Main > Everything Else
HP laptop opinions...
jbox:
Do you want a portable computer or a desktop replacement? This is a very important question, because if you intend to regularly lug this thing around from place to place that larger screen really does make a big difference.
Strokemouth:
You also have to consider that the larger screen will most likely cause the battery life to suffer. In my experience, it's usually by a good bit, too.
shardian:
Even a 15.4" lappy doesn't have great battery life. About an hour and a half is tops. I'd say a 17" gets about an hour.
boykster:
I'll echo what most have said here, and add the following questions:
What will this laptop primarily be used for? Travel, work on the go? Where portability and long battery life is most important? If so, I'd look at some of the 14" widescreen models. I have an HP DV2000 (couple years old) that gets 3hrs of battery life with wifi on, almost 4 without. Its smaller than the 15.4" toshiba that I have, and the toshiba only gets about 1.75hrs of life on a single charge.
If you want a portable, but desktop replacement type system, then go big. If you're going to travel with it a lot, get the lightest / longest lasting battery one that you can
Strokemouth:
I don't know what you guys are doing to your laptops, but any modern (read: Centrino or equivalent) laptop should net you at LEAST 2-3 hours battery life, even with a 15" screen. Are you keeping your brightness up high or disabling speed stepping or something?
Even my 3 year old 15" Powerbook still gets over 3 hours consistently with standard usage.