Can you help me buy a laptop?

[DreamWeaver]

Please?

I'm looking at Dells and HP. Is one better than the other? I don't know shit about computers. I hear that Vista is bad but runs ok on 3gb of RAM. I only need it for the internet. I don't play many games except maybe the Sims. And I'd like to spend less than $1000 if possible. $900 would be ok.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[dino_electropolis]

Please?

I'm looking at Dells and HP. Is one better than the other? I don't know shit about computers. I hear that Vista is bad but runs ok on 3gb of RAM. I only need it for the internet. I don't play many games except maybe the Sims. And I'd like to spend less than $1000 if possible. $900 would be ok.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Do yourself a favor and get a MacBook ....the pro edition will run a bit more, but the standard one is all you would need. Move to mac, trust me.

[OGC]

If you truly only need it for the internet, why don't you get one of these (http://http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=206529449&listingid=18324436&dcaid=17902) ? It runs linux, but for just internet access, it would be very easy to learn. No hard drive to go bad (4 gig on board memory), wireless network access, 3 usb 2.0 ports, flash drive reader, weighs about 2 pounds, and boots in 15 seconds.

I am thinking of getting one for mobile use.

[MadMatt]

Do yourself a favor and get a MacBook ....the pro edition will run a bit more, but the standard one is all you would need. Move to mac, trust me.

I would tend to agree with you, but there is no way to get off cheap with a MAC. I have been a Windows guy, but my recent experiences with client MAC's have really impressed me. However, you can get a MUCH cheaper utilitarian system if you stick with Windows.

Dell is probably going to be more expensive, but you can customize a lot more easily and they frequently run 0% financing deals (if that is something you are interested in).

Vista isn't a bad OS, but get XP if you can - it has fewer glitches and is more 'forgiving' IMO. Plus there is a lot more software available and is less of a system hog (meaning you can easily get away with 1-2 GB of RAM and still smoke).

[pittphantoms]

I posted this earlier - my dad just got a Toshiba from Costco for $699 - dual core - 3gb memory - 7200 RPM 250GB hard drive - wireless abg

You will be set for a while if you just need it for internet.

[ADF]

Do yourself a favor and get a MacBook ....the pro edition will run a bit more, but the standard one is all you would need. Move to mac, trust me.

I bought a macbook (the low-end for $1099, but I got a teacher discount). If you go to school you can get a 10% discount which would put you under $1k. If that doesn't float your boat or you'd prefer to stick to an OS with which you're familiar, stick with Dell.

Check this one out. (http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspnnb_1420?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&~oid=us~en~29~inspnnb_1420_anav2~~)

[Freitag]

Please?

I'm looking at Dells and HP. Is one better than the other? I don't know shit about computers. I hear that Vista is bad but runs ok on 3gb of RAM. I only need it for the internet. I don't play many games except maybe the Sims. And I'd like to spend less than $1000 if possible. $900 would be ok.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Gina -

Avoid Vista like the plague. The memory doesn't make a difference when the underlying software is crap.

If you're only using it for low-res games and the internet...

If you enter this code when you get a Dell system, you get 25% of a purchase of 999+.

63BGZXQMWRQH09

As for HP:

Here's one for 499:

http://www.gotapex.com/deals/redirect/51960/Z3BFT0Z4/

The memory is kind of low, but it might be what you need.

EDIT: The above HP system has Vista. The redirect is blocked for me at work, but see if you can get XP instead.

[MobCounty]

Yeah, I have to agree about avoiding overkill. I think we are finally at the point where game machines are much different than personal use machines.

Most people who experience slowdown during personal use, is due to too many programs and conflicts. A 500-800 laptop will run any program that is not a game, or a graphic creation program.

[underdog]

Start checking slickdeals.net. They constantly have big Dell deals posted.

[DreamWeaver]

To be honest I'm not ready for a Mac. I know everyobody says they're easy to use but I just can't do it. I tried to use one years ago and maybe I'm retarded but I didnt think it was that easy. And they're a bit pricey.

The Inspiron 1420 looked right up my alley. But the only Dell I can get with XP is the 1520. Haven't looked into what the differences are yet.

I don't belong to Costco so there goes that.

I'll look into the other ones that you guys mentioned too. Thanks so much!!

Oh and thanks Freitag for that code.

[MobCounty]

To be honest I'm not ready for a Mac. I know everyobody says they're easy to use but I just can't do it. I tried to use one years ago and maybe I'm retarded but I didnt think it was that easy. And they're a bit pricey.

The Inspiron 1420 looked right up my alley. But the only Dell I can get with XP is the 1520. Haven't looked into what the differences are yet.

I don't belong to Costco so there goes that.

I'll look into the other ones that you guys mentioned too. Thanks so much!!

Oh and thanks Freitag for that code.

I hear the mac thing.. It just seems like you'd always be trying to catch up with the latest and greatest software. I hear paltalk on mac is kinda assy too.

