laptop questions for you computer nerds

[December]

Hi all!

It's about time I replace my computer of 5+ years (without any upgrades during those years!). It's really a dinosaur now and the specs are laughable. It has been good to me, but lately I came to the realization that it's time for a NEW computer. I've been thinking of a new desktop, and a friend suggested that I go with DELL. I was looking at more of those mom and pop computer places where they put generic systems (namebrand processors though) together. Well, that was like a month ago and I have not put in any effort to shop for a new system, as I'm not sure what is out there (and also I'm not sure what is good...in other words, I'm a computer dummy). But now I really NEED--not want--a new system! My faithful computer is showing signs of crapping out on me. I've decided not to get a desktop but instead get a DELL laptop. My friend got one from them, and I am impressed! Now I know laptops are mainly for people on the go, but I fell in love with the idea of having a computer with me at any place. The fact that a laptop has the same capability as a desktop has made me really consider one. The portability issue is just a bonus for me. Okay, to the nitty-gritty. I want to get a DELL laptop. Do you computer snobs recommend this brand? Someone told me they break down because they use generic parts. Is that true? I plan to get the top of the line model. For such a model, what comes standard? For example, what is the standard screen size (yes, this does matter to me!). It seems 15" is considered standard on most top-line laptops. What processor, speed, memory, what kind of memory, etc. Also, is it even wise to consider a laptop for someone who doesn't travel much or have a job that has "clients" to take care of on the move? Are desktops more powerful? I have heard that laptops are hard and $$$ to upgrade, but that's not an issue with me, as I don't upgrade much. Thanks!

[C280 JR]

well dell seems a good computer many peple are happy with it...i had 3 compaq computers...im not very fond of them...so dont go with Compaq.. Go with what ever is being advertised the most right now which is what i think DELL

ELvir

[scottschoe]

-yes desktops are more power for the $

i've owned dell laptops before, never had any problems with them. today laptops aren't very different from one another, so one brand over another is not that big of a factor.

you need to decide on:
-form factor
-whether you need customer support

[dumpsta]

Hello,

I would recommend the IBM T series. Titanium-Carbon Composite shell :) I have owned them all, and I find that the IBM T series is the best so far in terms of weight, durability and performance (new ones have 7200rpm Harddrives).

Dell is pretty good for the money/performance but they have a history of keyboard problems where the keys keep falling off :) and they tend to be on the bulky/heavy side.

The reason I recommend IBM is that these bad boys are tough (only T series though). When you buy a plastic laptop, sooner or later you will be annoyed of the little plastic squeaks everytime you pick it up and carry it around (like it is going to fall apart).

[pokerface]

difference in opinions I suppose.

Our Dell laptop was very businesslike.. solid, if not a bit drab

Our Compaqs were more interesting to look at (ok, not when compared to a Sony VAIO).. and had better sound.

[MTI]

Unless you really need the portability (worker bee that has to take work home or on an airplane) then laptops are really "dead end" platforms. Upgrades are costly or non-existant and it won't keep up with technology as easily as a nice modular desktop.

If you need mobility, I've found that a PDA with a folding keyboard does pretty much everything that a laptop would do, but with the benefit of lower cost, small form factor and just cooler than a laptop. For instance, you don't get the third degree over a Sony Clie' at the airport security line that you do when you have a Vaio in your bag.

[redline]

I think i'd either go Toshiba or Sony Viao on the laptops. They are packed with all the goodies, plus they are ultra thin and lightweight. But if you plan on setting up a network between your desktop and laptop, Dell is the only to use the new Pentium Centrino processor.

[firstkill]

Dell is only good because they are cheap (cheaply made...but should work fine)

if I had to rank notebooks that i would buy with unlimited money

Toshiba, then IBM, and thats it.

I recently purchased a dell inspiron 8500. Its okay but it has very high resolution screen. (The reason i got the notebook)

The rest of the companys you will most likely end up with a 1600x1200 screen.. if thats what u want then go for it
Dell is the cheapest out there besides generic "clone" notebooks.

If you want small and thin.. get ready to pay a bit for a centrino processor... (great battery life ~5 hrs on 1 charge)


~fk

[mjax]

I recently got a VPR Matrix laptop. It's a Best Buy brand. The one i got happened to be originally made by samsung, and designed by f.a. porsche. Its really nice, quality is good, and so far everything is working fine.

[Gordinho80]

Dell is the only to use the new Pentium Centrino processor.

Not true...I work for Best Buy, a very ANTI-DELL company, and they have Laptops with the Centrino Processors...

VPR Matrix is a KICK-A$$ system, such a unique look too...price range compares to a Toshiba and VAIO, which, IMHO, are both excellent machines...

I prefer a Desktop, as I upgrade on a regular basis...also, not many Laptops come with AMD Athalon XP Processors, which I feel are MUCH better than P4's and generally cheaper...also, you can OverClock an AMD easily without worries and not a P4...

Best Buy carries some great machines, if you go with anything from there, I recommend getting the Performance Service Plan they they offer, great value for what it covers...and NO, i am not just saying that cause I work there, I beleive in it...and the sales reps dont make a DIME off of anything they sell you...TOTALLY NON COMMISSION

[redline]

cool, I thought Dell was the only with Centrino, but I think IBM has it too and as you mentioned Best Buy's brand.

What are the advantages of Centrino? I deff. do not want to pay for mobile internet (wireless) so the only solution would be to set up an in-house WIFI network through DLink or a similiar brand. What is the advantage to me?

[firstkill]

centrino is supposidly as fast as the fastest mobile p4 thats out.
Then it uses a lot less battery.

The wireless aspect of it seems to be a gimic. Every notebook these days have internia Wireless antenna and all you need is a mini PCI card.

But my friends centrino can get around 5 hrs of battery life on average use.. while my p4 barely gets 2.5 hrs

and i hae to use a big heavy battery while the centrino can use a smaller lighter one.

~fk

[CaptainBenzo]

1ghz 15 TiBook, www.apple.com/switch (http://www.apple.com/switch)

[ecK0.ÇômP£eX]

Yeah I've had a Dell before and it was very stable, but I would not suggest getting a Gateway... they have HORRIBLE customer service :( -- I sent my laptop to get it fixed because the LCD was loose and they sent it to the wrong address... so I lost that one, and then they replaced it free of charge, but when I got my replacement one, it was a refurisbed(sp) with most of the drivers missing for the computer! And to top it all off, the battery doesn't work for shat so I had to keep it plugged in to get it working... needless to say I just said "F___ Gateway "and got me another Dell.

[scottschoe]

just got a Sharp Actius MV12W delivered yesterday.

12.1" lcd
256 ram
40gb
cd-rw / dvd
1.13ghz pentium III-M processor
network ready: 802.11b

paid about 1200 for it. it's not bad, but probably overpriced