Laptop choices?

[catwoman]

I'm about to order a new laptop computer. Anyone have likes/dislikes for specific makes/models?

I have a hand-me-down Dell. My nephew, age 20, a 3.9GPA computer sci student at the University of Texas at Dallas who's been accepted for graduate work in computer forensics, suggested a Dell 600m. Then he expanded his search to other brands and looked at HP & Compaq.

What he's suggested is:

Compaq V2000, Pentium M 735, 1.7; 512MB; 80GB 5400 RPM; DVD/CD-RW; 12 cell battery. Weight w/ 12 cell battery is about 5.75 pounds.
The June 2005 Consumer Reports rated Compaq with highest frequency of repairs. And it tied for worst in tech support.
Ryan had suggested getting a 3YR full service warranty, saying a repair would be at least the cost of the warranty ($180).

Weight of the machine, price & productivity are important. Ryan suggested the Compaq V2000 because it's about 5.75 pounds with the 12 cell battery. I have frequently flown with my laptop. I want to use a laptop during flights, to watch DVD/CDs, to work on writing projects, etc. I told Ryan that I want the laptop with enough power, etc., to do for about 5 years.

Any thoughts? Anyone have repair, tech service problems with any brand?

 

[geebee]

Marsha,

Had a Compaq - hated it. It was always doing things that even the repair people and my S/O (the computer genius) couldn't figure out.

I have a Gateway Solo that was purchased about 5 years ago. Obviously it is an obsolete model now but I have only had 1 problem in 5 years. That was when I tripped over a cat and I and the computer went flying. The hard drive was damaged and I lost all my data (good lesson for backing up) However, the computer was not damaged and a replaced hard drive later, it is still working fine. Amazing as it hit the floor much harder than I did since I let it go in order to use my hands to break my fall. The cat was not damaged.

I will use it (despite it being much heavier than the ones on the market today) until it completely falls apart. I love it.

I will buy another Gateway when the time comes.

 

[catwoman]

Do you remember the specific problems you encountered with the Compaq?

My work computer is a Compaq Deskpro and it's worked very well. Don't remember what I had previously, but it had to be rebuilt and rebuilt and rebuilt. Co-workers around me have Dells.

 

[geebee]

The Compaq would lock up all the time and would close programs for no reason. I lost a lot of data over the couple of years I had it (it was a work computer or I would have dumped it over a cliff or ran it over with my car ).

I have used a few Dell desk computers at work and find them to be a definite second to Gateway. My S/O says HP makes a nice laptop and is a little less money than the Gateways but he still likes the Gateways best.

 

[coryp]

The Compaq would lock up all the time and would close programs for no reason. I lost a lot of data over the couple of years I had it (it was a work computer or I would have dumped it over a cliff or ran it over with my car ).

I have used a few Dell desk computers at work and find them to be a definite second to Gateway. My S/O says HP makes a nice laptop and is a little less money than the Gateways but he still likes the Gateways best.

Wow something I know about!! I can find a way to contribute to this board.

A few questions need to be asked prior to making a decision;

1) Budget
2) Any screen size or weight requirements?
3) Windows program only or can you go with Mac?

thx

 

[catwoman]

Wow something I know about!! I can find a way to contribute to this board.

A few questions need to be asked prior to making a decision;

1) Budget
2) Any screen size or weight requirements?
3) Windows program only or can you go with Mac?

thx

I'm looking at max $1,500 for everything; 14" screen; and Windows only. Some specialty software I have doesn't come in Mac versions.

 

[catwoman]

Cory:
Forgot weight -- I don't want a laptop heavier than 6 pounds. What with toting peripheral wiring, mouse, etc., a 6-pound laptop is the max I can haul through an airport hooked onto my TravelPro.

 

[Ross]

Toshiba is the way to go if it's in your price range.

 

[tommy]

We are a multiple Dell family. My son just (literally) bought a Dell 6000 for college. My oldest son had purchased (and used) the on-site Dell warranty. Dell response was excellent. Before each purchase we do some research and keep coming back to Dell. Their sales support on line, by telephone, and at the mall kiosks is wonderful. The mall salesman gave my son a deeper discount than the on-line price. Sound like a commercial?

I like being able to "build" the computer on-line, then go to the mall and pick their brains.

 

[John & Joann]

Check Acer. I do not like laptops due to heat, small keyboard, small screen. They are portable and flexible. Their life expectancy is 50% of the desktop.
Short lifespan is due to heat and banging around!

Don't ever buy a used laptop.

 

[coryp]

Cory:
Forgot weight -- I don't want a laptop heavier than 6 pounds. What with toting peripheral wiring, mouse, etc., a 6-pound laptop is the max I can haul through an airport hooked onto my TravelPro.

Hello,

Here is the answer to your question.
Everything you need + 1 lb less (bonus) also the best backed pc company out there. IBM is so far ahead of everyone else in this arena (not looks real solid product).

Try to go to there www.ibm.com and click notebooks (you can call a service tech and will be amazed at how knowledgable they are).

You can reduce the price a little if you take out the xp pro and opt for xp home (I would not). I anticipate that you have all the other software so this helps to keep costs down.

