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Geek Culture / Thinking about buying a laptop. What do you think about this one?

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Jeku
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Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Posted: 27th Jan 2011 22:53 Edited at: 27th Jan 2011 22:55
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Hey all,

I've been wanting a computer in my bedroom and something I can use when I'm away from home (at coffee shops, parent's place, etc.)

What do you think about this one? It's on sale for about a week and it's $1000 cheaper than anywhere else I can find. The specs seem pretty good:

The website says it's 4GB of RAM but the description says 4GB + 2GB, so I'm not sure which one is correct.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=58330&vpn=PQX33C-06702D&manufacture=Toshiba&promoid=1275

EDIT:

It's $1,199.99 Canadian which is about par with USD at the moment. That's pretty good for an 18.4" screen and Blu-Ray burner, isn't it?

Quote: "
Intel® Core™ i7-740QM processor (1.73GHz/2.93GHz, 6MB Smart Cache) with Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep® technology, Intel® Turbo Boost technology, Intel® Hyper-threading technology
Operating System


Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64bit
Key Features


Toshiba Face Recognition
Toshiba Eco Utility
Hard Drive Impact Sensor
USB Sleep n Charge
harman/kardon Speakers
Dolby Advanced Audio
Toshiba Media Controller
PC Health Monitor
Memory


Standard Memory: 4GB + 2GB DDR3 (1066 MHz)
Maximum Memory: 8GB DDR3

Hard Disk Drive


1TB (2 x 500GB 5400 RPM); Serial-ATA hard disk drive
Optical Drive


DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive with Blu-ray Disc™ RE
Maximum speed and compatibility:
Read: CD-ROM (24x), DVD-ROM (8x), BD-ROM (6x)
Write: CD-R (24x), CD-RW (4x), DVD-R (Single Layer (8x), DVD-R (Double Layer (4x), DVD-RW (6x), DVD+R (Single Layer (8x), DVD+R (Double Layer (4x), DVD+RW (8x), DVD-RAM (5x), BD-R(6x), BD-R (Double Layer (4x), BD-RE(2x), BD-RE(Double Layer (2x)
Display System


Type: 16:9 TFT LCD display
Size (diagonal): 18.4" FHD TFT with TruBrite™
Native LCD Panel Resolution: 1920x1080x16 million colours
External Support and Max. Colour Support (dependent On CRT): Up to 2,048 x 1536 x 16 million colours
Graphics Controller


nVidia GeForce GTX 460M
Dedicated video memory: 1.5GB GDDR5
up to 3834MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory with 6GB of system memory
Sound System


Conexant CX20583-10Z Software Sound, High Definition Audio Link, Built-in harman/kardon speakers

Communication


10/100/1000 integrated Ethernet LAN w/LED
Bluetooth v2.1+EDR
Realtek (802.11 bgn)
Integrated Web Camera for Video over IP
Integrated microphone for Voice over IP
Expansion


2 memory slots - Slot 1 has 4GB. Slot 2 has 2GB. Zero free slots. Slots can be filled with 1GB, 2GB and 4GB modules
Ports: Express Card Slot, Bridge Media Adaptor (SD, SDHC, xD picture card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Multi Media Card), 3 USB 2.0, 1 USB 2.0/eSATA combo port with Sleep n Charge, RJ45, external microphone port, headphone port, SP/DIF Digital Audio Port, IEEE 1394, RGB, HDMI-CEC
Keyboard


Canadian Bilingual Keyboard
Full sized 105 keys with 13 Function keys
Color: Flat Half Glossy Black
Pointing Device


Touchpad Pointing device with Gesture
Additional Software


Toshiba ConfigFree™
Toshiba Disc Creator
Toshiba DVD Player
Norton Internet Security Trial
Microsoft Office 2007 Trial

Physical Dimensions


Dimensions (in mm): (WxDxH) 442.6 x 294.2 x 41.5/46.5
Weight: Start at 4.2kg
Color: Fusion® Finish in Omega Black
AC Adapter


180W external Universal AC adapter input voltage (100 - 240V 50/60Hz Frequency (Universal), output voltage (19V, 9.5A)
Dimensions: (WxHxD) 171 x 86 x 41.5mm
Weight: 880g
Battery


