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-   -   The Laptop Thread: Configs, deals & questions (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/gadgets-computers-software/67390-laptop-thread-configs-deals-questions-140.html)

Guys, I am considering getting an Asus G51J-A1. However I have a few queries that I need to clear. Kindly answer them.

Firstly, My requirements:

01. A home entertainment system - Desktop replacement.

02. Primary display will be an LCD HD TV. (Hence the laptop screen doesn't matter - smaller the better).

03. Primary sound will be external speakers. Hence laptop speakers don't matter.

04. Main power source will be AC. Hence battery life doesn't matter.

05. Will be online 24x7, 356 days - downloading torrents. Hence reliability is a major factor. (Only an occasional restart once in 3 months)

06. An occasional race/rally game on HDTV.

07. Will be used exclusively for playing ripped HD contents (movies, TV series etc using VLC), playing songs and 24hr downloading.

08. The specification should be good enough to do the above tasks for at least 4 years.

After considering all the above requirements, I decided in on the G51J-A1.

However certain aspects are unclear to me. Kindly clarify:

01. Is the audio integrated with the HDMI in this system? Or is the audio always routed to the external audio out ports? (ATI chipsets have their audio routed via the HDMI port).

02. From external reviews, it is clear that the system does operate at very high temperatures. Since I plan to keep the system online downloading 24x7 - 365 days, should I be worried about the reliability? Will it last about 4 years? (my current Acer does it without any trouble with only a restart once in 3 months).

03. Can one of the HDDs be later replaced with an SSD as the primary OS drive?

04. Can the laptop monitor be completely turned off when display is routed to HDMI or when HDMI is used as the primary display? (I wouldn't want the laptop monitor coming on every time I move the mouse or touch the k/b).

05. How is the operating sound of the laptop? Does it make too much noise?

06. What is the maximum refresh rate of the laptop monitor?

Ofcourse, that was the first option i had tried but it didnt work. So i just shut down and went to work on my office laptop and restarted my HP Lappy in the night and voila, that problem automatically disappeared:)

Please recommend a basic laptop in price range of 20 to 25k.
Not looking for a netbook as 10inch screen size is too small, require something thats slightly bigger 12 to 14inch max.

Have got qoute for Compaq Presario CQ40-427TU @ 23.5k. Specs are:14inch screen +Intel Celeron Processor 2.20ghz + 1gb RAM + 160gb SATA+Bluetooth+Media card reader. No OS.

Is that a good deal? Would like something better if someone can suggest within the same price range.

Just my 2 cents - try to get one with Windows 7. It is very fast!

Also,
See if you can avoid Celeron and add one more GB or RAM by adding a little to your budget, that will surely be useful when you run Win7. OS can be purchased later, but OE guys may have good offer when bundled with hardware.

Doesn't look like a great config.

My advice would be to avoid Compaq.

Do check out the 'New Inspiron 14' and the 'Inspiron 13z' from Dell. Slightly above budget but very nice machines.

install temperature monitor (coretemp.exe if you have dual core). It will also tell you if the processor is reducing the clock frequency when not loaded. If it continuously runs at highest frequency, check the processor power management in power profiles. keep minimum at 0 and max at 75 (100 if you really need peak performence). If that does not resolve, check if you have latest AMD drivers for coprocessor etc. Quite likely a culprit if you have resintalled the OS.


it's very usual for laptop to shut down when overheated. check the cooling vents. This will only apply if you have checked above options and found everything to be alright.

EDIT: No, check the vents anyway :). you can see in this thread my pic of a blanket sized blockage i found in my 5 yr old laptop.

hi
laptops with 3G Sim slots are available ?
Does anyone have here on BHP. I heard Acer/HP has started offering models.

you connection will be useless when laptop shuts down. unless you plan to keep a dedicated number only for mobile internet. in which case you can get a data card.

Ya i plan to keep it dedicated for laptop only. it will be cheaper and faster than data cards.

Nokia just came out with one.

That problem will come and go. The core issue is that the lens is not clean. It happens with my VAIO sometimes.

Keep the lens clean is the mantra.

All the best!

@Sahil: I recommend the top config for a laptop, it lasts more than the cheaper will and with quality and refinement, I have a VAIO TX1HP and it has served me well for over 4years without a glitch. Costed me bomb but still going strong. Friends kept on replacing their's but without quality power is nothing. As you know with cars. You know how BMW is different.

Current config to get is i5 or i7 or quad core with 4 GB RAM and 16:10 for full HD view.

I trust Sony and Apple for my computing needs. Dell comes in third.

Cheers!

Sniper- this laptop isn't for me obv. I have a 2000$ idea pad hence no compromise on this stuff for me :)
Need to get a handful of basic laptops for my sales team which are very basic users.

@Sahil

I take it that it'll be a bulk deal.

You can try and get the Vostro (slightly stripped down but better than the Compaq) around 25.

PS: The no OS thingy... You into Open-Source?

You can even get a very good deal with Acer laptops. Don't ever go for Celeron laptops, it sucks! At least go for Pentium Dual core or Core 2 duo for better performance. If you are buying bulk, you can get it around 20-22K with OS (Windows XP)

Deal I got from SP road

Acer Aspire 14.1", C2D 2.2 GHz, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB HDD, Bluetooth, Webcam, card reader, etc... for 29K (without OS)
Compaq presario - 14.1" same as above - for 31K (without OS)