Laptop Recommendations

[Pelican]

I want to get a laptop for mobility in the house. The only thing I'll be using it for is internet surfing and AIM. I want to go as inexpensive as possible, I do all my other work on my desktop. Any suggestions on specs or a laptop in particular?

Thanks!

[apgarconstruction]

I don't know about anyone else, but I don't really think you can go wrong with a Dell laptop. prices are right and you can get it all setup wireless. i've thought about getting a second computer and it will be a laptop for sure. so ic an take it with me in the truck sometimes too.
the processors just aren't as fast as the desktop models.
not without paying a fortune.

[John DiMartino]

Ive been tossing around getting one for yrs,Id like to do what Steve said,and watch an occaional movie,and run some mapping software.If i could set up my plow route sheet on it too,and keep track of it that way it would be even better.I have been looking,but i just dont know what is and isnt important with them.

[Pelican]

I haven't had real good luck with Dell. My desktop has had a couple warranty repairs and this laptop, an Inspiron 1150 has been back for a new motherboard. It has to go back for a battery recall now too.

[hlntoiz]

I purchased a Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop this Fall. I love it. It is very fast and powerful. I use quickbooks and surf alot so I wanted something powerfull. Plus it has a DVD player and DVR Burner. I take it to all my clients houses when I look at work and show them pics. also I have put together contract right there and emailed them later. Worth its weight in gold then. It cost me $1000.00 but worth every penny, plus It was a right off.

The biggest plus is when I get home I want to relax I take my laptop to the couch I am more likely to do my proposals, billing, LTS (plow porn), ebay or what ever. I can watch the game and spend some time with the women instead of sitting at a desk in an office. Much less stressful.

[jakegypsum]

Two of my nephews are using HP laptops for school. Plenty of power for their book report/term papers and other school related items. Also great for movies, games and the big thing, Ipod music library plus they have wireless cards for their high speed and WYFI internet connections. No probs that I have seen.

I do like Dell computers and we have several at our business but one thing I will say is that their service has yet to be desired. I had one PC that was set up with a modem for dialup internet. The darn thing would never work correctly.

Dell sent us a new modem and software for the PC. I installed it, got it running and had no prob for a while but it acted up again. The worse thing was that Dell kept charging us for anything they sent us. Plus, Calling the service dept and getting someone overseas on the phone didn't make me feel any better.

Jake

[PSDFordMan]

A recommendation will have a lot to do with your intended application, as always.

If your intention is using it solely around the house, then you just have to find the options you want. Most come standard with a DVD player/CD player/CD Burner, the DVD Burner is an optional toy. I have it on mine, but I haven't bothered using it yet. You need ungodly amounts of hard drive space to effectively rip a DVD. Somewhere around 100mb a minute from what I've heard. Anywho..

If you're intending on using it extensively without being plugged in, you'll want to look for a laptop that has the extended runtime technology. Cost you a few more dollars but you'll have less headache worrying about battery life.

For business and cost effective purposes only, here's a few I would recommend. Keep in mind these do not have ALL the bells and whistles, but enough to make them very versatile.

This one features the mobile technology, includes the internal wireless card and extended battery life.
Compaq Notebook (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat64400050003&type=category)

This one doesn't have the mobile technology, and slightly more exspensive. However, I trust HP far more than I ever have Compaq. The many Compaq computers I've owned in the past have had severe issues with loading new software and hardware. Something about the way the drivers are set up..

HP Notebook (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7651061&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat64400050003&id=1134699629268)

Any finally, this is the laptop that *I* have. hehe. I went a little overboard. The only thing more high powered than this at the time was a home theater system with a computer screen.

HP 6000 Series (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7478348&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat64400050004&id=1125465830387)

[brunosplace]

Here is what I am using. http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=68953&catGroupId=32001&modelNo=Toughbook-29&surfModel=Toughbook-29 Can't beat it, very durable, it has been dropped off of a loading dock and lived to tell the tale (oops). using it for maps, routing, email, speed sheets, databases. and occasionally movies, I have ripped and duplicated discs with it. Warning, it isn't cheap by any means!! LOL

[gslam88]

Steve,

One thing to keep in mind for the laptop.. you will want wireless built in. Look for 802.11g. You can easily attach a wireless router so you can have wired and wireless computers both connected.

As far as laptops, you dont need the newest and best for what your doing. Save the money and get something just a couple steps down. I like Dell laptops myself., but no matter what you go with as with any prooduct you want support. So stay with the major laptop players. Electronics do break down, but how was the service with Dell. I find them to be good. I personally would never own a Toshiba, worked on to many and just hate them.

You can look at www.pcworld.com , www.pcmag.com for more information. They have good information to help you.

If you need help, let me know

Pete

[T-Zab]

Its funny you guys are thinkin the same as me about a lap top purchase.
What about something used from e-bay ?
Is it askin for trouble ? I really would like something to just run quickbooks , and maybe backup for internet use. My daughter is six now LOL so we share, but I do "need" to check weather (like tonight) and she may be online. She gets upset when I cut in on her Barbie.com time.
Anyway I have been in ultra el cheapo mode lately, Sammy is kickin my butt this spring so major purchases are gonna have to wait. The truck comes first so hopen to get a cheap laptop. Help
Todd

[pbeering]

Laptops have become a commodity. There are a variety of price points, with various features at each, usually processor, screen, and weight.

Some things to look for:

1. weight - if you have to lug it, lighter is better.
2. operating system - either XP or MAC
3. processor - if within the budget, dual core processing, and video accelerator are good ideas.
4. memory - XP is hungry. while it will run on 512MB, 1 gig or more is a better bet
5. built-in 802.11g and 10 base 100 networking
6. memory card slots
7. dual layer dvd with burning
8. keyboard layout - a number of companies have some pretty strange designs
9. is it a "one drop" machine? - a couple of magazines do some pretty real-world tests on these machines, including dropping them off desks, out of airplane bins (my favorite) and spilling coffee onto the keybard.
10. price


I have a Toshiba with 500,000 air miles on it and just acquired an ultra portable Sony Vaio. The Panasonic Toughbook series is armored, but that may be overkill.

[snowplowjay]

I have a "fleet" of Dells and I can't say that I am fully pleased...

I owned one Gateway and that was enough for me to say NO MORE. As far as the Dells I have 2 laptops and 2 desktops and my original Laptop is going on 5 years old and it has been through 4 hard drives, 2 sets of fans, and 2 plug units and currently I can't keep it running right for more than a day or two before I have issues with it. My older desktop has been through 2 hard drives and thats about the only issue that I have had in it. My new desktop is about a year old now and the only issue that I had with it was a clip breaking off of the wireless keyboard but that got solved super quickly by Dell. The new laptop has never had a problem but gets used very rarely. My father uses it most for quick email checks and it rarely sees use.

I have always spent the extra $$$ up front to upgrade memory/harddrives etc right off the bat so that I am ahead of the game... And I honestly think that is a good recommendation for anyone who uses their computers on a daily basis for more than just a quick internet check etc...


I am thinking about replacing the older laptop very soon so this is a great thread :D

Jay

[John Banks]

Steve, I was reluctant at first to reply in this thread but here goes...I would never purchase any of the following (again)...Compaq/HP, Gateway, Dell, Toshiba. I would not hesitate to purchase IBM/Lenovo or Sony. Here's why, IMO...

I have done a lot of research recently, as I too am in the market for a new notebook. I have had a few over the years, Toshibas, HP, Gateways, etc. Currently I have a Gateway and it's certainly had it's share of troubles. This is my second Gateway notebook (don't ask why I purchased another one) and each of them have been through, literally a dozen hard drives, they eat batteries, power supplies, etc.

Compaq/HP is all their own proprietary inards, which again, imo, do not hold up well. Toshiba is ok, but again, problematic. Dell and Gateway, forget it unless, Like Jay said, you want to keep replacing HDs, etc.

Last year, I worked on a project with a gentleman, who at the time was working for IBM, he was their top research scientist, etc. and he had a houseful of Sony Viaos. This told me something...He is now with UBS and still has all Sony equipment.