Battery Type: Removable, Rechargeable 12-cell Lithium Ion (Li-ion) 10.8V x 87Wh capacity
Battery Life: Up to 4 hours, depending on usage and Power Management Settings
Dimensions: (WxHxD) 207.8 x 22.6 x 96 mm
Weight: 650g
BIOS


TSETUP, ACPI, PnP, VESA, SM BIOS, PCI BIOS Support
Security


Cable lock slot, power on password, supervisor password, HDD password,

Environmental Specifications


Temperature: Operating 5° 35°C (41° 95°F);
Non Operating -20° 60°C (-4°149°F)
Thermal Gradient: Operating 15 C per hr. max;
Non Operating 20 C per hr. max
Relative Humidity: Operating 20% to 80% non-condensing;
Non-Operating: 10% to 90% non-condensing
Altitude (relative to sea level): Operating: 0m to 3,000m;
Non-Operating: 0m to 10000m.
Shock: Operating: 10G; Non-Operating 60G
Vibration: Operating 0.5G; Non-Operating: 1G
Environmental Credentials


Energy Star 5.0
RoHS
"



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Fatal Berserker
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Posted: 28th Jan 2011 01:29
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sounds overkill.
the hard drive could be faster though..
But it is very good.

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Jeku
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Posted: 28th Jan 2011 02:25
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Quote: "sounds overkill."


That's good For the price it seems like a good deal, right?


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Master Man Of Justice
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Posted: 28th Jan 2011 03:48
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That is a beastly computer, but what in the heck are going to do with cooling, put an industrial fan under that processor????

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Eminent
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Posted: 28th Jan 2011 03:59
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I like it. It's just the way I like my computers, overkill. For the price, it's FANTASTIC especially because it's not self built.


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Darth Vader
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Posted: 28th Jan 2011 13:56
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Quote: " put an industrial fan under that processor????"

you would be surprised at how cool the i7's run.

Very nice laptop though! As long as battery life and portability aren't an issue. In all honesty though I'd wait as Intel Sandy bridge technology is around the corner last I heard.

Good luck!


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Benjamin
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Posted: 28th Jan 2011 14:02
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Very nice laptop for the price, although it'd be even better with an SSD instead of an HDD if you didn't mind the lower capacity.
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Eminent
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Posted: 28th Jan 2011 14:04
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Actually Sandy Bridge is already out, but it has an integrated GFX card soooo yeah.
My i7 runs hot. 50 degrees idle and 70 degrees on load.


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Dark Frager
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Posted: 28th Jan 2011 17:40
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Overkill, best laptop I have ever seen. Better than my Alienware M15x.
I'd get it without doubt.

If you can see the enemy, they can see you.
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PAGAN_old
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Posted: 28th Jan 2011 20:24
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awesome laptop

dont hate people who rip you off,cheat and get away with it, learn from them
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Eminent
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Posted: 29th Jan 2011 00:29
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The surprise sale ended. Its now 2k again.


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Jeku
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Posted: 29th Jan 2011 00:35
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Awwwwwwwww it's sold out....... I waited too long


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PAGAN_old
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Posted: 29th Jan 2011 08:31
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dont worry theyll have plenty of them in the future with better stuff too. they are like the toshibas alienwares

dont hate people who rip you off,cheat and get away with it, learn from them
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Phaelax
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Posted: 29th Jan 2011 12:07 Edited at: 29th Jan 2011 12:07
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two 500gb drives? Considering the other specs its odd they'd only use 5400rpm drives.

Obviously battery life isn't a concern. I doubt that machine could last 5 minutes without dying.

But it looks cool and would definitely rival most of our desktops on this forum.

I just noticed it said it was sold out of its promotional price, so now its $2,169.99. Seems odd though. I'm sorry, we don't have a $1k laptop anymore, but here's the same thing for $2k....
Yea the original price you mentioned would've been a good deal. But I don't think the retail price is worth it now.

"Only the educated are free" ~Epictetus
"Imagination is more important than knowledge..." ~Einstein
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Jeku
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Posted: 1st Feb 2011 01:53
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Yah the retail price is too much for me, because I already have a super powerful desktop PC. I just wanted a little brother for my desktop to use when I'm lounging in bed or at the coffee shop. Oh well!


