Laptops VS. Desktops

[jmood88]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

I've had nothing but Toshiba Satellites and IBM/Lenovo Thinkpads for the last 13 years, and they've kicked azz. Not one problem.

My brother has encountered problems with his Dell laptops, for what it's worth.

Take care,
PK

Everyone I talked to before I got my laptop told me that Dell's suck and their customer service is terrible. I don't know about other brands since I've just owned one but I love my HP.

[p2xgamers]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

Well I don't need it for gaming. Mostly just normal computer use, downloading some programs and software, etc. I would like a computer that runs somewhat faster and have a decent amount of memory but I can always get an external hard drive as well.

I was looking at Dell's as well as Sony's. Any other good brands? Are refurbished laptops really worth it for a big investment like this?

Well mine has 1 GB of RAM and a 1.7 GHZ processor, I know that it's not a "powerhouse" and for some reason people want more than that, but it does all the above you mentioned fine.

I can run photoshop, windows media player, firefox, trillian, etc. at once and not really see slow-down. If you want to spend a lot more and get more power (which IMO, is not needed unless you're going to game on it) then Sony is a top-notch, very good brand.

Personally I'm not a fan of HP, my mom had two bad laptops and a friend of mine had a bad one as well, but I'm sure they're okay. It of course depends on the model.

As for Dell's customer service, it of course varies like every company, I'm sure. But I've had great experiences with them, they've been very helpful and a family friend that just bought a PC called them up and told them what they use the PC for and they were really helpful with choosing a low-priced PC for them.

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

My vote is for laptop. I do have both though as I just got the $200 emachines desktop package. My Dell Latitude laptop is pretty good, but definitely not worth the steep price I paid. Definitely get the upgrade in RAM.

[Smokey]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

I was thinking is getting a Macbook Pro. Does anyone have one/would anyone suggest getting one?

[mgoblue]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

I was thinking is getting a Macbook Pro. Does anyone have one/would anyone suggest getting one?

I have one for work and it's stellar. Great screen, keyboard, etc. If you like Macs it's a no brainer (well, except for the cost).

I think it's rumored that the Macbook Pro's are getting an upgrade soon, so you may want to wait (I'm not positive, you can probably search online and find some info)

[jmood88]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

What do any of the macbooks do that other laptops can't? I honestly want to know because I don't see any reason why a machine that isn't as good or is just as good as other laptops can cost $1,000+ more.

[The GIGGAS]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

I'd much rather get a desktop and be able to modify it over time (add RAM/change video card) etc. and be able to build it myself in the first part.

[mgoblue]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

What do any of the macbooks do that other laptops can't? I honestly want to know because I don't see any reason why a machine that isn't as good or is just as good as other laptops can cost $1,000+ more.

They're built really well and stuff, but yeah...that's why I don't own one myself. I can't justify the extra cost...

[WazzuRC]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

I've been watching this one on EBAY...what do you guys think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140186899260&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:1123

[pk500]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

I've been watching this one on EBAY...what do you guys think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...E:B:EF:US:1123

I'd be VERY leery of buying a computer from a stranger. You have no idea what viruses or trojans lurk in their operating system. You have no clue whether the machine has been dropped.

Plus that machine is 2 years old. That's pretty long in the tooth in the computer world. A WUXGA display also is crap.

I might consider this as a second machine if you have a really nice desktop or laptop, almost like a "winter rat" if you own a nice summer car. But no way would I make this machine my primary rig.

Take care,
PK

[WazzuRC]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

My dad offered to buy this one for me as an early gift so I don't have to spend money on a new one. What do you guys think of this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270194157670&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:1123

Item Specifics - PC Laptops
Brand: Toshiba Hard Drive Capacity: 120 GB
Family: -- Screen Size: 15 inch
Processor Type: Intel Core Duo Operating System: Vista Home Premium
Processor Model: -- Primary Drive: DVD+/-RW
Processor Speed: 1,700 MHz Condition: --
Memory (RAM): 1,000 MB

This Toshiba Laptop is brand new it still has the plastic on the top of it. I opened it up and checked everything out on it it all works fine.