Currently we are doing a project for the VP of Finance and Operations of IBM. While she is not a tech person, her house is obviously outfitted with IBM equipment, which after much research is pretty much bullet proof.

Again, I have done a lot of research and for me, while it may cost a bit more, I have decided on the IBM ThinkPad T43.

Years ago, my father did some consulting at IBM, he is very fond of their equipment. My wife recently upgraded all of the computers in her office to Dell. I tried to talk her out of it, but that's what her IT guy receommended. She is happy with them so far.

Hope this helps.

[Grn Mtn]

...I want to get a laptop for mobility in the house. The only thing I'll be using it for is internet surfing and AIM. I want to go as inexpensive as possible....

I've had Gateway and Compact desktops in the past, then I got a Dell 8600 Inspiron LapTop 2 years ago. Between my kids, wife and me it is on 20 HOURS a day! No joke, and the battery just died. We use it for a portable DVD player when we go on vacations and it is set up wireless. I will forever own a laptop over a desktop, desktops do have there purpose but that is not your question.

For what your asking I cannot give you a specific model recommendation, but I will tell you what I see as important based on experience.

Make sure you understand how it will be used and buy enough of a computer to fulfill those needs--duh.
If it truely is just for the wireless internet at home than you DON'T need a built-in dvd/cd drive, external is better, they last longer and take weight out.
Get the extra battery option.
You DON'T need the "best" resolution screen, but DO get a "wide-screen" model.
Load it up with a GIG of Ram, Processor speed IS important.
Yes you want built-in wireless, but make sure you can also slide in a cell-phone card and use it on the road(I know you didn't mention it but I bet if you could you would.)
Make sure it has atleast (2) USB 2.0+ ports, more would be better.
If you had to have an option, Audio/Video inputs would be my choice.

[wyldman]

I've probably gone through about 30 laptops and tablets.I've tried them all,and there are only two I'd recommend.IBM,and Acer.

John summed it up pretty well.Stay away from Dell,Compaq\HP,and the others.

IBM's are built tough,fairly lightweight,and super stable.They might not have the impressive specs compared to some in their price range,but they are still good value too.I think that is one of the reasons they are so stable,as they aren't always using cutting edge hardware,or pushing the limits.

Acer builds a decent lightweight well spec'd laptop,at very reasonable prices.They have several models under $1000 CDN with everything you would need.

For what you are going to use it for,an entry level 15" widescreen laptop is all you need.If you want a little more portability,consider a 14" model,as they are usually lighter.

CPU - A Mobile Celeron or Mobile Sempron will do what you need it to do,and they are cheaper than a P4,Pentium M,or Turion.Do not by a P4 or any desktop chip style laptop,as they get real hot,and are uncomfortable to use except on a desk.The Mobile Celeron is the coolest running CPU.The Pentium M is almost as cool,and gets phenominal battery life.If battery life is important,then go Pentium M.

Memory - 512 MB MINIMUM,1 GB preferred.Consider buying one with 512 MB,then addding another 512 MB,it's cheaper.Make sure it has a slot available.

Hard drive - don't be as concerned about size,as you should be looking for speed.5400 RPM minimum,7200 RPM preferred.A slow hard drive will make the machine crawl.

Wireless - 802.11 G preferred.Most will come standard with that now.

DVD burner - dual layer is nice,you may have to go slightly above entry level to get it.

Screen - Get the biggest you can,and still keep within your price range and weight.Go with a widescreen,as you get more veiwing area.

You will probably find you like it so much,you will quickly abandon your desktop,as use the laptop all the time.Why have everything in two places.So it may be worthwhile to spend a little more to get a good machine.

[Ecurb]

Wife is in the field with her company and has 100s of laptops. Hated dell but she ended up buying one for me. 3 months and i love it. She tells me that its the best bang for the buck now. Thye have changed customer service back to the states and trying to change there image a lot.You can build it online.I really like the wireless....dont know how i did with out it. Just yesterday i put the 150s on to watch the running order.Love my dell so far.
Around here i wont take it with me in the cars or trucks.Theft is real big on them.

