all you computer nerds please read this - help me pick a laptop - TriStateTuners.com :: Home of Tristate Auto Enthusiast

alwaysinboost · 06-01-2007, 01:45 PM

I need some advise from the puter geeks

on which laptop to get.

Here is what I'm looking for in terms of features:

something not too big and heavy so I can keep in the car for logging while on the track
would like a very LONG battery life
be durable and not shut off on me when I'm re-flashing a car
have at least 2 USB ports

thats about it. if you recommend anything please let me know.
at the moment I'm using a Toshiba Satellite POS that is heavy as hell, shuts off on me for no rhyme or reason and only lasts about 5 minutes on the battery.

**TROLL** · 06-01-2007, 01:49 PM

use descriptive thread titles! if you're asking about a laptop, hmm... mention that in the title. too many threads to make all the titles vague and expect the right people to click on them. help us help you to make tst easy to use and organized.

Vertabreaker · 06-01-2007, 01:50 PM

When it comes to laptops that are feature packed and versitle, Fujitsu is the way to go.

http://www.fujitsu.com

alwaysinboost · 06-01-2007, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TROLL

use descriptive thread titles! if you're asking about a laptop, hmm... mention that in the title. too many threads to make all the titles vague and expect the right people to click on them. help us help you to make tst easy to use and organized.

thanks mang.

andru1313 · 06-01-2007, 01:58 PM

Not a huge fan but Sony make a smal laptop with lots of bells and whistles. Decent battery life. But again you pay for the name.

grimm · 06-01-2007, 02:06 PM

what operating system do you need? that'll probably be more of the deciding factor as to what laptop you can get. Most new laptops come with vista only? I don't know if your logging and flashing software is compatible with that? But personally unlike others, I'm a dell fan. I've gotten 3 laptops from them in the past 4 years and not one has had a problem. And if you look in the scratch and dent area/certified refurbished you can snag a great laptop for a fraction of the cost.

I just bought my girlfriend a dell inspriosn 6400/1505 with a 1.7 dual core processor, 120Gb hard drive, 2gb ram, 15" wxga screen, internal wireless card, DVD burner for $719 before shipping and taxes. My laptop that I got a year before that is the same except I have a 2.0ghz processor and mine was $2400 out the door brand new. So if you don't mind a possibility of a scratch or anything you can eally find a great deal... (oh and you can also have them install xp instead of vista)

just an idea...

alwaysinboost · 06-01-2007, 02:17 PM

I don't mind a scratched laptop at all. I'll have to check that section out.

As fas as an OS goes I really don't know what works with what. thats a good question though. I have XP now and what I need runs on that fine, wouldn't windows make Vista backwards compatable so that anything which ran on windows or XP will run on Vista??

Scapegoat · 06-01-2007, 02:23 PM

personally I hate dell... but I'm looking into getting a Dell Laptop with Ubuntu

grimm · 06-01-2007, 02:23 PM

no it doesn't work that way unless the software was designed for a 64 bit processor. most/all of the software released prior to vista is only 32 bit. As far as I know thats the main problem? but someone feel free to correct me if I am mistaken.

grimm · 06-01-2007, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scapegoat

personally I hate dell... but I'm looking into getting a Dell Laptop with Ubuntu

I don't like the corporation, but i've never had a problem with their products.
(oh and i feel their support is decent, compared to other companies, it still sucks, but it is better the sony, or HP)

Sberk06 · 06-01-2007, 02:27 PM

i bought this one and love it, the only problem is, the cover is very nice and shiney, but looks like it will scratch easy, i am sooooo careful with it.

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/hp-p...-32401531.html

i paid somewhere around 1100 for it including the bag i bought... but i got 150 in rebates... no problems so far...

as for computer, im not sure how much i like vista... i might reccomend getting XP

2slowMX5 · 06-03-2007, 04:16 PM

I'm getting a Dell Latitude X1. I don't really like their computers, but this one in particular happens to be a samsung (the Q30) that dell rebranded and sold as their own in the US.

So basically you get an awesome Samsung computer, with a dell price and kick ass warranty. The latitudes are dells' "corporate" line of computers, with slightly better components and warranties.

The X1 is only about 2.5lbs, but its a one spindle design, so no built in optical drive. An external one is included. The CPU is a Pentium M ULV (ultra low voltage) 1.1GHz and gets about 5hrs on the extended battery, 2 and change on the slim. It would be plenty fast for what you need it to do.

05GT · 06-03-2007, 06:24 PM

No no, don't get any of the mentioned laptops. If you are looking to have it in your car and data log and what not...
Your best bet, though expensive, is one of the panasonic toughbooks. You can do just about anything to those without breaking them. They are small and light, and most of the new ones have a touch screen.

