Laptops

[Bostonfan]

I've searched through the threads and haven't seen anything on buying laptops, so I thought I'd start one. I'm currently looking to buy one (my first laptop). Basically because my desktop is pretty old and I'm looking to free up space. My price range is 500 to 1000. Just looking for some suggestions on where to buy, brand to buy, etc.

[GWB]

I've searched through the threads and haven't seen anything on buying laptops, so I thought I'd start one. I'm currently looking to buy one (my first laptop). Basically because my desktop is pretty old and I'm looking to free up space. My price range is 500 to 1000. Just looking for some suggestions on where to buy, brand to buy, etc.

Go to the Apple Store in Penn Square Mall or go here Apple

[Midtowner]

Go to the Apple Store in Penn Square Mall or go here Apple

Only get an Apple if you're wanting to spend a LOT of extra money for MacOS. Powerbooks are alright, but you can do much better in terms of power vs. performance with other brands using Vista.

You can usually find pretty good deals/coupon codes at gotapex.com.

[Luke]

For the price, Apple is actually the best deal. It can run Windows when you have to, and Mac for everything else.

A Macbook running two OSes for $999 isn't bad at all. Plus, you always get more for the money with Apple. Finally, they're the Honda of computers. You will be able to get more for it in the long run.

Apple Store (U.S.) - MacBook

[Chynna802]

Have you tried online reviews? I have found cnet to be helpful. Laptops & notebooks: Laptop computers, notebook computers - CNET Reviews. That is a link for reviews of all different kinds of laptops.

I have had a Toshiba Satellite for a year and I really like it. It really depends on what you are going to use it for too. Here is a link that will help you decide what kind of general features you will need on your laptop depending on what type of user you will be. Laptop buying guide - CNET Reviews

Hope this helps!

[Oh GAWD the Smell!]

About the only useful advice I can give on purchasing a laptop is counter to my advice on almost any other expensive item, and that is....BUY THE WARRANTY. It's the only item I'll spend the extra $$$ on a warranty.

Computer parts are cheap, widely available, and computers are easy to repair. Laptops are NOT. They're also prone to weird failures due to most of the components not being very robust because of their size. I had the screen fall off one of my laptops!

If you want a Mac, get a Mac. If you want a PC, get a PC. It's an opinion thing. They've both got their pros and cons.

Personally, if I had to buy a new laptop today, I'd probably go with an IBM (made by Lenovo these days).

[SoonerQueen]

Go to Best Buy. They have a big selection of lots of different brands and price levels. I had a Toshiba Satellite until recently. My only problem with the Toshiba was that my granddaughter yanked the power cord out and shorted out the motherboard. I just bought a Sony laptop and really like it too. I would recommend either a Sony or Toshiba.

[MadMonk]

They aren't sexy, but Lenovo (a.k.a IBM) laptops are pretty solid. I'm brutal with LTs and I've torn Dells and HPs to pieces. I've never owned a Sony or Toshiba. My Lenovo T61 takes a lickin' and ... well you know.

[bishop186]

Ugh, I'm sorry to have to disagree with you SoonerQueen, but I would never suggest Best Buy. Not only are they wildly overpriced, they just don't have that great of a selection. Check out Newegg.com though. They're my go-to computer site.

Toshibas, if I remember correctly, are pretty solid. Definitely take a look at the CNET review. Honestly, though, without any information I'd suggest getting ASUS' netbook. Cheap thing that packs more of a punch than you would think.

Honestly, the type of laptop you want should drive your search. It sounds like you want a desktop replacement and we've established a pricerange but there are many more questions. Are you going to want to play games on it? What features are you looking for? Does screen size matter? Do you want it to play BlueRay? etc.

[BailJumper]

We use both PC's and Macs in our home and business. We have 3 PC laptops, a new 24" iMac and a Powerbook Pro.

I agree, you must have a need for a Mac to justify the cost. You can't even get into their laptop for less than $1000. Yet, Best Buy, Circuit City, Staples, etc. often run ads as the Christmas season approaches and you can get a laptop from $400 and up.

Also, despite what the techno geeks will try and tell you, most people only need a cheap laptop - something that plays/burns CD/DVDs, will run office, a game or two and get on the Internet.

If you have been using an "older" desktop then your demands on a computer are probably pretty light.

You only need a higher end laptop if you're editing videos, running applications like Photoshop or like to have multiple application running at the same time.

The wife just bought one of those $299 linux laptops from Target and LOVES it. Personally, it won't do anything I want to do, but all she does is go online, run a couple of office applications and watch movies. PERFECT for her.

I like the little Acer laptop for about $400. Probably getting the oldest teenager one for Christmas.

[bishop186]

Exactly. It depends on what you need to do with it. Honestly, I would suggest just looking up netbooks and buying one of them. They're cheap, in the $400-$700 range, and while they aren't going to be a gaming beast and you won't be doing any 3D modeling but they're good for the average user.

