Laptops/notebooks

[UNODRAGONE]

I am incredibly computer illiterate and have as much patience as a cat on crystal meth when it comes to computers/laptops. Recently, my cousins decided they wanted to buy me a laptop as a graduation gift and have been banging thier heads on which kind to get me. I only need it for school papers, research and the occasional music listening and e-mail checking when I am bored. They have come to the conclusion this one is perfect for me (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9171497&type=product&id=1218044489891) and told me all the fancy features, 4GB DDR2 memory, and 250GB (5400 rpm) and I have no clue what any of this means :( so I was wondering if anyone else out there has had experience buying a laptop and could give me and I am sure other members struggling with this some pointers on what the lingo means and what is a good buy (the one I have picked out included). I have also heard certain brands are crap (like Dell and Gateway) and some are good (Acer and Apples), what do you guys think?

[Klark]

Some lingo for ya.

4 GB DDR2 RAM is 4 gigabytes of double-data rate 2 RAM. DDR2 improved upon the technology of DDR, which allowed for double the data transfer rate that SDRAM could do. Essentially, it's good RAM to have and the more RAM you have, the more programs you can run simultaneously without noticeable lag. It also helps with memory-hungry OS's such as Vista.

250GB at 5400 rpm means you'll have a 250 gigabyte hard drive for storing files such as music, movies and documents. The hard drive's internal discs spin at 5400 rotations-per-minute, which will give it a slower data retrieval speed than a hard drive that is rated at 7,200 rpms.

That hard drive on the machine you linked also is SATA which provides a faster interface that IDE, and SATA is the current preferred interface.

The processor on that machine you have linked is 2 Ghz. That is the speed at which it can process data. The faster the better, which for a laptop and for your specified needs, 2 Ghz sounds like it's plenty.

Looking at your needs and looking at that machine, I would say it would get you covered and then some. I don't know about feedback on an HP laptop, which means I haven't heard anything too bad on them.

I didn't tackle some of the other lingo on the specifications page so others can join in the fray, but if nothing shows up and you still have questions, I'll help out as I can.

[LucimOfTheMoon]

To be honest, HP has never let me down. I plan on getting one when I enter college as they have been the most reliable.

The Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support will come in incredibly handy if yo run out of sharpies or if you are a music nut. It allows you to "burn" an image onto the disk itself making a semi-profesional looking label.

Everything else that really needed explanation was covered by Klark. I'd say that your primos did a damn good job. That thig should last you a helluva long time, and do what you need beautifully.

[GhostBat]

I had a Dell that did me well until I got a desktop.

Nowadays, I recommend Apples for laptops, desktops, etc. They are very user friendly, and are probably a good bet for people who are "computer illiterate".

MacBook (http://www.apple.com/macbook/)

[J.L.R.]

However, Mac's aren't the most cost effective devices. They are quite good though, all of my film maker friends use Macs, whether for digitial animation, or simply writing, although my screenwriter/ animation producer's Macbook Pro keeps crashing...

I have a Gateway that I purchased a few years back for around $640 dollars at Best Buy. I ONLY use it for screenwriting, when I am away from my desktop, as well as listening to music and web browsing. My Gateway is a very solid notebook, albiet Gateway doesn't give any extras.

In reality Uno, even though computers and the tech can become a little involved, I actually use this type of criteria. This will better help you.

Ask yourself what you are going to do with the notebook...
You stated:
Check E-mail
Browse internet
Do term papers
Listen to music

You don't need an uber fast demi-god processor w/ graphics card to do any of those. Almost all notebooks, especially those with Vista/ XP will have Windows Media Player of which you can use to quickly manage all of your music and pictures. Internet Explorer is also prepackaged. Most notebooks also come with a webcam as an added perk.

So in short, you don't need to go out there and buy the biggest, most badass Notebook on the market, if you're not going to use the features.

Until my Gatway, I've always exclusively used HP, as they really make a solid machine. The last computer I had lasted me over 10 years, before I/O switch finally perished. (I/O is geek for on/off switch)

In the end, you want a notebook that fits your needs. You can even get away with getting a smaller hard drive, as if needed, you can purchase pocket hard drives for hardly anything any more.

If you need some assistance during the final purchase, just ask a Geek Squad agent (if going to Best Buy). Just tell them what you need it for, and they will give you a selection that fits you.

[Chriz]

However, Mac's aren't the most cost effective devices.

Although the laptops aren't so bad, price/performance-wise.

