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

[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.