Question about laptops/notebooks

[bojendyk]

First of all, I'm not the most computer savy person.

Here's the thing: my wife and I would like to get, as a Christmas gift for ourselves, a laptop/notebook. However, we don't want to spend too much money (we'd like to keep it around or under $1000), as we don't use computers at home too much. This would be our primary computer at home.

We'd like a laptop because they don't take up much space and because we may want to take it with us occasionally. We'd be using it mostly for music, photos, some internet (wireless), and word processing. CD burning is essential; DVD burning is not. Neither of us has much interest in video games, and we wouldn't be running any high-memory programs, like Photoshop.

I've only just started looking, mostly at a Dell ad I got in the mail and at some Toshibas and HPs.

What would you recommend? How much hard drive space should I want? How about processor speed and memory? What kind of luck have people had with Dells?

[Achtung]

Well, for around $1000 or so, you're looking at either a higher Intel Celeron or lower Intel Pentium M processor (or an AMD Athlon 64 or AMD Sempron), 1 GB of RAM, a 60 GB hard drive, with wireless networking, a basic video card (since you said you don't plan on using Photoshop or games), and a CD burner with DVD playback. I'd say that's more than good for what you're looking for. The two things I wouldn't skimp on though are getting a quality screen and a good service plan. The screen is what you're looking at, its your main point of interaction with your laptop, and it just won't be enjoyable with a crappy screen. As for the warranty, while some people scoff at the "extended warranty" idea, it just makes you feel a whole lot safer. If you want to keep it cheaper, maybe go with a 40 GB hard drive instead, but don't reduce the memory unless its necessary since its useful to have as much RAM as possible, even for everday tasks.

Dell overall gets good ratings, though they have fallen a bit in the past few years. I also like Sony's VAIO line, which are slightly more expensive but should still fit in your range. HP and Toshiba are up there as well, though I don't have much experience with their laptops. I would also sign up for the mailing lists of the various laptop makers if you want to save as much as possible, since they tend to send out coupons and such, especially Dell.

Then there is also the eternal Mac vs. PC question. You could also get an iBook for a little more, the advantage being that most of the software you'd need comes included, and a lot of people like Mac OS X better than Windows, but that's a personal preference.

The best way is just to go to the various websites and take a look. They often have good deals on shipping or other rebates too.

[Chicago1871]

I've been nothing but pleased with my IBM Thinkpad after a year. It might set you back a bit more than the $1000 you're looking to spend (can get a really solid system for under $2000), but I think their setup is much better than Dell's.

[Achtung]

The only thing worrying about the otherwise excellent Thinkpads is that they are no longer manufactured by IBM. Earlier this year, IBM sold their computer business to Chinese firm Lenovo, and right now I just don't know enough about them to know how solidly they back up their product.

[Metros Striker10]

The only thing worrying about the otherwise excellent Thinkpads is that they are no longer manufactured by IBM. Earlier this year, IBM sold their computer business to Chinese firm Lenovo, and right now I just don't know enough about them to know how solidly they back up their product.
From what I understand, it's still an IBM machine with simply a different name. IBM is still making profits off of it.

[Chicago1871]

The only thing worrying about the otherwise excellent Thinkpads is that they are no longer manufactured by IBM. Earlier this year, IBM sold their computer business to Chinese firm Lenovo, and right now I just don't know enough about them to know how solidly they back up their product.
This is a valid point to be sure. From what I've heard, things haven't changed all that much, but it takes time to establish a reputation and the Lenovo built systems need some time to earn one.

[minorthreat]

I have a Dell laptop and a Powerbook, and I vastly prefer the Powerbook. The Dell has too many hardware issues - it overheats really easily.

[bostonsoccermdl]

I have a Dell laptop and a Powerbook, and I vastly prefer the Powerbook. The Dell has too many hardware issues - it overheats really easily.


Curious: Is this Dell laptops across the board, or just possibly an isolated case. (bad fan?)

(I ask b/c I am looking at them..)