We use them at my company for certain departments that operate heavy equipment and just don't know anything about computers in general.

We tested one by taking it outside and slamming on the ground as hard as we could and it still ran like it was fresh out of the box.

05GT · 06-03-2007, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grimm

no it doesn't work that way unless the software was designed for a 64 bit processor. most/all of the software released prior to vista is only 32 bit. As far as I know thats the main problem? but someone feel free to correct me if I am mistaken.

Correcting in progress.............. lol. Programs not working on Vista is not related, not mainly anyways, to anything dealing with 32bit or 64bit. Programs that run on the 64bit edition of XP still won't run on Vista, not to mention, Vista is also made in a 32bit edition...sooooooo thats basically irrelevant as to why the programs dont work.

Trying not to get into details, Vista's programming is just new and doesn't work well with older programs. Compatibility issues with coding and whatnot.

But its ok...I still like you haha.

dubjinc · 06-03-2007, 07:12 PM

I got a macbook, and wouldn't trade it for the world.
here some copy n paste stats.

Intel Core 2 Duo processorsrevving to 2.16ghz, 1GB of memory, and larger hard drives in all models. There’s also a slew of innovative features, including a built-in iSight camera for video chatting on the go, iLife ’06, Front Row, a glossy 13-inch widescreen display, and even dual-display support.http://www.apple.com/macbook/macbook.html
Its super thin and light, and feels absolutley perfect, and far as the keyboard, and display are concerned.. the only problem is, unless your a media maker/editor, whatever programs you use won't be compatible with macs, but you won't ever get a virus.

lagos · 06-03-2007, 08:34 PM

Quote:

whatever programs you use won't be compatible with macs, but you won't ever get a virus.

yeah, thats cause nothing runs on the mac..lol

05GT · 06-03-2007, 08:38 PM

And Macs can get viruses just so you know.

cburwell · 06-03-2007, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 05GT

No no, don't get any of the mentioned laptops. If you are looking to have it in your car and data log and what not...
Your best bet, though expensive, is one of the panasonic toughbooks. You can do just about anything to those without breaking them. They are small and light, and most of the new ones have a touch screen.

We use them at my company for certain departments that operate heavy equipment and just don't know anything about computers in general.

We tested one by taking it outside and slamming on the ground as hard as we could and it still ran like it was fresh out of the box.

Toughbooks are very durable laptops, but they may be overkill for someone who is using it in their car occasionally. Although they are great in an industrial setting.

I have used my Compaq V2000 in my car many times. My suspension is not the softest, but also not the stiffest. If you want some extra protection, just put it in a laptop backpack while you are driving (It's possible to do this an leave everything connected).

Dell seems to have good deals constantly, but so do most notebook manufacturers. Figure out what features are the most important to you, find a few models that meet your needs, and hit the internet until you find a good deal on any of the models.

alwaysinboost · 06-04-2007, 09:39 AM

one of the companies I worked for a few years ago gave me a toughbook laptop and it was VERY durable.

I'm still on the fence about which way to go. A few people I talked to who also know about computers recommend Dell Insparion (sp?) 15xx, just like some of you in this thread.

Intercooled T · 06-04-2007, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andru1313

Not a huge fan but Sony make a smal laptop with lots of bells and whistles. Decent battery life. But again you pay for the name.

My g/f has it. You don't get a lot for the cost (>$1800)...I tend to avoid Sony products because you get less than what you pay for...ie: her's is only a single-core

06-01-2007, 01:45 PM	#1
alwaysinboost Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: still at work Member #1454 My Ride: 04 EVO Wrecked by Oakes Detailing iTrader: (0)	all you computer nerds please read this - help me pick a laptop I need some advise from the puter geeks on which laptop to get. Here is what I'm looking for in terms of features: something not too big and heavy so I can keep in the car for logging while on the track would like a very LONG battery life be durable and not shut off on me when I'm re-flashing a car have at least 2 USB ports thats about it. if you recommend anything please let me know. at the moment I'm using a Toshiba Satellite POS that is heavy as hell, shuts off on me for no rhyme or reason and only lasts about 5 minutes on the battery.

06-01-2007, 01:50 PM	#3
Vertabreaker Tri-State Training Wheels Join Date: May 2007 Location: Dirty Jersey Member #4775 My Ride: 05 Audi A4 1.8T iTrader: (0)	When it comes to laptops that are feature packed and versitle, Fujitsu is the way to go. http://www.fujitsu.com __________________ If you don't like my driving, get off the sidewalk To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

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06-01-2007, 01:58 PM	#5
andru1313 Tri-State Aficionado Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: with my true love or my Garage which ever is warmer Member #717 My Ride: 2004 VW R32/2006 WW Evo IX MR iTrader: (1)	Not a huge fan but Sony make a smal laptop with lots of bells and whistles. Decent battery life. But again you pay for the name.

06-01-2007, 02:06 PM	#6
grimm Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Dec 2006 Member #3058 iTrader: (2)	what operating system do you need? that'll probably be more of the deciding factor as to what laptop you can get. Most new laptops come with vista only? I don't know if your logging and flashing software is compatible with that? But personally unlike others, I'm a dell fan. I've gotten 3 laptops from them in the past 4 years and not one has had a problem. And if you look in the scratch and dent area/certified refurbished you can snag a great laptop for a fraction of the cost. I just bought my girlfriend a dell inspriosn 6400/1505 with a 1.7 dual core processor, 120Gb hard drive, 2gb ram, 15" wxga screen, internal wireless card, DVD burner for $719 before shipping and taxes. My laptop that I got a year before that is the same except I have a 2.0ghz processor and mine was $2400 out the door brand new. So if you don't mind a possibility of a scratch or anything you can eally find a great deal... (oh and you can also have them install xp instead of vista) just an idea...

06-01-2007, 02:17 PM	#7
alwaysinboost Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: still at work Member #1454 My Ride: 04 EVO Wrecked by Oakes Detailing iTrader: (0)	I don't mind a scratched laptop at all. I'll have to check that section out. As fas as an OS goes I really don't know what works with what. thats a good question though. I have XP now and what I need runs on that fine, wouldn't windows make Vista backwards compatable so that anything which ran on windows or XP will run on Vista??

06-01-2007, 02:23 PM	#8
Scapegoat TST Ruined My Life! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: stop looking at my gold Member #1208 iTrader: (1)	personally I hate dell... but I'm looking into getting a Dell Laptop with Ubuntu

06-03-2007, 04:16 PM	#12
2slowMX5 Tri-State Addict Join Date: Jan 2006 Member #1351 iTrader: (1)	I'm getting a Dell Latitude X1. I don't really like their computers, but this one in particular happens to be a samsung (the Q30) that dell rebranded and sold as their own in the US. So basically you get an awesome Samsung computer, with a dell price and kick ass warranty. The latitudes are dells' "corporate" line of computers, with slightly better components and warranties. The X1 is only about 2.5lbs, but its a one spindle design, so no built in optical drive. An external one is included. The CPU is a Pentium M ULV (ultra low voltage) 1.1GHz and gets about 5hrs on the extended battery, 2 and change on the slim. It would be plenty fast for what you need it to do.

06-03-2007, 06:24 PM	#13
05GT The TST IT Ninja Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: PA Member #1598 My Ride: 2007 SRT8 Jeep / 2013 Shelby GT500 iTrader: (0)	No no, don't get any of the mentioned laptops. If you are looking to have it in your car and data log and what not... Your best bet, though expensive, is one of the panasonic toughbooks. You can do just about anything to those without breaking them. They are small and light, and most of the new ones have a touch screen. We use them at my company for certain departments that operate heavy equipment and just don't know anything about computers in general. We tested one by taking it outside and slamming on the ground as hard as we could and it still ran like it was fresh out of the box.

06-03-2007, 07:12 PM	#15
dubjinc Tri-State Aficionado Join Date: Apr 2007 Member #4368 My Ride: 93' civic iTrader: (0)	I got a macbook, and wouldn't trade it for the world. here some copy n paste stats. Intel Core 2 Duo processorsrevving to 2.16ghz, 1GB of memory, and larger hard drives in all models. There’s also a slew of innovative features, including a built-in iSight camera for video chatting on the go, iLife ’06, Front Row, a glossy 13-inch widescreen display, and even dual-display support.http://www.apple.com/macbook/macbook.html Its super thin and light, and feels absolutley perfect, and far as the keyboard, and display are concerned.. the only problem is, unless your a media maker/editor, whatever programs you use won't be compatible with macs, but you won't ever get a virus.

06-03-2007, 08:38 PM	#17
05GT The TST IT Ninja Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: PA Member #1598 My Ride: 2007 SRT8 Jeep / 2013 Shelby GT500 iTrader: (0)	And Macs can get viruses just so you know.

06-04-2007, 09:39 AM	#19
alwaysinboost Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: still at work Member #1454 My Ride: 04 EVO Wrecked by Oakes Detailing iTrader: (0)	one of the companies I worked for a few years ago gave me a toughbook laptop and it was VERY durable. I'm still on the fence about which way to go. A few people I talked to who also know about computers recommend Dell Insparion (sp?) 15xx, just like some of you in this thread.