Seeking advice on laptops

[lupo pazzesco]

I just filed my taxes, and according to TurboTax, my refund should be here in a couple of weeks. I've decided that after paying for some essentials, like an eye exam, glasses, etc, I want to devote the remainder to buying a good quality laptop for relatively low budget. For the last few years, the laptops I have purchased have always been the sale, cheapy, "It's being discontinued so it's only $250" Acers, and I'd like to find one that might last longer, but still do stuff I like/need. My current laptop has a nonfunctining DVD drive, and is rather slow, even after DataJager cleaned it up and fiddled with it for me while I was visiting him and EQ in New Mexico recently.

That said, I'd like to point out that I'm pretty sure everyone here is far, far more technologically knowledgeable than I am. (Seriously, as EQ and DataJager, they tried to help me with my old desktop once, and asked what kind of memory it had. I blinked and said "...it's...black...?")

I asked my stepdad, but he's they kind of guy that sees no problem dropping over $1000 on a shiny new vaio for himself, and that's way out of my price range. I've been doing some research, and have heard some good things about Toshibas, but I'd like the advice of the board. Given my run of bad luck with Acers, I'd like to branch out, in a manner of speaking, and see if there are any other brands that might suit.

I'm looking for something that will allow me to view/create picture slideshows and videos, which mom and I share back and forth a lot. I also would like something more portable than the monster Acer I have right now, for school assignments and such. DVD burner would be good, since I have a lot of videos I'd like to make into discs, and with the music, videos, pics and files I have, I also need a fair amount of video space. And I like to play the occasional video game, though I'm not that into them that I need a system primarily for them, nor do I like games entirely too complex (if that's the work I'm looking for) I like Mystery Case Files games, really, as an example.

My budget is probably going to be about $650, thought, ideally, I'd like to shoot for $550-600, just to keep a chunk aside for a new laptop bag and couple accessories.

So...am I asking for a miracle...? (Probably...) I already know a Mac is out, but while I'm going to look into laptops the next couple of weeks any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[Broomjockey]

I'm looking for something that will allow me to view/create picture slideshows and videos, which mom and I share back and forth a lot. I also would like something more portable than the monster Acer I have right now, for school assignments and such. DVD burner would be good, since I have a lot of videos I'd like to make into discs, and with the music, videos, pics and files I have, I also need a fair amount of video space. And I like to play the occasional video game, though I'm not that into them that I need a system primarily for them, nor do I like games entirely too complex (if that's the work I'm looking for) I like Mystery Case Files games, really, as an example.

My budget is probably going to be about $650, thought, ideally, I'd like to shoot for $550-600, just to keep a chunk aside for a new laptop bag and couple accessories.

This is the important part. You need a system with 2 GB of RAM. You don't want a monster, so 17" is out. I'd recommend a 15", as any smaller and you're going to have heat issues with what you want to do, and you'll be spending more for the smaller size.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834115668

This looks like more machine than you'd need, but it's $600, and has a massive hard drive. Take a look, see what you think.

[lupo pazzesco]

It looks like the specs are what I need, but it's an Acer.

I have not had good luck with Acers, and was hoping to avoid it, but bookmarking for future reference. Thanks!



ETA: Crap, forgot to mention I wanted to try and avoid Acers in my OP. Shall do so now...

[Broomjockey]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834146611

Here's a lenovo, though it only has XP on it. I'm not sure how good an idea that is if you want a computer that'll last for more than a year or two.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834114787

Here's a Toshiba, had an actual discrete graphics card, so if you'd ever want to, you could do some medium-level gaming. $629 rather than $600, though.


Not saying you should get any of these for certain, but at least it gives you an idea of what you can get for the price point. If you've got any real computer stores around, check those out. You might be able to find a deal as good or better.

[SteeleDragon78]

ive been running a toshiba for almost 2 years now and have had to do very little to improve it. ive looked at their new l series satelites an can say they are within your price range and will do what youre looking for.
from what ive seen you can get them pretty stacked for a budget.
best buys offering or walmarts both offerings have decent memmory and not too bad a hdd, ive found that mine wont play WOW as well as when i bought it, but i attribute that to wows increasing video demands.

[technical.angel]

I built a Dell Insprion 15 (15 inches) for $555
I then built an HP G60t series for $550.
They were about equal in stats.

