new laptops

[pierrot]

My computer is about to give up the ghost and I'm looking for a new laptop.

Anyone have a new laptop they'd like to recommend?

Something with plenty of memory, good video capability, decent price.

[trilingual]

I'd suggest one of the new Macs. They can run BOTH the fabulously stable Mac OS X platform AND Windows, so you can have the best of both worlds! Mac is much easier to use, never seems to crash, and if a program freezes you can get out of it without having to restart the entire computer or stop whatever else you're doing. And the prices are now competitive.

[SAdler]

>Something with plenty of memory, good video capability, decent

>price.

 

Well macs are good if you're doing photo and video EDITING ... but otherwise they're relatively useless No we aren't going to have the great IBM Mac War here .... just a joke. ANYWAY.

 

Fujitsu has a great line of laptops but right now I'm loving my new Panasonic Toughbook W4. It's 2.5 pounds and has a magnesium alloy case ... it's fallen from high places open and not a scratch. The ultimate in portability.

 

Although it all basically depends what you need the laptop FOR.

[Seven]

Whatever you get, be sure to check the following:

 

Battery life (some laptops aren't rated long enough to even play a 2-hr DVD all the way through)

 

Wireless Networking (802.11g is the standard these days)

 

As much RAM as you can get (at least 512MB)

 

# of USB/Firewire ports, and other in/out ports

 

 

 

Hope this helps!

 

 

Seven

[Boston Guy]

In order to make an intelligent recommendation, we need to know more about how you will use it and what you will use it for:

 

1. How much will you be lugging it around? Do you want it mainly for use around the home and the occasional trip? Or will be you schlepping it around the African bush country?

 

2. What do you want to use if for? Do you mainly surf the Web and send email? Or are you a photojournalist who needs lots of memory in order to run the latest version of Photoshop CS while also running IView Media Pro and Photo Mechanic? Do you use the laptop to store music? Watch DVDs? Do you have any custom requirements? Do you want it to be a road-warrior kind of office-on-the-road/desktop replacement? Or do you have another machine at home and only plan to use this machine for a trip here and there?

 

3. Is weight a consideration to you? The answer is probably yes so the question should really be how much of a consideration is it? If you're getting on in years, you may not want to lug a heavy laptop with you. And how about screen? Are you a young guy who can read the smallest fonts with ease? Or do you need and want a large, bright screen that will be easy to read?

 

4. What's the approximate budget we're looking at? Laptops used to be really pricey but you can get some very decent machnes for pretty low prices these days. But more money definitely still ups the "toy" factor, allowing you to choose more speed or larger screen or less weight or all of the above.

 

5. Is Mac compatibility important to you? If you've never used a Mac before and are experienced with and happy with Windows-based programs, then you probably are not going to want to shift to the Mac... or are you? The Mac is a good machine and still superior for some things (like photo editing). But the functionality difference has really declined over the last few years and will continue to decline as more apps move to the Web. In fact, one can argue that the Mac is an inferior machine for use with Web apps, since the Mac browsers tend to receive the latest feature upgrades well after their Windows equivalents. And, Apple's latest innovations notwithstanding, I suspect most people are not going to want to switch back and forth between operating systems on a regular basis. Finally, you can still get more bang for the buck on Windows laptops than their Apple equivalents.... but those Macs are nice machines.

 

6. Why are you looking for a new machine? Did the old one die? Was it too slow? Too heavy?

 

Thinking through these kinds of questions can help you determine what characteristics your new machine should have and also help us make some recommendations.

 

BG

[+ deej]

I agree with all of that, BG. It's all about what you want/need to DO with the computer, but I'd toss one more consideration into the fray: tablet. Laptops aren't the only option these days. Even smartphones can be viable for some uses/users.

 

Tablet PCs are getting more and more popular with the ultra-mobile crowd. Couple it with Microsoft's OneNote application, and you've got the ultimate note-taking machine where your hand-written notes can be plopped right into a Word document. They're also great for Powerpoint presentations because you can draw on the screen with the "pen", and they tend to have great battery life.

 

I rather enjoy the ultimate mobility of the tablet. I can sit on my patio (like now) enjoying the summer evening (and a cold beer) while reading and responding to forum posts. I don't have to sit a certain way to support a laptop. I just write on the tablet as I might on a pad of paper.

