Laptop Suggestions

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I'm currently shopping for a new laptop and I'm completely overwhelmed. Anyone have any good suggestions? I'm a PC person who needs a laptop for school. I don't need anything too fancy and would like to spend no more than $800. I really don't know a lot about laptops so I'm not really sure about specs that I should be looking for.

I really appreciate any advice, TIA!!

 

[DrCavin]

If you can live with the smaller screen, the Netbooks are amazing.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

What are you going to do with it in school?

Netbooks require you to use an external CD/DVD drive if you need to load software of CD/DVD or create a disc. From a price perspective, unless you are looking for a real small system, I don't find the Netbooks priced at a level that justifies some of their limitations with processors and media, plus most run either on Windows XP or a stripped version of Vista. I think XP is a great operating system, but it is older and there is a constantly moving "end support date" out there. If you're just using a netbook for surfing the web and e-mail, I think you'd be fine, but anything beyond that, I think a regular notebook/laptop would be better.

One thing I'd definately look for is a LED Display, it will help a lot with how long the battery will stay charged. Look for at least 3 GB RAM and of course Win 7. Hard drive, if you're doing a lot of audio/video, probably 300 GB+, otherwise, it really doesn't play a part.

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

What are you going to do with it in school?

Netbooks require you to use an external CD/DVD drive if you need to load software of CD/DVD or create a disc. From a price perspective, unless you are looking for a real small system, I don't find the Netbooks priced at a level that justifies some of their limitations with processors and media, plus most run either on Windows XP or a stripped version of Vista. I think XP is a great operating system, but it is older and there is a constantly moving "end support date" out there. If you're just using a netbook for surfing the web and e-mail, I think you'd be fine, but anything beyond that, I think a regular notebook/laptop would be better.

One thing I'd definately look for is a LED Display, it will help a lot with how long the battery will stay charged. Look for at least 3 GB RAM and of course Win 7. Hard drive, if you're doing a lot of audio/video, probably 300 GB+, otherwise, it really doesn't play a part.

Thanks for your input -- very helpful!

I'm going to be in business school working on an MBA. I'm shying away from a Netbook for the limitations you mention above. I want something that will run smoothly and not have too many issues if I have multiple programs running (i.e. web browser, Excel and PowerPoint).

I've had a lot of people telling me to stay away from particular brands. Some people say Dell, others say Sony, everyone seems to say no Acer. I'm utterly confused.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Thanks for your input -- very helpful!

I'm going to be in business school working on an MBA. I'm shying away from a Netbook for the limitations you mention above. I want something that will run smoothly and not have too many issues if I have multiple programs running (i.e. web browser, Excel and PowerPoint).

I've had a lot of people telling me to stay away from particular brands. Some people say Dell, others say Sony, everyone seems to say no Acer. I'm utterly confused.

I would stay away from SONY and Acer. My preference from owning about 5 Desktops and 6 Laptops/Notebook is HP. I've owned 5 HP desktops and 4 HP notebooks (Plus 1 Compaq) and they have been the most reliable. The SONY was the most headache.

 

[tinatark]

The thing with notebooks is they're outdated so quickly.

I would look for a Pentium Core Duo or I3/I5 processor (those are the newest ones). Windows 7 and at least 2g RAM. Decide whether or not you want a 10 key keypad to the right of your keyboard. Another thing I "want" is a backlit keyboard - my Dell keys are black and it's hard to see, even using the screen brightness, at night. Decide if you will use it for watching BluRay dvd's, and if you want a dvd burner.

After those decisions, I would look for the best priced machine that has the features you want. The brands are really just personal preference - ask 5 people what kind of car you should buy, and you will get different answers and reasons from every person! Same with laptops.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

The thing with notebooks is they're outdated so quickly.

But they hold their value a lot longer then Desktops.

 

[Tink888]

I have a Toshiba that I've been very happy with. Stay away from the Gateway NV52. DS14's died six months after purchase. Fortunately it was still covered under the warranty.

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

I'm currently shopping for a new laptop and I'm completely overwhelmed. Anyone have any good suggestions? I'm a PC person who needs a laptop for school. I don't need anything too fancy and would like to spend no more than $800. I really don't know a lot about laptops so I'm not really sure about specs that I should be looking for.

I really appreciate any advice, TIA!!

I would check with what your school recommends. I know where I go, they have a huge discount with Dell, and one with Apple. It has the software and everything that is needed in your classes. check there website( the schools)

 

[MushyMushy]

I've had HP, Acer, and now Dell. I was a pretty big fan of the HPs, but both of them ended up having problems with the power pack, so I probably wouldn't go back to them since they both had the same issue.

I loved my Acer. Customer service was great and the laptop I got had a nice widescreen and separate number keys.

