Laptop 14" vs 15.6 (Read before Voting)

irocnroll · 09-24-2010, 11:35 AM

I am currently looking at two identical laptops on HP's website. All of the specs are the same regarding the hard drive, memory and video card. But is it worth the extra $120 for 1.6" of screen space. Here are my requirements and situation.

I currently own a desktop computer with an Intel Core i7 which has ATI crossfire cards in it. It is my primary gaming and multi purpose computer. So I don't need a Gaming laptop and I have no need for a super computer.

Why do I need a laptop?

Currently a Grad Student working towards my MBA at Uconn.
Most Classes require a laptop in class
Need to travel with it for business as well
Need something light to carry along with books
Need something practical as well as have the capability to play some games and videos

Current specs of the Laptops in question:

Intel Core i5 Processor
ATI 512mb Dedicated Video Card
500gb Hard Disc 7200rpms
Both Screens have the same resolution regardless of size.

The Differences:
14" Screen

6.5 Hours Battery
Fingerprint Reader
4gb RAM
4.4lbs

15.6" Screen

5.5 Lbs
6gb RAM
Up to 5 Hours Battery Life
$120 More in price

WadeWilson · 09-24-2010, 11:44 AM

Since you already have a desktop for gaming I would just go with the 14" since it's lighter and has a better battery life.

PoorMansCamaro · 09-24-2010, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shardik2SS

Since you already have a desktop for gaming I would just go with the 14" since it's lighter and has a better battery life.

+1. seems like a no-brainer. it's lighter for traveling, battery life is better, and it'll sit better on your desk at school.

Rogue Leader · 09-24-2010, 12:08 PM

+1 for the 14

Stovall-SS · 09-24-2010, 12:18 PM

Ok as someone that travels alot, I would go with the smaller, lighter, longer battier life.

Thats what I did after I blew a grip of money on the bigger screen bad boy. Ive got a bad ass Alienware laptop with the 17" LED screen, i7, 256GB sold state, ATI Radian Crossfire, Bla bla bla and paid out my ars for it! I took it over here 1 time, and shipped it home after 2 months of being here! Now I have a Dell Mini 1012, personal use its great on the plane. Have a 22" LCD monitor in my room and a 2TB external Hard drive completely full of movies. And after I get done at the Gym, I watch movies. So im sure my application are alot different from yours but, as a traveler I would go with something smaller & lighter.

O and the hole finger print reader is stupid, and docent work half the time. I have the something on my work computer that my company supplied for me, and the IT department deactivated them all because of how much of a piece of chit they are...

98_Camaro · 09-24-2010, 08:36 PM

Having actually moved up from a 14.1" screen to a 15.6", I can't say that it wasn't an improvement (I like big screens. :P), but as the old saying goes, you won't miss what you never had.
14" is definitely a doable size, and considering the fact that it's only for school and travel, the extra $120 and 2GB of RAM seem kind of redundant, especially considering you do lose battery life and gain extra weight in the process.
My vote goes to 14".

Synerbee · 09-24-2010, 08:50 PM

Battery life only gets worse. I go with 14 and 2 gb of ram won't matter if you are not playing games

Epitaph · 09-25-2010, 03:50 AM

I don't know what the total price is, but I would just go with a 14" due to the battery life.

My father in law bought the M11x (alienware) for my wife. The battery life lasts up to 9 or 10 hours. Have you considered one of these?

