OT: Lower end laptop suggestion

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:21 am

I'm not looking for anything fancy, but I am looking for reliability. Mainly, I'm using the laptop for business purposes (be able to use my company's Mapics AS400 software at home) and also for occasional internet usage. I may load MS Office as well, but that's really about it. I'm not going to be playing any high end games, but might toy with a baseball sim perhaps.

That said, there does appear to be several inexpensive laptops around the $600 range. I've looked at Dell, Compaq, and Toshiba. Does anyone have an opinion which they prefer. My preference is Dell, but is there really a difference when you're talking about an inexpensive laptop?

Thanks in advance.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:25 am

You keep an eye out at Best Buy and you can get the Gateway with the 14" or 15" Widescreen for under 500 on sale. Not right now, but they go on and off all the time. My buddy caught one for 499 and it's really nice. I got mine a year and a half ago for 449. Works to this day without any problems. If you don't need it immediately...then it pays to hang out and watch the ads. I believe they retail for around 550 or 600 so that's the way I'd go, just because there have been about 6 of them purchased amongst my friends and family and there haven't been any problems whatsoever.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:28 am

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 6840116787

Actually its 749 retail and it was like 549 or 599 on sale. That's a nice damn laptop right there.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:26 am

Scott,

Thanks for the info. The Dell I'm currently looking at is the Inspiron 1501:

http://www.dell.com/content/products/ca ... l=en&s=bsd

Of course, I want to upgrade the ram to a gig, but for $564, it seems like a fairly good deal.

I do like the idea of purchasing a laptop from a BB or CC, because if there are any issues it's easier to bring back to the store. However, I've heard and read favorable reviews on the Dells in terms of reliability.

Gonna definitely head to BB today and check out the Gateway you mentioned. My only concern it seems is that Gateway's performance ratings have fallen over the past several years. That may be more perception than reality.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:42 am

I think I have the Dell Inspiron 6400. I can check when I get home. I've had it for about a year and a half and I really like it. I spent about $900 due to purchasing more memory, a DVD burner, and the best battery I could find at the time (it is *really* nice to have a few hours of battery power even while using power-intensive programs). I kind of wish I would have spent about $150 more to upgrade the video card, but at the time I didn't realize that I would almost exclusively be using a laptop instead of our desktop. If you don't upgrade that Intel integrated card just realize that you will really won't be able to play any games besides text-based. Everything else, including Office 2007, DVD burning, multi-media, etc. works great.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:49 am

sportdan30 wrote:Gonna definitely head to BB today and check out the Gateway you mentioned. My only concern it seems is that Gateway's performance ratings have fallen over the past several years. That may be more perception than reality.

Like I said...I have or know about 6 or 7 people that all bought Gateways in the last two years (Laptops) and all of them have been flawless. The gateway I linked above already has a gig of ram so no need to upgrade.

Zlax45 · Post by **Zlax45** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:52 am

sportdan30 wrote:Scott,

Thanks for the info. The Dell I'm currently looking at is the Inspiron 1501:

http://www.dell.com/content/products/ca ... l=en&s=bsd

Of course, I want to upgrade the ram to a gig, but for $564, it seems like a fairly good deal.

I do like the idea of purchasing a laptop from a BB or CC, because if there are any issues it's easier to bring back to the store. However, I've heard and read favorable reviews on the Dells in terms of reliability.

Gonna definitely head to BB today and check out the Gateway you mentioned. My only concern it seems is that Gateway's performance ratings have fallen over the past several years. That may be more perception than reality.

I just got this about two weeks ago and it is running real good. I got the one gig of ram and a duo core processor with mine for about 900.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 7:59 pm

Saw the following Toshiba @ CC today:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Toshiba- ... tDetail.do

Price now is $599. My question is how important is Core duo compared to Dual Core?

eman · Post by **eman** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:03 pm

There's practically no difference in reliability between brands. Dell, HP, Emachine/Gateway do NOT produce the parts that are used to build their notebooks. As a result, many laptops share the same components. There's good and bad in each.

If you're really hard on equipement (and insist on reliability) you can pay double and purchase a T series Lenovo Thinkpad. Thinkpad's have heavier gauge steel, thicker hinges, durable plastic etc... for the extra money you're getting a well built notebook - you just cant afford one for $600.

Nozzleman_216 · Post by **Nozzleman_216** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:37 pm

Well I would like to chime in and encourage you to take a look at Acer. I have had one for a year and a half now and it is still as strong as the first day I got it. Its nothing special AMD Turion 64, Gig ram, 80gb hdd and a dvd/cd burner.

