another laptop, so it doesnt slow down his current one?
.Andy have you thought about just building a basic desktop machine? it would save atleast £100 maybe more instead of a laptop. Thats assuming you dont use .Net on the move or take it to work or something.

.Andy · 27 Feb 2008 at 20:22

sja360 got it right I need to be able to do my .Net stuff on another laptop. I also need to be able to go to a client site so a desktop is out!

I'm not adverse to a non-widescreen laptop i think the 14" screens on those can do up to 1400x1050?

bigredshark · 27 Feb 2008 at 21:47

Various HP business machines fit the bill, they do a few nice 14" widescreens, the 6510 is the basic model, the 6910 is a bit lighter (2KG). Both are available with hi res screens (1440x900), have excellent keyboards and fantastic build quality.

A thinkpad is a good bet too but I prefer the HPs these days.