Which laptop should I get?

When shopping for computers don't compare brands from the start.

Figure out how much you wan to spend. Is that including all the software as well? Remember that you usually don't get a copy of office suite or any antivirus/firewall.

Find out what you want to do with the machine. Prioritize it. Don't be vague. If using certain applications is important, then make sure you look for the right hardware.

Check the specifications. Don't go by what's written on the box. Ask the details about the processor, the ram, the motherboard.

Processors have a processing speed, a cache (L1/L2/L3), a front side bus, and a wattage consumption rating.

Memory/Ram has a speed and latency.

The motherboard has limitations for future upgrades. Ask if the RAM can be updated later, and if you can update the bios to get more out of it 3-4 years down the road.

Other basics:

A bigger hard drive isn't always better. Your computer will spend more time trying to find information. Aim for about 250 Gb or even less and get an external drive for archiving your personal files.

Don't worry about frills that you don't think you'll use. Most people have never used a lightscribe disk even if they have a burner. You don't need a remote for the laptop. you don't need an 18 inch screen.

If you're going to carry it around for school/work, make sure you check the weight. Stick to under 6 pounds, it will add up with the bag/charger/accessories.

If you are in a retail store and you can negotiate, don't ask for a bag or a printer because the cost on those items is low. Negotiate for useful software, an extra battery, or a comprehensive on-site/replacement warranty.


If all else is equal, then Here's my choice of brands:

#1) Lenovo/IBM (same thing), Asus, Fujitsu,

#2) HP, Acer, Toshiba, Dell, MSI

#3) LG, Sony,


Apple is not on the list because that is a completely different buying market. If you really want it, it's in the second group not because they're bad but because of upfront and future upgrade costs.

Remember, RAM and hard drive can be upgraded, and sometimes the wifi card as well. NEVER skimp on the motherboard or processor.

All the best,


Faysal
 
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I've heard Dell is like Nokia among lap tops brands :)

So I've got the new Dell INSPIRION with windows 7
it is great,4gb ramm,so fast,camera is cristal clear...only positives i can say about it.:statisfie
 
Haqeeka' said:
I've heard Dell is like Nokia among lap tops brands :)

So I've got the new Dell INSPIRION with windows 7
it is great,4gb ramm,so fast,camera is cristal clear...only positives i can say about it.:statisfie
Click to expand...

Dell, and HP/Sony/LG/Gateway/Acer, do not manufacture any of the parts for laptops. They assemble them, at most, and provide customer service.

If you want good customer service and a good warranty go with Dell or HP. Just beware that they skimp on motherboards and processors to cut costs and give the casing a shiny gloss. A shiny plastic case doesn't make a good laptop.

All the best,


Faysal
 
Yep. In fact, some brands use the same OEM motherboards, albeit with slight custom layout changes to fit in the cases. Though, the skimping part is more obvious in desktops than in laptops, since they are able reduce cost margins more.

Quid pro quo, assembling quality in laptops would play a greater role in that case, along with the right selection of peripheral components (such as webcams and speakers).
 
I was planning to use my laptop for class assignments, internet, email. Instant messaging, movie, etc things like that. I have my PS3 for gaming. :p

I just want my new laptop to be fast, maybe 4 gigs of ram or so, the laptop has to be good quality and has to last long.

I do appreciate all the help! :)
 
Alhamdulillah I've always liked my Dells. The prices are okay and functioning is good. Don't know much about the rest. Acers and Asus are also reasonably-priced, with good functions.
 
A-Believer-25 said:
I was planning to use my laptop for class assignments, internet, email. Instant messaging, movie, etc things like that. I have my PS3 for gaming. :p

I just want my new laptop to be fast, maybe 4 gigs of ram or so, the laptop has to be good quality and has to last long.

I do appreciate all the help! :)
Click to expand...
Perhaps you can check out Dell Inspiron 14z (the "z" is important).

