Asus or Fujitsu for music and "best" computer performance

[multitrack]

I am new to this forum.
I am looking for a lap top computer and was doing some research and came across this forum.

I am needing a laptop with at least a gig of ram, an 80 gig 7200 rpm hard drive, a dl multi format DVD reader and writer, wireless a/b/g (it would be nice
if it has blue tooth but not critical), multiple USB ports and a fire wire port.

The display does not have to be big; 12 or 13 inches would be OK if bigger it would still be OK.

It would be more a desktop replacement laptop so I am prepared for something over 6LBS.
It would be used for everyday computer task like Internet, email, word processing, and so on. Some of it would also be used for multitrack music recording.
What type of processer should I be looking for?

Should I be looking at Fujitsu or Asus? Is that a question I even should be asking?

Appreciate any and all help.

Thanks.

[Triple_B]

Those are all really good questions Multitrack... sounds like you really know what you want.

With laptops, you're really just looking for the best bang for the buck. However, there are a couple of places to stay away from. Both models you mentioned would be on the "do not touch" list for me on laptops.

If you're looking at online purchasing of laptops, go with www.dell.com

Dell provides some pretty top knotch stuff for laptops when you hit their higher-end products. Their low end is just that, low end. Low price and low quality. But look at their XPS series. They really put some time into those laptops.

If you're looking at buying a laptop retail, go with Sony or HP. Both provide some great laptops for great prices. Sony will especially give you the bells and whistles you're looking for, but charge just a bit more for those extra features.

Right now you've got a good idea of what you want, don't worry about processors. Right now, if you're looking for a multi-media laptop, they're going to shove a Pentium M class processor in the machine. Which one? Who knows, with over 75 pentium models of the M-class and and Centrino's, and all that crap, don't worry yourself over them. When you get into higher-end machines, they're probably going to put the right processor your looking for, especially when looking at Dell's XPS and Sony laptops.

If you're looking for a computer with the specs that you listed, you're looking at a 15-17" widescreen display, and it'll weigh in at about 8 - 9 pounds. If you want to go down to a 12 or 13-inch display, you're going to really start taking it down a knotch on performance for the size, so if you're not worried about lugging a ~10 pound laptop around with you, then don't bother with the smaller sizes, they'll just frustrate you.

Hope this helps.

[multitrack]

Thanks,
Any reasons (tech performance or service and support wise) why not the Fujitsu or Asus for laptops?

When I contacted Sony, they said they can not have 7200 rpm hard drives because it will burn up their motherboards.

I will have a look at Del.

[Triple_B]

That doesn't surprise me about Sony. They have a lot of great options for their laptops, but for some reason that response does not surprise me one bit.

My Mom bought a new Fujitsu about 6 months ago and has had nothing but problems with it. first the motherboard, then the hard drive, now the memory. All of the components are no name components. If I recall correctly, the motherboard was produced by a no-namer called "bubble star computing".

I've never purchased a full computer made by Asus. I trust their motherboards, but that's about as far as I'd go. Honestly, when I read your post, I thought you said Acer. If you're interested in Asus, just make sure you do your homework.

Another online company I'd look at is www.alienware.com - they build some of the best, high quality machines you'll ever see. However, they'll be the highest price you'll see as well. It does look like they have a 7200rpm laptop hard drive available for their laptops too.