[DreamWeaver]

ok i think I'm going with the Inspiron 1420.

Can you tell me the differnce between these? And which one I should get? Thanks!

Intel® Pentium® Dual Core T2370 (1.73GHz/533Mhz FSB/1MB cache)

and

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5550 (1.83GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)

[DreamWeaver]

Now I found 2 to choose from

Inspiron 1420 - $1014

SYSTEM COLOR Spring Green
PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5550 (1.83GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition
DISPLAY High Resolution, glossy widescreen 14.1 inch display (1440x900)
VIDEO CARD 128MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GS
MEMORY 3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
HARD DRIVE Size: 320GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
WIRELESS NETWORK CARDS Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
INTEGRATED WEBCAM No Camera
BATTERY OPTIONS 85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
SOUND OPTIONS High Definition Audio 2.0
My Software & Accessories
ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE Trend Micro Internet Security 24-months
OFFICE SOFTWARE Microsoft Works
My Service
WARRANTY AND SERVICE 1Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor,24x7 Phone Support
DATASAFE ONLINE BACKUP Included 3 GB DataSafe Online Backup for 1Yr
DIAL-UP INTERNET ACCESS 6 Months FREE EarthLink Internet Access
ALSO INCLUDED WITH YOUR SYSTEM
Integrated NIC and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 8.1
Labels Windows Vista™ Premium
Processor Branding Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor


and

HPdv2700t series - $952

Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T5550 (1.83 GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)
Display 14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
Memory FREE Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)!!
Graphics Card Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Personalization HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone
Networking Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
Hard Drive 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive edit
Primary CD/DVD Drive SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
TV & Entertainment Experience No TV Tuner w/remote control
Primary Battery High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Security Software Norton 360(TM ) - 15 Months
Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Works 9.0


Now I'm leaning toward the HP. Its got that cool fingerprint password thing. But are they total crap? Oh and I dont care about the webcam. I already have one.

ARG!!!! I can't decide!!!!!!!

[Freitag]

Gina:

www.gotapex.com - there's a deal on the front page for a loaded system for less than 700 bucks.

I wouldn't trust the fingerprint password system. If it goes to crap and you're out of warranty, you're screwed.

And between the two you have listed above, go with the Dell, bigger HD.

[foodcourtdruide]

Vista + 3gb of RAM is fine. I currently run on Vista +1.5gb RAM and it's ok. If you're just a casual gamer and want the laptop primarily for surfing the internet I wouldn't spend more than $700.

Of the two machines above I go with the Dell. The video card difference alone is worth it.

[Freitag]

And Gina:

If you want to get an even better deal, if you go with the buy one get one 50% through dell, PM me. I'm in the market for Liz and I'd be willing to "go in" with you so we get a maximized deal.

[Snacks]

And Gina:

If you want to get an even better deal, if you go with the buy one get one 50% through dell, PM me. I'm in the market for Liz and I'd be willing to "go in" with you so we get a maximized deal.

I never understood why you call people by their real name on here? wouldnt it be better to use their board name or pm them?

[Freitag]

I never understood why you call people by their real name on here? wouldnt it be better to use their board name or pm them?

People call me Matt or Matty here. I know people in real life and I feel awkward using their screen name. The only person whose screen name I use in real life is Stugots, and I just call him "Stu" for short.

[Snacks]

People call me Matt or Matty here. I know people in real life and I feel awkward using their screen name. The only person whose screen name I use in real life is Stugots, and I just call him "Stu" for short.

wasnt your name board name matty? i think thats more of a reason they call you matty then anything else.

[Freitag]

wasnt your name board name matty? i think thats more of a reason they call you matty then anything else.

no, my name on the show was Matty. Which is in "real life". I've never had a complaint from anyone I know in real life calling them by their real first name on the board. Hell, I even think it's more polite and personal that way. It's personal preference, and if someone asks me not to refer to them by their real name, I won't.

But to be honest, I'm having a hard time thinking of people I know from the board/real life who I address by their real life name who doesn't already have their real name in the board name. Well, Hosp, but nobody gives him respect anyway.

And for the most part, people's board names mutate to have their real names. Pantera and Fallon have become Bobby Pantera and Bobby Fallon, respectively.

[ChrisBrown]

I got my Toshiba Satellite about four years ago and after a few months is starting to mysteriously shut down. I took it to Man and Machine in Manhattan and they said it is overheating. I spent nearly $150 for a fan replacement and a cleaning. About a year later the same thing happened so I went back and had another cleaning. I also bought a computer stand which helped keep it cool. Now, however, it is suddenly shutting down again and I am ready to throw it out the window.
A couple of years ago I was at a coffee shop with my Satellite. A middle-aged man came up and asked me if I like my computer. I said it was alright. He asked me if it suddenly shut down on me and we bonded over our growing dislike for our Toshibas. Now I am finding out this overheating and shutting down is very common for Toshiba Satellites.