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Best way to get a laptop?
Topic Started: Mar 22 2006, 10:01 AM (311 Views)
Luke's Dad
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Emperor Pengin
I'm probably going to be needing a laptop/notebook shortly. Nothing elaborate, just something with Word/Excel/Internet (For checking up with you) a couple of work specific programs, and maybe a game or two for when I'm travelling. Any idea what I should spend? Should I go new or would used be OK? I'm pretty ignorant about these things. All I know is that laptops can range between 600-1500. All help would be appreciated.
The problem with having an open mind is that people keep trying to put things in it.
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Aqua Letifer
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ZOOOOOM!
LD,

I might not give the best advice here since I'm approaching ubernerdom with tech stuff, but here's what I'd suggest:

Most computer stores allow you to customize your laptop, so you may want to go that route. Or, if you find one that fits all the criteria you want, you may just want to buy it as-is. Here are some sites you could compare-contrast with:

http://www.gateway.com/products/gconfig/pr...&gccategory=ptb
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/c...s=19&l=en&s=dhs
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/clin.t...=-26368&seg=HHO
http://www-131.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/s...egoryId=2035724

Laptop nerds always go for IBM thinkpads or Toshibas, since they're definitely quality machines, but, you pay for what you get. Dell and Gateway make good stuff too, and so for your use, I'd prob'ly recommend them over the other two. They're also pretty reliable; brands like Compaq and Sony I personally would shy away from; they tend to have more issues with stuff breaking on them.


In general, I'd stick to Dell or Gateway, as they're pretty reliable, and you can find some good deals. Also, I'd go for seperate anti-virus software. Norton et.al. is normally better than the stuff that comes with your laptop.

I'd suggest you get at least a Pentium M (it's worth the extra 100 or so bucks to upgrade from the Celeron), 256 MB RAM, some kind of DVD/CD drive (24x speed is pretty standard nowadays), and Office XP of course. Something like that should only cost around 600 (that's after buying XP, Office, and an antivirus package), depending on where you look. 'Course I'm no expert, but this would be a pretty basic system that should also last you a little while.


EDIT
I'd shy away from used. This is only my opinion, and since I'm into this kind of stuff I'm probably biased, but if you take into account the racing speed at which computer technology is improving, computers don't last that long; FAR shorter lifespand than, say, a car. So buying used shortens its use that much more (esp. for laptops, since they're not really built to be expandable). Not only that, but it's really a mixed bag with used electronics, and you prob'ly won't get any warranties, so I'd go with a new one.

Also (sorry Mark), since you have a PC in your home, I'd stick with a PC laptop, just in case you need them to work together somehow.
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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John D'Oh
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MAMIL
I'll second the Dell recommendation. My work laptop is a Dell, and my wife owns one, and neither of us is nerdy in any way, shape or form ( :rolleyes: ), but we've both been very happy with our purchases. Mrs. D'Oh spent about $700 a year ago for a fairly basic model with wireless internet, (she runs Word, Excel, etc.) and she hasn't looked back.
What do you mean "we", have you got a mouse in your pocket?
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The 89th Key
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LD, for what you're looking for, I would get one of those promotions on TV or online.

Just go to dell.com or gateway.com or toshiba.com and order one that's packaged with everything you need.

How much to spend? Probably 600 to 800 bucks. :)
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Jolly
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Geaux Tigers!
We beat the H-E-double hockey sticks out of computers. 24/7/365, except in case of leap year.

Mostly desktops, though.

Our IT guys will no longer buy Gateway, unless somebody holds a gun to their head.
The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros
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QuirtEvans
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I Owe It All To John D'Oh
I've had the best luck with HP.
It would be unwise to underestimate what large groups of ill-informed people acting together can achieve. -- John D'Oh, January 14, 2010.
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George K
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Finally
Dare I mention....

Posted Image
A guide to GKSR: Click

"Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... "
- Mik, 6/14/08


Nothing is as effective as homeopathy.

I'd rather listen to an hour of Abba than an hour of The Beatles.
- Klaus, 4/29/18
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Aqua Letifer
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ZOOOOOM!
:no:
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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ivorythumper
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I am so adjective that I verb nouns!
Best way to get a laptop? $10 at the Bada-Bing.

:leaving:
The dogma lives loudly within me.
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iainhp
Middle Aged Carp
My view on laptops is to buy the thinest and lightest possible - 10 inch screen is fine. It's only used when travelling so weight is important (and try opening a large laptop on the tray table of an aircraft). I use a regular pc at home (and when I had a job) so that's the machine with all the power. Doesn't take much to run Word - a celeron will do. There was a Dell offer a few months back at Staples - $600 laptop - looked reasonable. I'm living off a 3 year old Averatec with a 10 inch screen, and I think it is too heavy!

Almost forgot - DVD drive is important for watching DVDs in far off hotel rooms with no decent cable tv.
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Dan
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Senior Carp
My laptop view is buy the one with the keyboard you want. If you're used to typing on a full size keyboard on your desktop, the arrangement of the laptop keyboards is a pain in the butt.

But hey, that's just me. (And no, I don't know what brand has the best keyboard).

I'd also give a thumbs up for Dell. They've been good to me many times both at home and at work.

Dan
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George K
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Finally
My daughter's Dell, though reliable (and heavy and noisy) has terrible wireless reception in her room. I bought a PC card for it and it works fine. Am I the only one with that issue?
A guide to GKSR: Click

"Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... "
- Mik, 6/14/08


Nothing is as effective as homeopathy.

I'd rather listen to an hour of Abba than an hour of The Beatles.
- Klaus, 4/29/18
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phykell
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Senior Carp
IBM or Compaq/HP second hand on EBay. Get a business class one such as an HP NC6000 (14" screen for portability) or HP NC8000 (15" screen) and you should get the majority of the 3 year transferable warranty. They are very sturdy corporate work horses and while they might not play the very latest games, they do everything else with ease. I've got a 1.8GHz Centrino one with built-in wireless, bluetooth, a second battery (giving 6 to 7 hours run time) and 1GB of RAM complete with XP Pro, 30 months warranty and all for under £500 :)

Dell are good, but HP and IBM are better. I'd rather have a second hand IBM/HP with 2+ years warranty than a new Dell but if I wanted to buy new, Dell or Toshiba would be the next best bet.
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it's animals are treated. - Ghandhi

Evil cannot be conquered in the world. It can only be resisted within oneself.

Remember, bones heal and chicks dig scars
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