Author Topic: Looking for entertainment laptop...Need Advice (Read 6520 times)

Mave · « **on:** Jan 17, 2009 at 08:25 AM »

Hi guys.Im looking for an entertainment laptop that can play mkv files flawlessly. Can output digital sound using optical and video thru hdmi.Thanks!

Alfie · « **Reply #1 on:** Jan 17, 2009 at 04:43 PM »

Mukhang Acer Blue lang ang pwede sa specs na hinahanap mo.(with Blu Ray, HDMI etc)

17" and LCD screen,ang kategorya niya ay mobile PC.(malaking lapotop)

79K ang huli kong narinig na presyo.Available siya sa ACER Mega Mall.

Mave · « **Reply #2 on:** Jan 17, 2009 at 09:46 PM »

Quote from: Alfie on Jan 17, 2009 at 04:43 PM

Mukhang Acer Blue lang ang pwede sa specs na hinahanap mo.(with Blu Ray, HDMI etc)

17" and LCD screen,ang kategorya niya ay mobile PC.(malaking lapotop)

79K ang huli kong narinig na presyo.Available siya sa ACER Mega Mall.

Hehe,thanks sa info sir...May binibenta sa akin kasi officemate ko though HDMI video out lang...

fernando_montalban · « **Reply #3 on:** Jan 18, 2009 at 06:07 PM »

I agree with Alfie...
My friend bought an Acer Blue laptop (w/ Blu Ray). It's really nice, looks and specs wise. But it is a big laptop, pero ok lang kasi desktop replacement kasi kailangan nya. Natawa ako nung nakita ko yung sub-woofer, built-in 5.1 speaker system ata kasi eh. Acer Blue, if you don't mind the size and you have the budget.

Mave · « **Reply #4 on:** Jan 18, 2009 at 08:24 PM »

Thanks sir,we might wait til it drops below 50k

fernando_montalban · « **Reply #5 on:** Jan 18, 2009 at 08:52 PM »

Quote from: Mave on Jan 18, 2009 at 08:24 PM

Thanks sir,we might wait til it drops below 50k

Naku... 50k... mukhang matagal na hintay yan. The Aspire Blue 6935 costs at around 90k.

Mave · « **Reply #6 on:** Jan 19, 2009 at 10:01 AM »

^^
OO nga bro,sana sa US medyo mas mababa, we got HP entertainment series under 40k last year.Dito sa aten nasa 60k+

ninjababez® · « **Reply #7 on:** Jan 21, 2009 at 03:05 PM »

ill update you if my 2 cq40 series can output digital signals ... (108TU and 340AU)
i need to get a hold of this first though ..

Mave · « **Reply #8 on:** Jan 21, 2009 at 04:33 PM »

Quote from: ninjababez on Jan 21, 2009 at 03:05 PM

ill update you if my 2 cq40 series can output digital signals ... (108TU and 340AU)
i need to get a hold of this first though ..

Ok sir,yan ba yung spdif converter?

jackryan · « **Reply #9 on:** Jan 21, 2009 at 05:22 PM »

I am selling an HP DV9000 in the marketplace area... except for the blue-ray, I think it qualifies for most of what you are looking for... check it out...

ninjababez® · « **Reply #10 on:** Jan 24, 2009 at 01:32 AM »

Quote from: Mave on Jan 21, 2009 at 04:33 PM

Ok sir,yan ba yung spdif converter?

yep but unfortunately, the cq40 series needs the hp dock for the spdif out

bejiboys · « **Reply #11 on:** May 19, 2009 at 02:16 AM »

Hi Folks,

After not being in the know about the recent PC developments. I would also like to get inputs on getting an entertainment laptop or equivalent for HTPC/Home PC duties.

I just recently had time to install XBMC and was really blown away by the experience!!! Had I known about this, I would NOT have gone through the PS3, then NMT route - in pursuit of my ideal all around home media center. The HTPC route now became my mandatory option, albeit with some "considerations".

