Picking out a laptop

[russiankid]

So its time for me to pick out a laptop for school and other use. I started searching on Newegg and I've narrowed it down to 3 laptops. I am looking for something with at least 2gigs of RAM and at least a 100gig HDD. I would prefer to stick with 15" screens rather than get something big as I will have to transport it. So here are the 3 that I like.

Toshiba Satelite- Only thing I don't like is Vista Home Premium. Is it a stable operating system?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834114617

HP ProBook
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834157009

Sony AVAIO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834117866

All of these computers meet my standards. However, I am not exactly sure which one to choose. I am still looking for other deals/computers so if you have any suggestions please post them. Also, you may have noticed these computers are under $700. So if you're going to make a suggestion, try to stay in that price range or don't go over by to much.

P.S. I am currently looking at Dell computers.

[Nors]

I just got an HP DV6 for $700. I built one for $1000 then found a 30% discount online. 4GB ram, 2.0ghtz processor, 320GB HDD, built in webcam, bluetooth, next gen wireless, 2 years lojack, 16" screen. Just saying...

[russiankid]

I just build a laptop on the Dell website for $589. It has:

Intel core 2 Duo(2.00 GHz)
3GB Ram
250GB HDD
15" widescreen
Bluetooth
9-cell bettery
Also comes with Ubuntu Desktop Edition.

[Scapegoat]

vista rocks, it'll be fine

[Nick Merrone]

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/product_detail.do?storeName=storefronts&landing=rts_notebook&category=rts_notebook&orderflow=1&a1=Brand&v1=Compaq+Presario&product_code=NB048UA%23ABA&catLevel=2

ive got that..my previous computer had vista basic..it blows..this computer..my god..ahaha. its really fast. get it. its real cheap too.

[lagos]

if you get any windows based computer, make sure to see if they offer an upgrade coupon to windows7, since thats coming out later this year.

keep an eye on the battery life too. thats one thing that will make you love or hate your laptop. being able to take it to a coffee shop, or to class without having to worry about finding an outlet is a great thing.

[russiankid]

Scape- What do you like about Vista over XP?

Nick- link doesn't work.

Art- I didn't think about battery life. Hoewever, when I built the computer on Dell I put in the best battery they offer. I may end up going with Linux if I get a dell.

[Scapegoat]

Scape- What do you like about Vista over XP?

i have no idea... its prettier

i like the small thumbnails of pics and stuff like that when attaching, instead of a list.

vista saps resources like crazy, i idle around 2gb ram (on an 8 gb system) but that is with EVERYTHING turned on.

Its windows though, it works as well as XP and you can cut down on the fancy schmancy ****.

If i were to get a laptop for school (which i'm not in), i'd run ubuntu or kubuntu depening on hardware.

my mom has an older toshiba laptop, i hope... i just sent her a message asking for it because i want to play around with linux on it.

[JDM215]

hp is thee shiet

[Scapegoat]

hp is thee shiet

correct... HP is ****...

[russiankid]

i have no idea... its prettier

i like the small thumbnails of pics and stuff like that when attaching, instead of a list.

vista saps resources like crazy, i idle around 2gb ram (on an 8 gb system) but that is with EVERYTHING turned on.

Its windows though, it works as well as XP and you can cut down on the fancy schmancy ****.

If i were to get a laptop for school (which i'm not in), i'd run ubuntu or kubuntu depening on hardware.

my mom has an older toshiba laptop, i hope... i just sent her a message asking for it because i want to play around with linux on it.

The Dell I really like has Ubuntu.

[Scapegoat]

Dell is **** too.

I'd go with the toshiba and install linux. if you need help with that let me know... i've done it a few times, though i'm no expert

[Nick Merrone]

Scape- What do you like about Vista over XP?

Nick- link doesn't work.

Art- I didn't think about battery life. Hoewever, when I built the computer on Dell I put in the best battery they offer. I may end up going with Linux if I get a dell.


it works for me?

and the battery life on the compaq is pretty good. im running in high performace mode..battery lasts like 5-6 hours on high performance mode.

[grimm]

check out tiger direct. they have some decent deals.

[russiankid]

Ken, my brother has had his Dell for 2+ years now without any problems.

Nick, not exactly sure whats up.

Grimm-thanks, checking it out now.

[Willdue]

Mac. ..

[Nick Merrone]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9168063&type=product&id=1218041998438

that one but, i have an intel quadcore processor.

[Scapegoat]

Ken, my brother has had his Dell for 2+ years now without any problems.

dell quality is spotty because they use some refurbished parts

i've known people using a dell for 6 years with no problems, and i've no people whose computer lasted a month before hardware died.

i won't buy used computer components because you have no idea how they've been handled outside of their packaging. all it takes is a static shot.

though, if you could actually build a laptop i would... but i'd probably buy a toshiba product

Mac. ..

i don't think he wants to spend 2 grand...

[grimm]

oh and also most of these brand name companies have a re-furbished or a scratch and dent area where you can get pc's/laptops for like half the price. might be worth looking into as well.

[grimm]

i don't think he wants to spend 2 grand...

macbook air $1400 :P
but i got you ;)

[russiankid]

Yeah I am definitely not going Mac.

[lagos]

i like that toshiba the most.
stay away from HP. my mom has one, and ive had to take that thing apart and fix it more than once over the years.

best thing to do is to really read the user reviews on newegg. most of those will give you a good idea of what your getting into.
although im a big linux supporter, id recommend you get something with windows on it (vista is fine), and then dual boot with linux. there might be times in school where your going to need to use a windows specific app for some reason.

[russiankid]

I checked out Lenovo computers as I had one before. I had the tablet pc and I didn't like it do to the screen. However, after looking at other computers they offer I have found one for $450 that has 3gb of RAM, 320GB HDD, and a few other goodies. I really like it and the reviews are good on it. Only cons is that the screen does not latch when you close it. Its a magnetic type lock if I am not mistaken. Thoughts?