 

(And yes, they're still a little more pricey than notebooks.)

 

As for Mac vs. PC: well, what do you want to DO with the computer? (This question hasn't changed in the last 20 years!) The server that runs this Message Center is a Mac, by the way. ;-)

[Guest PWIT]

if you want the ultimate in portability - when WiFi is not always an option - take a look at Sony Vaio UX. Escorts take note, looks like it would be an asset for traveling escorts.

 

http://www.learningcenter.sony.us/assets/itpd/notebooks/ux_series/

[+ deej]

> Wireless Networking (802.11g is the standard these days)

 

Another consideration with wireless is an OFF switch.

 

If your notebook is wireless and always finding the local WiFi hotspot, you're also open to any hacker that's working that hotspot. Sometimes you don't WANT to be online.

 

A lot of notebooks are mising the off switch for wifi.

 

May not be important to you, but it could be. It's a consideration.

[pierrot]

Thanks to all for your helpful responses, and I should have given more specifics of what I want.

Currently I have a Dell Inspiron 4000, it's been having lots of problems, like freezing a lots and coming up with messages that something malfunctioned. In any case it's about 3 or 4 years old and on its last legs.

 

What I know I want:

1. PC not Mac, because I use PC at work and need the compatibility.

2. Wireless built in and relatively fast. Currently I have cards etc that I put in to make my laptop work with wireless, but the new one should just come wireless ready.

3. Portability is not much of an issue, as long as the laptop is fairly moveable. I actually rarely take it out of the apartment, but should be able to if I really need to.

4. Usage. I use it to surf the internet, do work on Word and Excel, basic personal stuff like bank accounts, Microsoft Money, etc. Simple home photo uses.

5. Video. Right now it is so slow that downloading videos (like porn for instance) is not really practical, it's just too slow. So I'd like this to be better. Of course I'd also like to have a dvd port, but I don't know if I would ever record a dvd. I rarely watch TV, so would be unlikely to want to record a TV program. Maybe, but it's not a big desire.

6. Audio. I'd like the sound card to give better sound than this one. That might mean buying speakers, which I've never invested in. But if it's music I really want to hear, like a classical concert or opera, I use my cd player. It would be nice to have some improved sound though.

7. Gaming. I never play any games, except one, which is online bridge. For this I don't need any great visual effects, just a fast modem and stable wifi connection.

8. Wifi. I use wireless almost exclusively, but almost always at home with my own transmitter. The new computer just needs to have a good wireless reception so that it is fast and stable.

9. Recording ability. As I said, I'm not too concerned about recording dvd's, but I DO record a lot of audio cd's, and I'd definitely want a system that supports a good cd burning program.

10. Help and support. I need good help possibilities. I am no computer genius to be sure, and often need to consult someone when I'm setting up something new. Dell is good in that it comes with all the software ready to go. Their helpline over the past few years has been of variable quality imo. Unfortunately, you usually get someone in India, and frankly, I have great difficulty understanding their English. By the time I needed the help the most, the warrantee had run out, but I suppose that's true for most products. Maybe it would be better to buy from a local shop where I could take it to ask for help in person? I don't know if it works that way. I'm not against another Dell, I'm just not sure if it really is the best support.

11. Battery power. Although I usually plug it in, since it stays at home 95% of the time, I want a battery with at least some durability. The current one has never lasted very long, and now is down to about 10 minutes.

Thanks all for your ideas.

Pierrot

[+ deej]

PC/Mac compatibility may not be as big an issue as you think. Mac has ALWAYS been able to read PC disks. Files for MS-Office go back and forth seamlessly (more or less). I've also heard you'll find Word/Mac a far superior product to WinWord.

 

We're coming into a time frame when manufacturers will start flushing inventories of Windows XP machines, though, so prices may start coming way down. Windows Vista is due around the first of the year, so the XP machines may go on fire sale.

 

Since you specifically mention Office applications, make sure you know what comes with the machine. A *LOT* of people are falling into the trap of buying machines with "trial" versions of Word, Excel, etc. -- only to find out after 60 days they need to purchase the software. That can change your impression of that great price you paid for the computer.

 

For sound, the bottleneck on any laptop is the speakers. Get a pair. (Probably the only time you'll see that phrase not meant as an insult. ;-)) They're cheap and available pretty much anywhere. The difference will amaze you, even on your current laptop. I no longer have a separate CD player in my home office.

 

Make yourself a checklist with three columns: Must Have, Nice to Have, and Don't Care. Go to BestBuy.com and CircuitCity.com, etc., and start comparing models. If you're comfortable buying online, go for it. If not, go to the store and see if they have that model in stock. DO NOT go to the store to do your shopping until you're firmly decided in the features you want. The pushy salespeople will steer you to the machine with the most favorable commission for them.

 

Do go to the store to try out keyboards and see how the screens look, but don't do that on a buying expedition. Make it clear you're just checking things out.

 

Personally, I send friends to BestBuy to purchase because of their "Geek Squad" repair/support services which are available in most cities. You might want to consider purchasing their extended warranty.

[JamesK840]

Fry's has a hell of a deal...

 

Anybody that lives near one, they've got a Compaq (I was never much of a fan, but things have probably changed) with a 2GHz AMD CPU, *2*GB of Ram, DVD burner, 120GB HD and WiFi for $1029 no-bullshit (in store 'instant discount) price ($30 mail-in too).

 

It's a special for this weekend, they may be sold out already. Don't know what the video subsystem is, but please let us know if anybody checks it out!

[JamesK840]

Also, (can't believe I'm typing this...)...

 

Not too relevant to the main poster's question, but don't automatically dismiss the new Intel-based Macs.

 

The black and white iBook replacements have sucky integrated video, but the titanium ones have good video and all Intel-based Macs can run something called Bootcamp. If you haven't heard of it you should look it up. It allows them to boot into XP *natively*, no emulation, with direct hardware access and accelerated video. So if you have any interest in the mac side you can have it both ways now.

[+ deej]

RE: Fry's has a hell of a deal...

 

I've never been as down on Compaq as some. Their current hardware is really pretty good.

 

Another good place to check out ONCE YOU KNOW YOUR REQUIREMENTS is Costco. It's a really great place to buy electronics. The problem, of course, is you choose from what they happen to have that day. :-( Still, I bought my 64-bit Compaq there, fully loaded, with a 19" LCD, for under $1,000. (They had good stuff in stock that day! ;-))

[Boston Guy]

OK, well, given those requirements, I can say for certain that I can narrow your laptop choice down to any new laptop produced today. :-)

 

Seriously, your list was great. It was exactly the kind of info we were looking for.

 

More seriously, the things you want to do with your laptop give you great flexibility. You don't need ultimate (or even much) portability, so weight and size aren't very important. The apps you mention are not heavy users of computer resources, so processor and memory are not going to be hugely critical. And any decent machine today can support good speakers and create CDs (and DVDs). So you've got lots of choices, which is always good.

 

My recommendations would be:

 

1. Consider getting a slightly larger laptop instead of a slightly smaller one. Since you don't move it much, I'd rank size and clarity of the screen over portability. You should look at the widescreen versions available today -- go to any store selling laptops and do a little window shopping. Talk to the clerks about built-in WiFi support. A LOT of machines support that today. And if you find a machine that doesn't have it but that you otherwise like, you can add WiFi support through a USB plug-in for less than a hundred buck and then it's just as good (seriously) as if the machine had it built right in -- especially since you hardly ever move the machine.

 

2. Don't worry too much about processor speed -- everything built today is pretty fast -- but opt for a fair amount of memory. You may decide tomorrow that you're interested in some new hobby that comes with memory-intensive programs. Memory is cheap and more memory speeds up most machines running most things.

 

3. Think about support ahead of frills. Your needs are generic enough that support can come before bells and whistles. This will probably be driven a lot by where you live and who's selling what near you. But don't forget about the longevity of the actual manufacturer. Dell is likely to be in business and supporting machines for at least the next few years. That may well not be true of some of its smaller rivals. If you're not real sure what you need here, consider this as an approach: do some window shopping to see what machines appeal to you. Then look at Dell's website or call Dell to see if they have a machine similar to what you're looking for. It's not likely you'll end up disappointed with service if you go with Dell. A lot of my friends swear by them, as do many businesses now. Do not buy an IBM machine. They are no longer produced by IBM and the service has taken a huge hit.

