Topic: I need new laptop selection help

[KDXSR5]

So my laptop of 7 years died last weekend, so I need a new laptop. I need one that will last another 7 years plus so it will get me through college. I was just wondering what are the kinds of things I should look for in a laptop? Like specs and stuff. I have never bought a computer before, and I need all the help I can get so I don't buy a crappy one. I really don't want to run Vista, but I guess I don't have much choice now. Thanks in advance for any input.

[WHITE_TRASH]

I picked up a couple compaq presario C700's for the wife and I.  Nice features and they do everything I want them to do.  If they had a toshiba in stock I'd have gotten it instead for me as it had a 17" screen rather than the 15" that the compaq's have and it was only $50 more... 

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

I think I am going to go for a small screen one so it will be easier to lug around college... I just want to get a good laptop with some good features (like storage and processing speed etc) but I do not know what is good or not since buying laptops is a new thing to me.

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

What do you guys think of this laptop? I think it looks pretty good, but then again, I know next to nothing about computers: http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,141620-page,1-c,notebooks/article.html

Best part is, I can still get XP

[CTENG in KS]

Never heard of that brand.  I have a Toshiba, my 2nd one.  They have been good to me and This second one has fixed the only issues I had with the first.  I didn't like the case design, they have improved it.  I second the XP motion.  Vista scares me.

[Toymin8r]

I am a computer dealer and repair technician and DELL still has the best bang for the buck.  Their prices are hard to beat.  Stick with an Intel processor as opposed to AMD due to heat issues that will kill an AMD.   IF you get Windows Vista make sure you get at least 2GB of RAM and if you can get one with its own Video Card so you dont have to share the system RAM for video.  

If cost is less important then Sony Vaio's are pretty good.  


Also, here is a website called dealnews that allows users to post good laptop deals when they see them.  

http://dealnews.com/categories/Computer/PC-Computers/PC-Laptop/49.html?exp=N

[46&2]

Get a Mac. The Macbooks are a cheap, quality laptop. I usually get 7-8 years out of my macs before they get too outdated to run current software that I want/need. Then I pass them down to my sister's kids.

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

I am a computer dealer and repair technician and DELL still has the best bang for the buck.  Their prices are hard to beat.  Stick with an Intel processor as opposed to AMD due to heat issues that will kill an AMD.   IF you get Windows Vista make sure you get at least 2GB of RAM and if you can get one with its own Video Card so you dont have to share the system RAM for video. 

If cost is less important then Sony Vaio's are pretty good. 


Also, here is a website called dealnews that allows users to post good laptop deals when they see them. 

http://dealnews.com/categories/Computer/PC-Computers/PC-Laptop/49.html?exp=N

I am hoping to stay below $1250ish. All I want is XP, fast, lots of storage space, and decent 3D graphics in a 7 pound or less laptop. But I really want a fast laptop. My last one was fast only because I saved absolutely nothing on it. If I started to save stuff on it, it would slow way down, overheat, and crash. I am not looking for a super awesome media center laptop, but I do want to play DVDs on it every once in a while. I am not a huge gamer, but I do play HALO on laptops. Please

Get a Mac. The Macbooks are a cheap, quality laptop. I usually get 7-8 years out of my macs before they get too outdated to run current software that I want/need. Then I pass them down to my sister's kids.

I am renting a macbook for school next year, so I will see how I like it



Thanks for the replies guys, lets keep them coming.

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

Ok, looks like I may be getting an HP DV9920US 

AMD Turion 64 X2 dual-core TL-60 2.0GHz
4GB DDR2 memory
250GB 5400-rpm SATA hard drive
Lame vista

$749.99 + tax


What do you guys think?

[GJToyotabug]

that last one looks really good just vista and the AMD burns up

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

I can live with vista as long as I get to mod it and not anyone else. Thats the main problem with the vista computers we have; everybody gets on it and dinks with it until its all messed up.

AMD thing burning up can be an issue, i am not terribly worried about it. We have two other HP laptops with AMD and they have been fine.

[GJToyotabug]

then go for it man

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

Thats what I am thinking, I just wanted others opinion on the subject. Thanks. Anyone else?

[jimbo74]

vista is fine... my wife @ first hated it because its the only os her autoCAD programe works on, but after she did something to it, she wouldn't dream of going back now....

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

That is why I am getting a windows machine... I would rather buy a MAC, but all the engineering programs I need are for windows only