laptops

[tyota]

whats the best laptop, vaio or mac
or something else
I don't have a specific use just need the best overall
thanks
Nick

[tyota]

oh and any suggestions on wireless internet providers?

[shannonmac]

mac
i have a G4 laptop, love it
:)

[jpotts]

I don't know much about Macs, but many people who use them love them.

If I were going to buy a Windows laptop, I'd spend some extra cash to get a business class model like a Dell Latitude. The only reason I would do that is because in my experience the support on those are way better.

If it were for me, I'd also consider getting something like a Panasonic Toughbook so that it could survive on the trail. They are pretty expensive though.

[ademster]

I would say for something cheap but works great, I would get a Compaq Presario, of course new model.

or for best performance and speed etc. Sony is one, Alienware is another, and of Macs. they lappys are nice... but I am not a mac person, so I can give your details.

depends on what your going to do with it to help guide you..



Jpotts... is that avatar a picture from the movie Doney Darko?

[tyota]

thats what I've got now is a compaq presario, works just fine, but it's kinda old.
not really sure that I've got a specific use for it, just want something new but it's hard to choose from 1000 different options

[mingoglia]

If you like the Mac OS then you can't go wrong with the Mac. If you like or are used to Windoze Dell has some great deals and I've had good luck with them. I picked 3 up for the office right before Christmas for about $600/ea, with 15" screens, XP Pro (not Home Edition), built in wireless, and DVD... This was the normal price for consumers... I didn't get a break or anything for 3.

Mike

[1BLKJP]

I've always had good luck from my HP laptops. The occasional problem I had HP service took good care of it.

Never used a mac.

[joedokes28]

I buy Lenovo's (IBM's) for work and they work well,are well made and, warranted for three years but also on the pricey side. I'm picky when it comes to pc's and I like dell as a company but their laptops are just too flimsy and plasticky (are those words?) for me.

[Tony_T]

Ive always bought HP's and have found they suit my needs and their price is always reasonable, more than enough features allready on them. My last Compaq (HP owns them) froze up after a few months of use and one call into the warranty dept and I sent it off and got it back a week later just like new. Their call center seems to always be outsourced (India), but thats common now-adays with all most of the companies and they are no more or less helpfull then before.

I have also heard good things about Dell. However you have to be more particular on what components you want and the software you need, often paying more for them. Thats what made me choose HP again.

A few years back I spent a few grand on a kick *** laptop, but a year later it was obsolete and was constantly a problem once out of warranty. Now I just buy what I need between 1000-1500 and that way when it takes a dump on me I can toss it, or give it away, and but something new.

[Wayco]

Nick,

Sharon here.

I buy many Dell computers...and am unlikely to purchase another Dell Laptop. Two problems: They do not travel well. If you are taking it on the road/offroad you can expect many issues - I broke at least three Dell Laptops before getting the Panasonic Toughbook. Second problem: many people use laptops as a desktop replacement. I've run through two Dell laptops which had the same issue with heat buildup and burning out hard drives, in addition to the fact the serial port is on the motherboard, not a separate unit, and I've blown them out on a fairly constant basis, which requires an entire motherboard change - not fun. This, of course, would not be an issue if you are not using any legacy devices.

I agree with Tony T - get what you need between $1000 - $1500, make sure that it has Blue tooth and BUILT IN wireless networking, everyplace you go has wireless access, don't try to use wireless pc cards in pcima slots - been there, done that, problems, problems, problems.

Although I am very pleased with the Toughbook, it's downside is a) it's expensive; b) limitations in how much RAM and Hard Drive memory that you can stuff it with (I am a POWER user); and c) did I mention it is expensive? But Wayne and I have taken it everywhere, especially on jeep trails and rock crawling, and use it 24/365 as a desktop replacement for Waynes secondary computer station.

I recommend you buy the latest copy of Computer Shopper and PCWorld, both available at any grocery store magazine section, and read what is hot now and how the customer service is rated. The main reason I still buy Dell desktops is their customer service (and the fact that I don't destroy them in quite the same manner as the laptops...:rolleyes: )

[xFallen]

whats the best laptop, vaio or mac
or something else
I don't have a specific use just need the best overall
thanks
Nick

Are you sure you didn't mean lap dance?

"Best" will depend on what you want to do with it Nick.

Pretty sure it comes down to this: if you prefer to wear pink or frilly panties, go with the Mac. I think that means you want the Mac unless you really are looking into the lap dance. Can't help you there.

You'll pay a premium for a comparable Apple box but if that's what you want for whatever reason, that's what you should get. For true general use for a neophyte, the Windows platform is probably the way to go for better or for worse, not necessarily because it is superior technology but because the knowledge base is broad and deep. You're more likely to get the immediate help you require when you want or need it.

Otherwise there are a number of options. Some of the Sony notebooks get good reviews but I know first hand they can be problematic over time. Some of the Dell lineup are good and a decent value. The higher end HPs have been very good on all counts. There are also very pricey (Windoze) alternatives that put you well into and often above Apple Pro notebook territory but I doubt you'll be looking into those.

Choose a display size. Look around at a few and choose a target weight then go from there. You'll soon have a list of features and that can help you narrow it down.

Now that Apple has been assimilated into the Intel hive the silly processor wars are moot. Just avoid anything that says Celeron if you want better performance.

Get wireless everything. You'll use it eventually. Mine has 802.11A/B/G but no Blue tooth and no N. The A variety may go away so don't worry about it. You can add stuff later but why not get what is important to you out of the box. A wired Ethernet port is good. Lots of USB ports are nice. A multi-digital media port is also nice (SD/MS/MMC/XD), as is PCMCIA. Many or most have DVD writers and CDR/W drives in them these days too. If you are planning to use Skype or other IP telephony services an integrated mic can be a bonus but far from necessary. Hard disk space is something to watch also, but most decent machines have a pile of it, just be sure to get a ton. Knowing you, you'll want it for music and vids.

I know this isn't your bag, so just look for those terms when reviewing the glossies.

That is presuming you even read this, Bisshey (http://www.cmc.me.wisc.edu/Personnel/Eric%20Cotte/cotte/personal/books/shelley.html).

[jpotts]

Jpotts... is that avatar a picture from the movie Doney Darko?


Yeah, it's Frank the Bunny. The movie is strange, but it's one of my favorites - along w/ Blackhawk Down

[John_P]

I have owned three Dell laptops. No Problems.

[samdog3]

Only A Mac

[mbuckner]

Panasonic Toughbook

[jpotts]

I have had good experiences with Dell Latitudes. Even when we have had some problems, Dell has been quick to fix them. I have seen some issues with Dell Inspirons. The Inspirons are the consumer brand and Latitudes are business class.

[Phx Cobra]

I buy mostly Lenovo(IBM) notebooks for work, particularly the T series.
I have had excellent luck with them, they are a bit more pricing, but durable as hell, and with the 3yr onsite warrenty, I get U.S. customer support, and next day repair if needed.

However, if it was me buying a personal notebook, I would go with a Apple Macbook Pro. The regular macbook is also very nice. I just like the ease of use that the Apples have, since I work and troubleshoot windows all day its nice to come home to something that just works and don't have to mess with it to use it. I currently have a Thinkpad T43p, and looking to trade it up for a macbook.(hopefully work will let me do that here in the next year :) )

[Miles2go1979]

I have friends who have macs too. One loves his because he does a lot of video making and media stuff. The other one is regretting hers because a lot of programs she wants to use are for windows and in order to do that she had to buy some expensive software which slows down the system and limits alot of the windows based stuff

My wife has a viao and loves it.

[SavageSun4x4]

Lots of good laptop out there, Mac, Panasonic, Dell, etc, etc. The Panasonic Tough-book is great for its ruggedness, but there is a price tag that comes with it. You can mitigate this with many of the laptop carriers/bags that are available.

Not knowing for sure what you want to do with it other than just general use, the ability to play DVDs, movies, talk and view friends on the net [you need a camera for this], log on to my-space etc most laptops can be configured for all of that one way or another. The Mac is easy to use, very powerful generally free from viruses and one of the best operating systems available. MicroSoft provides MS Office for the Mac [MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint are almost anyone needs]. To that end here is a very nice low cost $1299 MacBook.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=A4791B5D&nclm=MacBook

Specifications:
13.3-inch (viewable) glossy widescreen, 1280 x 800 pixels
2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
1GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x512
80GB Serial ATA drive @ 5400 rpm
Superdrive 6x (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
iWork '06 preinstalled
AirPort Extreme Card 802.11g
Bluetooth
Built-in iSight camera
Available Ports: Gigabit Ethernet, Magsafe, Mini DVI, FIrewire 400, USB 2, Audio In/Out, Security Port

[tyota]

alright so I bought a HP something or another today, now next question is any suggestions on a wireless card?
who provides broadband services and does anyone know who/which one is the best?


tanks:D

[jeeper05]

took my laptop cross country in the semi and verisons service worked everyehere but west Texas on hwy 8/10 to Dallas the card was about 80 bucks the service ran around 70 but I didnt have my phone service through them so it was a little more.The big ? is why did you buy one without the wireless built in or do you just want a card (just wondering) I still have my card but I no longer use it and unless you travel alot its a waste a cash imho

[xFallen]

alright so I bought a HP something or another today, now next question is any suggestions on a wireless card?
who provides broadband services and does anyone know who/which one is the best?


tanks:D

They all do. They all suck and therefore are all the best. It comes down to whether you need nation-wide coverage or just around town.

So just go down to someplace or other and ask for the best deal on the whatchamacallit package and thingamabob and pluf it in somwhere and somehow go to it.

What model of HP did you get yo lazy arse?

[Dave@desertfab.com]

alright so I bought a HP something or another today, now next question is any suggestions on a wireless card?
who provides broadband services and does anyone know who/which one is the best?


tanks:D


If you got the HP it's already Wireless enabled.. We all know you just want to surf porn in the middle of the night while out on tow calls.. :D Ya SKREEMINBATCH!!! little buttin at the top of the keyboard enables wireless.. :D

[Kiwi]

IMO - just buy the best value for the $$

Make sure you got a fast processor, tons of RAM, a large, fast (7200rpm better) hard drive, and at least for me, I like dedicate video memory, not shared video memory. One last thing is screen size and resolution. Mine currently is a 17" on 1600x1080

But, I'm begining to think brand doesn't to much if the laptop is more for generic uses.

[tyota]

this is the one I got:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8216441&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat103700050028&id=1166236072024

apparently it has wireless if I'm at home or at starbucks, but it has the little card spot as well..........

[Deviljeep]

I had an Alltel card that work great in places a Verizon didn't do as well. Coworkers Verizon wouldn't work AT work, where my Alltel did. Both with Verizon and Alltel, if you already have a phn thru them, you get a deal on the broadband access.

[Digger]

Dell Latitudes, I have one at work, no problems, had it now for 1 or 2 years

[David C]

Panasonic Toughbook

x2 - hands down. But when you go to pay for it, git yer hands up, pardner!:D

[Keith Haw]

I have had Sprint and now Verizon.. Both have there drawbacks but Verizon is faster, IMHO. Sprint seems to work better if you are around a major interstate and Verizon if your not.. At least that is what I have noticed.
Keith