Need laptop recommendations.

[Mark Wein]

Now that I've disassembled both laptops and discovered that I'm officially screwed I need to make plans to purchase a new one.

It doesn't have to be too bitchin' since we're primarily using it for internet and stuff at home. I can't afford a new Mac right now so I am looking at a Windows 7 laptop....I've decided not to go netbook because I don't want a tiny screen and I'll be using it the most....whatcha got?

[Phil513]

I have actually heard decent things about ACER's, our IT guy at work says they are fine, and hard to beat the price.

But im going by hearsay, I have never owned a laptop, as i just know i would kill it in no time flat.

[Saturn]

My last two laptops were Sony Vaio. Both were great. But what I tell my clients is pick your price range. Take every laptop you find in that range and line up the ones with the size monitor and keyboard you want then buy the one with the fastest processor, most RAM and biggest hard drive.

Pretty much every computer has about the same components so I don't pay to much attention to brand.

[Cheese Grits]

Lenovo T500.

[alexslashaxel88]

My GF's HP is pretty nice and wasn't too expensive.

I'd just stay away from Toshiba Satetlite series, the one I had was awful.

[Prages]

Mrs. P and I both have Acers. They are pretty nice, especially for the price you pay. I have no complaints...and both of us are running Vista on them. I imagine Win7 would only make them better.

[reverend1]

Now that I've disassembled both laptops and discovered that I'm officially screwed I need to make plans to purchase a new one.

It doesn't have to be too bitchin' since we're primarily using it for internet and stuff at home. I can't afford a new Mac right now so I am looking at a Windows 7 laptop....I've decided not to go netbook because I don't want a tiny screen and I'll be using it the most....whatcha got?

My last laptop was a very cheap Dell, nice computer worked well with windows 7. Used macbook for the win.

[Cheese Grits]

My Acer developed a short in the connection for the power cable and, sometimes, the scren shuts off for no reason. Would not recommend for anything other than light home use.

[Mark Wein]

I might go here and look at the used ones: http://lacomputercompany.com/cgi-bin...oup&group=clst

[jelloman]

brand names on a computer, ANY COMPUTER, are secondary to features...get the most you can get for your money, and don't sweat the name on it...

[Cheese Grits]

brand names on a computer, ANY COMPUTER, are secondary to features...get the most you can get for your money, and don't sweat the name on it...

I kind of disagree. IBM/Lenovo has been building well-featured and durable laptops for as long as I've been in business. I'm only on my second one since 2004, and I move the computer around a bunch. The only reason I needed an upgrade was because the video card in the older machine was not sophisticated enough to push my new, giant monitor. Otherwise I'd still be using my old R51.

My Sony Vaio that I bought in 2000 is also still going strong, and it feels solidly built.

My Acer does not have the same build quality as either the IBM/Lenovo or Sony. I couldn't vouch for modern Sony laptops, but I can say that the Lenovo T500 is a really nice machine that I expect to last me until I need something that will push a 3D or holographic monitor.

Some companies just build better hardware.

[Kerouac]

IBM/Lenovo are really solid, but my mum has an excellent Acer. I personally wouldn't buy a Toshiba or an HP as I've had bad experiences with both of them in the past. I actually have my mum's old HP downstairs which was a nice laptop but has had a wealth of problems over the years. I'm going to try to wipe the thing clean, but it will only run when plugged in... no battery will take a charge so that kinda makes it unpractical.

Oh and why not shoot for a refurb Macbook (not a Pro?) http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC...co=MTU5MzE0Mzc

[Mark Wein]

IBM/Lenovo are really solid, but my mum has an excellent Acer. I personally wouldn't buy a Toshiba or an HP as I've had bad experiences with both of them in the past. I actually have my mum's old HP downstairs which was a nice laptop but has had a wealth of problems over the years. I'm going to try to wipe the thing clean, but it will only run when plugged in... no battery will take a charge so that kinda makes it unpractical.

Oh and why not shoot for a refurb Macbook (not a Pro?) http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC...co=MTU5MzE0Mzc

Here's the problem with that idea....I might as well just do this: http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB...co=MTA4MzI0OTE

[Kerouac]

Here's the problem with that idea....I might as well just do this: http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB...co=MTA4MzI0OTE

I suggest making friends with some people at Apple who will share their discount.

[Mark Wein]

I suggest making friends with some people at Apple who will share their discount.

I'll probably end up at Frys this morning anyway just buying a cheapie that will eventually become Mrs W's.

[Abrasion]

If it works with buying a laptop and shipping to america, you can totally use my student discount for Apple if you want

[Mark Wein]

If it works with buying a laptop and shipping to america, you can totally use my student discount for Apple if you want

I can get an educators discount, but it brings the price of what I want down to about only 3 times what I should be spending.

[Kerouac]

I can get an educators discount, but it brings the price of what I want down to about only 3 times what I should be spending.

WTF? I can't qualify for one so how can you?

[Mark Wein]

WTF? I can't qualify for one so how can you?

What I bought my iMac I asked, explained what I did and they told me to go ahead and claim the nearest public school to take my discount. Didn't make sense but I did it anyway

[warren0728]

mark...how about a used a macbook? here is a very reputable used dealer....cheaper than refurbs at apple....

http://www.macofalltrades.com

[Mark Wein]

mark...how about a used a macbook? here is a very reputable used dealer....cheaper than refurbs at apple....

http://www.macofalltrades.com

I was thinking about that too....we have a local reseller here who has a few in stock..I'll probably drive are all morning and see what makes the most sense.

[Kerouac]

mark...how about a used a macbook? here is a very reputable used dealer....cheaper than refurbs at apple....

http://www.macofalltrades.com

http://www.macofalltrades.com/Apple_...cdx30mp4c1.htm

[Mark Wein]

http://www.macofalltrades.com/Apple_...cdx30mp4c1.htm

Looks good to me.

[Kerouac]

Looks good to me.

Need to do some research on the chips. That's one of the early Mac Pro designs from the switch to G5. Also need to find out what the RAM cap is.

[alexslashaxel88]

I was thinking about that too....we have a local reseller here who has a few in stock..I'll probably drive are all morning and see what makes the most sense.

Do tell! I was going to pick up a new Macbook Pro this weekend from Cal State Fullerton for around $1099 but I'd be interested in looking at a reseller.

[Zemmy]

i ordered an acer online, it wouldnt even turn on, so i returned it and bought a toshiba at office depot

[matou]

Check out Dell's Outlet Store.

[12Pack]

I've never had a problem with one of these - evarrrrrr!





Plus! They are so easy to reboot!!

[Mark Wein]

Do tell! I was going to pick up a new Macbook Pro this weekend from Cal State Fullerton for around $1099 but I'd be interested in looking at a reseller.

These guys were cool for buying my first iMac and servicing my old laptop

I've never had a problem with one of these - evarrrrrr!





Plus! They are so easy to reboot!!

I ended up with a Levono after looking at everything in my price range at Fry's. Even got a free printer to replace the one that died here last week.

[Mark Wein]

I'm remembering why I hate PC's.

[jelloman]

I'm remembering why I hate PC's.

[Mark Wein]

this thing has so much pre-loaded crap software I'm going to spend the next 2 days just deleting stuff.

I miss my 8 year old Mac already. Fortunately I won't be stuck using this thing forever....

[Kerouac]

this thing has so much pre-loaded crap software I'm going to spend the next 2 days just deleting stuff.

I miss my 8 year old Mac already. Fortunately I won't be stuck using this thing forever....

Clean wipe if you've got the discs to do it. That's always my first move when I bought a new PC.

I'm still really comfortable with my PC since it's my home computer, but I came in to my Mac for the first time in five days and I love the bastard to death...

[jelloman]

Clean wipe if you've got the discs to do it. That's always my first move when I bought a new PC.

I'm still really comfortable with my PC since it's my home computer, but I came in to my Mac for the first time in five days and I love the bastard to death...

uh huh...

[Kerouac]

uh huh...

I have two copies of XP that I've been using since 2001.

[Mark Wein]

Disks? Do you think this is 1995? Nobody ships PC's with restore disks anymore

[Mark Wein]

I have two copies of XP that I've been using since 2001.

