Author Topic: I need help picking a laptop (Read 19672 times)

Prof Underwood · « **Reply #50 on:** December 01, 2011, 10:59:08 PM »

Quote from: appleHater on December 01, 2011, 10:42:02 PM

Disagree with the other two

Do you mean that you disagree that HP and Acer are junk, or that Toshiba and Lenovo are awesome?

Quote from: LordZardeck on December 01, 2011, 10:47:25 PM

HP
Acer

Wow, you really dislike HP MORE than Acer? That's the first time I've heard that perspective.

LordZardeck · « **Reply #51 on:** December 01, 2011, 11:08:43 PM »

Quote from: Prof Underwood on December 01, 2011, 10:59:08 PM

Quote from: LordZardeck on December 01, 2011, 10:47:25 PM
HP
Acer
Wow, you really dislike HP MORE than Acer? That's the first time I've heard that perspective.

I probably hate HP just SLIGHTLY less than Apple. If it helps to put things into perspective, I'm a MS fanboy.

Prof Underwood · « **Reply #52 on:** December 01, 2011, 11:18:59 PM »

Quote from: LordZardeck on December 01, 2011, 11:08:43 PM

I probably hate HP just SLIGHTLY less than Apple. If it helps to put things into perspective, I'm a MS fanboy.

Where does Gateway go on your list?

appleHater · « **Reply #53 on:** December 01, 2011, 11:28:03 PM »

I like and have never had any issues with any HP I've ever owned (two desktops and a laptop) though I don't buy throw away models. Only had experience with one Acer and it was surprisingly solid. Currently typing on a toshiba because I bombed , my Asus (KEYGENS!!!!) and haven;t fixed it yet. Had the touchpad but it's meh otherwise. Never used a Lenovo so no comment.

I would rather buy an emachine than a dell. AN EMACHINE!

LordZardeck · « **Reply #54 on:** December 01, 2011, 11:32:30 PM »

Quote from: appleHater on December 01, 2011, 11:28:03 PM

I would rather buy an emachine than a dell. AN EMACHINE!

For personal use, amen.

Quote from: Prof Underwood on December 01, 2011, 11:18:59 PM

Quote from: LordZardeck on December 01, 2011, 11:08:43 PM
I probably hate HP just SLIGHTLY less than Apple. If it helps to put things into perspective, I'm a MS fanboy.
Where does Gateway go on your list?

Gateway doesn't even exist in my worlds. I have never used a gateway that wasn't pure crap. Same as their support.

Rawrlolsauce! · « **Reply #55 on:** December 02, 2011, 12:04:15 AM »

I don't know a lot about computers and I'm about to be really bias with an anecdote, but...

I currently have an Acer Aspire laptop. It is about 1.5 years old and I like it. It is definitely a cheaply made machine, as most of it is just plastic. That being said, I've been pretty rough on it and use it every single day, it is still working well for me and in good condition. I have yet to have any issues with the hardware (at least, issues that weren't my fault.....) The speakers are somewhat quiet, but if I'm somewhere that there's so much background noise it's difficult to hear, I'll be using headphones anyway. Overall I'm very happy with it. The performance it offers for the price I paid has been worth it, especially if I can get another 1.5 years out of it (which seems likely).

I've had good support, too. I spilled water on it once and a few of the keys on the keyboard stopped working due to that. I sent it in to have it repaired and it was back to me in a week. It only cost me the $5 or whatever to ship it, even though it was totally my fault. (I just have the standard warranty.)

appleHater · « **Reply #56 on:** December 02, 2011, 12:07:16 AM »

Quote from: Rawrlolsauce! on December 02, 2011, 12:04:15 AM

I don't know a lot about computers and I'm about to be really bias with an anecdote, but...

I currently have an Acer Aspire laptop. It is about 1.5 years old and I like it. It is definitely a cheaply made machine, as most of it is just plastic. That being said, I've been pretty rough on it and it is still working well for me. I have yet to have any issues with the hardware (at least, issues that weren't my fault.....) The speakers are somewhat quiet, but if I'm somewhere that there's so much background noise it's difficult to hear, I'll be using headphones anyway. Overall I'm very happy with it. The performance it offers for the price I paid has been worth it, especially if I can get another 1.5 years out of it (which seems likely).

