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Thread: Laptop Shopping

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    Default Laptop Shopping

    I'm looking to buy a new laptop. The one I have now is too heavy and bulky to take with me when I travel.Does anyone know which laptops (and specific models) are the best to buy? Dell, Sony, HP???Any tips or advice would be helpful.

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    Featured Member AmazingKat's Avatar
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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    Alienware! Seriously, run screaming from Dell even though they own AW now they are crap.

    Now that I use my PC laptop every day, lug it around campus constantly, and actually need it to work when I want it to......I see why the hell everyone on campus uses a Mac.

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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    Wow, good thing you gave me the heads up because Dell is the main one I was looking at lol...

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    Featured Member AmazingKat's Avatar
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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    Besides not being heavy or bulky (so I assume you'll want a 15.4" or less) what are your requirements? Do you play games? Mostly search the internet/ use it for fun? Use any video/graphics editing programs?

    I definitely recommend checking out http://www.cnet.com/ for reviews or http://www.alienware.com/product_pag...l_default.aspx

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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    I love my Asus EEE PC. It is small, light, and inexpensive.

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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    Mostly I need it for internet for fun and I also take my classes online. I will probably be using video/graphics programs also..Although I'm not sure of the best programs for those either lol..I download music alot and that's about it.

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    Featured Member AmazingKat's Avatar
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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    If you are going to be doing anything with graphics/video I'd definitely consider any of the 15" alienwares if you are set on PC. They are designed for nerds (like meee!) who want a more powerful computer that will run video or image editing software. Being designed with picky computer nerds in mind they also use a lot better hardware overall.

    On the other hand, and I never thought I'd say this, I'm personally considering making the jump to a Mac. I've noticed they seem lighter, more portable and less likely to have those occasional annoying XP glitches. I know absolutely crap about them other than the graphic design classes I used them for. If I buy one (which won't happen for another 2 years, if this one lasts that long) I can finally use Final Cut!

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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    What brand and model do you use now? I've heard bad things about Vista. The laptop I have now has XP (it's several years old). What do you think of Vista? Most laptops now have Vista, right??

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    Featured Member AmazingKat's Avatar
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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    Screw Vista! Its so full of problems. I use XP since I bought it about 3 months before Vista came out. They eventually did ship me Vista but I haven't installed it. Anyone I know that has added Vista to their computer has immediately regretted it and switched back to XP, its that crappy.

    Alienware will give you the choice between Vista and XP Pro....get the XP! They no longer make my laptop model specifically but its very similar to the 15" they currently sell.

    Just make sure you get at least 7200 RPM hard drive with however much space you want, at least 2GB of DDR2 RAM (memory...although if you just get 1GB this is the easiest thing to upgrade yourself on a laptop), any of the 512MB video cards, the best processor you can afford (although if it was me I'd get the 2.4Ghz because the cost vs. more power ratio is ridiculous with some of the barely better ones), and whatever CDRW/DVDRW drive you can afford after all that. Those are the basics that you'll need if you want your computer to be the most cutting edge at least for the next few years. Laptops are harder to add on too later than desktops. Alienware will build the laptop to your specifications so their are a lot of options to chose from.

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    Featured Member aviendha's Avatar
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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    It's hard to go wrong with Toshiba. Excellent products.

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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    When I finally get another one I'm probably going to for a Sony VAIO UX... maybe. This one (yep using the laptop right now) will likely be in a recycing center by then, or I'll be using the parts for something more odd, like a household computer terminal.

    My laptop is not my primary pc, unless my PC is busted, so those 17inch+ aircraft carriers are not to my liking.

    I currently use a Compaq Presario 1700 with a P3 900 and 256 MB ram. It works for what I need, and use it for. GPS and net surfing.

    The size and form are the bit I like. It does not handle heat well and I have to have one of those fan things under it if I'm going to have in on my lap or thigh.

    A 13 inch or 15 inch is necessary if you want portability. Lots of ram will be necessary as well.

    I can't really say one brand is absolutely better than any other, rather that if you have a brand and multiple models within there line, there is almost always a lemon.

    When I worked in a repair shop, I saw plenty of any brand. Although I don't think I'd get a Gateway or a Toshiba.

    In one company use used Compaq laptops.... we had one lemon model, and three others that were fine.

