Getting a new notebook computer

I have been googling over the Internet to shop for a new notebook. I have written down in my mind the basic requirements I need for the new laptop to replace my older one.

Although I have been contemplating on replacing my old notebook for several months now. It was only about a couple of weeks ago that I seriously considered creating a list of requirements.

After much of deliberation, I finally decided that my new notebook should have at least a 1680×1050 screen size. My current notebook only allows me to have a 1280×800 screen display. While this should be more than enough for web browsing, I found it too small when I have to do several tasks at once especially when I have to wear my developer’s hat.

My other requirements include a memory (RAM) size of at least 2GB, a graphics chip that can allow me to play games at acceptable frame rates which is at least a Nvidia chip with 128MB of dedicated video memory, a hard disk of at least 160GB, internal wifi, internal bluetooth and still acceptable size enough to carry around.

After having decided on the specs, I started searching on the Internet for an acceptable brand and model. I was initially considering buying a Macbook but the Macbook’s new Leopard OS didn’t support the new Java 6 SDK so that was out of my list.

I then considered buying a HP notebook but after visiting the HP web site I found out that they didn’t offer a notebook smaller that a 17-inch LCD at resolutions of 1680×1050. So that was definitely out since I wouldn’t want to be carrying around a 17-inch notebook.

After some googling, it boiled down to an Asus G1S-A1 I found at Newegg and the Dell XPS 1530. The default Dell XPS 1530 config (which has a 1280 x 800 screen) costs 1399 and for a 1680 x 1050 config it will cost 1499 which is the same cost as the Asus G1S-A1.

Both have a 15.4 screen which makes it an acceptable size. Now which one do I choose? Looking at the specs a little further, I found that the Dell notebook has 3GB of memory while the Asus has only 2GB. I also found out that the Dell model has 250GB of disc space while the Asus has only 160GB.

I decided to get the Dell notebook. Tell you more about it when it arrives.