When the Acer recently went, I ended up with a Dell (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+...6&skuId=9599918&st=dell studio 1745&cp=1&lp=1) I got it at Best Buy, but the price was closer to $750. I'm sure if you price around, you can get a similar deal. I am THRILLED with this computer. It's lightning fast, has a nice wide screen, and I've had no issues with it at all.

The big thing I looked for when shopping around was at least 3g RAM and the Dual Core processor. You want to watch and make sure you're getting at least that. Stay away from the older processors like the AMD Turion and Sempron -- they'll just slow the computer down.

 

[jsmith]

any time you buy a computer with 3 GB of RAM you are wasting money-DDR2 memory clocks in pairs-so the system cant use the 3rd gb completely or effectively-get 4 or dont bother with more than 2.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

any time you buy a computer with 3 GB of RAM you are wasting money-DDR2 memory clocks in pairs-so the system cant use the 3rd gb completely or effectively-get 4 or dont bother with more than 2.

You are correct, most run in pairs, but you could run 2 1GB sticks and 2 512 MB sticks in a desktop and low and behold you are running in pairs again.

Also, yes, you are correct, not running in parity is not as efficient, but RAM is used to offset the need to run in virtual memory swapping to hard disk, parity or not RAM is still faster then hard disk access.

 

[rluey29]

Was always a PC person, bought a macbook, man I am converted!!! I LOVE my macbook.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Was always a PC person, bought a macbook, man I am converted!!! I LOVE my macbook.

Macs don't hold a chance in the major business world. They are fine for home use and graphic design, but business world, you better know your PC skills.

 

[Tinijocaro]

That's the beauty of the Macs-they can be either Macs or PC's. If you must use pc for certain programs, you can run windows right on your mac. I personally have never needed to run windows on my macs.

 

[jsmith]

Also, yes, you are correct, not running in parity is not as efficient, but RAM is used to offset the need to run in virtual memory swapping to hard disk, parity or not RAM is still faster then hard disk access.

yeah i would know that thanks-i just try to keep from getting overly technical for the people here who are not. And i stand by dont by a computer with 3 gigs-there are only two slots in laptops and you dont get good use of the one gig stick-essentially you pay for capability you cant not use.

 

[MizTink]

Was always a PC person, bought a macbook, man I am converted!!! I LOVE my macbook.

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

That's the beauty of the Macs-they can be either Macs or PC's. If you must use pc for certain programs, you can run windows right on your mac. I personally have never needed to run windows on my macs.

I LOVE my mac everything!! and it is funny that I see a lot of mac's being used at business now! so you obviously do not know TO MUCH about mac's!!! once you go mac, you don't go back!! including the new disney stores they will be cranking out!


New Imagination Park Disney Stores to use tech from the parks!!

This store will be smaller than most Disney stores but will be all about the experience. The main effect from the parks that will be used is the pepper ghost effect.

1. The store will have a ceremony each day to open the store where one child will be picked to turn the magic key to open the store.

2. LED's galour! There will be LED lights all over the store including in a trail on the floor "pixie dust trail" that leads to a center Gazebo where small events will be held. These may include meet and greets but also will include story time and other events. There will also be LED lights on the walls which will include and effect that will have Tink flying across the wall, and the other one I saw on th opposite side was Buzz.

3. The ceiling will be used to create park like atmosphere because it will be covered in LED's. This will allow CM's at any time (via I-pad) to trigger a rather impressive LED fireworks display. Also we will be able to change the mood by making it appear to either be night or day in the store.

4. There will be several mirrors around the store that each have a wand. When you wave the wand different characters will appear and interact with guest from the many princesses to, Ligtning Mcqueen, Nemo, Toy STory, Captain JAck. The system will be able to be updated constantly so new characters can be added reguarly. There may also be RFID tech used in this process.

5. There may be at some point the addition of a central interactive AA like Mr. Potato Head from TSMM

6. All of the tech will be Apple and all of the effects will be controlled via I-pad. Let me start off by saying like everything Disney does this stuff is subject to change but a lot of it has already been approved.

 

[MAH4546]

Sony makes by far the best quality laptops, in my personal experience and based on its reputation.

They just released the new Sony Vaio Y series which is excellent, light weight and priced at $799.99. Plus Sony gives a 7% discount to students if you purchase via its online student store.

 

[liberty0408]

Thanks for your input -- very helpful!

I'm going to be in business school working on an MBA. I'm shying away from a Netbook for the limitations you mention above. I want something that will run smoothly and not have too many issues if I have multiple programs running (i.e. web browser, Excel and PowerPoint).

I've had a lot of people telling me to stay away from particular brands. Some people say Dell, others say Sony, everyone seems to say no Acer. I'm utterly confused.

DELL will be a good choice I think,you can make your own decision on some detail,that's maybe helpful to you