[CG23]

I have an IBM ThinkPad (as someone else said, Lenovo now). I specifically purchased one with Windows XP and NOT Vista. I have Vista on my desktop and I HATE it! I've used a ThinkPad for work for years until changing jobs, and am now using a Dell at work, which is okay.

[Chynna802]

I have an IBM ThinkPad (as someone else said, Lenovo now). I specifically purchased one with Windows XP and NOT Vista. I have Vista on my desktop and I HATE it! I've used a ThinkPad for work for years until changing jobs, and am now using a Dell at work, which is okay.

Just curious as to why you hate Vista so much? I have heard people say that quite a bit, but I have Vista on my laptop and my desktop at work and have had no problems whatsoever with either. What is so bad about it?

[OKCisOK4me]

I have an IBM ThinkPad (as someone else said, Lenovo now). I specifically purchased one with Windows XP and NOT Vista. I have Vista on my desktop and I HATE it! I've used a ThinkPad for work for years until changing jobs, and am now using a Dell at work, which is okay.

You should check out Mojave....IT'S RADICALLY BODACIOUS, DUDE!

[BailJumper]

Just curious as to why you hate Vista so much?

While some people may have valid complaints (techie geek types mostly) I've used Vista and work with many others that also use Vista and it works fine. Considering most people use their laptops for Office applications, email and the Internet it works fine.

I had a few hardware issues, but they were because the maker had yet to provide a Vista upgrade.

I think it's herd mentality. You hear other people say it enough and you believe it. Just like people who claim Mac is so much better than PC.

[Luke]

But seriously, you can pay for one Wintel machine and get one OS. Or you can pay for one Apple MacBook and get two OSes. Remember Apples run on Intel chipsets now, so it's not that Windows is emulated on the Mac. It's a full speed version of Windows that can run on the Mac. The best of both worlds.

[bishop186]

Or you could just go for an Ubuntu (or other Linux distro to your liking) system and not pay for an OS at all.

[CG23]

My gripe with Vista has to do with Excel. I'm a heavy Excel user, and part of it is just that I'm used to where to find everything on XP. On Vista, the menu items are split onto different tabs - and it drives me crazy to have to keep flipping between tabs to get to the function or button I need. A little thing to most, but like I said, I spend hours every day using Excel, but the hunting and switching tabs is enough to make me irritable. Other than that, I don't really notice a difference in terms of functionality.

[Lord Helmet]

My gripe with Vista has to do with Excel. I'm a heavy Excel user, and part of it is just that I'm used to where to find everything on XP. On Vista, the menu items are split onto different tabs - and it drives me crazy to have to keep flipping between tabs to get to the function or button I need. A little thing to most, but like I said, I spend hours every day using Excel, but the hunting and switching tabs is enough to make me irritable. Other than that, I don't really notice a difference in terms of functionality.

Excel (and its menu system) has nothing to do with Vista. It sounds like you're referring to Office 2007, which has a different menu system than the older versions, no matter what OS you're running.

[CG23]

Thanks for the correction Lord Helmet. So in that case - I truly don't have anything against Vista - but I hate Office 2007!

[bishop186]

The thing that bothers me the most about the succession of Windows OSs is that every new system is less and less friendly to the keyboardist. Until the keyboard is a totally outmoded input system, I'm going to be using it for as many of my functions as possible, so stop removing my options!

[Bostonfan]

Thanks for all the info. I don't really need an expensive laptop with a lot of junk on it, but don't want to feel I'm out of date within a month. Yes, I am going to get one in place of a desktop to save some room. Use it for internet, email, music, movies (would like blueray but not a must), and the only gaming I do would be the flight simulators (one day hope to fly for real!), so I think a good graphics card is needed. Heard good things about the Toshiba and Sony and I'm starting to lean that way. Glad to hear good reviews of them on here. Probably go with 15 inch screen or less. I will defiantly check CNET and newegg out. I did talk to Best Buy and the Geek squad will clean it up, put on security and all that for around 125$. Is that worth it, or should I do that somewhere else? Thanks again!!

[Bostonfan]

Oh, forgot to ask this. What are some of the issues with laptops getting hot and low battery life? Some brands better than others? Is it that big of a problem?

[Chynna802]

Oh, forgot to ask this. What are some of the issues with laptops getting hot and low battery life? Some brands better than others? Is it that big of a problem?

I don't have a problem with my Toshiba overheating, it gets warm, but nothing too bad. (They also have lapdesks made for laptops that have fans in them to keep the laptop cool, I think. Not sure how much they are or anything. I haven't found it necessary to have so I haven't really researched it.) As far as the battery life, I don't think they vary too much among brands, but if you are just using it as a replacement for your desktop, you should always be in reach of a plug-in.

[jackirons]

Dell Laptops / Notebooks: Colorful laptops, small laptops, light weight laptops, gaming laptops

Here's some cheap laptops.

If you're going Vista, get at least 1 GB of RAM, 2 would be better.