I've had good support, too. I spilled water on it once and a few of the keys on the keyboard stopped working due to that. I sent it in to have it repaired and it was back to me in a week. It only cost me the $5 or whatever to ship it, even though it was totally my fault. (I just have the standard warranty.)

what i do against apple as bias, this is just a helpful anecdote considering all of our minimal experience with Acer

LordZardeck · « **Reply #57 on:** December 02, 2011, 12:17:55 AM »

Quote from: appleHater on December 02, 2011, 12:07:16 AM

what i do against apple as bias

What I do against apple ISN'T biased.

appleHater · « **Reply #58 on:** December 02, 2011, 12:19:49 AM »

Quote from: LordZardeck on December 02, 2011, 12:17:55 AM

Quote from: appleHater on December 02, 2011, 12:07:16 AM

what i do against apple as bias

What I do against apple ISN'T biased.

I didn't say it was well grounded, but at this point yeah it's bias ahaha i pretty much just say oh apple came out with a new product? i'm gonna go buy the original product they took their idea from

Prof Underwood · « **Reply #59 on:** December 02, 2011, 12:37:55 AM »

Is there a reason I shouldn't buy this computer?

TechnoEthicist · « **Reply #60 on:** December 02, 2011, 12:44:12 AM »

My turn,

I don't buy electronics on EBay, what if something goes wrong? You have to send it to HP IF it's in the 1 year manufacturer warranty and IF that problem wasn't an issue with the machine instead of wear and tear. All of my laptops I have bought service plans with, and as a former member of Geek Squad I do stand behind them. Though I, like others would prefer that if something goes wrong Best Buy or whoever would replace it instead of repair it, I understand why they do since sometimes what the customer says is wrong with the machine isn't that at all (Shudders back to all of the water damaged IPod Nanos he had to call about that the customer never told him were left in the car overnight...)...Also, unless it's plugged in all the time you will need a replacement battery which is not covered under warranty but is under a service plan. However, I know you are on a tight budget but these are things to think about when going with a laptop....a desktop on the other hand is a different story, mostly because I build all of ours myself...

Prof Underwood · « **Reply #61 on:** December 02, 2011, 12:53:06 AM »

Quote from: TechnoEthicist on December 02, 2011, 12:44:12 AM

All of my laptops I have bought service plans with

My problem here is that a service plan costs something like $200. I just can't see how it is a good idea for me to spend half the cost of the laptop for a 2 year service plan.

TechnoEthicist · « **Reply #62 on:** December 02, 2011, 12:57:47 AM »

Unless you are worried the kids are going to drop and break it, don't get the accidental damage handling version. The standard two year plan is 89.99 for this model http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Pentium%26%23174%3B+Processor+/+17.3%26%2334%3B+Display+/+4GB+Memory+-+Matrix+Graphite/3624697.p?id=1218421871958&skuId=3624697 as an example.

Prof Underwood · « **Reply #63 on:** December 02, 2011, 01:03:51 AM »

The link didn't work (although I went to the website and found where you were trying to point).

But still, do you think it is worth spending a fourth of the price you pay for a computer just to basically insure it for 2 years?

LordZardeck · « **Reply #64 on:** December 02, 2011, 01:22:26 AM »

Quote from: Prof Underwood on December 02, 2011, 01:03:51 AM

But still, do you think it is worth spending a fourth of the price you pay for a computer just to basically insure it for 2 years?

No. I bought my laptop on ebay almost 2 years ago, and still runs perfectly fine. It's all about finding the right seller. just don't buy from someone who only has less than a couple hundred reviews. You are going to give this person a large amount of money. You need to be able to trust them. If at all possible, try to buy from a business, not an individual. You'll be much happier.

