Seeking advice on laptops

[PepperElf]

also ... if you really want to go a cheap route, don't discount used computers.


now one of the big questions you'll have is - are you planning on using latest OS?

because if you aren't planning on it... you can get good computers at reasonable prices. and if something is used, you can look it up online to see what it's like. most likely the serious issues it had will be well documented, so you can really know what you're getting into.


and since i'm a mac person... this is also true for the used macs. (tho they might be a bit pricier than a used windows machine... but i do know the G4 series can handle up to Leopard, but not snow-leopard)

[Der Cute]

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.

Here, BJ's right on the money.

Right now I'm using a DESKTOP PC that has an Intel Core2Duo processor in it, and 4GB of ram.

This means there are literally 2 processors on ONE chip (imagine 2 V6 engines under one hood). And the RAM lets me do a LOT of things all at once...video burning, indexing, filing...A person with ADD/ADHD who's manic and has many baskets of things to do - that's what having room in RAM is for.

If you have a discrete graphics card - there's ANOTHER engine on the card itself - so it can do it's own thinking without pestering the main CPU/chip and saying Hey help me render these videos kthxbye. Even better, if the card/video dies, you can pull it out and replace it.

I'd look at this link here:
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/...&tab=customize

Then, change your vid card to the other one available.
Think about upping the chip/CPU to the next step up. Remember - that once you build/create a lappy, it's a BIOTCH to change anything inside of it besides RAM. it's worth it.

The hard drives there, they're all standard laptop speeds of 5400 rpm. (desktops spin at 7200 or above). You CAN get an external hard drive, USB based, and use that too. Remember that. (wait for sales, good stuff!)

Since you work in a bookstore, investigate how much it would cost for you to get Office 07 or Office 10 when it comes out. Also look at how much W7 costs for Ultimate. (I love it)

Google-fu the internet and find out how long that battery lasts (avg use hours and how many years can it run?).


Ok. Now you've done all that work, keep that browser tab open and go look at HP's and Lenovos - for the same specs on CPU, RAM and Vid card. (dont worry about hard drives). Who's cheapest? Who's reliable? Who's got a dang good cust service/warranty setup?

I haven't had much problems with Toshibas (my dad has them and he uses them a lot), I've worked in places w/ HP and IBM and I'll take IBM/Lenovo. I've also worked w/ places that use Dell. They're ok, not my favorite.

Also make a pledge to yourself to remove liquids from 2' radius around lappy. It's not if, it's WHEN. Same thing with backups.

Lupy, you're on the right track.

Cutenoob

[lupo pazzesco]

Well, my refund is here, and I've been researching laptops everywhere. I do mean everywhere. I've narrowed it down to Toshiba, HP and Gateway, but strongly leaning towards Gateway, because some of the systems are comparable to the HP and Toshiba, but are more within my price range. Specifically, looking at these two:

Choice 1

Choice 2

Now, there are mixed reviews on pretty much EVERY brand out there, including Gateway, but I'm wondering if there's anyone here who has worked with Gateway and can give me some input? I probably will end up going with one of those two choices, but it's a big decision, so I'd like some input from actual people I kind of know, rather than anonymous reviews online.

[Broomjockey]

As someone with no experience with gateways specifically, based on each one, I'd recommend going with the AMD choice. The processor's slower, but it has a graphics card, which will probably be more useful in the long term than an extra 130MHz.

[Pedersen]

My last experiences with Gateway were not good ones, though they were several years ago. Even still, I would not buy Gateway personally. Some companies just don't have good reputations, and Gateway is one of them, at least for me.

HP? Decent. Toshiba? Decent. Gateway? I'd not go for it.

[Der Cute]

Well, both are gateways, and I agree with Pedersen.

But out of the 2 - I like # 2 better. It has a faster system bus (think comms between hardware pieces) and an Intel processor - although you wanted a removable vid card.

Keep looking. Check newegg.com out, frys.com, hp.com, toshiba.com and keep an eye on fatwallet.com (for hot deals).

Cutenoob

[Marszenka]

Dells are good IF, (and this is a big IF), you buy it from a store and not online. Their customer service is notorious. If you buy it from a store you can physically visit and talk with personnel who speak English, which makes life soooo much easier. My newest Dell has crashed once every two months regular as clockwork since I bought it, and dealing with the overseas phone centers is such a hassle I just keep restoring it to factory status. It's easier than sitting around for two hours playing phone tag.

[Chrismor]

I also swear by my Toshiba. I got it in '08, and while I did pay a fairly high price for it, I cannot fault it in any way (actually, I can, as it is a 17" beast, and as such is heavy to move about too much, but that was my choice, not a bad design.)

Only problem I had with it is that the display bezel cracked, then chipped, but it was a cheap fix (and will almost certainly not happen in normal use.)

As you said though, what you can afford to pay is important, and while some people may have had problems with a particular manufacturer, your mileage may vary.

C.

[Eric the Grey]

As someone with no experience with gateways specifically, based on each one, I'd recommend going with the AMD choice. The processor's slower, but it has a graphics card, which will probably be more useful in the long term than an extra 130MHz.

I would agree with Broom here, since IIRC, there was talk about you needing the additional graphics card as opposed to an on-board one.

Unfortunately, I know nothing about Gateways...



Eric the Grey

[lupo pazzesco]

I think I may just customize a Toshiba and get it over with, shopping in stores is proving...crappy, for lack of a better word. So, question then.

I see a toshiba that's customizable on their site, and it comes with an intel pentium processor t4400. I was told dual core is better, but...is that a dual core?? I think I can get everything else easily figured out, it's the processor bit that's going to throw me.

[technical.angel]

Looks like it is.

[Broomjockey]

Looks like it's dual core, but it's a crappy processor. I would recommend against a machine with that in it.

[lupo pazzesco]

Well, there are two that I'm looking at customizing, one has the intel, one starts with an AMD sempron M100, but can be upgraded to either an AMD Athlon II Dual-Core Processor M320
or an AMD Turion II Dual-Core Mobile Processor M520

given I don't know which batch of alphabet soup is better, here are links to the two available for customizing.

Option 1

Choice 2

I'm leaning more towards choice 2, but again, the processors are tripping me up... I feel kinda dumb again, but I'd rather ask stupid questions and be sure, than order and pay for something exorbitant that won't help me.


ETA: Or, I just had a friend IM me this linky to a Toshiba at another computer store I didn't make it to. It looks like it has everything I'm looking for.

Thoughts, opinions, etc? Sorry if I seem so freakin co-dependent on y'all. I just know that technology and computers are not my strong point, so I look to those more knowledgeable for help.

[Broomjockey]

If those are your two options, take the Intel. The AMD one doesn't mention any kind of graphics processor, and that's going to be far more important to you than the processor, and to get similar power from the AMD processor, you'd need to get the Athelon, meaning it'd be only $45 cheaper to start with, and then any other changes you make.

[technical.angel]

On the ETA, it looks pretty good. We'll have to wait for Broom's opinion of the processor. I still need to learn about processors. I should start doing that now!

My only suggestion is that since you are moving to 64bit, check your printer drivers (or tell me what kind of printer you have..), or expect to get a new one.

Oh, and just so you don't fall into the same hole Irv fell into, this does not have a built in modem.

I doubt you're using dial up, but just in case...