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Gil Galvanti
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Posted: 2nd Feb 2011 04:43 Edited at: 2nd Feb 2011 04:43
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This has similar specs (slightly worse, it seems, but still a good deal):
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i7+Processor+/+17.3%22+Display+/+6GB+Memory+/+640GB+Hard+Drive+-+Black/1257894.p?id=1218243761956&skuId=1257894

I have the upgraded version of that Asus (8GB RAM vs 6GB RAM, 1TB HD vs 640GB, and a bit faster processor), and I haven't had any big problems with it yet (had it for about 8 months).


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crispex
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Posted: 2nd Feb 2011 04:59
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Just out of the random here, but I think anyone who buys a laptop with the sole intention of gaming on it is incredibly stupid. Even top of the line laptops can't really compare to top of the line desktops, obviously for size reasons. Not to mention they're still very limited upgrade-wise. I still use my iBook G4 for browsing the web in coffee shops and when I'm relaxing on the couch or my bed. I've got an eeePC too, which is great with a nice Verizon Anywhere adapter. Battery life is amazing too, about 7 hours on a single charge. If you're looking for something like that, invest in a netbook or tablet.

I just now realized I've had a typo in my signature for the past 3 years.
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Gil Galvanti
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Posted: 2nd Feb 2011 07:15
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Quote: "Just out of the random here, but I think anyone who buys a laptop with the sole intention of gaming on it is incredibly stupid."

Or it could be that that person (like me) likes the portability of a laptop because they move around a lot. A laptop is 10x easier to get up and move, and since I play and develop games, I need a powerful computer. So why would I deal with the hassle of lugging around a desktop all the time and then forking over the money for a laptop as well when I could invest in a good laptop that will do everything for me, and serve as a portable and home computer?


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Jeku
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Posted: 2nd Feb 2011 08:00 Edited at: 2nd Feb 2011 08:01
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@crispex - I'm not using it for gaming, but I need a powerful machine for development. Hence the fast CPU and large screen. I couldn't care less about its video card capabilities because I have a gaming PC already.

EDIT:

@Gil - That link doesn't work for me Also, Canadian and USA deals are usually different, even in the same stores. I would need to find the laptop on BestBuy.ca, except I don't really trust that store.


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crispex
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Posted: 2nd Feb 2011 12:37
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Nothing wrong with Best Buy, just don't trust Geek Squad. Our local news station did a report, they unplugged their SATA cable for their hard drive in one of their PC's and took the PC to local computer repair shops including the infamous Best Buy Geek Squad, to see if the problem would be easily resolved. It turns out that every store but Best Buy actually was able to do anything. It cost them $80 and the results came back, "Unknown issue."

Not to mention every Best Buy PC comes with at LEAST 3gb worth of bloatware.

I just now realized I've had a typo in my signature for the past 3 years.
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Jeku
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Posted: 3rd Feb 2011 09:29
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Woo-hoo! The offer is up again! I love NCIX, they always have huge sales.

I quickly ordered it online for in-store pickup. So happy

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=58330&vpn=PQX33C-06702D&manufacture=Toshiba&promoid=1285


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Eminent
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Posted: 3rd Feb 2011 18:21
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Aww man. If I only had the money . And only if my parents would LET me use the money. But at least I now know where I can get awesome deals.


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bitJericho
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Posted: 3rd Feb 2011 23:35
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Not sure what the 4gb + 2gb thing means. If you figure it out let me know

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Jeku
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Posted: 4th Feb 2011 05:03
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Quote: "Not sure what the 4gb + 2gb thing means. If you figure it out let me know"


I think there's two RAM slots, one with a 4GB and one with a 2GB, for a total of 6GB. Basically if I want to upgrade to 8GB, I have to remove the 2GB chip and add a 4GB chip.


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Dances With Robots
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Posted: 6th Feb 2011 04:13
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Looks like a screamer. Somewhat better than my desktop system. Only thing I'd be worried about is keeping it cool. (Always a problem with laptops.) And yeah, the price seems pretty good for a laptop with those specs.
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