Laptop suggestions...

[adamthole]

I am in the market for a laptop, my first laptop ever. I'm in my second year of college as a EET major and all the programs I am using in class are windows only, so it is time I became dual platform (I currently use a G5)

Anyway, I am looking for a laptop in the range of around a grand. From what I've seen so far I like the HP pavillions and the compaq presarios the best, and they seem to have the best prices that I've found. Any suggestions on processor, etc? I need all the help I can as I am not windows machine intelligent. I've heard the Intel M was great, how does the AMD Turion compare to it? I would also like to get a laptop with a serial port, if that is even possible. That, isn't a huge deal though, as I can get an adapter. I am wanting to get something that will last a while too, be able to run Windows Vista and all that.

Thanks!

[Soopafresh]

I'd stay away from the Compaqs and HPs. They're not horrible, but they're less than impressive, and I've seen keyboard problems on more than one.

The Toshibas tend to be good, as are the Gateways, and even the Sonys.

Heat can be an issue, so the newer Pentium M and Athlon 64 procs are better suited for laptops.


With a $1000 budget, you'll either have to compromise with a larger screen and slower proc, or a faster proc and smaller screen. Depends what is important to you.

Make sure the system has at LEAST 512MB RAM.

If you want to buy locally, check this website for weekly ad deals in your location: http://www.salescircular.com/

[redwudz]

I've been happy with my HP laptop, but one of the main reasons I bought it was that it was less than $600US out the door. Been running strong for over 2 years.

If you are going to use it in class, you probably want one with good battery life and a fairly light weight. I agree about the Sony's and the Toshiba's, both are good, but pricey.

The laptop market changes so fast, I have no idea what's out there now. Maybe the best advice is to type: 'laptop reviews' into Google and do some reading.

[virginva]

i personally like the toshiba's. i have had IBM, HP....and my 2.5 year old Toshiba is a workhorse. it came with a 2.4 P4 Desktop processor. i upgraded the RAM to 1gig and recently removed the DVD/CD combo drive and installed an NEC 6500A DVD-RW---this thing works great and after 2.5 years, it is really not all that out dated. it even gets good battery life!!!!

[adamthole]

I have one from Dell put together it is the Inspirion 6000.

Pentium M 2GHz, 15.4 inch ultrasharp LCD, 1 GB Ram 2Dimms, 80Gig HD, 128MB ATI Mobility Radeon X300, CD/DVD Burner Dual-layer, 1 6-cell battery and 1 9-cell battery

Grand Total: 1,472.90

is that a good deal? Is their any place I can buy the dell batteries cheaper? They seem awfully pricey, $129 for the extra 9-cell or 99 for the upgrade from the 6 cell to the 9. Still playing around, let me know of any suggestions!

Thanks

[aanaravs]

Not a good deal. If you stop by slickdeals.net, Dell releases coupons every couple of weeks and big ones too *ex. $750 off $1999) laptops. I would wait for a few weeks and as soon as you see the coupon go for it. Yes, the batteries are expensive, but I have a couple of spare new ones if you are interested.

Also, check out http://www.notebookforums.com/

[tanerb]

I'd go any day with a Compaq than a Dell.I currently have a Latitude D600 with serious performance issues. Freezes frequently. Also it does not support Pockey Portable Drive from USB connection (power failure everytime), did not have the issue with Compaq at all. Only concern regarding the Compaq maybe Harddrives.But all laptops have hard drive problems in a way.

[adamthole]

I went with a Dell 6000 with basically everything. Pentium M 2GHz, 1 gig ram, etc. And I got a 750 off coupon. Thanks everyone!

[bnbhoha]

Good deal. I would have alsos suggested Dell's smallest computer the 700m. It has a 5 hour battery life with the bigger battery.

[stiltman]

I've been a Dell fan since the CPx series

My last one was the giant C810

I hated the D600s