- Low power (mobile variety motherboards, laptops, mac-mini or equivalent). Intent is to keep electric bill low (intend to run it as a p2p downloader), retain coolness of room, make profile compact
- Low noise, no fans or silent equivalents
- Run XMBC, Plex or any of its derivatives. Preference to run in 1080p using Linux variant for VDPAU up until hardware acceleration in the other OS variants will be available - which also means...
- NVDIA-based graphics card ~GS9400M++, preferrably dedicated memory, but ok if shared if 512MB can be reached. DVI/HDMI video output
- SPDIF (coax or toslink) available and built-in
- Double as a home PC, with moderate graphics editing ~ Penryn T7350++

My current options being considered:
1. Mac-mini 2009, 2.0GHz, upped to 4GB DDR3 RAM
2. MSI GX620 (or GX400 if locally available and if same price range)
3. Acer Aspire 4937G
4. ...

My current budget consideration is around the price range of the items mentioned above.

Would've also wanted to build from scratch using SBC's with mobile processors of the same spec requiring single voltage low power AC/DC adapters, but the local availability of the parts and the other peripherals make this endeavour quite cumbersome.

Thanks in anticipation of your inputs. Sorry for the long writeup.

Alfie · « **Reply #12 on:** May 19, 2009 at 07:39 AM »

Eto' bine-benta ni Jack Ryan mukhang Good Buy, kung oK sa iyo ang 2nd hand, naka 8400 Video card iyan, wala nga lang Blu Ray.

Eto' ang link;http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php?topic=88831.0

Clondalkin · « **Reply #13 on:** May 19, 2009 at 09:11 AM »

http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Satellite-A355-S6924-16-0-Inch-Laptop/dp/B001UQ6LZQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1242695046&sr=8-7

This is one gorgeous desktop replacement.

Alfie · « **Reply #14 on:** May 19, 2009 at 10:04 AM »

Maganda nga iyun' na-i-post ni Clondalkin, mura pa, brand new pa.

fernando_montalban · « **Reply #15 on:** May 19, 2009 at 02:30 PM »

This is off topic but since your considering other options versus an entertainment laptop, something to choose between the Mac mini and DIY route. Not sure how much entirely it would cost though in the end, I guess lower than the Mac mini although the mini is more powerful.

Zotac Ion

- Low power (mobile variety motherboards, laptops, mac-mini or equivalent). Intent is to keep electric bill low (intend to run it as a p2p downloader), retain coolness of room, make profile compact
low power, runs at around 25 watts
- Low noise, no fans or silent equivalents
Option of no fan at all and use of a power brick, thus zero noise
- Run XMBC, Plex or any of its derivatives. Preference to run in 1080p using Linux variant for VDPAU up until hardware acceleration in the other OS variants will be available - which also means...
- NVDIA-based graphics card ~GS9400M++, preferrably dedicated memory, but ok if shared if 512MB can be reached. DVI/HDMI video output
is Geforce 9400M the same with GS9400M?
- SPDIF (coax or toslink) available and built-in
doesn't have one, problem in this department
- Double as a home PC, with moderate graphics editing ~ Penryn T7350++
Only a dual core atom under the hood though, low power

Add an HDD, RAM, and OS... your good to go... (ODD is an option)
More info... http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3562&p=2
or check out the NVIDIA ION thread

bejiboys · « **Reply #16 on:** May 20, 2009 at 05:15 AM »

Thanks for the advices. Please keep them coming. I really appreciate it.

@fernando_montalban

I have been monitoring the reviews of this ION based Mini-ITX SBC. I have read promising reviews that for x264 duties, with hardware acceleration enabled, relieves the uP much of the load. I however am a bit skeptical about its immediate availability, and its inability to do some other home PC chores. I think however that the ION platform may make already start making its way into the netbook foray very soon in the same way the Diamondville platform made its way via the OLPC/EEEPC route did.

But if its local "landed" price of an SBC platform is compelling enough, then it would be a great proposition and I might change my consideration factors.

BTW, the Zotac SBC indeed has digital out via toslink and coax. Its GF9400M by the way (sorry, typo).

@Clondalkin
Hi Alan. It is indeed a nice laptop. I would like to play it safe and make sure I could make use of an XBMC build that uses VDPAU. I am not sure if an Intel of ATI hardware acceleration enabled build will be available soon.

@Alfie
Thanks for the inputs. Will put them into consideration

@Mave
Would appreciate knowing what you ended up getting. TY.

fernando_montalban · « **Reply #17 on:** May 20, 2009 at 10:36 AM »

Quote from: bejiboys on May 20, 2009 at 05:15 AM

BTW, the Zotac SBC indeed has digital out via toslink and coax.

oh... it does have digital, coax, and analog for audio. Sorry.

Although, if you are willing and daring, you can also go through a build-your-own route with a laptop. A friend of mine ordered his from abroad and got lucky with the shipping costs.
http://www.xoticpc.com/
If I remember correctly, he got the one with core 2 duo and gtx 260m vcard. Price point might be steep but at least with build-your-own, you get what you want. In the end, you can customize to fit your budget. I know that it will only throw out a whole lot of questions and problems like warranty, customization of usable ports you want, etc. but my friend is happy with his laptop. It plays the killa.sampla.x264.mkv flawlessly. So, if you are a bit daring, choose the right parts that suits you, you can give it a shot. Even if you don't go for it, it's worth the time to browse around na rin. I for one would like to have the Sager NP9280 as a desktop replacement. And Clevo laptops as well are rated to be way better than Alienware laptops, the best specs without the problems of Alienware.

bejiboys · « **Reply #18 on:** May 25, 2009 at 10:30 AM »

I checked out the site and was fascinated by the options. Unfortunately, I do not have enough funds for it.

I have also on my sight the Asus G50Vt-X5 selling for $899 at Best Buy. I think it would do the job plus more. The price point is just within my budget (and I also think it is a steal!), but I do not know how to get one to arrive here safe from damage and the "damage" that could potentially be dealt by the customs people - the reason why I am not so much into over-the-net purchases.

fernando_montalban · « **Reply #19 on:** May 26, 2009 at 02:18 AM »

Quote from: bejiboys on May 25, 2009 at 10:30 AM

I checked out the site and was fascinated by the options. Unfortunately, I do not have enough funds for it.

I have also on my sight the Asus G50Vt-X5 selling for $899 at Best Buy. I think it would do the job plus more. The price point is just within my budget (and I also think it is a steal!), but I do not know how to get one to arrive here safe from damage and the "damage" that could potentially be dealt by the customs people - the reason why I am not so much into over-the-net purchases.

If you want to buy online, may I suggest Johnny Air Cargo. http://www.johnnyair.com/. As far as I know, they cater specifically to the Philippines, http://www.johnnyair.com/location.htm. You can visit their site or better yet call them and ask for more information. The same friend of mine who bought his laptop abroad used JAC. I for one have not tried JAC myself though. If I remember correctly from what my friend told me, what you do is you send the item/package to their office in the US, you choose which office nearest from your seller, and after receiving the package in the US, they send it to their office here in the Philippines. All you have to do is pick it up. Basically, it is like a person is receiving your item/package for you with a US address and he goes here to the Philippines with your item/package. If ever you take this route, Gluck!

elvenears · « **Reply #20 on:** May 26, 2009 at 04:09 AM »

sir!! check toshiba's Qosmio line....before when I was working for them they had models with hd-dvd (format wars were ongoing at that time) the last time I checked ,if my memory serves me right they have models na with BD...they have high video card specs,some models has hdmi,some models has tuners as well,1080p screen,individual controls for your media (i.e. volume controls,diff set of arrow keys,play,pause etc), has a 5 speaker set up (2 above keyboard,2 are beside the screen and a sub.)and its a HARMAN KARDON!!belive it or not

see to appreciate (diba parang nagbebenta lang!!