A Dell Studio XPS laptop will run you just over $1000. That has:

16" screen
Intel Core2 Duo 2.0GHz
3GB RAM
TI Mobility RADEON® HD 3670 (512MB)
260GB 7200RPM drive


A MacBook costs just under $1000.

13" screen
Intel Core2 duo 2.53GHz
2GB RAM
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics (256MB)
160GB 5200RPM drive


I'm not claiming the MacBook is superior, although you'll probably get more out of those 2GB under OS X than you will out of those 3GB under Vista. And while I haven't seen the Dell's screen, Mac laptop screens are among the best in existence. Plus, OS X is a much better OS in terms of security than Vista (you really can't beat a Unix-based system).

The idea that Mac laptops are terribly overpriced compared to Windows-based machines is a bit inaccurate. There's a reason MacBooks and MacBook Pros make up the single largest laptop manufacturer in the market.

[Vendetta]

There's a reason MacBooks and MacBook Pros make up the single largest laptop manufacturer in the market.
Because Apple is the only manufacturer, compared to the dozen or so major manufacturers of PC laptops?

As for laptops, I've found Toshiba to be consistently a top perfomer (for over 15 years in my personal experience) and usually less exepensive than equivalent Dell's. I hear the new Lenovo's are getting some pretty good reviews/ratings as well.

[Chriz]

Because Apple is the only manufacturer, compared to the dozen or so major manufacturers of PC laptops?

I mean seller.

[DarkWolf]

Dell's are not so bad and my Acer was "meh".

My first laptop was an Acer, it lasted about 3 years before the screen started to have major problems, even though I took good care of it. The problems just kept getting worse until eventually the screen was unusable and it did not allow hooking an external monitor even though all the specifications said it did.

My current laptop and 2nd I've owned, is my Dell Inspiron 9300. It has lasted 6 years and still going well. There are problems with the power internal and external connections but that's my fault. But I can still use it, brilliant screen, and very decent price (then) for what I got for it.

The good thing I like about Dell is you can fully customise it and everything is preinstalled and ready to go before you get it. And their customer service is excellent. I was kept informed of every step from manufacturing, despatch, shipping, and to my address in good time.

People say bad things about Dell, and I fail to see why. I can't fault them in anyway. :shrug:

[BlasphemousHeart]

my Dell sucks... Geeksquad keeps fluffing my repairs...

[Lysander]

For what you plan on using it for, I would say integrated graphics (Intel) over discrete (ATI/NVIDIA) would do just fine. 2-4GB of RAM is perfect.

Most laptops today are more than adequate to do the same functionality as you need. Browsing, watching movies, doing papers, the standard stuff. Computers have gotten faster and components cheaper. I wouldnt get one over $700 for your needs. Although, if you are looking to do some light gaming or casual movie making, a discrete graphics card is definitely a must.

[MetaKittie]

In all due respect, HP is terrible!
Their laptops are absolute crap inside and out!
Buy a Mac Book and don't make my mistake.

Because my model came with a ton of pre-installed crap no one needs! And that crap slowed it down for a while. You have to constantly update and clear it all out and put everything back together, and its a mess!
Don't buy a crappy HP if you can afford ANYTHING else.

Just about anything will work for you, its not like you're gonna go WoW on it or anything. You're just doing minimal things, go for something a lot more work suited, and ignore the pretty design, looks are deceiving!

Why it sucked, btw.

-CD/DVD drive didn't work, right off the bat, had to have someone repair that.
-major software issues/ corrupted files ever five seconds! Not kidding, I can't use half my programs.
-overheats because it doesn't have enough fans! Great design, HP!
-and lastly, the mother board fries every few days and the computer stops working. Leaving me to cool it down, let it die and restart! This takes maybe an hour on a very bad day, but then I'm hoping my data is still all there.

Don't get an HP laptop, just don't.

[UNODRAGONE]

In all due respect, HP is terrible!
Their laptops are absolute crap inside and out!
Buy a Mac Book and don't make my mistake.

Because my model came with a ton of pre-installed crap no one needs! And that crap slowed it down for a while. You have to constantly update and clear it all out and put everything back together, and its a mess!
Don't buy a crappy HP if you can afford ANYTHING else.

Just about anything will work for you, its not like you're gonna go WoW on it or anything. You're just doing minimal things, go for something a lot more work suited, and ignore the pretty design, looks are deceiving!

Why it sucked, btw.