- Relatively light and thin, long battery life, does not run that hot.
- Upgrade it to the Intel C2D SU9400 processor and you'll get decent performance. Not as powerful as standard Core 2 Duo, but uses a lot less energy and doesn't overheat. Its more than sufficient for the tasks you mention.
- Has a 802.11n wireless card, so you can still take advantage of the 802.11n networks in the future. This is important because you'll be hard pressed to find a cheap 802.11n card that fits your laptop years down the road.
- 4 GB RAM is standard.

You can refer to this link: http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/notebooks/inspiron-14z/pd.aspx?refid=inspiron-14z&s=dhs&cs=19

To see what it looks like, check this video review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr3LTkukQtg
 
Alim Apprentice said:
Perhaps you can check out Dell Inspiron 14z (the "z" is important).

- Relatively light and thin, long battery life, does not run that hot.
- Upgrade it to the Intel C2D SU9400 processor and you'll get decent performance. Not as powerful as standard Core 2 Duo, but uses a lot less energy and doesn't overheat. Its more than sufficient for the tasks you mention.
- Has a 802.11n wireless card, so you can still take advantage of the 802.11n networks in the future. This is important because you'll be hard pressed to find a cheap 802.11n card that fits your laptop years down the road.
- 4 GB RAM is standard.

You can refer to this link: http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/notebooks/inspiron-14z/pd.aspx?refid=inspiron-14z&s=dhs&cs=19

To see what it looks like, check this video review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr3LTkukQtg
Click to expand...

Thanks! That laptop looks like it's really good! :)
 
Like the people here told you before, don't go down the unreliable Dell / HP road. I had an HP and it screwed up all the time just like the Dell my colleague had. WHat you want to use the laptop for is just served by any of the laptops, so go for reliability and battery life, and then if the model you find needs it, upgrade the RAM or features you need.

In the PC laptop arena it's a Toshiba or Lenovo, workhorses with decent reliability, features and battery life. Want something that does more and functions on a whole other dimension, get a Macbook, worth the premium and the culture shock. No one who switched to Macbook is regretting it, while hordes are just switching away from PC-based laptops.
 
But Sampharo, are you assuming about the reliability because of yours and your colleagues laptops only? Perhaps if we increase the sampling size we would get a more accurate picture. At least in this forum, quite a number say Dell is quite good, including their support.

I agree about HP. Many of my friends seem to have consistent issues with their laptops. However, this is probably indicative to the range of models (ones that students can afford) only, rather than high end.

@ AB-25
A little off topic, but I'm a little envious that your getting a nice new laptop AND that you already have a PS3. I'm struggling to run games on my under powered laptop, and the PS3 slim still seems to expensive for me :(
 
Sampharo said:
Like the people here told you before, don't go down the unreliable Dell / HP road. I had anbook HP and it screwed up all the time just like the Dell my colleague had. WHat you want to use the laptop for is just served by any of the laptops, so go for reliability and battery life, and then if the model you find needs it, upgrade the RAM or features you need.

In the PC laptop arena it's a Toshiba or Lenovo, workhorses with decent reliability, features and battery life. Want something that does more and functions on a whole other dimension, get a Macbook, worth the premium and the culture shock. No one who switched to Macbook is regretting it, while hordes are just switching away from PC-based laptops.
Click to expand...

Macbooks are really cool too. My brother has it and it’s really nice.



Alim Apprentice said:
@ AB-25
A little off topic, but I'm a little envious that your getting a nice new laptop AND that you already have a PS3. I'm struggling to run games on my under powered laptop, and the PS3 slim still seems to expensive for me :(
Click to expand...

I bought the PS3 back in 2007. I was able to save up for it but yeah, PS3 is expensive.

I am able to get a new laptop because I recieve financial aid and they give me some extra money that I can spend on what I want I am planning on using it for a new laptop because my current HP laptop is no good.
 
:sl:

You can buy new laptop with a great deal cheap price in EBAY !

I have been ordered Dell Laptop through ebay online, it is working great and perferct. The price was $250 compared to TigerDirect's prices!

Try newEgg.com, Tigerdirect.com, ebay.com, futureshop.com. Research before purchase it. :D
 

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