Notebook questions

BGH · 27th March 2005, 10:23 AM

Im tempted to replace my P4 2.4Ghz/512MB RAM/9700 pro system with a notebook. Few questions first though.

1. Can notebooks be left on for long periods of time? Im guessing they arent really designed to be left on all day long. I have my desktop on just about all day every day so this might be a problem.

2. Do notebooks still use docks? I like the idea of having a dock so I can just come home and put it on the cock and then use a proper monitor/keyboard/mouse etc.

3. How good are notebook screens? Notebooks never seem to mention the response time of screens in a similar way to LCD monitors. Can you play games/watch movies on them without ghosting etc? Do they often get dead/stuck pixels?

Hmm that's all for now

Cheers

baked · 27th March 2005, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGH

...so I can just come home and put it on the cock and then...

Quoted for accuracy

1. I'm not sure if it's good for them, but I leave mine on almost 24/7 if at home. Otherwise I put it in Hibernate mode and it takes 10 second to boot

2. I think you can still get docks for laptops. I know I saw a dock for mine at DSE, but I don't think it's worth it.

3. I love my laptop screen. It's so clear at almost any angle, but some are different. One bad thing is it gets dirty very easily, smudges and stuff

BGH · 27th March 2005, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGH

so I can just come home and put it on the cock

If it wasnt such a hilariously bad typo Id go back and edit that

PogiPinoy · 27th March 2005, 3:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGH

1. Can notebooks be left on for long periods of time?

2. Do notebooks still use docks? I like the idea of having a dock so I can just come home and put it on the cock and then use a proper monitor/keyboard/mouse etc.

3. How good are notebook screens?

Cheers

1. yes...ive had my laptop on for 3 weeks constantly

2. some do, but be sure to check first if theyre easily accessible...the most common ones are ibm and toshibas obviously

3. theyre great, not as good as proper lcd monitors but very good quality nonetheless..just make sure to grab one thats a SXGA.

Quote:

I like the idea of having a dock so I can just come home and put it on the cock and then use a proper monitor/keyboard/mouse etc.

each to their own i guess

asiandevil · 28th March 2005, 12:10 PM

if you plan to get one make sure you grab the extra warranty. trust me

Ronza · 28th March 2005, 2:18 PM

1) This laptop hasnt been turned off for a month. Just shut the lid and open it up again.

2) You can buy docks, they sometimes are handy but usually overkill. I wouldnt pay mor ethan $50 for one since it doesnt actually do any thing other than providin a permanent place for Printers and Network. Same as plugging and unplugging devices

3) Notebook LCDs arent anything special. I think only very few will leave the factory with a dead pixel

Varuna · 28th March 2005, 4:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronza

3) Notebook LCDs arent anything special. I think only very few will leave the factory with a dead pixel

Since most laptops generally have very expensive onsite service plans, manufacturers generally dont try to sneak as many defective panels into the channel, and actually test them properly before shipping.

plan-b · 28th March 2005, 6:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGH

Im tempted to replace my P4 2.4Ghz/512MB RAM/9700 pro system with a notebook. Few questions first though.

1. Can notebooks be left on for long periods of time? Im guessing they arent really designed to be left on all day long. I have my desktop on just about all day every day so this might be a problem.

2. Do notebooks still use docks? I like the idea of having a dock so I can just come home and put it on the cock and then use a proper monitor/keyboard/mouse etc.

3. How good are notebook screens? Notebooks never seem to mention the response time of screens in a similar way to LCD monitors. Can you play games/watch movies on them without ghosting etc? Do they often get dead/stuck pixels?

Hmm that's all for now

Cheers

1. I don't honestly think it'd be a problem... i turn mine off every time i'm finished with it though...

2. yes... but i think these days u have to plug it in via a usb cable as opposed to just sitting it on the port...

3. mines fine... i'm not much of a hardcore gamer though... i was watching wmp visulisations and i was awing at it all night and was impressed... i'm gonna go grab a movie and watch it a bit later on...

my only gripe is the heat gets to my hands/lap but it may also be the hot weather that contributes to that...

ps... get a dell

BGH · 29th March 2005, 3:01 PM

Ok

Im on the verge of buying a system now. Just a couple more questions.

a) Is it worth getting 400Mhz RAM for a 1.8Ghz Dothan rather than just 333Mhz? Will it even use the 400Mhz?

b) What speed HDD do most people get? Much performance increase in 5400rpm over 4200rpm? Id really like 80Gb but 60Gb is so much cheaper, what do you think the sweet spot is out of (upgrade from 40Gb).

60Gb 5400rpm + $57
60Gb 7200rpm + $116
80Gb 4200rpm + $99
80Gb 5400rpm + $163

Cheers

FlameTheFire · 31st March 2005, 8:17 AM

could be wrong but im pretty sure that the 855 chipset only supports 333mhz memory speed unless you are planning to overclock. Go for the 5400RPM Drive probably the 80g

XAJIM · 31st March 2005, 10:08 AM

1. I've left my laptop on 24/7 (folding) for about 3 months straight at the moment and it hasn't been adversely affected.

2. You can get a dock, but I personally think they're a bit of a waste.

3. No dead pixels on my screen and none on any of the laptops here at work, so I'd say they're pretty good alround.

b) I'd say you'll notice the speed difference of 5400rpm vs 4200rpm. If you need the space, go the 80Gig @ 5400rpm, if not then the 60Gig @ 7200rpm would be my pick.

BGH · 31st March 2005, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlameTheFire

could be wrong but im pretty sure that the 855 chipset only supports 333mhz memory speed unless you are planning to overclock

Can someone confirm this? From what limited info I can find I think it can support 800Mhz FSB.

alienthing · 31st March 2005, 9:24 PM

I have a notebook with the Intel 852 Chipset & there's no way to adjust the default memory frequency of 333MHz (even after installing PC3200 RAM). The FSB speed, however, is running @400MHz. I've managed to do a stable OC of the Radeon Mobility 9700 though!

3DMark2001SE score is 11500+

I use my notebook as my main PC so it's on most of the day. Tasks include office use, SETI@Home, DVD Movies, CD burning & 3D gaming. Generally, modern notebooks have little problem with being switched on for extended hours (as long as heat is dissipated properly). If you plan on having your notebook switched on indefinitely, I recommend buying a Notebook Cooling Pad which plugs directly into any USB port for power. A good quality pad (~$100) includes features like quiet fans, USB hub & a multi-format card reader. Docks are a waste of $ unless you need the extra connections like Serial & LPT. If you want to hook up an external monitor & mouse, just purchase a notebook with VGA-Out & plug the rat into the Notebook Cooling Pad.

For HDDs, 5400rpm is currently the best deal because they're not expensive, will definitely improve your notebook performance if you're upgrading from 4200rpm & don't use as much power as 7200rpm HDDs. Another point most people forget is that 7200rpm HDDs expel more heat than 4200/5400rpm HDDs. And more heat in a confined space such as a notebook is no good.

Hope this helps you.

Varuna · 31st March 2005, 9:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alienthing

Another point most people forget is that 7200rpm HDDs expel more heat than 4200/5400rpm HDDs. And more heat in a confined space such as a notebook is no good.

They use about a watt more, which isnt much heat when you consider things like video cards and processors. These expel typically 20W (9700 mobility) and 20-80W (pentium-m vs pentium 4m) respectively.

The 7200rpm will be slightly faster, and not too much more power hungry, but they do cost more and have less capacity than 5400rpm drives.

plan-b · 31st March 2005, 9:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alienthing

I use my notebook as my main PC so it's on most of the day. Tasks include office use, SETI@Home, DVD Movies, CD burning & 3D gaming. Generally, modern notebooks have little problem with being switched on for extended hours (as long as heat is dissipated properly). If you plan on having your notebook switched on indefinitely, I recommend buying a Notebook Cooling Pad which plugs directly into any USB port for power. A good quality pad (~$100) includes features like quiet fans, USB hub & a multi-format card reader. Docks are a waste of $ unless you need the extra connections like Serial & LPT. If you want to hook up an external monitor & mouse, just purchase a notebook with VGA-Out & plug the rat into the Notebook Cooling Pad.

same... except i have a pc at work which i use most of the day... but i'll probably pick up a cooling pad tomorrow... thanks for the tip

27th March 2005, 10:23 AM	#1
BGH Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: You stay classy Melbourne Posts: 1,231	Notebook questions Im tempted to replace my P4 2.4Ghz/512MB RAM/9700 pro system with a notebook. Few questions first though. 1. Can notebooks be left on for long periods of time? Im guessing they arent really designed to be left on all day long. I have my desktop on just about all day every day so this might be a problem. 2. Do notebooks still use docks? I like the idea of having a dock so I can just come home and put it on the cock and then use a proper monitor/keyboard/mouse etc. 3. How good are notebook screens? Notebooks never seem to mention the response time of screens in a similar way to LCD monitors. Can you play games/watch movies on them without ghosting etc? Do they often get dead/stuck pixels? Hmm that's all for now Cheers

28th March 2005, 2:18 PM	#6
Ronza Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Adelaide Posts: 3,043	1) This laptop hasnt been turned off for a month. Just shut the lid and open it up again. 2) You can buy docks, they sometimes are handy but usually overkill. I wouldnt pay mor ethan $50 for one since it doesnt actually do any thing other than providin a permanent place for Printers and Network. Same as plugging and unplugging devices 3) Notebook LCDs arent anything special. I think only very few will leave the factory with a dead pixel __________________ http://ronnieling.com/

31st March 2005, 10:08 AM	#11
XAJIM Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,294	1. I've left my laptop on 24/7 (folding) for about 3 months straight at the moment and it hasn't been adversely affected. 2. You can get a dock, but I personally think they're a bit of a waste. 3. No dead pixels on my screen and none on any of the laptops here at work, so I'd say they're pretty good alround. b) I'd say you'll notice the speed difference of 5400rpm vs 4200rpm. If you need the space, go the 80Gig @ 5400rpm, if not then the 60Gig @ 7200rpm would be my pick. __________________ OCAU Fitness Club Member #16 \| OCAU Weight Training Club Member #18 \| OCAU Pink Floyd Fan #03 Team 24\|#423529\|#414593\|Fordforums\|I Ride\|I Dive\|BRC\|Monkey\|Me

31st March 2005, 9:24 PM	#13
alienthing Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 5	I have a notebook with the Intel 852 Chipset & there's no way to adjust the default memory frequency of 333MHz (even after installing PC3200 RAM). The FSB speed, however, is running @400MHz. I've managed to do a stable OC of the Radeon Mobility 9700 though! 3DMark2001SE score is 11500+ I use my notebook as my main PC so it's on most of the day. Tasks include office use, SETI@Home, DVD Movies, CD burning & 3D gaming. Generally, modern notebooks have little problem with being switched on for extended hours (as long as heat is dissipated properly). If you plan on having your notebook switched on indefinitely, I recommend buying a Notebook Cooling Pad which plugs directly into any USB port for power. A good quality pad (~$100) includes features like quiet fans, USB hub & a multi-format card reader. Docks are a waste of $ unless you need the extra connections like Serial & LPT. If you want to hook up an external monitor & mouse, just purchase a notebook with VGA-Out & plug the rat into the Notebook Cooling Pad. For HDDs, 5400rpm is currently the best deal because they're not expensive, will definitely improve your notebook performance if you're upgrading from 4200rpm & don't use as much power as 7200rpm HDDs. Another point most people forget is that 7200rpm HDDs expel more heat than 4200/5400rpm HDDs. And more heat in a confined space such as a notebook is no good. Hope this helps you. Last edited by alienthing; 31st March 2005 at 9:35 PM.

28th March 2005, 12:10 PM	#5
asiandevil Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Melbourne Posts: 489	if you plan to get one make sure you grab the extra warranty. trust me

29th March 2005, 3:01 PM	#9
BGH Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: You stay classy Melbourne Posts: 1,231	Ok Im on the verge of buying a system now. Just a couple more questions. a) Is it worth getting 400Mhz RAM for a 1.8Ghz Dothan rather than just 333Mhz? Will it even use the 400Mhz? b) What speed HDD do most people get? Much performance increase in 5400rpm over 4200rpm? Id really like 80Gb but 60Gb is so much cheaper, what do you think the sweet spot is out of (upgrade from 40Gb). 60Gb 5400rpm + $57 60Gb 7200rpm + $116 80Gb 4200rpm + $99 80Gb 5400rpm + $163 Cheers

31st March 2005, 8:17 AM	#10
FlameTheFire Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 196	could be wrong but im pretty sure that the 855 chipset only supports 333mhz memory speed unless you are planning to overclock. Go for the 5400RPM Drive probably the 80g