-CD/DVD drive didn't work, right off the bat, had to have someone repair that.
-major software issues/ corrupted files ever five seconds! Not kidding, I can't use half my programs.
-overheats because it doesn't have enough fans! Great design, HP!
-and lastly, the mother board fries every few days and the computer stops working. Leaving me to cool it down, let it die and restart! This takes maybe an hour on a very bad day, but then I'm hoping my data is still all there.

Don't get an HP laptop, just don't.


That is one of the things I am becoming increasingly annoyed with. A lot o the features I have seen I will never use anyways so can't I just ask them not to install it? I am not going to play games on it, or watch TV or anythign fancy, some music listening as I bring my researc together, research and e-mail and the Office programs. How did you get rid of the other fluff they stuck in cause I honestly just want to keep it nice and simple but I want a laptop that won't give me a lot of stress or cause my baseball bat to want to meet them.

[MetaKittie]

That is one of the things I am becoming increasingly annoyed with. A lot o the features I have seen I will never use anyways so can't I just ask them not to install it? I am not going to play games on it, or watch TV or anythign fancy, some music listening as I bring my researc together, research and e-mail and the Office programs. How did you get rid of the other fluff they stuck in cause I honestly just want to keep it nice and simple but I want a laptop that won't give me a lot of stress or cause my baseball bat to want to meet them.

They won't do anything about it. Thats just HP, its not needed. Go for something basic, DON'T buy them, they're crap. iMacs are the best idea for you.
An HP is going to stress you, I promise.

[UNODRAGONE]

They won't do anything about it. Thats just HP, its not needed. Go for something basic, DON'T buy them, they're crap. iMacs are the best idea for you.
An HP is going to stress you, I promise.

Is it like that with all companies? Do all companies automatically install certian features or can I actually find one that will build my computer to my specifications and not charge an arm and a leg?

[Klark]

Is it like that with all companies? Do all companies automatically install certian features or can I actually find one that will build my computer to my specifications and not charge an arm and a leg?

You'll have a hard time finding a company that doesn't pre-install a bunch of applications. It's their way of giving you more bang for your buck.

If you have a tech savvy friend, you can ask them to build you one and only include the programs you ask them to install. Other than that, you will get more programs than what you need.

[Chriz]

iMacs are the best idea for you.

An iMac (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/07/IMac_aluminium.png) is a desktop machine. Isn't UNO looking for a laptop?

I have trouble recommending a MacBook if you're not going to take advantage of Mac OS-specific features. If you know you want one, then they're not really overpriced. But if you just want a basic computer, I'd go with a Dell or a ThinkPad or something.

[Vendetta]

OK, just a few stats from ConsumerReports:

Sony, Lenovo (IBM), Compaq and Toshiba had the lowest percentage of Repairs/Serious problems for 18% of users (from a base of 63,000 users who bought laptops between 2004 and 2008,) while HP had the highest at 21%. Apple, Gateway and Dell all came in at 20%.

CR gave the Toshiba Satellite L305-S5944 their Best Buy pick coming in at around $400. Their high was, of course, the price, and the lows the lack of a Firewire interface, webcam or microphone, mostly.

Apple does consistently get high marks though. In each of their screen-size categories, Apple had a third of the top 5s (so 5 systems out of 15.) And were the #1 rated systems in two of the categories (the MacBook MB466LL/A for $1300 in the 12-13" category, and the MacBook Pro 15" MB470LL/A for $2000 in the 14-16" category.)

I hope that helps. Personally, if you're ever thinking of making a big purchase like this, I find Consumer Reports to be nearly invaluable.

[Fenixblade]

Uno, if you're just going to be using it for really lightweight stuff like that, then I'd recommend a Netbook. They're cheap (under 400 in most cases), but they have enough power to get around the net and do word processing at the same time. If you absolutely need a CD/DVD drive, then you can buy an external one for cheap.

[UNODRAGONE]

OK, just a few stats from ConsumerReports:

Sony, Lenovo (IBM), Compaq and Toshiba had the lowest percentage of Repairs/Serious problems for 18% of users (from a base of 63,000 users who bought laptops between 2004 and 2008,) while HP had the highest at 21%. Apple, Gateway and Dell all came in at 20%.

CR gave the Toshiba Satellite L305-S5944 their Best Buy pick coming in at around $400. Their high was, of course, the price, and the lows the lack of a Firewire interface, webcam or microphone, mostly.

