Buying A Laptop Computer

Hello guys...I am planning on buying a notebook computer very soon and was wondering what you guys recommend. I've been looking at Vaio and Dell some, but im trying to do more research. I would appreciate links to any kind of reliable product guides / review sites.

I dont need one that is designed for multimedia. Just a fast one with good processor, good RAM. and decent size Hardrive.

any help will be appreciated.

 

I personally would stay away from the Sony's. IBM is a good choice to be number one.

First off, how much are you looking at spending, what do you plan on doing with the machine? Is it replacing a desktop or is it going to be a secondary?

Pretty much look for a machine with no less then 512mb, at least a 60gb drive, if you can get XP Pro, go for it, and if you plan on watching DVD's, but not burning, go with a CD-RW/DVD Combo.

I have a friend with a AMD Athlon/64 with 1gb that is made by Gateway, and has had no problems with it. I have a Compaq 2570us notebook, and use it more then my desktop.

 

There's nothing wrong with Sony, although I would suggest Dell, depending on how much you want to spend.

The Dell Inspiron 9300 is very good, but if you want something cheaper, Pioneer DreamBook Slim 805 or Sony Vaio VGN-FS25GP.

 

The only thing wrong w/sony is the 600$ they charge you extra for being "sony".

 

And the one thing wrong with Dells is that they overheat and don't back their products up with any type of guarantee. I have seen more Dells with problems then IBM's, Compaq/HP, or Gateway's.

 

Yes but in a lot (not all) of cases it's warranted with better quality and products.

Anyway, that criticism can be levelled at laptops in general, not to mention other manufacturers' like Apple.

 

I wouldn't touch a Apple notebook, but I would get one of their G5 desktops.

 

That may be your experience, but it certainly isn't mine nor is it an indication of their products.

Dell build great laptops, however I don't think much of any manufacturer using desktop processors in laptops.

If you are going to get a laptop, at least get one with a "mobile" CPU.

 

My m600 overheated and now i left it in the corner till i feel like picking it up again, but it came with a 3yr +1yr warrenty. To say they dont bring guarantee is just stupid; all major and minor brands carry warrenty in their product, not just from them but from the actual part mfg too.

 

I want a good one...but im looking for one for about 1500....i dont know if thats reasonable.

homework...internet, word processing....and also playing music,movies and games but i dont NEED one that is good at the last three things if its not in my price range. I will use it a lot...but nto as a replacement for my desktop.

and why is XP pro better? do I need it?


thanks for the suggestions...i will go check out some IBM, athlon and Gateway notebooks.

i will check them out

Insomniac...who uses desktop processors in laptops.? should i avoid them?

thanks for the replies...Do you think PCmag has reliable reviews? Ive been looking through there. Only thing is that they dont have that many recent reviews for my liking.

 

also...i was thinking about the customizable ones...and i was wondering if you guys thought that getting a 2 ghz processor is a good idea. I wnat a fast computer and good ram...hardrive space is not that important cuz i can save most of my big files on my desktop.

would this be the way to go?...or am i being too excessive on these features. I want a ggod processor because it cant be upgraded...that i know of. Harddrive and RAm can...so im just trying to have one that wont be outdated in a few years.

what do you think?

 

Most companies that build Laptops also build models with desktop processors because it's cheaper (and fast) and they can capture the budget end of the market.

They get a lot hotter, and use more battery power. Probably two of the most important things in a laptop.

Just check that the CPU is a mobile (M) chip.


As far as what to get, laptops aren't as easy to upgrade, so get the best you can afford.

 

The G5 has serious performance problems, where in some cases, the G4 outperforms it. The Intel switch is going to rule, especially if they start using the dual core Yonah right off the bat.

I like Apple notebooks, myself. Aluminum case, ambient light sensors, backlit keyboards, slot loading DVD writer, lightweight, and long battery life.

But, to each their own. You pay a serious premium for their machines, and IMO, their OS is the only thing that truly sets them apart.

 

To add to the Dell comments.

Unless Dell has upped their quality, I wouldn't touch them either.

Last Inspiron my mom had went through three mainboards in 1 year. The video ram kept frying.

Just to add to rumors I've heard, a friend of mine used to work for Dell. He said that the Inspirons actually use parts that don't meet the quality marks for the Lattitude. Now that may not be true, but I can tell you this. I watched an onsite tech replace the mainboard in the mentioned Inspiron, and it read as a Lattitude until he flashed the BIOS.

 

As for Gateways...good price, until you recall that Gateway, and Emachines are one and the same now. Many of the lower priced Gateway laptops are merely rebadged Emachine laptops.

 

The following just goes to show that it can matter what country you are in.

Dell Laptops have a good name here, and every one I've used and owner I've spoken to has had no major issues.

Most reputable magazine tests rate them fairly high also.

As far as GateWay, they went broke here and quickly left. (At least they honoured their warranties)


The bottom line is I don't think you can just say buy a Dell or don't, or buy a Sony or don't.

Every manufacturer makes good and bad models, and no one has a perfect record.

Find a model that suits your needs and budget, and do a Google and you will get your answer.

 

Agreed.

 

The apple machines are by far the best but if you want to use windows than an m series pentium would be best brand is irrelevent but many dells have faulty hard drives and other problems.

 

A friend of mine has had nothing but good things to say about her Toshiba. She even managed to spill a soda on it and ruin the keyboard, and they replaced it for her without a quibble. The only trouble she had was it wouldn't connect to the wireless internet at our school for a while. Then she tried it one day, and it worked. Go figure.