[Chicago1871]

Curious: Is this Dell laptops across the board, or just possibly an isolated case. (bad fan?)

(I ask b/c I am looking at them..)
My old Dell laptop never overheated, but let's just say that the boys needed some electrolytes if it sat in my lap for more than 10 minutes.

[Achtung]

Curious: Is this Dell laptops across the board, or just possibly an isolated case. (bad fan?)

(I ask b/c I am looking at them..)

Centrino-based systems (with the Pentium M processor) are supposed to do a better job at the lower levels of power utilization and managing heat dissipation. I say "supposed to" because I haven't used one extensively enough to know for sure. No idea if the one minorthreat has is Centrino however. If it is, the overheating issue is disappointing to hear.

[Chicago1871]

Centrino-based systems (with the Pentium M processor) are supposed to do a better job at the lower levels of power utilization and managing heat dissipation. I say "supposed to" because I haven't used one extensively enough to know for sure. No idea if the one minorthreat has is Centrino however. If it is, the overheating issue is disappointing to hear.
My IBM has a Centrino and runs pretty cool. Much cooler than my previous Dell.

[URwormfood]

I would recommend an external Hard Drive. That would save you cost on a laptop. Once you feel you need more Hard drive space just pick up one to store your files to, as well as back up your system...they are pretty cheap and you can get pretty high storage much cheaper then a laptop with a bigger HD.

Oh you can get a external cd burner as well...but most laptops now a days come with a burner built in standard...or a dvd burner build in as well...


**tis the season for the **rip-bates** aka rebates so you should check the local papers for the sales on laptops..I saw one reg 899 w/ mail in rebate it was 699....with 1000 budget you would have extra $$ to get a external HD or some software you may want to use...even some are tossing in a free printer...so keep your eye open..

~worm~

[Achtung]

If you're still looking, I ran across this article a few days back:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3121_7-6380815.html?tag=prmo1

[prk166]

First of all, I'm not the most computer savy person.

Here's the thing: my wife and I would like to get, as a Christmas gift for ourselves, a laptop/notebook. However, we don't want to spend too much money (we'd like to keep it around or under $1000), as we don't use computers at home too much. This would be our primary computer at home.

We'd like a laptop because they don't take up much space and because we may want to take it with us occasionally. We'd be using it mostly for music, photos, some internet (wireless), and word processing. CD burning is essential; DVD burning is not. Neither of us has much interest in video games, and we wouldn't be running any high-memory programs, like Photoshop.

I've only just started looking, mostly at a Dell ad I got in the mail and at some Toshibas and HPs.

What would you recommend? How much hard drive space should I want? How about processor speed and memory? What kind of luck have people had with Dells?


One thing I'd recomend is to go into best buy and try using all of them. Do you like how they feel when you type on them? Are some of them cracking or breaking? I found a few models that were cracked when I looked at them a year ago. The cracking I found is at the key stress points where the screen attatchs to the main part of the base. I liked how the Gateway's were priced and their overall look and feel. But I passed on them because at that point in time the store models were cracking there.

And I'd say screw worrying about how much memory and CPU it has. It doesn't sound like you're doing anythign where that will matter. Just worry about getting a wide screen + make sure to get a DVD player. YOu'll like that for using it as a portable DVD player and for showing pictures and stuff like that.

[Metros Striker10]

My IBM has a Centrino and runs pretty cool. Much cooler than my previous Dell.
Ditto. I have no heating problems with mine. Also, IBM uses very good material for their cases. The hindges that connect the screen and the keyboard is metal, which allows for a strong support.

[snigacookie]

Centrino-based systems (with the Pentium M processor) are supposed to do a better job at the lower levels of power utilization and managing heat dissipation. I say "supposed to" because I haven't used one extensively enough to know for sure. No idea if the one minorthreat has is Centrino however. If it is, the overheating issue is disappointing to hear.


centrino based systems do not perform better. thats ure basic assumption. they actually perform worse. their battery life sucks butt since they run at thier cpus constant max cpu rate.