Apple does consistently get high marks though. In each of their screen-size categories, Apple had a third of the top 5s (so 5 systems out of 15.) And were the #1 rated systems in two of the categories (the MacBook MB466LL/A for $1300 in the 12-13" category, and the MacBook Pro 15" MB470LL/A for $2000 in the 14-16" category.)

I hope that helps. Personally, if you're ever thinking of making a big purchase like this, I find Consumer Reports to be nearly invaluable.

that helps a lot I always also check certian brands and stores with the BBB before making large purchases as well. I can't believe there is so much to learn and so much that goes into a laptop! It's really overwhelming but you guys helped me tremendously and I really appreciate that. I just want something simple for school that won't confuse the hell out of me or have me going crazy with major problems. I do think the one my cousins picked out is a bit much so I will continue my search.

[GhostBat]

As you can see...

It's really up to the individual. Everyone has their favorite computer. :p

[UNODRAGONE]

As you can see...

It's really up to the individual. Everyone has their favorite computer. :p

it's good to hear which ones are mentioned the most and why, it helps me narrow down which ones to just pass on by :)

[Tempest]

I'll add my opinion to the fray. I wouldn't recommend a Dell. I have a 3 year old Dell Inspiron that gives me all kinds of headaches. For one, I will randomly lose Internet access and sometimes have to restart my computer to get it back. I can walk literally 5 feet and go from an excellent wi-fi signal to no signal (and it's my computer, not the signal). Sometimes the screen goes black when I unplug it and I have to restart it, and now my power cord has died. I went on the Dell website and the $70 replacement power cord has 2/5 stars and everyone's saying it only lasts a few months before breaking. Some of my computer problems could be due to age, but 3 years isn't that old.

I'm seriously considering just buying a new laptop at this point. Personally I'm thinking a Lenovo because I've heard great things about them and I'm not about to drop $1k on a Mac, especially since my needs are about as basic as yours.

[UNODRAGONE]

I'll add my opinion to the fray. I wouldn't recommend a Dell. I have a 3 year old Dell Inspiron that gives me all kinds of headaches. For one, I will randomly lose Internet access and sometimes have to restart my computer to get it back. I can walk literally 5 feet and go from an excellent wi-fi signal to no signal (and it's my computer, not the signal). Sometimes the screen goes black when I unplug it and I have to restart it, and now my power cord has died. I went on the Dell website and the $70 replacement power cord has 2/5 stars and everyone's saying it only lasts a few months before breaking. Some of my computer problems could be due to age, but 3 years isn't that old.

I'm seriously considering just buying a new laptop at this point. Personally I'm thinking a Lenovo because I've heard great things about them and I'm not about to drop $1k on a Mac, especially since my needs are about as basic as yours.

I checked out the website for the Lenovo and it seems pretty basic and has good reviews :) I am glad this is helping not just me but other people as well.

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087&current-category-id=D4B2E83FADD74C9F8BBA5B276072AD8C

[MetaKittie]

Sony is another good one.
We have a few around the house and they're nice little laptops.

And yeah, I typo'd Chriz. I meant macbook. >.>

[NeonLightChild]

I have a Dell, but none of the Dell software.

Upon receiving it (and any/every other laptop my family owns), everything is wiped and a different OS is put on by a local computer enginerd, usually some form of Ubuntu. It's extremely user-friendly and similar to Windows, with none of the security flaws.

So yes, quite frankly I enjoy my Dell Vostro 1510, mainly because it has none of the Dell shortcomings and I'm lucky to not have to deal with tech support in India.

[Vendetta]

Some of my computer problems could be due to age, but 3 years isn't that old.
Compared to...? :D
Now I currently have a 4-year old laptop and the battery is starting to lose its charge (drains after 20-30 minutes of regular use,) it's got a line of distoerded pixels across the middle of the LCD screen, and it's generally looking quite the worse for wear. To say nothing of how underpowered the processor is now. Admittedly, I treat my laptops a bit rougher than the average user, but still, I don't look at those things as being bad workmanship, I just look at it as the lifespan of a laptop, and I'm gearing up to pick new one in the next few months.


Also, one caveat about the Lenovos, while they've got high marks on a handful of models, some haven't been quite as good. Just do the research and make sure it's getting good marks quite a few reviews.

[Tempest]

Also, one caveat about the Lenovos, while they've got high marks on a handful of models, some haven't been quite as good. Just do the research and make sure it's getting good marks quite a few reviews.

