Seeking advice on laptops

[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.

[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

[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)

[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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[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...

[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.

[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.

[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... >.>

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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.