Time for a new laptop, any suggestions?

ISUKyro · 06-17-2008, 12:21 AM

We have several class sets of Latitudes at my school. If they can survive middle school students, then they are good enough for me.

norseclone · 06-17-2008, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by whirlybirds

you may be looking for a labtop, and this isnt one, but from what i hear its a pretty good computer

YouTube - Dell Computer good for Porn only.

Wow, I'd completely forgotten about that. I know the person who called in. He played on the tennis team at Luther. Good stuff.

MrGreg · 06-17-2008, 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by ISUChippewa

Size preference....13 to 15 inches.

Price? If there is something that fits my needs described above for around $700-$900 bucks, that would be cool.

For that kind of money, you can get a wicked nice laptop (in my opinion anyways). But for your needs, it's possible to spend much less. I recently picked up a 14" Dell Vostro with a Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, DVDRW, and WinXP for $430. I also bought (and returned) a Thinkpad with similar specs (but with a faster processor) for $530.

As far as specific brands, I don't have a lot of experience, but I agree that you get good bang for your buck with Dell, and Thinkpads are solid/reliable. I would def stay away from Gateway.

If you don't need a laptop right away, I suggest you watch deal sites (like Slickdeals.net or Online Coupons | Cash Back) for a good deal.

Example for $420: http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthr...18839&t=846129 *although I'm not too crazy about Compaqs or Vista, and this laptop could use some more RAM

Edit: It sounds like people like these compaqs, so like i said before, I don't know a lot about different brands

ArathornClone · 06-17-2008, 12:34 AM

Originally Posted by ISUChippewa

What are you wanting to do with your soon to be new lap top? (word, games, email, etc)

I primarily use my laptop for the internet based functions; e-mail, surfing the web (including this website!), watching the occasional web-based video (YouTube, etc.). I also will likely be using word processing programs to do things like freshen up my resume, write cover letters, etc.

I don't plan on doing any games or watching movies on it or anything like that. Not to go off on a tangent, but I've never understood wanting to watch movies on a small screen or, even more pointless, on a frickin' cell phone.

Does that narrow it down at all?

I encourage you to check out Dell Refurbished (just type 'refurbished laptop' in their sites keyword search.) They have like a 31 day return policy or something so many of these are laptops that some people just didn't like and returned. Others may have had a bad video card/sound card, etc. They replace whatever is wrong with new/refurbished parts then run it through a bunch of tests to make sure it is good as new - kind of like certified used cars. It allows you to get a higher end laptop for less money. Apple has something similar - refurbished Macs for cheaper.

I got a 17" dell Inspiron - 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 3 GB RAM - added on Norton AntiVirus software and delivery for about $756. I was a bit apprehensive as I've always bought new. But, once it arrived - the only way you even know it isn't new is the refurbished sticker on the bottom.

MrGreg · 06-17-2008, 12:37 AM

Originally Posted by ArathornClone

I encourage you to check out Dell Refurbished (just type 'refurbished laptop' in their sites keyword search.) They have like a 31 day return policy or something so many of these are laptops that some people just didn't like and returned. Others may have had a bad video card/sound card, etc. They replace whatever is wrong with new/refurbished parts then run it through a bunch of tests to make sure it is good as new - kind of like certified used cars. It allows you to get a higher end laptop for less money. Apple has something similar - refurbished Macs for cheaper.

I got a 17" dell Inspiron - 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 3 MB RAM - added on Norton AntiVirus software and delivery for about $756. I was a bit apprehensive as I've always bought new. But, once it arrived - the only way you even know it isn't new is the refurbished sticker on the bottom.

Yeah, this too. Check the Dell outlet. Also, you can find 15% off coupons too for some refurbished Dell models to sweeten the deal...check eBay or request one on Slickdeals.net and maybe someone will be nice

clone2011 · 06-17-2008, 12:40 AM

Originally Posted by Jbone4State10'

I switched to Mac when i came to college two years ago and couldnt be happier. My computer still runs the way it did when i first bought it and it has out lasted 4 of my friends dell laptops and its only been 2 years!

Same here. I don't mind PCs and don't get into the PC vs Mac debates, but my family and friends have all had various issues with Dell, Sony, Gateway (where computers go to die), Acer, etc. My roommates Acer actually hasn't had too many issues. Macs cost more but I haven't had any problems in over 2 years.

And if you're a student, Mac has good deals up till about September. I remember when I bought mine the deal was buy a standard Macbook (the white ones), get a free printer via rebate and up to I believe either a free iPod nano or the equivalent value off a bigger iPod, also via rebate. All together we paid around $1400 for the computer, printer, iPod (went with a 30gig standard), Microsoft Office for Mac, and the AppleCare protection plan. The printer is actually decent too--HP Photosmart Express w/ print, scan, and copy ability.

Cyclone62 · 06-17-2008, 01:18 AM

Clone2011, was that through the apple site, or something else?

CycloneWarrior · 06-17-2008, 02:34 AM

Originally Posted by ISUChippewa

Size preference....13 to 15 inches.

That's what she said!!!!! Hahahahshahahajahahaga

Aaron Jacobs · 06-17-2008, 04:11 AM

My only problem about macs is that the computer seems to turn people into Elitist Douche bags. Macs may have better hardware but they are marked up a ton. PC is definitely the way to go for a family computer though, it is much more verstile and it is upgradeable.

dmclone · 06-17-2008, 08:01 AM

Buying a cheap Dell is kind of like buying a Honda. They are not flashy, you can get them pretty cheap, and they are built pretty good.

My 2 biggest recommendations are to get at least 2gb of ram and upgrade the battery. Whatever numbers they give you on the battery will be WAY inflated. When it comes to laptops I think it's usually best to just buy a cheap Dell. Here is an example.

Two years ago I bought a $450 Dell laptop
Two years ago my sister bought a $2,500 Dell laptop

Yes, hers has a nicer screen, more ram, a bigger processor, etc but imine runs everything I need it to run. Maybe next year I'll decide to buy another $450 dell laptop. The new Dell laptop will put her 2 year old $2,500 laptop to shame and I've spent $1,600 less and she is stuck with a 2 year old laptop.

pulse · 06-17-2008, 08:30 AM

My last 2 laptops have been a Dell and ThinkPad. I loved the ThinkPad hands down, more than the Dell which I can't stand. If your primary system use is the laptop, I'd go with a ThinkPad. If you want a laptop for convenience, then a cheap Dell will do.

dmclone · 06-17-2008, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by pulse

My last 2 laptops have been a Dell and ThinkPad. I loved the ThinkPad hands down, more than the Dell which I can't stand. If your primary system use is the laptop, I'd go with a ThinkPad. If you want a laptop for convenience, then a cheap Dell will do.

This is very true. I always have the tendency to use laptops as back-ups, on vacation, or just around the house. I use a home built PC for the majority of my work. I would hate to use a laptop as my primary system.

HandSanitizer · 06-17-2008, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by Aaron Jacobs

My only problem about macs is that the computer seems to turn people into Elitist Douche bags. Macs may have better hardware but they are marked up a ton. PC is definitely the way to go for a family computer though, it is much more verstile and it is upgradeable.

This is so true.

clone2011 · 06-17-2008, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by Cyclone62

Clone2011, was that through the apple site, or something else?

I went to the Apple Store at Jordan Creek, but you might be able to get the deal online as well. I think it's the same deal this year but the iPod discount may have changed. Now that I think about it, there may have also been a $100 or $200 discount on the computer as well but not positive. I had to have my student ID with me, and you when they're ringing it up they have to have a school e-mail address for verification.

delt4cy · 06-17-2008, 09:27 AM

I was in the same process about a month ago.

I wanted a relatively cheap laptop with enough (RAM, Processing technology, etc.) that it won't be obsolete in 2 or 3 years.

After skimming the ads and online discounts for a about 4-5 weeks I found a deal at best buy for the HP-Pavillion 14.1 screen laptop. 3gb of ram, the latest amd processor (my college computer had an amd and still runs well today, yes surviving the ol' fraternity)

It was $649 at Best Buy and the comparable Dell with same specs was $699. The also have vista word/excel/powerpoint for $109 now rather than the $149 I paid for it.

As a relatively unexperienced computer buyer I played the waiting game and it worked out pretty well. So far so good, I like the design, size, etc. of the HP and it runs pretty smooth as well.