View Poll Results: Should I buy a 14" or 15.6" laptop
Buy the 14"	9	90.00%
Buy the 15.6"	1	10.00%
Voters: 10. You may not vote on this poll

09-24-2010, 11:35 AM	#1
irocnroll Drives: '91 RS Vert, '11 Grand Cherokee Join Date: May 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,343 View My Garage	Laptop 14" vs 15.6 (Read before Voting) I am currently looking at two identical laptops on HP's website. All of the specs are the same regarding the hard drive, memory and video card. But is it worth the extra $120 for 1.6" of screen space. Here are my requirements and situation. I currently own a desktop computer with an Intel Core i7 which has ATI crossfire cards in it. It is my primary gaming and multi purpose computer. So I don't need a Gaming laptop and I have no need for a super computer. Why do I need a laptop? Currently a Grad Student working towards my MBA at Uconn. Most Classes require a laptop in class Need to travel with it for business as well Need something light to carry along with books Need something practical as well as have the capability to play some games and videos Current specs of the Laptops in question: Intel Core i5 Processor ATI 512mb Dedicated Video Card 500gb Hard Disc 7200rpms Both Screens have the same resolution regardless of size. The Differences: 14" Screen 6.5 Hours Battery Fingerprint Reader 4gb RAM 4.4lbs 15.6" Screen 5.5 Lbs 6gb RAM Up to 5 Hours Battery Life $120 More in price

09-24-2010, 12:08 PM	#4
Rogue Leader Iatefiberglassinsulation Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Long Island Posts: 3,601 View My Garage	+1 for the 14 __________________ 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - was daily driver, now toy 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - Daily Driver 2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 350 - Wifes Car 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD LT 6.0 - Tow Vehicle 1991 Alfa Romeo 164S - Project Car 1994 Volkswagen Golf - Race Car "Like" my race team on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/farfrumwinnin

09-24-2010, 08:36 PM	#6
98_Camaro Drives: 2016 2SS Coupe Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,365 View My Garage	Having actually moved up from a 14.1" screen to a 15.6", I can't say that it wasn't an improvement (I like big screens. :P), but as the old saying goes, you won't miss what you never had. 14" is definitely a doable size, and considering the fact that it's only for school and travel, the extra $120 and 2GB of RAM seem kind of redundant, especially considering you do lose battery life and gain extra weight in the process. My vote goes to 14". __________________ Gone but not forgotten: 1998 Bright Purple Metallic Camaro 2012 Carbon Flash Metallic 2SS Convertible 2016 Summit White 2SS Coupe M6, NPP, & MRC Now Driving: 2016 Torch Red Corvette 2LT, NPP, MRC

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09-24-2010, 11:44 AM	#2
WadeWilson How U Doin? Drives: 2014 CTS-V Coupe Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Californication Posts: 24,154 View My Garage	Since you already have a desktop for gaming I would just go with the 14" since it's lighter and has a better battery life.

09-24-2010, 12:18 PM	#5
Stovall-SS Drives: 2010 SS RS M6 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Goodyear, AZ Posts: 285	Ok as someone that travels alot, I would go with the smaller, lighter, longer battier life. Thats what I did after I blew a grip of money on the bigger screen bad boy. Ive got a bad ass Alienware laptop with the 17" LED screen, i7, 256GB sold state, ATI Radian Crossfire, Bla bla bla and paid out my ars for it! I took it over here 1 time, and shipped it home after 2 months of being here! Now I have a Dell Mini 1012, personal use its great on the plane. Have a 22" LCD monitor in my room and a 2TB external Hard drive completely full of movies. And after I get done at the Gym, I watch movies. So im sure my application are alot different from yours but, as a traveler I would go with something smaller & lighter. O and the hole finger print reader is stupid, and docent work half the time. I have the something on my work computer that my company supplied for me, and the IT department deactivated them all because of how much of a piece of chit they are...

09-24-2010, 08:50 PM	#7
Synerbee SoCal Headturners Drives: 2010 SGM Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Anaheim Hills, California Posts: 5,788	Battery life only gets worse. I go with 14 and 2 gb of ram won't matter if you are not playing games

09-25-2010, 03:50 AM	#8
Epitaph Custom User Title Drives: Fast Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 550	I don't know what the total price is, but I would just go with a 14" due to the battery life. My father in law bought the M11x (alienware) for my wife. The battery life lasts up to 9 or 10 hours. Have you considered one of these?