This site is closed to new comments and posts.

Notice: This site uses cookies to function.
If you are not comfortable with cookies then please don't browse this website.

Turning to the Dark Side: PC Laptop suggestions? — Brooklynian

Turning to the Dark Side: PC Laptop suggestions?

MOD
MOD
edited November -1 in The Lounge / Random Stuff
We're going balls out this Christmas and getting a PC laptop to go with our Macbook. I've worked on both platforms for a long time, but I really LOVE my Mac. However, times are tough, we need a second computer so Bill Gates here we come!

Any suggestions on what to buy? I'd mostly be doing web surfing, writing, editing and downloading my millions of photos. Though I'd also like something I can use for work in the future.. like desktop publishing, web design..

What do you PC lovers like. I need a wish list :D
«1

Comments

  • em26
    em26
    I got an HP lap top and a Dell desktop ..but I think I might go for a Sony laptop next....or maybe give in and get a MAC.

    I would say go for a Sony.
  • doctorj
    doctorj
    I recommend a mid-range Dell. They build it to your exact specs so you only pay for the parts you need. In case of problems, the next-day on site support worldwide after remote diagnosis is unbeatable. I really like my Studio15 with 1080p LED screen.
  • MOD
    MOD
    What do you think of the IBM Lenovo laptops? My Bro has one of those, but I've never used it.

    (Edit to add, i also use my laptop to watch movies a lot, so maybe that matters?)
  • doctorj
    doctorj
    IBM/Lenovo... Solid. Boring. Slightly pricier than the competition. The laptop of choice for accountants, public servants, grandparents...
  • idlewild
    idlewild
    I'd go with a Dell. I have a M1330, I purchased an extended warranty as an add-on and Dell has come through whenever there was a problem. Which there always will be when you get a Windows based product. And like DrJ. points out, they built it to my specs. But be warned, like most laptops, you can't upgrade most of the components once they're installed.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    Laptop? Phishh - - get a desktop. More power, more upgradable and do you really want to be seen at a coffee shop, sipping an espresso, on a laptop sans the glowing Apple logo?
  • idlewild
    idlewild
    I'm a strong proponent of Falcon-Northwest PC's.
  • scarlett
    scarlett
    I thought the saying was "balls deep......."
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    Idlewild wrote: I'm a strong proponent of Falcon-Northwest PC's.
    ^^^ they do make... uh, put together nice stuff, but I'm a proponent of rolling your own. Newegg is your friend.
  • idlewild
    idlewild
    True, but NW will also build-to-suit, even with parts of your choice and they create gorgeous paint jobs.
  • brooklynjack
    brooklynjack
    I'm on my 3rd IBM ThinkPad (next one will be a Lenovo). GREAT keyboard, light (under 5 lbs if I leave the drive at hone and put in a slug.) Built like a tank. I love the ThinkLight, the light above the screen that illuminates the keyboard. I get a 3 year old top of the line model which is usually good for another 3 years for just surfing and word Get it with either XP or windows 7

    There are also some pretty good deals to be had at http://outlet.lenovo.com

    I have also had a Dell before, the keyboard isn't anywhere near as nice though. If you buy a Dell get it from the small business website. You won't get as much pre loaded crap and often get a better warranty.
  • pm
    pm
    No idea how cheap PCs are, but might be worth looking into a refurbished Mac direct from the Apple website if you're looking to save but are used to Macs.
  • squindar
    squindar
    I have a toshiba laptop that I love, it's very well built, very fast, good screen, lightweight, and it was cheap.

    If you don't need serious power, you might consider a "nettop" machine from Asus or MSI, they are very inexpensive and very powerful for the price.

    I would suggest going to J&R to test out various machines to make sure the keyboard and screen are to your liking before you take the plunge.
  • carnivore
    carnivore
    You can get a used Macbook on eBay that will outperform a current model netbook, and you shouldn't have to pay more than around $600 (a bit more than most netbooks, but you can run Leopard or Snow Leopard on it without any hacks, and with full support).
  • squindar
    squindar
    Or you can get a brand-new MSI Wind PC U123 for $299 with a full warranty off of Amazon.

    I have a Wind netbook, I'm very happy with it.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    She's talking about photo editing and desktop publishing - I don't think that I'd be too comfortable with the netbook/one or two generation old laptop route (but maybe I have a different idea of photo editing and desktop publishing).
  • carnivore
    carnivore
    squindar wrote: Or you can get a brand-new MSI Wind PC U123 for $299 with a full warranty off of Amazon.

    I have a Wind netbook, I'm very happy with it.
    Or you can get one of these beauties for even less!

    image

    :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :lol:
  • carnivore
    carnivore
    WhyFi wrote: She's talking about photo editing and desktop publishing - I don't think that I'd be too comfortable with the netbook/one or two generation old laptop route (but maybe I have a different idea of photo editing and desktop publishing).
    True. And I agree that the most cost-effective way to do that is with a desktop. Especially if you already have a Macbook for when you need to use a computer on the go.

    The new iMac would be great for that, and they have financing that lets you get it for as little as $28 per month.

    http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/imac?mco=MTM3NDk2Nzc

    Also staying with Mac will prevent you have having to get 2 versions of all the software you use.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    Carnivore wrote: True. And I agree that the most cost-effective way to do that is with a desktop.
    Yeah, and the argument for a laptop is diminished even more when you already have one mobile 'puter...
  • carnivore
    carnivore
    WhyFi wrote: [quote=Carnivore]True. And I agree that the most cost-effective way to do that is with a desktop.
    Yeah, and the argument for a laptop is diminished even more when you already have one mobile 'puter...
    LOL! You posted that while I was editing my comment to add the same point!
  • squindar
    squindar
    Since the original post asked for suggestions for a "PC Laptop" I don't think a speak-N-spell would work for her.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    Carnivore wrote: The new iMac would be great for that, and they have financing that lets you get it for as little as $28 per month.

    http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/imac?mco=MTM3NDk2Nzc
    Given the specs, those are actually pretty reasonable prices, 'specially considering that they're using nice (either IPS or PVA) panels. I could still get a similarly spec'd Win7 machine significantly under that price, but it's not too absurd an Apple premium. Form factor is a bonus, too.
    Carnivore wrote: LOL! You posted that while I was editing my comment to add the same point!
    Great minds...
  • brooklynjack
    brooklynjack
    squindar wrote:
    If you don't need serious power, you might consider a "nettop"
    I have one.. It was not worth what I paid for it, $150 brand new when I upgraded my internet connection. Using it is an exercise infrustration. It is anemic and the screen is too small. It is so underpowered you can't do anytihng while it is downloading and installing new updates

    Check out this video from David Pogue

  • doctorj
    doctorj
    My number one piece of advice for buying laptops is: do not overspec. For durability and reliability, not to mention price, less is more and heat is the enemy. So pick a low-medium wattage chip on the low-mid end of its clock range (e.g. a Core 2 Duo 25W Penryn); 4GB RAM not 8GB; 5400rpm not 7200rpm drive; no graphics card; and so on. Likewise, the cheapest manufacturers (Asus, MSI, etc.) have tended to pack in too much hardware and skimp on the casing design, hence early burnout.
  • MOD
    MOD
    I was thinking laptop over desktop, mostly for convenience. I have little counter space and when Papi Chulo is on the mac I could in theory go into another room with the PC and get some work done. Flipping the coin over who gets time on the computer is a drag, you know.

    But thanks for all the great advice! Keep it coming! :sunny:
  • MOD
    MOD
    doctorj wrote: IBM/Lenovo... Solid. Boring. Slightly pricier than the competition. The laptop of choice for accountants, public servants, grandparents...
    Yeah, you nailed it there. My brother works with tons of spreadsheets, he's a MBA guy, that's why he's pushing the one he has.

    ? what about the 'boring' part though? As in looks or is there something different about its operating system?
  • brooklynjack
    brooklynjack
    Carnivore wrote: You can get a used Macbook on eBay that will outperform a current model netbook, and you shouldn't have to pay more than around $600 (a bit more than most netbooks, but you can run Leopard or Snow Leopard on it without any hacks, and with full support).
    For that matter you can get a used Thinkpad for under $300 here:

    http://usedpc.com/ibmtht41ce14.html

    and also outperform a netbook
  • doctorj
    doctorj
    Mamacita wrote: [quote=doctorj]IBM/Lenovo... Solid. Boring. Slightly pricier than the competition. The laptop of choice for accountants, public servants, grandparents...
    Yeah, you nailed it there. My brother works with tons of spreadsheets, he's a MBA guy, that's why he's pushing the one he has.

    I knew it!
    Mamacita wrote: ? what about the 'boring' part though? As in looks or is there something different about its operating system?
    As in looks, style, materials and weight, and to some extent hardware configuration, configurability and interfaces... not operating system. Bean counters, designers, and gamers tend to want different things from a laptop, and different manufacturers differentiate as best they can. That business man writing memos and reviewing performance charts in First Class on the Acela to Boston is probably using a Levono the company bought for him out of their long-standing relationship with IBM, because "nobody ever got fired for buying IBM".

    The more fundamental questions, rather than manufacturer, are: how big should it be? How often and where do you travel with it, so how important are the size and weight? How long should the battery life be? Is it just for surfing and pictures, or is it a multimedia station that talks to (or even replaces) your other home entertainment? And in my case, should it survive getting dropped and take a beating from an almost 2 year old? ;)
  • MOD
    MOD
    13 or bigger screen, lightweight, no traveling except maybe to a coffee house or bar on rare occasions. Long battery life. Lots of fun-use will be on music, photos and watching Neflix and videos. I'll pay more for something sturdy and wont crack with constant use and that will last me +4 years (I hope).
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    Didn't read through this at all (laptops don't interest me) but it's a timely article -

    Anandtech: Mobile Buyers' Guide, December 2009
Sign In or Register to comment.

Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In

Categories