If you want more info, or anything, let me know!

[Elspeth]

I have never had problems with Dells, both the hubby and myself. I got mine from their outlet store for about 800 but mine had a blu ray player.

They usually have some very good deals.

[lupo pazzesco]

Thanks for the responses! I went up to frys today and fiddled around with the display toshiba there, and it was quite nice. I rather like that it had the number keypad on the side, since I tend to type faster with that, and it would come in super helpful with the data coding I have to do for class, and one of my jobs.

Ideally, I'd like it to come with Windows 7, I hate Vista. I have XP Pro SP3 on my current laptop, and I do like XP, but I'm not worried about the new one coming with XP. I can get really deep student discounts at the software store on campus and can get windows 7 for about $25 there, and will probably upgrade in the future.

Though, I'm wondering, after doing some reading on it, if my printer is compatible with windows 7. Yet another concern.

Oh, and a classmate told me that toshiba's website lets you customize your own laptop? How, does that work, and more importantly, what exactly would I be looking for.

I wasn't kidding when I said I'm technolgically challenege... >.>

[technical.angel]

I built up a L500 for $515, and that's with 3gb ram, as opposed to the 2gb in the other ones I looked up.

[Broomjockey]

Oh, and a classmate told me that toshiba's website lets you customize your own laptop? How, does that work, and more importantly, what exactly would I be looking for.

I wasn't kidding when I said I'm technolgically challenege... >.>

http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/...y=Configurable

pick a base model, up the specs you need.

[lupo pazzesco]

http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/...y=Configurable

pick a base model, up the specs you need.

Right, but the thing is, I'm not sure what specs I need. You showed me links to a few that were 4GB RAM and 320G, is that the base I need to shoot for or the upgrade point? And which base model is the best choice? I don't necessarily want to go cheapest is best. Is it just the processer that's different and howso?

I feel kind of stupid asking, but...yeah...

[technical.angel]

I feel kind of stupid asking, but...yeah...

Don't feel stupid. It can be complicated.

You probably want to stay about 15 inches screen wise, as BJ suggested.

As to RAM and Hard drive, bigger is better, but 2gb RAM would be a good starting point. For the HD, at first I was thinking 250gb, but then I reread your OP, and see that you mentioned making videos. I would go up a little bit more.

As to processors, dual core=good. Other than that, another CSer will have to pipe in.

[Eric the Grey]

Though, I'm wondering, after doing some reading on it, if my printer is compatible with windows 7. Yet another concern.

On this note, I can tell you with experience, check it out first. Go to the manufacturers web site and see if you can download drivers for your current printer. If they don't list Win 7 drivers, they probably don't support it. I found the hard way that HP wouldn't support older printers on Vista, mine included. I ended up having to get a new one, while the old one sits and gathers dust (never could find someone to take it off my hands....)

On the plus side, printers are fairly inexpensive, unless you go for an all-in-one model.


Eric the Grye

[lordlundar]

Ideally, I'd like it to come with Windows 7, I hate Vista.

If the model is only a few months older than the Win7 release, it should come with a free upgrade to Win7. So ask if the one you want has Vista or 7. If it's the former, ask if it has the Win7 upgrade promo in it.

[Broomjockey]

Right, but the thing is, I'm not sure what specs I need. You showed me links to a few that were 4GB RAM and 320G, is that the base I need to shoot for or the upgrade point? And which base model is the best choice? I don't necessarily want to go cheapest is best. Is it just the processer that's different and howso?

I feel kind of stupid asking, but...yeah...

Okay, this is going to be a fairly basic rundown that I hope will enable you to pick what you need:

RAM allows you to access data more quickly, and run more programs at the same time without issues.

A larger hard drive (HDD) allows you to save more data and a higher RPM on the hard drive (usually 5400 vs. 7200) also allows you to access it faster.

A better processor allows individual programs to do more faster. Basically, anything beyond opening, closing, and saving will be affected by the processor speed.

A discrete graphics card (instead of integrated) allows you to do intense video tasks better. Gaming, DVD playback, that sort of thing.

If I was you, I'd start with the Satellite L500-ST2544, and increase the hard drive size. Then, if you feel comfortable with the price, I'd add in the graphics card option at $95 since you say you work with a lot of video. That will also require you to switch the battery, but that option is free.