SERIOUSLY NOW...

dzlfitr · #1 04-02-2009, 10:06 PM

Gonna be getting a laptop in a few weeks. I'm gonna stop
at Best Buy and test drive a few. Really not sure
what to look for. Not into gaming, just surfing, pictures, music,
maybe some fuel management. So, I guess the real question is,

PC or Mac?....good, bad, ugly....Let me have it.

Just remember, opinions are like assholes, everybody has one,
and they all stink.

thanks...dzlfitr

mudslinger · #2 04-02-2009, 10:09 PM

I have a dell that i like pretty well and was affordable lots for ram decent processor

TalonChief · #3 04-02-2009, 10:17 PM

I currently have a Lenovo Y530. Really like it, but their shipping sux ass like the day is long.

Had two Toshibas over the last 8 years that both eventually broke due to Windows updates breaking their not-quite compliant ACPI implementation.

Dell is good. Bought Spas a Sony that is pretty nice too.

Mac will require you to turn in your nutsack.

Thorns · #4 04-02-2009, 11:16 PM

Computers are like motorcycles...what are you're going to use it for?...You can't get a processor Mhz that's too fast, video card should be the best you can afford, 4 mb is a good amount for the memory, and 200 Gb hard drive is good for a normal person. YMMV...everyone has an opinion.

Thorns

BillyB · #5 04-02-2009, 11:40 PM

I'd go for a mid-range Dell model and get the extended warranty. Laptops are a lot more prone to failure than desktops and getting anything fixed on a laptop could easily end up costing 50% of the original value of the laptop.

I prefer XP but if you get a laptop that comes with it pre-installed, Vista is a good option. Be sure to get at least 2GB of RAM, more if you can...just sayin'

why_me · #6 04-03-2009, 05:09 AM

I agree with Billy, go with a mid range Dell. The Latitude series are good all around laptops. Don't skimp on the warranty. Go with at least a 3 year warranty, in home service, screw that mail in stuff, which if you go to one of the Box-Marts, you'll be getting the mail in warranty most likely. It breaks, they send you a box, you send it in, they delete everything to start from scratch and mail it back to you a month later. You go without a PC for a month and have the added bonus of losing your data. Get the fastest processor and the most RAM (memory) that you can afford. For home use, the operating system doesn't really matter. You'll be somewhat hard pressed finding a new machine preloaded with anything but Vista at this point. If you hold out a bit longer, Windows 7 will be out.

Also, whatever you get, make sure it comes with all the CD's you will need to completely reload the computer should it have a failure of some sort. A lot of these new ones are trying to save $$ by leaving out the media and creating a restore image on the hard drive for you to be able to put the computer to a factory fresh state. This does you no good should your hard drive crash.

Backroad Mike · #7 04-03-2009, 05:47 AM

A computer wizard friend of mine told me yesterday of the newest tactic on the "HOT" deals. They load office software that expires after 60 days unless you pay to upgrade to the full version. In the end, they don't end up being the "hot" deal you thought.

y2kflhr · #8 04-03-2009, 06:15 AM

I have a dell 1505 its about 3 years old, it survived a glass of wine, but in the meantime I had bought an HP and hated it, the keyboard is gray with light numbers, you can't see them at all in bad lighting.

d j · #9 04-03-2009, 07:32 AM

I purchased a Dell E6400 laptop for work. I really like the back-lit key board. I gave up on the laptop touch pad mouse and purchased a BluTooth mouse.

Highmiles · #10 04-03-2009, 07:54 AM

I've had 3 Dell's and have been happy with them. No issues.

FXDRYDR · #11 04-03-2009, 08:40 AM

Long time ago we bought about 100 computers where I worked. Went with a mix of brands and then tracked which had fewest issues. Dell by a good margin. Since, I've bought Toshiba and Dell laptops for personal and business use. Both have been fine, but I like Dell because when you do need their service - it's solid. Toshiba... I'm dealing with a green-haired kid at Best Buy... IMO, YMMV.

NSBK · #12 04-03-2009, 08:45 AM

I have a Mac and Old PC at home (both desktops not laptops). I love the Mac, but some specialized software (ie pilot stuff) is only available on a PC, I would guess that to be true for tuning software too. The Mac is bulletproof, but expensive.

At work they give us HP's, I have only had one Hardware failure, I can't speak for speed as they load them down with junk that slows them down. If I could I would have a 5th grader fix it for me.

The Mac's now have a dual boot option to boot native Windows, but I have not tried it yet.

Dirty Dan · #13 04-03-2009, 08:52 AM

Dell computers are where it's at. You can customize them the way you want. And if you want to save money, go to the online Dell Outlet Store and buy a returned or scratch and dent item.

Scabbydoo · #14 04-03-2009, 09:42 AM

Have had a few models of both Dell and HP, company provided and now have an HP Pavillion for my business. Have had good luck with both.

Bofinn · #15 04-03-2009, 10:24 AM

Another vote for Dell. HP would be 2nd choice.

2GB memory minimum, 3GB good, 4GB better.

min. of 256MB of video memory

5,400rpm hard drive is a bottleneck, upgrade to 7,200 RPM, 120GB min. 250GB or more would be best.

standard 6 cell battery, 9 cell would be better.

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and most important: set up a backup routine from day #1, I don't want to hear you crying when you lose your digital pictures, blah blah blah!

http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=144498