Circuit City has a similiar model to mine only with a faster processor and a few other little features. Oh and its about 300 bucks cheaper at 549. I love it and would buy it again if I had to. Don't let the name fool you.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Acer-Asp ... tDetail.do

eman · Post by **eman** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 9:13 pm

Acer has an outstanding track record over the last 18-24 months. I own a Dell (got it dirt cheap 6 months ago) but Acer is yet another solid choice.

RustedWalleye · Post by **RustedWalleye** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 9:41 pm

This is the laptop I bought about two months ago. Actually got it for well cheaper then what it went for originally.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=5280740

Been very solid for me. Haven't had a single issue with it.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 11:38 pm

I'll be honest. I did look at the Acer's this afternoon at Best Buy and came away somewhat impressed. I had to catch myself a few times, because I kept trying to convince myself the Toshiba was the best choice, followed by a Gateway. The build and look of the Acer was more impressive than the Toshiba, and maybe on par with the Gateway. Heck, I really didn't give the Acer a fair look. I'll have to go back again and check it out, compare specs, etc.

The problem with looking at laptops at the store is how can you really get a good feel for them? They have all this b.s. software loaded, so you're constantly having to "x" of these programs if they even let you. I haven't found a laptop to have any sort of word program to really let you type on the keys. Plus, many of the laptops are at waist level so you don't have that feeling of sitting at the kitchen table or a desk.

It's hard as heck to narrow down the choices, because many of the specs are the same, and in many instances, the only difference is the processor. You have Core 2 duo, dual core, core duo, etc. Do I spend an extra couple hundred for the latest and greatest, or should I just be content with the most affordable? The Mac will always be my preferred computer of choice, so it's not as if I'm going be primarily using this new laptop.

What I didn't think was important at the time which I now feel is, is the weight and overall feel of the laptop. The Toshiba I looked at feels weighty and bulky compared to the Gateway that's on clearance for $649. The Acer's have a nice look to them, but the Toshiba's have seemingly had a good track record. Maybe things have changed as I see lack laster reviews for their laptops on CC's website.

So my question is this. The components/parts (memory, video card, etc) in the Toshibas, the Dells, the Compaqs, the Gateways, the Acers, are they that dramatically different, or are they essentially the same? Is is just another laptop with a brand name thrown on it?

Thanks for the continuing suggestions and advice.

Nozzleman_216 · Post by **Nozzleman_216** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 12:28 am

AS far as I know its just another laptop with a name thrown on it. They (Acer) may even user better components then the dells and gateways. I do know Acer makes a flagship laptop called the Ferrari and it is pretty damn nice and is praised everywhere.

I couldn't be happier with mine and its slower then what is being sold now and they are also cheaper. One thing I REALLY liked about the Acer and some may not see this as a big deal, but they do not come with a lot of BS crap programs pre-loaded on them. A plus in my book!

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 1:15 am

They all have the same components...especially on the lower end of the spectrum where you're looking. The difference between processors by Intel or AMD is going to be negligible and you will not be able to tell the difference. Once you get into the high end rigs with dedicated video cards, etc, that's when you need to worry about hardware. Right now, just find a cheap laptop that looks appealing to you and seems to be the most comfortable. The difference in the 14 and 15 inch widescreen lcd is huge...so make sure you're happy with whichever you choose. My girl and I both bought gateways, yet she went with the 15 and I went with the 14. The 14 is usable on a plane...the 15 is not...plus the 14 was slightly lighter and had a significantly smaller footprint. It all just matters what you prefer.

Like I said, the components are virtually the same, so just find the form factor you prefer.

Blublub · Post by **Blublub** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 7:42 am

Far and away the most important thing in my experience has been the graphics card (or lack thereof). I'd go with any model that offers a dedicated card in that range over the hell that sometimes is integrated graphics. It may take some searching but I bet you could find something.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 10:33 am

You're not going to get a dedicated GPU for under $1000 are you?

Isn't Intel suppose to have something newer than GMA 950 soon?

I would think RAM would be a big issue. In the Vista thread, some people were saying you need 2 GB, which few laptops, especially in this price range, ship with.

Then you have the integrated GPU poaching some of that RAM too.

A bigger issue with PCs these days is the crap they preinstall:

http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs. ... d-software

Can you get the actual OS disks with Windows laptops? Maybe not in this price range.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 1:08 pm

wco81 wrote:Can you get the actual OS disks with Windows laptops? Maybe not in this price range.

You can't...which is why it's great to have an MSDN subscription to just install a fresh copy as soon as it comes out of the box. You may be able to order the disc from the manufacturer...it just depends how much they want to charge you for it.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 2:04 pm

All the laptops I looked at come installed with Vista. I do recall the sales rep saying there's a way to boot it up in XP, but I'm wondering if that meant I had to have the disc. He made it sound like there was an option to boot it up in whichever OS I wanted.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 8:01 pm

I think I found a laptop I really like. It's the HP Pavilion. It's priced very competitively @ $699 for a AMD Turion X2, 120gb hard drive, 1 gig of memory, 15.4" display.

My question is how do you think the AMD Turion x2 chip compares to the Core 2 Duo?

That's my only concern. Am I buying something inferior?

eman · Post by **eman** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 8:54 pm

sportdan30 wrote:I think I found a laptop I really like. It's the HP Pavilion. It's priced very competitively @ $699 for a AMD Turion X2, 120gb hard drive, 1 gig of memory, 15.4" display.

My question is how do you think the AMD Turion x2 chip compares to the Core 2 Duo?

That's my only concern. Am I buying something inferior?

Great deal on a good system. You'll be fine with the Turion x2 - solid chip with low power consumption. In 3 weeks you'll realize the importance of battery life when using a notebook.

FYI - if you plan on buying this from Circuit City (this week) these items are free after rebate...

HP D1341 Deskjet Printer $69.99 - Rebate of $70.00 = Free with a purchase of a computer/notebook

D-Link Wireless G Router (WBR-1310) $39.99 Rebate of $39.99 = Free with a purchase of a computer/notebook

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 10:30 pm

I keep wavering because I'm really unsure of the AMD Turion processor. I went back to CC and talked to a very knowledgeable sales rep. In comparing the AMD to the Core 2 Duo, the Core 2 Duo runs cooler and has a longer battery life. The AMD on the other hand, from what he said will only last anywhere from a half hour to 2 hours, depending on the application I'm running.

I was unaware, but my wife has a $100 gift card to Best Buy. In looking at their website, I discovered a Gateway that is only at one store locally here in St. Louis. Here is the laptop:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 8044604173

I may and try and high tail it over to the store at lunch tomorrow to check it out. It looks like a good deal, and with $100 savings, it's even better.

eman · Post by **eman** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 7:02 am

sportdan30 wrote: The AMD on the other hand, from what he said will only last anywhere from a half hour to 2 hours, depending on the application I'm running.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 8044604173

I may and try and high tail it over to the store at lunch tomorrow to check it out. It looks like a good deal, and with $100 savings, it's even better.

I hope the guy was joking when he told you certains apps could delete that 6 cell battery in 30 minutes.

Retail stores (with Intel and AMD's help) are confusing the hell out of consumers. Intel has no less than 40 different processors on the market. The Core 2 Duo in the emachine system (t5200) is Intel's bottom of the barrel merom core 2 duo with a 533MHz FSB. All other merom processors have a faster FSB. I couldnt find a good benchmark comparing the two processors, but I'd bet the increase in performance and battery life is indistinguishable. Furthermore, do you really need to spend 700/800 dollars? Look at your original post; you want to run office applications and internet. At this point I'd recommend you do as db said, find something for $400/$500 dollars and focus on ergonomics and looks.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 11:14 pm

Well fellas,

I'm typing on my new desktop. I ended up going with the Gateway, with 100gb, 1 gig of ram, Core 2 Duo processor, 15.4" screen. I saw it last night advertised on BB's website for $799. I went to pick it up at lunch this afternoon, and it was priced down to $749. Along with a $100 gift card, I made out with the laptop for right around $700 with tax.

So far, this thing is running awesome. I have a 90 day free trial of MacAfee. Are there any other spyware programs you guys recommend? I downloaded Firefox, but IE is pretty nice.

I'm pretty impressed with Vista so far, but I really don't know all the nuances about it just yet. I do know that organizing pictures is a heck of a lot easier than I remember. Adding the little widgets to the desktop is a nice addition. It has that MAC OS feel to it, which I really like. The addition of the search feature is a great add-on.

That's about it. Thanks again for all the advice and suggestions.

jLp vAkEr0 · Post by **jLp vAkEr0** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:20 am

dbdynsty25 wrote:http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 6840116787

Actually its 749 retail and it was like 549 or 599 on sale. That's a nice damn laptop right there.

I bought that laptop (Gateway MT3705) at Sam's Club like 3 weeks ago. Cost me $735.

Runs Aero without problems. Screen is beautifull. I was looking for a budget 14.1 lappy and couldn't find a better deal. Keyboard has some flex to it, but it ain't that bad.

BTW, the restore disk installs Vista clean, without all the bloatware it originally comes with, wich I though was pretty nice.