[ShawnD1972]

I have a Toshiba at the office and I hate it and would not recommend it. I purchased an IBM Thinkpad about 3 years ago for one of our employees and it has worked flawlessly. I highly recommend it. If you or someone you know gets Consumer Reports I believe they did an article on this topic and IBM was near the top. We also have Dell's and like many have said they are good but some have minor issues from time to time.

[Earthscapes]

I disagree about the HP comment. I'm running a HP zv6000 AMD 64 3200 laptop and have been for the last year. This little bugger is strong and does everything I need it to. Wireless internet adapter, so I can suck off Starbucks and Kinko's when I'm out on the road and my house when I'm home. Plus It has enough power and a good enough card to play NHL 2006 when I'm bored and watching the snow add up. It also has a dvd burner for them "free" movies I find. My wifes HP AMD 64 desktop basically turned into the kids puter as all she uses is my laptop. My desktop AMD 64-FX, I built from scratch for gaming and the thing is sick and very costly.

Only thing I suggest is go AMD as they are faster than an INTEL any day.

[Will]

My laptop is a slightly older IBM T23, I like it. The original hard drive, however, fried out last year. I brought it to the IT guy for the company I work for, he said it was a design flaw that caused the hard drive to overheat. I tend to believe him, he's pretty damn good when it comes to computer stuff.

Stuff I would buy:
IBM
Sony
HP

Stuff I would stay away from:
Compaq
Acer
Dell
Gateway

Iffy:
Panasonic
Toshiba

[Pelican]

I appreciate everyone's input!! My brother in law is a IBMer, I'll check and see what kind of deal he can get on one. I know too many people who have had problems with Dells to try another one, I've had problems with both ofmine too.

[gslam88]

Steve,

I am sure you are talking about new.. but just so you know.. I was at a computer show today.. they had some laptops .. IBM, and others. They were older units.. PIII and some newer.. but price range was from $300 to $450 or so.. just more food for thought...

Pete

[2004F550]

Got an HP pavilion from Best Buy and this thing has been great.....spend about $1,000 including warrenty, software, set up.....had dell and will never go back...sick of talking to India over the phone and trying to get work done on them....just drop mine off at Best Buy and its ready the next day, if I ever need too, which i havent yet.....HP seems to be the most used by kids at my college...seems to be the best choice imho....

[PSDFordMan]

Drop it off and pick it up the next day? That's a laugh and a half. While Best Buy does stand behind it's products very well, and their warranty is a good one, everyone I've ever talked to who has had warranty work done on computers from Best Buy has had to wait 1-3 weeks for them to ship it off and be repaired elsewhere.

[Pickering Snow]

I must be lucky i have ran Gateway for about three years my gateway laptop is a s-400 works well and has had a rough life. I have a Toshbia that i just bout my daughter for Christmas and thats cool its built in wireless . I just replaced my desktop two weeks ago with a Gateway with a GT5028 the thing does more than ill ever use. When i took on the Napa autocare program they supplied me with compac's had nothing but problems trying to run napas software.

Wireless is IMO the only way to go i do work for a private company up here that fixed me up big time the router is a private label long range unit a word of advice on this just because a person is running the same IP adress doesnt mean there at the same location just a fyi lol . Netgear makes some pretty good stuff but nothing compared to this companys stuff only problem i have is once in awhile i have to reboot the router we have several pc's running off wireless protecting your IP addy is the other word of advice if your running high distance routers. Network setup is very critical.

[urethane dino]

I am writing this on an HP pavilion ze 4100. Just changed the power plug adapter after 4 years of use. It doesnt have a built in wireless, but does have a wireless card adaptor. We just bought a compaq presario V 4000
Best buy had them on sale for 650.00. First one lasted 2 days, next one has been fine. I would suspect a mother board, or windows XP issue. Didnt wait for a diagnostic, just had it replaced.
A good friend has a laptop for sale. $ 400.00 takes it, I can get you details if you like. He is an IT guy for the CT votech schools, so the machine will be in good operational condition.
Dino