Best laptop for mobile presenter

[gladiatorbob]

I'm needing to update my laptop. Would like input from other mobile instructors on size/weight/speed/cost comparisons. I use large powerpoint presentations and project videos saved to laptop or imbedded in the PPT's and am seeing some slowing down of current laptop functions. I've cleaned/defragged/etc. the registry and drives to no avail. I presently use a 1.3g processor, 1 gig memory 15" screen unit. I see lots of Sony Vaio's in use (probably because of their size) but the highest processor at 13" screen is 1.7g. What has been your experience with units at that speed? Any suggestions as to minimum requirements? Thanks

 

[stevearne]

Re: Best laptop for mobile presenter

I am using a Sony Vaio that I like pretty well with one exception- which will be important to you if you are using imbeded videos. For some reason, I am able to view the powerpoint files, etc just fine from my laptop screen while it is being projected, but as soon as I come to an imbeded video file, it plays just fine on the projector but my laptop screen goes blank during the video. I don't know if this is something that only the Sony is subject to, or if there is any setting that will work around it. I know my old HP worked fine with video files and did not do this.

 

[zog]

Re: Best laptop for mobile presenter

I have the same video problem with my new HP

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Best laptop for mobile presenter

Same with my IBM. I think it is a power point thing, not a laptop thing.

 

[pierre]

Re: Best laptop for mobile presenter

Do any of you dedicate a laptop to use just for the PPT?

I have a 3 year old Dell that is used just for my PPT. I am now looking for a new model that is a little faster. I wonder if the 5400 rpm hard drives are a good addition, or a waste of the additional $$?

What would be your ideal laptop?

I will say that weight is not an issue for me, as I use that laptop just for presentations and I carry all of my equipment on a wheeled frame.


I have been recently looking, and I am surprised at the costs

 

[tom baker]

Re: Best laptop for mobile presenter

In the Sept 2005 Presentations magazine, there was a review of "PlaysForCertain" a software program makes it simple to insert multimedia clips, so the will play for certain.
Free 14 day download, cost is $50.
www.pfcmedia.com
by the way presentations magazine is free and has great articles on presentation topics, www.presentations.com
I use a Dell Inspiron 8600 with the big 15" screen, I can set it way in front of me and still see it. Its big to take on the road, but I like it.

 

[stevearne]

Re: Best laptop for mobile presenter

I am interested to hear that several brands are having the problem playing media files- but on mine it isn't just in power point but also if I just play a DVD- same result

 

[gladiatorbob]

Re: Best laptop for mobile presenter

Thanks for the info guys. I think I've settled on a Toshiba 14" wide screen. Cost is 2/3 that of a Sony and faster processor with twice the hyperthreading and RAM. As with any electronics, buy the best deal today and find it 1/2 price in 3 months! I haven't had the screen lock issues some of you indicated though. I've been using a Gateway 1.3 with 512 RAM. I use a wheeled cse but toting it around has been a bitlike lifting weights. Guess I've been out of th efield to long!
Happy Thanksgiving. We have alot to be thankful for.

 

[pierre]

Re: Best laptop for mobile presenter

Tom
You are the man.
I sort of use you like a guinea pig. You try the stuff, like it, then post it. Then I buy it

I really like the Gyro remote, that is cool, and the guys are always wondering how I can walk the room and not have to point to the screen to do the things I do.

 

[MJJBEE]

Re: Best laptop for mobile presenter

Some Video Problems can be traced to your video card. Most new laptops have on board video you may need to get a seprate video card in your new laptops to play high quality videos. I recently had this problem with my work computer and when I sent the presntation home I could play it with no problems.

 

[kulukoy]

Nowadays if you buy any new model out there in the market it will be more than enough if you will just use it for powerpoint presentation. There are many internet advice and how-to's when buying a new laptop but it will all depend on what you will put inside and how you will utilize them... Always go for your choice coz its the best....

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I recently met someone who is connected with Dell. I can get the M170 with 2 gigs ram, 633hz front bus, 100 gig hard drive with 7200 rpm, top of the line graphics card, dual processors, xp pro, and the full windows suite for 1/2 price!!! that is enough money in savings to buy a new projector.
And maybe another screen :wink:

 

[hardworkingstiff]

I recently met someone who is connected with Dell. I can get the M170 with 2 gigs ram, 633hz front bus, 100 gig hard drive with 7200 rpm, top of the line graphics card, dual processors, xp pro, and the full windows suite for 1/2 price!!! that is enough money in savings to buy a new projector.
And maybe another screen :wink:

Ugghh, ...... can you get 2?

:lol: :lol: :lol: