PDA

View Full Version : I need to get a laptop



Assassin
Sat, 09-08-2007, 04:03 PM
And since there are alot of people who are more computer savy then me, i'd like to get some opinions.

This will be my first laptop, so i dont really know what to look for. I mean, i know all the basics, like big hard drive, big ram, and big other stuff. But some of the specifics im not too sure about. Like if i should get an AMD turion 64 x2 dual core processor, or a centrino duo processor...which one is better? which one do i really need for typical everyday uses......and what kind of price should i expect to pay. Should i go for large screen, or light weight? whats the typical weight/screen size for a decent laptop, so i have something to compare to.

I want to stay within 1000 if possible, other then that, i'll let you guys throw some suggestions my way. I've also been looking at the flyers for the local FutureShop, which seems to have some good deals. I'll scan and post that in a bit so you'll have something solid to point out.

Edit:

page 1 (http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/3707/page1vl2.jpg)
page 2 (http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/4376/page2xw4.jpg)
Random ad (http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/9779/randomad3pu2.jpg)

LaZie
Sat, 09-08-2007, 05:15 PM
Well with a budget of $1000, you have many choices. You could get a Dell Inspiron which are good quality laptops. Their cheapest Inspiron laptop is about $500 with just the essentials. Im sure you can find coupons for Dell Inspiron laptops off google. I know of some that are -$300 off a $1000 laptop.


About your processors, I personally would go with the AMD over the Centrino, but if there was a Core2Duo, I would definitely pick that over the other 2 options.

David75
Sat, 09-08-2007, 05:25 PM
When I bought my first laptop, I made a big mistake... I didn't know the noise they can make... And it became rapidly unbearable.

-First concern of all: noise at full speed! It"s hard to test in shops though.

There was another pb, the resolution was only 1024*768. I don't know why, but this is still a very comon resolution. Eventhoug we tend to have more "16/9 like" displays in 1200*800 or something like that.
It's important because the better the resolution, the more data you have on screen. Plus
some software aren't displaying very fine with 1024/768 due to lack of space.
However, the better the resolution for the same size, the smaller everything is. So you need good eyes.

-Second concern screen resolution.

The rest is about what you said, processor speed, RAM, Hard drive. However, I would be careful with the proc, since some tend to consume lots of power... meaning poor autonomy. They get quite hot too, so it's a bit unconfortable when on your laps.
For the ram, you have to be careful if it uses all ram banks available or not. Cause having banks left is nice for the day when ram prices have collapsed. Most of the time you only get to banks...
For the harddrive, you can always have large amounts of storage with an external one, so usually the one provided with the laptop is ok. I tend to like samsung's one as they seem to draw less current (autonomy), be quiet and do not heat too much.

With those basics in mind, an everyday laptop is quite easy to purchase.

mage
Sat, 09-08-2007, 05:53 PM
And since there are alot of people who are more computer savy then me, i'd like to get some opinions.

This will be my first laptop, so i dont really know what to look for. I mean, i know all the basics, like big hard drive, big ram, and big other stuff. But some of the specifics im not too sure about. Like if i should get an AMD turion 64 x2 dual core processor, or a centrino duo processor...which one is better? which one do i really need for typical everyday uses......and what kind of price should i expect to pay. Should i go for large screen, or light weight? whats the typical weight/screen size for a decent laptop, so i have something to compare to.

I want to stay within 1000 if possible, other then that, i'll let you guys throw some suggestions my way. I've also been looking at the flyers for the local FutureShop, which seems to have some good deals. I'll scan and post that in a bit so you'll have something solid to point out.

Edit:

page 1 (http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/3707/page1vl2.jpg)
page 2 (http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/4376/page2xw4.jpg)
Random ad (http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/9779/randomad3pu2.jpg)
First think we need to know is what you plan on using it for.

Assassin
Sat, 09-08-2007, 07:16 PM
which one do i really need for typical everyday uses......

As in, skool, general web browsing (pr0n), movies, the occasional game to pass the time.

What about the images i linked...out of those ones, which one would you guys suggest?

NM
Sat, 09-08-2007, 08:51 PM
Assassin, that first link you gave us, I have that laptop actually. To be more specific, I have the Intel Centrino Duo processor one. I have to say that its a great laptop and I have yet to experience any problems with it. Everything works just fine on it (anime, haven't tried any games but I know I shouldn't run into any problems, movies, etc) and it fits right into your budget. I would recommend that one.

I had an Acer Aspire 1800 series laptop before and it was crap. I shelled out alot of money for it and for awhile it was great but I would try and stay away from it if you go with LaZie's recommendation for Acer laptops. Stay away from that one if its still in production. The battery life is HORRIBLE (30 minutes...) and the fans would make so much noise.

With this HP Pavilion one (mine is the Special Edition though there probably isn't a big difference), the fans are very quiet and everything runs smoothly. I wish I had bought this one instead of that Acer laptop. This HP Pavilion is a good laptop at a good price Assassin.

Lucifus
Sat, 09-08-2007, 08:54 PM
Assassin. My experience with laptops...Go all out. Or you will soon find yourself with absolutly no use for said laptop save gathering dust.

I got the 17" version of the first one you linked with abit more performance parts in mine. I absolutly love her.

You will regret spending so much money when you could get soooo much more for just a few couple more hundred.

17" is the 'perfect' size. Not too big to make carrying it around a hassle but perfect for all your entertainment needs.


Anything smaller and well...meh....try having fun with that. Its just a good choice to get a quality monitor with your portable rig.

Carnage
Sat, 09-08-2007, 10:42 PM
Go with the HP Pavilion. Thats what I will get when I buy myself a laptop.

Munsu
Sun, 09-09-2007, 05:42 AM
I've always liked the Thinkpads, I currently have the T-61... and if not mistaken they should be fairly cheap right now.

UChessmaster
Sun, 09-09-2007, 09:36 AM
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RMOKJI/sr=8-5/qid=1188170450/ref=noref/102-0074545-8578504?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1188170450&sr=8-5

how about this one? i think im getting that one