Yes, unfortunately the ones in my price range had some serious downfalls in the reviews I read. One of laptops I was looking at was said to get uncomfortably hot, which would be bad for me since I don't use a desk. All the nice ones I can't afford. So, POS replacement power cord it is. I didn't think 3 years was old for a laptop... is it? I'm hoping that this laptop will last me until I graduate (2 more years) so that I'll be able to afford a nice laptop.

[BlasphemousHeart]

I know ts info maybe late Uno, but Dell's inspiron 1525 has a great amount of memory and speed. However, it has a tendency to overheat if left alone due to the glitch in it's sleep mode.

[Jweller777]

One thing I always thought was strange is that its still pretty difficult to get a 7200 rpm hard drive in a laptop/notebook. Pretty much every one I see has a 5400 rpm, i think because it's more solid.

[Rainheart]

From the two HP Pavilions I've had, the old tower that ran on Windows 95 and the new 'top that runs Windows 7, I can't say I've had any problems.

[Vendetta]

Just thought I'd bump this to talk a bit about Netbooks. I used to think they were a waste (although I know Blueeyes used to talk positively about them,) because for usually $100 more you could get a much more powerful laptop system that included a lot of the things netbooks don't (optical drives, full-sized screens/keyboards, higher quality graphics, etc.) But lately I've been looking at some of the newer netbooks and sort of inbetween hybrids and man for the price, you can get a pretty decent system, that is incredibly portable (this is more of concern for me - as I quickly grey tired of lugging my 5.5lb laptop & accessories around everywhere.) And now a good majority of the higher end (but still under $500) netbooks can run Windows 7 Home (in both 32 and 64-bit varieties.)

So, anyone have any experience with netbooks? Positive/negative feedback?

I'm particularly looking at the ASUS Eee 1201N, which uses the Atom N330 dual core 1.66GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 250GB HDD and the new Nvidia ION graphics chipset.

Another one I'm interested in the Dell Inspiron 11z (iM11 model,) which has a Pentium SU4100 1.3GHZ dual core (and is ultra-low energy consuming - with a faster FSB and L2 cache,) 4GB of RAM, 250GB HDD and a 11.6" HD LED display.

[Sinanju]

netbooks are gods gift to travelers. I lugged mine all over laos, cambodia, vietnam, southern china, and thailand without having to buy another backpack. They're small, cheap, and very effective for basic computing tasks. They weigh under 2 pounds so you can take them anywhere. I would never do that with an expensive laptop that also weighs too much.

tips:
-make sure to upgrade ram to max, most netbooks only come with 2/3 of their ram capacity

-they are not gaming machines. I can run most any video and any computing task but games will overheat them FAST because of the integrated chipset. I play fallout 2, emulators, rainbow six, a few other 90s era games and thats it

-battery life is great, but again make sure you buy a 6-cell, because half of them only come with 3 cell.

-I paid $299 for this acer aspire ( I liked its keyboard and layout better than the EEE.) and its been my only PC for over a year now. Very worth it and it holds up great under heavy usage. The new generation of Ion processors are out now and I may well buy one as an upgrade when I get home, because its just so convienent to throw a 2 pound netbook in your daily work/school bag. I cant even think about using a heavy laptop now, it'll just be dedicated desktop and netbook for me.

-there are many firefox addons that make the browser much cleaner on netbooks. littlefox/tinyfox/etc. these are almost required if you want to browse without scrolling constantly.

[Vendetta]

Yeah, I just don't need a laptop to do much more than surf the web, do some work, and watch some videos. If I want to game I have my desktop system for that.

Although I had heard some of the smaller or older systems didn't really do HD playback very well (I'm not sure if they're counting 720p as HD.) But most of the systems I've been looking at have the Nvidia ION chipset.

[Sinanju]

mine does 720p perfectly, the only issue i've had was a 1080p matroska file that had dual audio.

[Vendetta]

So, I ended up getting the Inspiron 11z. It's a really nice machine that runs fairly quick for such a small system (it's not technically a netbook, but with an 11.6" screen and no optical drive it's pretty close.) I'll be testing out the battery life probably sometime this weekend.

EDIT: Also, it's currently going for right around $500 on Amazon.com (which for these specs is about $200-300 under Dell's website price.)

EDIT 2: So ran it last night on battery only doing software installs and running videos in VLC and I got about 5 hours of battery life. This is incredibly good.

[nicolearos12]

Thats good be happy it last for 5 hours then none at all.:cool: