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Laptop Shoppin' - The Cart is Empty...
Sands
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Just Recently, as in a couple days ago, I’ve been browsing several sites and flyers in search of a new laptop for my upcoming freshman year at university in the fall. At this time, I feel purchasing a laptop over a desktop may be in my best interest so that I can have a computer accessible at all times to take notes and work on projects in and out of the classroom. The disappointment when choosing to purchase a laptop is the lack of speed and power that can be found in a much cheaper desktop for gaming and multitasking. As well, one always has to worry about having their laptop stolen or lost thanks to the portable technology.
Although I’ve made the decision to purchase a laptop, it’s left me at a disadvantage when looking for the most “bang for my buck†as I’m completely oblivious when it comes to laptop specs, and how they compare to desktop specs, since this will be my first laptop. I haven’t the sweetest clue how to compare processors on the desktop and laptop, let alone just the laptop, now that we’ve got the new duo core Intel processors and 64bit AMD processors out and about. I’m also unsure about laptop video cards and how they compare to desktop video cards – If at all possible; I’d like to be able to play some games on my laptop until I manage to build a new desktop in the future.
Thus far, I’ve looked at several brand name laptops like Dell, Sony, Acer, HP, Toshiba, and Compaq, and so far, Dell has my attention hands down. I believe a Dell laptop is in my books because of previous comments from family and friends on Dells ability to deliver a solid system – also, several stories regarding the rest of the brand named laptops have turned me away. The first computer I owned was a Compaq and it blew dogs from the first few months I had it. My uncle had to go threw three brand new Toshiba laptops before he finally realized that Toshiba shit the bed hard, and he moved onto a Compaq, which in his eyes is the best thing since sliced bread. I’ve heard that Acer is garbage, and with Sony and HP, I haven’t heard much. Of course this is just my experience, and am open to suggestions and stories regarding the downfalls of laptop brands, and whether my decisions are solid.
So essentially, I’m looking for advice, suggestions, and input as to what I should and shouldn’t look for in present day laptops, and how the laptop processors/graphics cards compare those of a desktop. For comparison sake, I’ll provide a link to a Dell-configured laptop that I believe is a decent buy, and perhaps you guys can use that as a foundation for advice, suggestions, and input.
http://configure.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=ca&CS=cadhs1&l=en&OC=N15202V_F_1E
The laptop I end up purchasing doesn’t necessarily have to be a Dell, however I’d like you guys to persuade me otherwise if my choice won’t live up to present standards. As a heads up, I’m looking to spend less than or equal to $1000, w/ taxes in.
Although I’ve made the decision to purchase a laptop, it’s left me at a disadvantage when looking for the most “bang for my buck†as I’m completely oblivious when it comes to laptop specs, and how they compare to desktop specs, since this will be my first laptop. I haven’t the sweetest clue how to compare processors on the desktop and laptop, let alone just the laptop, now that we’ve got the new duo core Intel processors and 64bit AMD processors out and about. I’m also unsure about laptop video cards and how they compare to desktop video cards – If at all possible; I’d like to be able to play some games on my laptop until I manage to build a new desktop in the future.
Thus far, I’ve looked at several brand name laptops like Dell, Sony, Acer, HP, Toshiba, and Compaq, and so far, Dell has my attention hands down. I believe a Dell laptop is in my books because of previous comments from family and friends on Dells ability to deliver a solid system – also, several stories regarding the rest of the brand named laptops have turned me away. The first computer I owned was a Compaq and it blew dogs from the first few months I had it. My uncle had to go threw three brand new Toshiba laptops before he finally realized that Toshiba shit the bed hard, and he moved onto a Compaq, which in his eyes is the best thing since sliced bread. I’ve heard that Acer is garbage, and with Sony and HP, I haven’t heard much. Of course this is just my experience, and am open to suggestions and stories regarding the downfalls of laptop brands, and whether my decisions are solid.
So essentially, I’m looking for advice, suggestions, and input as to what I should and shouldn’t look for in present day laptops, and how the laptop processors/graphics cards compare those of a desktop. For comparison sake, I’ll provide a link to a Dell-configured laptop that I believe is a decent buy, and perhaps you guys can use that as a foundation for advice, suggestions, and input.
http://configure.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=ca&CS=cadhs1&l=en&OC=N15202V_F_1E
The laptop I end up purchasing doesn’t necessarily have to be a Dell, however I’d like you guys to persuade me otherwise if my choice won’t live up to present standards. As a heads up, I’m looking to spend less than or equal to $1000, w/ taxes in.
It's All or Nothing, There's No In-Between
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CUZ THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE MIDDLE AND IT'S GIVING ME A RASH
Graphics card and RAM are on sale online.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&a1=Usage&v1=Entertainment&series_name=dv6500t_series
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http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=04&kc=6W300&l=en&oc=bqdwj2j&s=bsd
The laptop will generally be used for school work, as I can see a lack of free time to game much, however I'd like to purchase a laptop that can meet some specs for games, so that I do have the option - Essentially the most "Bang for my buck" within the $1000 limit (Canadian Funds). I've looked into several tablets as a potential purchase, however I find them a tad pricey for what they're capable of doing.
DoopHQ, I liked the laptop you linked me to, however it's the American Dell website, opposed to Dell's Canadian site, and I couldn't find anything relatively close to the same specs on the Canadian site for that price?
Still looking for some computer pros to help me with a couple questions I listed throughout my original post - Any help and advice is greatly appreciated!
Thanks
If you plan on using the laptop for taking notes, I would second the suggestion for a tablet. You might be able to type faster than you write, but if you're gonna be taking any classes that require you to jot down equations or chemical compounds (e.g. Calc or Organic chemistry), it'll be much faster to take notes by hand unless you rule at ASCII art.
Dell is probably not as much "bang" for your buck -- I think HP laptops are far cheaper for the raw specs -- but they do build quality stuff. I had one laptop that I got back in like 2001 that still works perfectly, aside from the F key that popped off when I dropped a 2" binder on the keyboard >.> I have a newer one that I got a little over a year ago, which hadn't given me any trouble until the graphics card crapped out a few weeks ago. It took two and a half marathon phone sessions over the course of a week with Dell Support before they finally agreed to send me a new graphics card, but I think I was being too soft with them and too lenient with letting noob reps waste my time.
As for other companies, HP is pure crap, which is why they are so cheap. Sonys are overpriced for what you get. I hear Toshiba (I think) has the best tablets, though, if that's what you want.
I ended up going with a Dell Inspiron 1501 base model, and upgraded it a bit with 2gigs of RAM, the 9-cell battery, and the best integrated video they could throw in there (mostly so I could watch DVD's without any issues, but I'll admit it actually games somewhat well too). The final price ended up being a little over $1100 CDN, but I'm sure you could tweak it down below $1000 without giving up a lot.
EDIT: I just looked at the Dell model you specced out already, the 1520, and it looks just as good. Besides, apparently they've replaced the 1501 with the 1520, because I can't find the 1501 anywhere on the site. The 1520 is currently on sale, so if you're going to buy this before July 26th, that'd be the one to get. I configured it at a base level, except with 2gigs RAM and a 120gig HD, and the price was only $869. So you've got some room for a better screen, larger HD, better warranty, or something else too.
I could write a really lengthy post, but I will just right a list of what I repair laptops for by brand:
The term service rate is basicly how often they come in on average while also considering the amount of laptops from that company on the market; i.e. HP's are very common laptops so to give it a high service rate would mean I see HP's all day everday.
Dell: ram, motherboard (dont fix tell customers to get a new laptop) cdrom, and screen.
Service Rate : High
Toshiba: most of the models from a few years back had several probs that ended up in a class action lawsuit, newer ones seem better, hard drives go out often.
Service Rate: medium
Sony: pretty good machines, some older models had motherboard issues with ram (not many models)
Service Rate: low
Averatec: an all around bad company, all of their laptops have a endless list of common issues , do not buy one
Service Rate : very high
HP: combo drives (dvd burners) on the first nvidia graphics card series were bad,... seems to have been fixed, the only other common problem is hard drives going out.
Service Rate: low--low medium
Apple: dont know where you could get one for under $1000 but they are good machines.... minus w/e the known flaw is with whatever particulare model you are looking at, appletechs know what they have to fix from the model of the laptop before they even look at it.
Service Rate: low
Eat_Fire - You're point form description of each brandname laptop has provided some very good insight, however after reading it, I'm left in more of a pickle than I was coming into this thread - This is the case because I've heard such good things from Dell customers and quite a few poor things from HP customers, however the rate at which they come in for repairs is quite the opposite
I do know that when I purchase my new laptop, from whichever store or factory outlet, I will be purchasing a minimum 3 year warrenty, since anything can go wrong nowadays with any type of system you buy. I hope you all agree with me on this? Also, if at all possible, I'd like to avoid Windows Vista and stick with Windows XP as I am more comfortable with XP - Perhaps in taking this route, I can avoid having to upgrade to a 2 gig system, which seems to be highly recommended to run Vista.
If I were you I'd get a $999 MacBook (with student discount), and play games on consoles until I could afford to put together a gaming desktop later. There's not much going on in PC gaming right now. Mine's collecting dust. I'm sure someone will object, but I honestly think PC gaming is in a down cycle at the moment. As for multi-tasking, the MacBook will give you all the multi-tasking you could possibly want. It has enough beef for HD video playback and all that jazz.
http://www.infotoday.com/linkup/lud100104-goldsborough.shtml
There was recently this manufacturer reliability and satisfaction survey among readers of PC World. Apple was not included, but it may be a good read anyway.
Dell always has a student discount that's around 10-12% on computer and laptop purchases.
Which is strange, considering people say such good things about their customer service and yet when I expressly asked them if there were student discounts they said no. Honestly though, if you want any reason not to deal with Dell, go on their website and click to talk to the guy that helps you pick a computer. Keep in mind that these are the people they are trusting not to fuck up your sale, and yet still can not understand English to a degree that allows them to answer the simplest of questions.
Questions like "So what kind of battery life could I expect from the Inspiron 6400" get answers like "About a year." To which I can only ask, "So on a single charge the battery will last a year?" which is replied with "A one year warranty is included in the price." I was actually fairly ready to buy the 6400 after I had heard about how much they've improved their build quality ect ect ect, but that... That just killed any desire I had for the machine, and I voluntarily paid an extra $500 for a similarly equipped HP (slightly more powerful, and a few extra features, but pretty close) just so I wouldn't have to deal with something like that.
Many of you guys are suggesting that tablets are the way to go in my situation, and I agree, except right now there are no tablets within my price range, with the cheapest laptop running in at around $1500. I will certainly keep my eyes peeled for on-sale tablets, but I don't think I'll be able to pick up a decent one with my financial standing.
I do still have some rather broad and debatable questions for you guys in regards to specs. I apologize if these questions come off as being abit lame:rotate:
1) What is the difference between Home/Home Office laptops vs. Small to Large Business Laptops? I notice some business laptops have similar, if not better specs, than home office laptops, and are cheaper..
2) In choosing a processor, do you guys recommend AMD 64-bit or Intel Duo Core? Perhaps in answering this question you could enlighten me with their differences
3) Lets compare two Intel Duo core processors: AMD Athlonâ„¢ 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TK-53 vs. AMD Turionâ„¢ 64 X2 Dual-Core processor TL-50 (1.6GHz/512KB) - Which one is better and how do you determine this? Does a higher GHz and Cache mean a better processor?
1) Business laptops are generally in more "ugly" (read, black box) cases, have matte screens, no webcams/any of that type stuff, and are of a higher build quality. And where are you seeing them cheaper? Generally from what I've heard they're a fair bit more expensive.
2) Most people recommend the Intel Core 2 Duos (Sequel to the Intel Core Duo) I'm not really sure what the difference is, but apparently they're better.
3) Not sure the diff between those 2 processors, but they aren't Intel Duo Cores as they're made by AMD (I wasn't sure if this was just a slip of a word or an actual confusion between the two companies)
Sorry for the more abrupt post, but I figured you had made up your mind already... plus it was late. Tablets are the way to go.... if you cannot type to save your life, and are extra extra careful with your laptop.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/series/category/notebooks/tx1000z_series/3/computer_store?
Look at the hinge holding that screen on there... tell me you couldnt break it in 2 seconds.
Home vs Business laptops usually vary on what type of software you get, most business class laptops come with XP Pro or Vista Business, while Home or student versions have XP Home (with media center) or Vista Premium. Usually business models cost more so im not sure what company you are looking at that is vice versa. Someone also stated earlier that business laptops are uglier (screen and otherwise) which is true. A good example is the sony 12-13in business notebook from 1-2yrs ago (several models) it had a sturdy case, with a built in air card (cell phone for computers) and XP Pro, a very nice laptop, but also expensive and the screen was the non glossy kind.
Whats the big difference between XP Pro and Home ... or Vista Premium vs Business? Large scale networking, network security and a few other small features that most people don't use or even know about.
You stated that my post confused you about Dells, because people you know say that theirs work great and HP's suck etc. etc.. Laptops like all products are subject to mass production. You have heard of cars that are "lemons" well the same is true for computers. I had a customer whom I liked to talk to at my shop when he came in, that had 2 identical computers (happen to be HP @_@ ) that he bought at the same time with the same specs... One has never come in for service in 2 years, the other one has come in about 5 times. (P.S. I have never worked on his system, so no comments about my repair abilities) The story just highlights the point, you can hear any opinion you want on a brand as long as you ask enough people. I would like to say I am being unbiased when I say trust a technicians opinion over just a user, but thats not necessarily true. Some techs will tell you w/e they sell is the best. I personally am trying to get a different job so I don't hold a grudge against Dell since we don't sell them at work. I used to love Dells back when their desktops came with riser cards and pentium II's. They just seem to have gotten cheap and crappy over the years.
One piece of advice I can give you that noone will argue with , is check out the laptop that you want to buy in person, and really test it out. Is it comfortable to use, do you like the layout of the touchpad and keyboard. How much does it way? Does it appear sturdy? Does it have any crappy latching mechanisms or closing apparatus? Does it say DELL on the top? (JK) The #1 returned laptop I get is the laptop the person bought without touching, they saw the price tag but not the computer.
You absolutely must do this. I bought my laptop and im victim of not checking it out. I've never had to have it serviced or anything like that so it works perfectly however their are alot of little things that piss me off.
Ill list a few off the top of my head for you to check for.
- The power cable is constantly falling out, and i mean constantly. Makes it annoying as hell to use on my lap.
- when the power cable is plugged it, it is designed in such a way that it covers the usb ports unless it points directly up (which is hard to keep it plugged in at).
- their are two latches making it impossible to open one handed.
- the inbuilt mic is on top of the biggest fan, making it very hard to pic up sound over the static and humming.
- it's pad at the bottom fall off easily making me replace them all with ones i built myself and superglue.
Thats it for now but im sure you see how the little things make a differance.
Eat_Fire - You bring up a very good point when mentioning that opinions that relate to ones own can be found depending upon how many people are questioned. Seems all I can really do is cross my fingers and hope for the best when choosing any name brand laptop, since they're all mass produced in the first place.. Why can't companies sacrifice a couple million and fall back on precise, manual construction