)

bejiboys · « **Reply #21 on:** May 26, 2009 at 11:27 PM »

@fernando_montalban

Thanks for the inputs. I know about JAC a long time ago. Lately, I was about to buy a Garmin Forerunner 305 before via Amazon, but at the last minute decided to buy it locally, as I am not that comfortable about the risks of getting valuable items thru them, without any "insurance". A friend however has been buying some gadgets via Amazon thru them and has not had any bad experience since. Am currently considering other options, and maybe when push comes to shove consider JAC later on. TY for the inputs.

@elvenears

Thanks. I used to be a Toshiba-lover (former Satellite and Tecra user), but lately, the value proposition (price/performance) of Toshiba laptops seem not to be enticing vs. the other available options in the market. Would still be keeping an eye on them for "bargains". BTW, we also used to be a subcontractor for their electronic sub-assemblies and optical drives. Too bad they lost the optical drive wars.

elvenears · « **Reply #22 on:** May 28, 2009 at 12:43 AM »

@bejiboys

:(sadly i agree with what your saying sir.they seem to be slowly turning into microsoft

newbie pa rin · « **Reply #23 on:** Jun 17, 2009 at 12:06 AM »

Does anybody know where I can get an HP dock locally?
I think this is my only solution on how to be able to maximize the use of my laptop in playing movies.

Thanks.

straker · « **Reply #24 on:** Jul 12, 2009 at 07:44 PM »

Quote from: newbie pa rin on Jun 17, 2009 at 12:06 AM

Does anybody know where I can get an HP dock locally?
I think this is my only solution on how to be able to maximize the use of my laptop in playing movies.

Thanks.

If the local HP dealers can't help you, ordering online is your final option.

Clondalkin · « **Reply #25 on:** Aug 31, 2009 at 05:01 PM »

Anyone here connecting their entertainment laptop to an HDTV? How's the IQ (for movies) compared to that of desktop?

Thanks!

dm1179 · « **Reply #26 on:** Sep 01, 2009 at 11:25 AM »

^i connect my laptop to HDTV. i don't notice any difference from my desktop.

Desktop (HTPC):
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+
Emaxx AMD780G-PRO(128) with with HD3200
4GB DDR2 800

Laptop (Asus):
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400
ATI Mobility Radeon HD3470 (Dedicated)
4GB DDR2 800

ninjababez® · « **Reply #27 on:** Sep 01, 2009 at 12:01 PM »

Quote from: dm1179 on Sep 01, 2009 at 11:25 AM

^i connect my laptop to HDTV. i don't notice any difference from my desktop.
Laptop:
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400
ATI Mobility Radeon HD3470 (Dedicated)
4GB DDR2 800

wow! magkano sya bro?

Clondalkin · « **Reply #28 on:** Sep 01, 2009 at 12:14 PM »

Quote from: dm1179 on Sep 01, 2009 at 11:25 AM

^i connect my laptop to HDTV. i don't notice any difference from my desktop.
Laptop:
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400
ATI Mobility Radeon HD3470 (Dedicated)
4GB DDR2 800

Thanks dm1179. Napupusuan kase ng The Wife ang Toshiba Satellite A505-S6973 at around $650 sa Amazon. That laptop looks pretty solid except that it only has built-in Intel 4500MHD for graphics. That should suffice for the 16- inch monitor of the laptop but I'm not sure how it would handle external connection to an HDTV via the available HDMI. Intel 4500MH datasheets look good on paper in terms of potential video performance, but it would be very helpful if I could get feedback from someone who has actually tried.

The other choice for the wife would be a new desktop.

BTW, what's the brand and model of your laptop?

Thanks!

dm1179 · « **Reply #29 on:** Sep 01, 2009 at 12:47 PM »

@Clondalkin:

same result lang bro. connected to HDTV..

Laptop (NEC):
Intel Pentium Dual Core 2.0GHz
Intel GMA 4500MHD
4GB DDR2 800

nevermind the 4GB, mura lang kasi RAM kaya lagi ko maximize.