ThinkPad T42 (IBM Think Express Program)
2378RQU
1.70 GHz Intel® Pentium® M, Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional, 512 MB, 40 GB, 4.9 lbs, 14.1" XGA (1024x768), IBM Embedded Security Subsystem and Integrated Fingerprint Reader, Intel PRO/Wireless Network Connection 802.11b/g, Gigabit Ethernet, 32MB ATI Mobility RADEON 7500, DVD-ROM, Ultrabay Slim
Availability**: Within 4 weeks
$1,499.00 web price*

If this is not to your liking I will give it one more shot.

Let me know

cory

 

[MelissaM]

Hmmm... interesting thread. I totally agree about the IBM - a workhorse. Not sure why used laptops are a no-no. I bought my IBM laptop off Ebay - an R50 with everything listed above (minus the fingerprint scanner and a CD-ROM rather than a DVD) - for $500 flat. Oh yeah - that included Windows XP Pro and the full Office 2003 suite.

For that price, I can buy three laptops that crap out for the price of one new, but since it hasn't given me a lick of trouble since I turned it on, I don't anticipate having to do that.

Ebay is my friend.

Melissa

 

[Harpoon]

I've have a Dell Inspiron 1150, with an Intel P4 2.80GHz processor,14.1in XGA monitor, 512MB, DDR SDRAM memory and a 40GB Ultra ATA hard drive.

It's pretty slick. My wife doesn't care for the keyboard much but her hands are a little "fussy" and she doesn't care for typing in general.

I've wanted a laptop for a while, figuring it would be my next computer (last one survived 4 years before components on the motherboard LITERALLY burned out.) I like the portability though I don't use it that much right now. My biggest concern was space. We don't have much in the area where the computer is so anything I could do to maximize what I had (considered a desktop with a flat screen monitor but those are still pricey.)


The only complaint (sort of) that I have with Dell is that I had set up an account and picked out a computer to buy that came with a free printer special then saved that in a "shopping cart" on the website to purchase at a later date when I had the money together. Unfortunately, the offer expired while I was still "shopping" so I ended up having to pay for a new printer which I got cheaply from another vender.

I've yet to use their tech support or have any real contact with Dell so far, going on 6 months with the computer.


I don't trust Compac as a company. My mother had all kinds of trouble with a Compac desktop and a printer for maybe two years before she bought a new computer, different brand. It just wasn't right. Don't have much experience beyond that.

 

[Phyllis]

I have two Dells- an older desktop 4100 that stays in CT and a Inspiron 8100 notebook that I use at home in CT and take to FL in the winter. I have them connected here wirelessly and networked and can move the laptop around the house- including out on the patio. Have never owned anything but Dell and I swear by their reliability and service. Too bad about the printer Harpoon, but if you check the Dell website, they change their "deals" just about every month. There's always a "freebie", but it changes between printer, upgrade in memory, cdrom, dvd, etc. I have friends that have had a lot of trouble with HP and Compaq. My son swears by IBM, but I am hooked on Dell. One of the nicest things about Dell is being able to custom configure your computer.

 

[momshell7]

Ebay Rocks!!

Ebay Rocks!!

Melissa,

I totally agree about Ebay. I get all kinds of stuff on there. Ebay is my favorite "store". I buy new, as well as, used stuff on there. I get such great deals. I also sell stuff. It is such a wonderful resource. If you can't find it on Ebay it may not exist.

Michelle

 

[djacq]

I vote for Dell also. Have had problems with an IBM Thinkpad which was a few years ago so maybe they are tougher now.

I have an Inspiron 8600 and have a connection to use my cell phone to connect to the internet on the road via Verizon..free on nights and week ends.

Great to stay in touch with VRC when traveling.

Donna

 

[catwoman]

Well, I'm leaning towards Dell again. While in Denver CO this weekend, I picked several friends' brains and they almost all swear by Dell.
I'll go back and price several Dell models, then go to IBM to find a comparable model.

My nephew just bought a (refurbished) IBM on Ebay. He's bought a couple of laptops for various family members on Ebay and from manufacturers' websites. He's quite comfortable buying on Ebay.

I'm agonizing over this more than when I bought my last car (a Honda CRV)!

 

[tobagotwo]

My son has been very happy with the Toshiba he has had for several years. I don't know what the prices are for them.

I use an IBM every day at work, and they seem to hold up very well. But they aren't really made by IBM, either. IBM sold that division to a Chinese company, probably the one who was making them for IBM anyway.

Best wishes,

 

[catwoman]

I am finally expecting -- a new laptop

I am finally expecting -- a new laptop

**Finally** decided on a laptop -- ordered a Dell 6000 yesterday. Went with a Dell 6000 partly based on Tom Hosack having gotten one for his college-bound son, partly because a friend in Louisville KY just got one. Went with Dell after studying the internet, talking to my computer geek nephew and getting raves from friends who were very high on Dell's tech support and reported very few, if any, problems needing repair.

This model is a little heavier than I was wanting -- but it has a wider screen and comes with a 9cell battery instead of a 6 cell. I ordered an extra battery. The laptop will actually outdo our desktop at home.

Can't wait for that UPS truck!