Laptop Talk

[willow_red]

I've wanted a laptop computer since, well, sometime in high school, but for one reason or another, it has never happened. Heck, I was going to buy one last year, but instead, that money went to buy a new car after my old one was totalled. But I think this year is finally the year for it! Since I know that many of you know far more about computers than I do, I wanted to put this out here before I actually buy, so if there's something you know about what I've picked out that I don't, please comment and let me know what you think of it.

First off, here's what I really want the laptop for: I've been thinking a lot, and it really comes down to being a so-called "desktop replacement." Now, my desktop isn't going anywhere, but it is almost six years old, so I kinda need an upgrade. It would also be nice to have something portable that I can take on road trips, or even just bring to my parents' house because frankly, their computer is a PITA to use. I'm willing to spend a bit for processor speed, memory, and HD because I want it to last a while, and I hear that upgrades suck on laptops. Also, I really, really don't want anything that Vista has contaminated, but I'm not ready to make the switch to a Mac, so XP it is.

I found something I like on Tiger Direct. It's a custom-built Systemax (same company that built my current desktop box) with the following price and selected options:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/configdetails.asp?Base=3329139
Systemax 15.4" Widescreen Build-to-Order with Windows XP (base price: $699)

• Windows XP Home Edition
• Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 2.2GHz 800FSB 4M Processor  (Add $220.00)
• 1GB PC5300 DDR2 667MHz SODIMM (1GB x 1)  (Add $50.00) 
  
• 160GB 2.5" 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive  (Add $60.00)  
  
• DVDRW Dual Drive  (Add $20.00)  
  
• No Floppy Drive Selected   
  
• Intel 3945ABG Wireless Mobile
• Integrated 10/100 Network Adapter
  
• No Mouse Selected
  
• Computer Associates eTrust InoculateIT Anti-Virus
• Microsoft Office Ready Pro 2007/60-Day Free Trial
  
• No Additional Battery Selected  
  
• No Additional AC Adapter Selected
  
• No Docking Station/Laptop Stand
  
• No USB Hub Selected
  
• 3 Year Parts & Labor Notebook Warranty  (Add $90.00) 
  

Total price: $1139.99


So, what do you think? (I'm opting for just the free trial on MS Office, since I can get discount MS software through work.) I've been staring at this for over a month now, and I think I'm ready to buy.

Comments

[nickhalfasleep.livejournal.com]

It looks pretty good, but I'd think about the warranty in the first month or so, in case it up and dies, figure out tiger's return policy, as lemons tend to show up pretty quick.

Also look at getting a sleeve / case for the laptop if you will travel with it alot. Another option is a laptop case, but those to me say "expensive thing for someone to steal", and use a sleeve in an older backpack or briefcase.

If you consider a mac, they are more expensive, but more refined hardware, and can run XP on them. One thing (actually the only thing) I covet about the apple laptops is their power plug, the leads are all magnetic so it can be pulled / yanked off without doing any harm, something that can happen with a laptop and I bet is one of the more common paths of destruction for laptops.

But they pretty much all come out of the same three factories in taiwan / china, so there isn't a huge hardware difference.

Size wise, it's a balance of portability and power. I've had no problem with my 17" laptop, but I think an iphone or Asus EEE micro-laptop might be nice to have in the future too.

Also consider Costco if you have a membership, they have pretty good deals and a 30 day no questions asked return policy on computers on top of the system warranty.

These machines tend to not come with repair DVDs, but have an option to create them. Do this first chance you get so that in case the hard drive dies (and takes the repair partiton with it) you still have an XP install.

[willow-red.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the feedback! So you think I should only go for a one-year warranty instead of three? As for the case, my thought was to buy that separately, so I get more of a choice (and yes, to find one that doesn't say, "steal me!"). That's interesting about Costco's deal, but I don't have a membership. I will look into Tiger Direct's return policy.

[lilacwire.livejournal.com]

I also recommend at least 2 gigs of ram in any machine these days. :)

[willow-red.livejournal.com]

Hmm, okay. I only have 3/4 gig in the desktop right now (and yeah, it's been getting slow lately). I have the option to to up to 2 gigs, so I think I'll do that. Thanks!

[abelits.livejournal.com]

It looks weird that they don't list graphics -- apparently it's Intel GMA X3100, in 965GM chipset, what should be fine even if this laptop will be used for 3D, though not in the "latest games with all eye candy enabled" range.

You may want to get a faster hard drive (5400RPM drives is what makes loading applications on laptops feel so slow), but it may not worth the price if you.

RAM... usually 1G is more than sufficient, and people who use applications that need more, know who they are.

[j-b.livejournal.com]

I haven't shopped for laptops myself, but my friend just did recently, and spent ~600 on a system with some pretty strong specs. I'm trying to track down the url, since Se just asked me about laptops a week ago (to buy one for his sis), and I sent it to him. Should give a good comparison.

[denversop.livejournal.com]

Sounds like fun! I've been really happy with my Toshiba. It's really lightweight, which was useful when I was dragging it all over campus. Looks like you're ordering a good machine.

A slip cover for the screen/top is a nice thing to have to protect the outside. I tried to find one when I got mine, but couldn't find what I wanted, and now it's a moot point.

I've never heard of that Anti-virus thing before, but I don't really consider myself an expert in the field of electronics.

Congrats on your impending purchase!

[ashfae.livejournal.com]

*drool, drool*