LordZardeck · « **Reply #65 on:** December 02, 2011, 01:23:55 AM »

Also, as for that specific laptop on ebay, it looks like you can trust the seller, so if money is really tight for you, then go for it.

Prof Underwood · « **Reply #66 on:** December 02, 2011, 01:57:18 AM »

OK, I think I'm getting a basic idea of how to rank things at this point. Here's my first try at a point system:

CPU: Top 50 (0 pt)
51-100 (1 pt)
101-150 (2 pt)

RAM: Over 4GB (0 pt)
4 GB (1 pt)
3 GB (2 pt)

Graphics Card: Class 1 (0 pt)
Class 2 (1 pt)
Class 3 (2 pt)

Screen size: 17 inches (0 pt)
15 inches (5 pt)

Brand: Toshiba/Lenovo/Sony (0 pt)
Asus/HP/Dell (1 pt)
Acer/Gateway/Other (3 pt)

HD speed: 7200 (0 pt)
5400 (1 pt)

My thinking is that I have a maximum limit of 10pts on whatever laptop I end up getting. I'll see how some of my current options fit into this system

Prof Underwood · « **Reply #67 on:** December 02, 2011, 02:08:54 AM »

Best Buy HP ($430):
CPU = #68 (1 pt)
RAM = 4GB (1 pt)
Graphics = middle of class 3 (2 pt)
Screen = 17.3 in (0 pt)
Brand = HP (1 pt)
HD speed = 5400 (1 pt)
Total = 6 pts

Toshiba Custom ($480):
CPU = #68 (1 pt)
RAM = 4GB (1 pt)
Graphics = middle of class 3 (2 pt)
Screen = 17.3 in (0 pt)
Brand = Toshiba (0 pt)
HD speed = 5400 (1 pt)
Total = 5 pts

Best Buy HP ($380):
CPU = #114 (2 pt)
RAM = 4GB (1 pt)
Graphics = bottom of class 3 (2 pt)
Screen = 17.3 in (0 pt)
Brand = HP (1 pt)
HD speed = 5400 (1 pt)
Total = 7 pts

Best Buy Toshiba ($350):
CPU = #114 (2 pt)
RAM = 4GB (1 pt)
Graphics = bottom of class 3 (2 pt)
Screen = 17.3 in (0 pt)
Brand = Toshiba (0 pt)
HD speed = 5400 (1 pt)
Total = 6 pts

YourMathTeacher · « **Reply #68 on:** December 02, 2011, 02:46:40 AM »

The only computer I ever bought on eBay had pirated software and OS.

My current Acer laptop was fine for the first two years, but has had overheating and other issues ever since. It still works in short bursts, though, after five years.

I have always gone cheap, and found that the processors and video could not keep up with the times after the first year. Everything runs slow, and the computer has to work harder for basic uses. You definitely will regret going low-end just to save on price. I say ditch the 17" monitor and get the best specs you can find in your budget. Be prepared to extend your budget slightly, since this will do wonders in the long run.

My school system uses Dell laptops, and my current desktop is a Dell, and I have had no problems with them.

LordZardeck · « **Reply #69 on:** December 02, 2011, 03:03:50 AM »

Quote from: Prof Underwood on December 02, 2011, 01:57:18 AM

OK, I think I'm getting a basic idea of how to rank things at this point. Here's my first try at a point system:

CPU: Top 50 (0 pt)
51-100 (1 pt)
101-150 (2 pt)

RAM: Over 4GB (0 pt)
4 GB (1 pt)
3 GB (2 pt)

Graphics Card: Class 1 (0 pt)
Class 2 (1 pt)
Class 3 (2 pt)

Screen size: 17 inches (0 pt)
15 inches (5 pt)

Brand: Toshiba/Lenovo (0 pt)
Asus/HP (1 pt)
Acer/Dell (3 pt)

HD speed: 7200 (0 pt)
5400 (1 pt)

My thinking is that I have a maximum limit of 10pts on whatever laptop I end up getting. I'll see how some of my current options fit into this system

You know, that's not a bad idea. I man create one of those these days, so you can plug in specs of computers you're checking out and see which one would be best. Of course, I'd have to go by official ratings for brands and not my own personal opinion/experience

Prof Underwood · « **Reply #70 on:** December 02, 2011, 03:10:06 AM »

Quote from: YourMathTeacher on December 02, 2011, 02:46:40 AM

I say ditch the 17" monitor and get the best specs you can find in your budget. Be prepared to extend your budget slightly, since this will do wonders in the long run.

