Looking for a Laptop

chicgeek · 12-05-2006, 09:26 PM

My desktop is five years old, so I'm looking at a new computer. I often have some regrets over forfeiting portability for upgradability. I also (hopefully) will be heading over to England next fall. So what would I be looking for in a laptop?

I would want a PC because I am not accustomed to Apple. I would use it for work, which means I may have FF, IE, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop open at once. I'd also use it for play: watching videos, moderate gaming. I'd like a good amount of hard drive space, too.

I definitely could use some advice for other specs, price ranges, memory, processors. I've only ever dealt with desktop PCs, so help! Also, can anyone tell me about docks?

Nick · 12-05-2006, 09:37 PM

I would suggest getting a Dell, Toshiba, or HP.

Personally, I had a Dell and an HP and I've been extremely satisfied with both.

I would suggest getting over 1GB memory and at least 80GB hard drive so you don't have to upgrade for a while. Most places allow you to build your computer from the system up, so I would suggest doing that.

If you build it, you'll be happy.

My next buy will be an Apple because I want one of everything.

chicgeek · 12-05-2006, 09:45 PM

I've been told to aim for something like this, and I am actually pretty impressed.

So I think I'm wanting:
- 512G+ RAM (1G preferred)
- 100G+ hard drive
- core duo processor
- CD burner/DVD reader (burner, if not too $$$)

Nick · 12-05-2006, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicgeek

I've been told to aim for something like this, and I am actually pretty impressed.

So I think I'm wanting:
- 512G+ RAM (1G preferred)
- 100G+ hard drive
- core duo processor
- CD burner/DVD reader (burner, if not too $$$)

Yeah, that's good. Both my laptops have been 1GB RAM.

I would search around and build your ideal pc at different places to see if you can get add-ons for free, etc.

Dell usually offers free upgrades on building a PC/Laptop and HP also has some deals. I'm not that familiar with Toshiba.

What operating system are you going with?

chicgeek · 12-05-2006, 09:58 PM

Probably XP.

I'm actually thinking that a premanufactured notebook might be better, as if I'm overseas, I don't want to have to crawl back to Canada to get it fixed.

I compared three of the same model, which I'm tending to like. I'm teetering between the two better laptops: the harmon kardom speakers would be great (I'm a music student) but is it worth the extra cash?

Nick · 12-05-2006, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicgeek

Probably XP.

I'm actually thinking that a premanufactured notebook might be better, as if I'm overseas, I don't want to have to crawl back to Canada to get it fixed.

I compared three of the same model, which I'm tending to like. I'm teetering between the two better laptops: the harmon kardom speakers would be great (I'm a music student) but is it worth the extra cash?

With a quick look over, for $350 more I would definitely go for the best because you get a more hard drive space, better speakers, a better graphics card, a faster processor, and some other extras (dual pad mode point device).

Trubrite screens are awesome!

chicgeek · 12-05-2006, 10:31 PM

And it's on sale.

Christmas is coming. I will have to talk to the parents.

Now I must sleep, but I welcome any/all input into this topic! Thanks for your help, Nick.

Taltos · 12-06-2006, 08:03 AM

The only thing I would add to what's already been said is find out what the 1GB and 2 GB memory config is. I would definitely agree that 1GB memory is minimum. What I mean about the config is if you get the laptop in 1GB, is that one memory stick and the system has 2 or more slots? Can you later upgrade RAM to 2GB without having to buy all new memory sticks. Some memory configs take up all available memory slots and to upgrade you end up having to buy ALL the memory again. That can get real expensive on a laptop.

Happy shopping!

P.S. I'm jealous, I need a new machine too but can't do it right now!!

chicgeek · 12-06-2006, 09:50 AM

My machine is about 5 years old. It's hurting. (But i still want to sell it to my brother for a couple of hundred)

The last computer I posted has 2g ram, two sticks.
Though I was talking with one of my teachers this morning - he got his toshiba last boxing day for under $1000, and it came with 4g.
I must hunt more.

Taltos · 12-06-2006, 11:04 AM

Mine is about 5 or 6 years old and DIED a few days ago. I'm starting preparations to morgage the house, sell the car, cash in the christmas accouts and go shopping!!!!

No, wait, can't do that...damn. I have an ugly feeling that I'll end up doing the responsible thing and waiting until after christmas and just jones'ing BAD until then from home.

andheresjohnny · 12-06-2006, 02:00 PM

I have had the best luck buying those cheapo eMachine and Acer products.

Do they even sell eMachine anymore? We have one (desktop) that's 4 years old and still runs well. All I've had to do was replace the hard drive (covered under manufacterers warranty), and power supply. Certainly not portable, but reliable.

A year ago I purchased one of those Best Buy Acer laptops to be used as my development unit. I think I paid $500, and it came with 1G ram and 60G hard drive. Anyway I can easily run dreamweaver, photoshop, etc. If this lasts another year I'll figure I did alright.

I don't play games, so that helps.

chicgeek · 12-06-2006, 03:17 PM

My current desktop is emachines and I'll never repeat. My MoBo fritzed after warranty. They have weird size cases just so you'll have to buy their products as replacement parts - would have cost me $400. Instead I got a new case and an affordable MoBo with better specs.

I'll look at the Acers on tigerdirect. There are a few. Thanks.

Andy06 · 12-09-2006, 12:09 PM

I would recommend getting a Dell for a laptop. They last long and mine has never had any issues.

Julie · 12-10-2006, 11:13 AM

Dells run too hot. I wouldn't buy one again.

jasonpoteet · 12-10-2006, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julie

Dells run too hot. I wouldn't buy one again.

I bought several for work a few years ago and it seemed to me Dell laptops were really behind. Their screens, design and weight were light years behind Sony. I haven't bought a Dell in over a year so maybe they got better.

adspace-auctions.com · 12-10-2006, 04:33 PM

Get a Dell, dude. You get more for your bucks.

chicgeek · 12-10-2006, 05:25 PM

I've heard a lot of bad things about dell, also in terms of repair when things go wrong. My friends loved their computer until things went wrong after 3 months

I think I'm convinced not to buy a Dell.

jasonpoteet · 12-10-2006, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicgeek

I've heard a lot of bad things about dell, also in terms of repair when things go wrong. My friends loved their computer until things went wrong after 3 months

I think I'm convinced not to buy a Dell.

Dealing with Dell parts is amazingly bad. Their phone center is in India and I have more than once gotten a part completely different than the one I ordered over the phone. Yes, you have to order over the phone. My rep even apologized in advance once for telling me I would have to call Dell parts.