This is my first experience with Windows 7. Once I get it all stripped down I'll let you know if I like it or not...right now its in the "dig all the shit that makes it look like OSx" mode and for an i5 quadcore processor with 4gb of memory it shure is bogged down. Just deleted McAffee...

[jelloman]

This is my first experience with Windows 7. Once I get it all stripped down I'll let you know if I like it or not...right now its in the "dig all the shit that makes it look like OSx" mode and for an i5 quadcore processor with 4gb of memory it shure is bogged down. Just deleted McAffee...

...smart move...

there should be afunction in there somwhere for making restore discs...

[Cheese Grits]

This is my first experience with Windows 7. Once I get it all stripped down I'll let you know if I like it or not...right now its in the "dig all the shit that makes it look like OSx" mode and for an i5 quadcore processor with 4gb of memory it shure is bogged down. Just deleted McAffee...

You may not need an antivirus at all, but if you want one, I really like Vipre. Just a thought.

Also, if you want a clean install of an appropriate operating system, you can PM me.

[Mark Wein]

You may not need an antivirus at all, but if you want one, I really like Vipre. Just a thought.

Also, if you want a clean install of an appropriate operating system, you can PM me.

I'll give Vipre a try...

[Lerxst]

I've done hundreds of installs of the following and no one goes back to subscription AV:

Avast
Avira
AVG

I use AVG and Avira at home, my folks run Avast. I'd use any of the three with out hesitation.

[Saturn]

I've done hundreds of installs of the following and no one goes back to subscription AV:

Avast
Avira
AVG

I use AVG and Avira at home, my folks run Avast. I'd use any of the three with out hesitation.

Avast is a great AV. I have it on all my PCs at home even though I could use the managed AV we have at the office. I have seen Avast catch threats most AVs let go.

[_tom_]

Avast works well for me.

I actually just installed Snow Leopard on my computer. It's no quicker than Windows 7 (actually probably a little slower if anything) and the mouse acceleration sucks with my Logitech. It looks so pretty though

[Kerouac]

Avast works well for me.

I actually just installed Snow Leopard on my computer. It's no quicker than Windows 7 (actually probably a little slower if anything) and the mouse acceleration sucks with my Logitech. It looks so pretty though

I've noticed that Leopard was a bit faster, but I'm running an older mac without much RAM too...

[Kerouac]

I dunno what the specs are on the one you got, but this popped up as today's Woot....

http://deals.woot.com/sellout

[aliensporebomb]

Don't forget malwarebytes.org for their superior malware scanner. I also like AVG for antivirus.

Yeah, the new Mac laptops with the corei5 and corei7 processors looks nice but I'm a bit broke at the moment.

I prefer Lenovo/IBM over Dell - the IBM T42 the company gave me ran for 3 years with it running 5 days a week bouncing around in the back of a car and never had a problem. The Dell Latitude D630 on the other hand that they replaced it with was faster but has been thru 3 motherboards, 3 hard drives and 3 cooling fans.

Kind of a lemon if you ask me. Warranty is up in December, hope they replace it before it disintegrates altogether.

[Mark Wein]

I dunno what the specs are on the one you got, but this popped up as today's Woot....

http://deals.woot.com/sellout

I'm not looking. I've already spent my money.

Don't forget malwarebytes.org for their superior malware scanner. I also like AVG for antivirus.

Yeah, the new Mac laptops with the corei5 and corei7 processors looks nice but I'm a bit broke at the moment.

I prefer Lenovo/IBM over Dell - the IBM T42 the company gave me ran for 3 years with it running 5 days a week bouncing around in the back of a car and never had a problem. The Dell Latitude D630 on the other hand that they replaced it with was faster but has been thru 3 motherboards, 3 hard drives and 3 cooling fans.

Kind of a lemon if you ask me. Warranty is up in December, hope they replace it before it disintegrates altogether.

I tried AVG free for the time being for the antivirus.

I've had an account with Dell for 6 years, bought nearly 10 computers from them but the stuff I've been hearing steered me away from a laptop purchase. This one has an i5 processor, 4gb ram and seems like it will last a while...