Just for you, I put an example of a 15.6 inch laptop with the best specs I could find for the same cost as the 17inch ones I've been looking at. As you can see, the CPU is only slightly better than the Best Buy HP. Everything else is the same except the screen being smaller. I would much rather have a significantly larger screen, than a slightly faster CPU.

My current favorite does seem to be the Best Buy HP. It has the 2nd fastest CPU, the fastest graphics card, the typical RAM and HD speed, and has the 17 inch screen.

Also, where does Samsung belong on the brand list?

SomeKittens · « **Reply #71 on:** December 02, 2011, 09:36:19 AM »

Some points of mine regarding brands of laptops.

My first laptop was a Dell. It was used, and boy did I use it even more. It went through ~2yrs of wear just with me, and was coming apart at the seams (the mouse ceased to click), but still was a sturdy product. I know Dell has the highest DoA rate in the industry (2%), perhaps they've changed since I had that model. (7 years ago).

My second was a Gateway. I loved this machine. I had it for 3 years of wear and tear and it took them in stride. Features worked well, the main issues I had were with the MBR (Install Windows first on a dual boot system, kids), and that's not Gateway's fault. The main issue was with a third-party power cord after someone borrowed my laptop and failed to return the cord. After three great years of service, it suddenly died of motherboard failure.

My current laptop was purchased on ebay, and it's pretty bad. It's an Acer Aspire One, and I bought it to do homework on. It's got some compatibility issues with Linux (but that shouldn't worry you), but there's two main issues. One, it doesn't start charging unless it's off. So if I'm Skyping a friend, and my battery gets low, I have to hang up, hibernate, plug in, and then resume. Arg. That's kind of a pain, but the biggest issue is the black hole of death growing on my screen. There's a growing hole of dead pixels that has no recourse other than buying a new screen.

My two cents. This laptop is my first ebay purchase to go wrong (and the screen didn't start dying until 6 months after I bought it).

Prof Underwood · « **Reply #72 on:** December 05, 2011, 05:22:50 PM »

I found what I think is the best deal so far on a new laptop which comes in on my scale above at only a 6 (lower is better) and only costs $350.

But I had a friend who just told me that only 1 in 10 new laptops are even checked to ensure that they operate, but that 100% of refurbished laptops are checked to make sure they work right. Does this mean that I need to rethink my previous conclusion that I should stay away from refurbished laptops?

TechnoEthicist · « **Reply #73 on:** December 05, 2011, 05:54:35 PM »

I can count the number of Dead on Arrival (DoA) laptops that we had at Best Buy on my hand, I might have had 1 dead laptop over the span of working there 16 months. Plus, if it is dead, take it back to Best Buy and they have to give you a new one, it doesn't go to the manufacturer if it's defective out of the box. I would still stay away from refurbs.

SomeKittens · « **Reply #74 on:** December 05, 2011, 06:34:25 PM »

Quote from: Prof Underwood on December 05, 2011, 05:22:50 PM

I found what I think is the best deal so far on a new laptop which comes in on my scale above at only a 6 (lower is better) and only costs $350.

But I had a friend who just told me that only 1 in 10 new laptops are even checked to ensure that they operate, but that 100% of refurbished laptops are checked to make sure they work right. Does this mean that I need to rethink my previous conclusion that I should stay away from refurbished laptops?

You'll also note that 100% of referbs had a problem that might show up again.

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Author Topic: I need help picking a laptop (Read 19672 times)

appleHater

Rawrlolsauce!

appleHater

appleHater