 

4. Stick with windows. It's what you know and like and what you use at work. None of the things you mentioned sound like something that would be a lot or even, really, a little better for you on a Mac.

 

5. Do buy some speakers. Pretty good speakers are actually pretty cheap.

 

6. Relax. If you buy a decent machine with a decent screen and a decent amount of memory from one of the major manufactures with a decent service reputation, I think you're going to be happy. A lot has improved in three or four years and your needs are likely to be satisfied by almost any decent machine out there.

 

Happy Shopping,

BG

[SAdler]

>Battery life (some laptops aren't rated long enough to even

>play a 2-hr DVD all the way through)

 

I can get 6 1/2 hours WITH the wireless on

[Lookin]

Deej makes a good point about Mac/Windows compatibility. The Mac folks know that their users also use Windows machines and nearly all Mac software will read AND write Windows-compatible files. Of course, if your work environment absolutely won't support a Mac system, then you're locked into Windows.

 

Here are a few things you mentioned that may cause you to really like a Mac:

 

It's easy to use, and doesn't need much support. When you add any new hardware or software, you just answer a few easy questions, and the Mac does the work. For example, when I set up my network, it asked me a few questions about the kind of security I wanted, and it did the rest; I didn't need to go dig up IP addresses, or do anything techie at all. I have NEVER had to call tech support for anything, and I've owned Macs since before Scott Adler was born!

 

Wifi support is great. I've got a mini-router called Airport Express. I plug it into an electrical outlet, and attach my cable modem to it. I can wander anywhere in the house, and have a high-speed connection. You can plug in another Airport Express anywhere in the house, and it will extend your range, so you can use it in the yard or patio too.

 

Music is easy. Using the iTunes program that comes with the Mac, I've loaded all my CD's onto the Mac. I can put any songs I want onto a playlist, and burn a CD. Nothing else to buy, and nothing to learn. I plugged my stereo into the Airport Express, and I can play all my CD's and playlists through the stereo from anywhere in the house. Same for internet radio - find a station you like, and stream it through your stereo. I listen to music a lot more with this setup than ever before.

 

The software does most of the work. The Mail program that comes with the Mac is great with spam. You tell it what's spam, and what's not, and it learns how to tell the difference. I don't know how it works but, after a brief "training" period, it rarely lets spam get into my inbox, and it never throws away a good email. The browser that comes with the Mac is easy, pretty to look at, and has supported tabbed browsing since the beginning. I usually have one browser window open, and hit different tabs to go to different websites. That's VERY handy when someone is peeking over your shoulder.

 

Last, but not least, I've never had a virus. A few months ago, there was a thread here about different kinds of virus protection programs for Windows, and the work required to keep them updated. It sounded like some of the Windows people were spending hours and days trying to restore their systems, and prevent future problems. I put way too much value on my free time to want to have to go through all that. Every few months, a window pops up letting me know there's a software update available. I click "install", reboot my computer when it's done, and don't think about it for several more months.

 

For me, the best thing about the Mac is that it stays out of my way. I spend my time doing what I want to do, and it does everything else.

 

I didn't intend to go on so long, and I'm sure whatever new laptop you get will bring you a lot of pleasure. Best of luck!

[buckguy]

I've had multiple Compaq laptops from my workplace and have never liked them--slow to boot up and to close down (very annoying in airports). Awkward keyboards. I never likedtheir PCs, either.

 

Dell has almost constant sales which have narrowed the price gap with compeitors. People I know have had good luck with reconditioned Dells, which are relatively cheap (although often close to sale prices on new ones). I've been debating about the VIAO for quite a while--the best laptop picture quality I've seen, even on the small screen, but the price is hefty and when they have problems, the problems never seem to leave.

[Epigonos]

If you are looking for specific brand recommendations I would have to agree with SAdler. Fujitsu makes a great line of computers. If you want something less expensive look at some Acer's. I don't know where you live but most major cities have computer radio programs which will provide you with the name of a laptop shop where you can go with your specs and try a variety of machines.