New Laptop

Probably need to know more details:

- What will you use it for (gaming, email, videos, office productivity)?
- Are you concerned about weight?
- Do you have a brand preference?
- PC or Mac?

And finally, what do YOU think you want?
 
Probably need to know more details:

- What will you use it for (gaming, email, videos, office productivity)?
- Are you concerned about weight?
- Do you have a brand preference?
- PC or Mac?

And finally, what do YOU think you want?

-Wireless PC
-Not concerned with wieght
-Good speed for videos
-Good battery life
 
I've had a Gateway and an HP. I never had a problem with either.
 
Thanks Tom what do you think about this one?

I've been looking at a gateway Intel Pentium Dual-Core Processor P6200


-4GB DDR3 memory


-500GB hard drive
-Up to 4 hours battery life
-$450
 
Looks like a good deal.

The hard drives are so big these days. If someone isn't storing videos and tons of pictures, I think the new sizes are overkill. My home PC has 200 GB and I'm barely using half of it, and it has every file and image I've ever produced on TSP Talk (7+ years), plus tons of programs.

The CPU and RAM are obviosuly the key, but only so the internet is fast. What kind of internet connection do you plan to use? I have been using a Verizon card for years and I needed a specific slot for the modem, but it looks like most of them are USB now.
 
Your battery life is directly proportional to your computer.

Larger screen, more devices, larger CPU cause drain on the battery.

The mini's are good because they cut out all the devices, but as soon as you plug one in, drain.

I'd look at battery life around four-five hours and then go to functionality.

If you are doing high end graphics, you might want to consider just getting an extra battery for use beyond the 3-4 hour range.:cool:
 
Looks like a good deal.

The hard drives are so big these days. If someone isn't storing videos and tons of pictures, I think the new sizes are overkill. My home PC has 200 GB and I'm barely using half of it, and it has every file and image I've ever produced on TSP Talk (7+ years), plus tons of programs.

The CPU and RAM are obviosuly the key, but only so the internet is fast. What kind of internet connection do you plan to use? I have been using a Verizon card for years and I needed a specific slot for the modem, but it looks like most of them are USB now.

I obviously want a fast connection., but I have no idea what plan to use.

I guess I have to go price them and see how fast they opporate.
 
More memory (4Gb min)
9 cell battery (heavy but lasts longer)

I have been using Dell for years and have found a ton of good deals at their outlet site:
http://www.dell.com/us/dfh/p/laptops

Same warranty as new and you can find some great deals. Inventory changes constantly. Figure out what you want, find it, or wait a few hours if there isn't one available right now... :D
 
I used to be very concerned with battery life, but it seems no matter where you go, there is an electrical outlet. Coffee shops, restaurants, etc. I even bought an adaptor for my car so I can just plug the laptop into an AC plug which goes in the lighter. Occassonal I am at a baseball game and running on battery, but I never seem to have a problem.
 
Thanks for all the good info guys. I have some searching to do.

If you aren't already experienced with laptops here's a couple things I have learned. We stopped using the pc a few years ago and went total wireless with 3 laptops. Never ever gonna go back. WIFI is the bong. Double that if you get socked with a hospital stay. I just did 4 days sitting there just like it was a typical bit of NY's raunchy Spring. They make all the difference in those sort of settings. Same goes for stuck in airports if and as long as you can get a plug and there are darned few of them in most lounges for the commoners................ BTW you can unplug the USP adapter from your wall socket ( most newer phones) stick it in your lap top and charge the phone off that. Its slow but better than DOA.
DELL, we had / have an Inspirion since 07. Worked fine but oh do they destroy the charger cord where they come out the back. Mine exited right by my knee and got a true beating. New power cord is in order every 2 to 5 months. The issues are usually an internal wire breakage you'll never see or be able to fix so don't even think about it. New power adapter Ebay from China 15 yankee dolla and just move on. Same goes for most others as well. They all take a beating right where the exit the machine. The Dell has the SPECIAL plug soldered right to the motherboard so you aren't gonna fix that yourself. Better not to try to make anything stiffer out the back ( where the wires break) and just keep payin 15 dolla to Uncle Chong to send you a new one. I think the place I get mine is SIBA or something like that. Anyways they hold up as well as OEM for a song. The plugs you can get are better if the exit at 90 degrees. That just helps greatly keeping the damage down from tugging and keeps it close to the machine not an inch out.
Oh here is another pet peeve, keyboard size. If you can and do type, really type do get yourself something with nearly a full size key board. I say that because if you use a normal one regularly and switch back and forth it can be a royal pain. That's why I now insist on the "normalest" size I can get and forgo the side number pad and all the other intricate stuff most of us don't use much anyways if ever. Another thing is the front where your wrists lay. Get something big enough so you can actually lay them nice and comfortable. A tiny little perch can bug you too.
Those cute little 10 inch screens they sell for $200, if youre over 40 FORGET ABOUT IT. You won't be able to see the writing good enough to surf and when you blow it up so you can everything fades out the sides, its just not very workable. I would never go less than 12 personally. They do have their uses just not for everyday use.

There, that's just a rambling pile of considerations you might not be aware of and I hope something is of use to you. Other than not being a Dell fan anymore for these and lots of screen issues they have most everything is neck and neck. Our current batch and so far best are a pair of HP G56's that we got half price on Black Friday at 0400 hrs for $300 each. Nice thin light screens that don't get loose at the hinges and flop all around ruin ribbon cables and all the other Dell problems related. DELL SUX!
 
I actually hate working on a laptop - hate the keyboards and I don't feel comfortable. I also have to use a mouse and not the flaky finger pad, or whatever they are called.

Obviously there are times they are needed, but I don't think I will ever do what Driz has done and go totally lappy.

Got to go now, my VCR is making a funny noise. :D
 
mayday i got a brand new msi u230 for sale if u want it...its dual boot with window 7 and backtrack 4
 
I actually hate working on a laptop - hate the keyboards and I don't feel comfortable. I also have to use a mouse and not the flaky finger pad, or whatever they are called.

Obviously there are times they are needed, but I don't think I will ever do what Driz has done and go totally lappy.

Got to go now, my VCR is making a funny noise. :D

I have never had a laptop; but circumstances have caused me to travel a lot. Even though my VCR makes funny noises too, and it's always flashing 12:00.:D
 
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