    The best thing you can do is narrow it down to a few models you like and hit Google for complaints and comments about them. If you have 20 people complaining about the same issue, probably a model to avoid... etc.

    Make sure the issues you find a specific to the system and not to bad users.
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  12. #12
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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    Quote Originally Posted by xdamage View Post
    I love my Asus EEE PC. It is small, light, and inexpensive.
    HELL YEAH! I wish I had one!!!

  13. #13
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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    I LOVE my Sony VAIO.

    I hated it at first but now I have everything set up on it im in love.

    I just need to get rid of vista lol.

    My VAIO has been holding up to travel really well(better then my Compaq did) and the battery on it lasts longer then my Compaq did.

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    Featured Member AmazingKat's Avatar
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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    I had a Sony Vaio desktop before my laptop and I liked it. It just became outdated before it had serious issues. I've heard great things about Toshiba too.

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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    Quote Originally Posted by dollparts View Post
    I love my Macbook, the switch from pc to mac sucked at first, but i've adjusted and love the mac now!
    I love my MacBook too I've always been a mac user though so I may be a bit biased.

    They are so easy to use and if you are a student you get a 10% discount.
    Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    I have to second the Alienware recommendation.

    You can find something that will suit your needs. You'll have a one stop shop for anything you'll need to upgrade the laptop, drivers can be found all in one place with simple instructions. They also come with a nice Recovery CD if you option for it, very nice indeed.

    Very good computers.
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    Featured Member AmazingKat's Avatar
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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    Quote Originally Posted by DJ Machismo View Post
    I have to second the Alienware recommendation.

    You can find something that will suit your needs. You'll have a one stop shop for anything you'll need to upgrade the laptop, drivers can be found all in one place with simple instructions. They also come with a nice Recovery CD if you option for it, very nice indeed.

    Very good computers.
    Yeah, I have to say I stand behind Alienware completely as they are intended for nerds who will pick apart and fuss over every minor detail. At first I thought wouldn't computer geeks just make their own laptop?....but then I learned that building a laptop is a bit more complicated and also winds up costing more than if you just bought one from the big boys who get discounts for buying parts in bulk and often have them before they are released otherwise.

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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    Agreed.

    I used to only build my computers. I have a strong feeling I'll be heading to Alienware for my next desktop as well. Just very impressed with them.
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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    MacBook!

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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    As some one said it is hard with out knowing a lot about how you are going to use it. If small and lite are what you are looking for then the nothing out there today touches the new apple airbook. I am using a 6 year old apple 17 inch right now and it is just starting to get to the point that I am feeling that I need to upgrade it. As to photo and graphic stuff the apples own that area. They are a little costly up front but it is so nice to not have a 2nd thought about spy wear and virus. When people ask why buy a mac I have a really simple answer.
    Because the dam thing just works.
    That is my 2 cents worth
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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    Quote Originally Posted by dollparts View Post
    I love my Macbook, the switch from pc to mac sucked at first, but i've adjusted and love the mac now!
    I made the switch in February..... and have NOT looked back.


    MAC ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!


    enter: E3167322D9 for your 10% discount

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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    As some folks said above, most new computers come with Vista.

    Run away. Run far, far away. You are better off with a computer virus than with Vista. It is like computer herpes. It is the devil. It is the herpes-having computer devil with pus-filled boils and a sweatpants boner.


    ... If you can't avoid getting a computer with Vista, find some local geek to wipe it and install XP.

    Thank you. This has been a public service announcement. We now return you to your regularly scheduled laptop talk.
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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    Quote Originally Posted by FJRider View Post
    As some one said it is hard with out knowing a lot about how you are going to use it. If small and lite are what you are looking for then the nothing out there today touches the new apple airbook.
    You mean MacBook Air?

    Anyways, I have one, and I LOOOOVE it, but I wouldn't recommend it for you. Mine works great for me, but only because I have 2 other computers here for me to use for other stuff if I need. There is an iMac and a Macbook Pro if I ever want to use a CD or DVD or burn a CD or that stuff, either in conjuction with or without my Air.

    The Air is great, but only as a 2nd computer.

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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    I didn't read all the posts, but alienware is very nice.

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    Default Re: Laptop Shopping

    If you don't try to treat Vista like XP, it's fine.

    Most of the bad-mouthing Vista gets is from people that haven't used it or try to use it like XP.

    If you want a laptop that will last, buy a ThinkPad.
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