Laptop with High Screen Resolution?

[mmuhlenkamp]

Recommendations for a laptop with high screen resolution (close to 1600X1200 would be awesome)? I don't really want a big screen, 15" or smaller would be fine, but I want the resolution to be high. I'd like to stay in the PC world just because that's what I use at work and all my programs are for windows, etc.

The best I can find so far are the Dell Alienware laptops, but they are little pricey, most other laptops don't seem to have a high resolution screen option. I'd like a pretty graphics capable laptop for around $1000. It doesn't have to be screaming fast, just solid. Also, if it works well with a docking station that would be great since I'm looking to have this replace my current desktop.

Thanks in advance.

[kenw]

It's old but my home Compaq/HP notebook has 1440 wide on a 15". 5 years ago it was $600 and I know screens have improved significantly since then. My work notebook is a Dell Precision M4500 and it has a 15.5" with 1920x1080. It was iirc about $1500.

The biggest issue with high res on a 15" notebook is reading text, be it web or spreadsheets. 1920x1080 on 15.5" is brutal but I normally use a dual monitor setup so I rarely see it on the notebook's screen.

Decent docks are going to require moving up to the 'commercial' grade notebook and that might be tough on the $1k budget.

bottomline is that they're out there. But you might need to be more flexible on the budget to get the stuff you need.

[mmuhlenkamp]

Well, I want my tool bars and panels to not take up my whole screen, I can always increase text size. Most laptops seem to have 1366 x 768 resolution, which isn't terrible, but not great either.

[srwatters]

My 15" MacBook Pro is 1680x1050 matte. Love it!

[Charles Putnam]

There was a review on CNET of the new Toshiba laptops. Toshiba Portege R835-P56X Review - Watch CNET's Video Review

The problem is you find it difficult to get a good "graphics capable" laptop at around $1,000. For something decent, you're looking in a price range around $1,500 or so. Take a look at Lenovo also - they've had high ratings on their screen image quality.

[kenw]

Originally Posted by srwatters

My 15" MacBook Pro is 1680x1050 matte. Love it!

We're all sure you do. But she said she wanted to stay PC. Please stay on topic.

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by kenw

We're all sure you do. But she said she wanted to stay PC. Please stay on topic.

The volunteer line for moderator forms over there...
And BTW, you can run Windows on a MacBook Pro just as well (bootcamp).

[mmuhlenkamp]

That Toshiba looks interesting, but still not a very high resolution screen. So far the best I can find are the Dell XPS laptops, there's an option to upgrade to higher res screen. I suppose I don't really need a docking station if I just have a nice video output for a larger monitor and a bluetooth mouse and keyboard.

The 15" Macbook Pro is a bit pricey for me, plus I really don't want to learn a new OS, not that it's that big of a deal, but I'm pretty happy running Windows 7.

[Rson]

Originally Posted by srwatters

The volunteer line for moderator forms over there...
And BTW, you can run Windows on a MacBook Pro just as well (bootcamp).

I volunteered. First order of business is to delete yours and Charles's MAC propaganda posts on Windows threads.


Kidding of course.

[KdLaneJr]

Originally Posted by mmuhlenkamp

That Toshiba looks interesting, but still not a very high resolution screen. So far the best I can find are the Dell XPS laptops, there's an option to upgrade to higher res screen. I suppose I don't really need a docking station if I just have a nice video output for a larger monitor and a bluetooth mouse and keyboard.

The 15" Macbook Pro is a bit pricey for me, plus I really don't want to learn a new OS, not that it's that big of a deal, but I'm pretty happy running Windows 7.

I have an older Dell XPS with the UXGA screen resolution of 1920x1200 on a 15.4 inch screen. Initially, I was surprised at how small everything was, but now that I'm using a toshiba with a 13xx x 768, I not only miss the high resolution, but have to wonder why the industry thinks that everyone only uses their laptops to watch wide screen movies.

[mmuhlenkamp]

Originally Posted by KdLaneJr

I have an older Dell XPS with the UXGA screen resolution of 1920x1200 on a 15.4 inch screen. Initially, I was surprised at how small everything was, but now that I'm using a toshiba with a 13xx x 768, I not only miss the high resolution, but have to wonder why the industry thinks that everyone only uses their laptops to watch wide screen movies.

Yeah, I know, most of the screens say "HD" which isn't that high of resolution when you're only a couple feet away from the screen. My boyfriend has an XPS with a high resolution screen and it looks pretty nice, I like when the icons and text are tiny and not taking up the whole screen. I really think this might be the way to go. Now to just figure out the right mix of upgrades that makes a nice performing computer, but doesn't break the bank.

[darktiger]

I was going to say my MBP can do 1680x1050. But that is out of the $1000 price range.. I know Asus and Lenovo has some 15" laptops that do high res.....

[ggeen]

Just as important as the screen resolution is the finish on the screen. My old Del D620 has anti glare finish and it is terrible for photo finishing. It is, however, great for most office applications. I am running on an external display now, but the graphics card may handle over 1600x??

When comparing be sure to note the graphics card make, memory, etc. and the screen type, TFT, etc. These may add cost to the overall price.

[mmuhlenkamp]

Ordered this laptop from CyberPower:

Xplorer X6-9400 Gaming Notebook

Found this company while searching through NewEgg, the reviews I've found on the company seem very positive and I get a lot more for my money than buying with a "brand" (it would probably cost about $2000 for something from Dell). It'll be a couple weeks for them to build it then ship it, but I will give you my thoughts afterwards in case anyone is interested in one of these computers.

[mmuhlenkamp]

Haven't had time to really put the new laptop through it's paces, but it seems very solid and fast so far. I'm having difficulty setting up my little JBOD case set up to store photos (access through eSata cable) so I don't have my full set-up yet.

The screen looks great though and the case is very solid with a very nice keyboard (number pad included). I think I like it.