Product Descridtion

Intel Core DuoT2250 1.73 GHz

1024MB RAM(@BG Max) 120GB

(5400 RPM) HDD DVD SuperMulti(+/-R Double Layer) 15.4 Inch

TruBrite WXGA Intel Pro/Wireless 3954ABG 5 in 1 Media Adapter

Windows Vista Home Premium

Performance and Storage

Processor:

Intel Core Duo T2250 1.73 GHz

Hard Drive:

120GB (5400) Serial ATA

Memory:

1024MB (2048 Max) PC4200 DDR2 533 MHz

Optical Drives:

DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer)drive supporting 11 formats:Maximum speed and compatibility:CD-ROM(24xread) CD-R(24x write) CD-RW(16x write)DVD-ROM(8x read)DVD-R(Single Layer, 8x Write)DVD-R( Double Layer ,4x Write) DVD-RW(6x Write) DVD+R(Single Layer,8x write) DVD+R(Double Layer,4x write) DVD+RW(8x write)DVD-RAM(5x write)

Cache:

2MB integrated on-die level 2

Graphics and Audio

Screen:

15.4" WXGA TFT w/ TruBrite (Resolution: 1280x800 pixels)

Graphics Card:

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with 8MB-128MB

Dynamically allocated shared graphics memory

Audio Card:

Realtek ALC861 16 bit stereo software sound SRS Labs audio enhancements

stereo speakers

Connectivity & Interface

Networking

Wlan 802.11a/b/g,v92 modem,10/100/1000 ethernet LAN

Ports/Slots:

Microphone input port, 5in1 bridge media adapter,USB2.0, FireWire/iLink,VGA out(Monitor),TV out,Line In,Ethernet jack

Mouse/Pointer:

Touchpad Pointing Device

Keyboard:

85 Key US Keyboard

Power & Dimensions

Battery (life)

6cell Lithium ion (3.5hrs max)

Power Req:

75W(15Vx5A) Auto sensing external AC Adapter,100-240V/50-60Hz frequency (Universal) input

Size:

14.2x10.5x1.17/1.45 inches

Weight:

6.0 Lbs.

Operating system & Software

OS:

Microsoft Windows Vista Premium

[The GIGGAS]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

My dad offered to buy this one for me as an early gift so I don't have to spend money on a new one. What do you guys think of this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270194157670&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:1123

Item Specifics - PC Laptops
Brand: Toshiba Hard Drive Capacity: 120 GB
Family: -- Screen Size: 15 inch
Processor Type: Intel Core Duo Operating System: Vista Home Premium
Processor Model: -- Primary Drive: DVD+/-RW
Processor Speed: 1,700 MHz Condition: --
Memory (RAM): 1,000 MB

This Toshiba Laptop is brand new it still has the plastic on the top of it. I opened it up and checked everything out on it it all works fine.

Product Descridtion

Intel Core DuoT2250 1.73 GHz

1024MB RAM(@BG Max) 120GB

(5400 RPM) HDD DVD SuperMulti(+/-R Double Layer) 15.4 Inch

TruBrite WXGA Intel Pro/Wireless 3954ABG 5 in 1 Media Adapter

Windows Vista Home Premium

Performance and Storage

Processor:

Intel Core Duo T2250 1.73 GHz

Hard Drive:

120GB (5400) Serial ATA

Memory:

1024MB (2048 Max) PC4200 DDR2 533 MHz

Optical Drives:

DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer)drive supporting 11 formats:Maximum speed and compatibility:CD-ROM(24xread) CD-R(24x write) CD-RW(16x write)DVD-ROM(8x read)DVD-R(Single Layer, 8x Write)DVD-R( Double Layer ,4x Write) DVD-RW(6x Write) DVD+R(Single Layer,8x write) DVD+R(Double Layer,4x write) DVD+RW(8x write)DVD-RAM(5x write)

Cache:

2MB integrated on-die level 2

Graphics and Audio

Screen:

15.4" WXGA TFT w/ TruBrite (Resolution: 1280x800 pixels)

Graphics Card:

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with 8MB-128MB

Dynamically allocated shared graphics memory

Audio Card:

Realtek ALC861 16 bit stereo software sound SRS Labs audio enhancements

stereo speakers

Connectivity & Interface

Networking

Wlan 802.11a/b/g,v92 modem,10/100/1000 ethernet LAN

Ports/Slots:

Microphone input port, 5in1 bridge media adapter,USB2.0, FireWire/iLink,VGA out(Monitor),TV out,Line In,Ethernet jack

Mouse/Pointer:

Touchpad Pointing Device

Keyboard:

85 Key US Keyboard

Power & Dimensions

Battery (life)

6cell Lithium ion (3.5hrs max)

Power Req:

75W(15Vx5A) Auto sensing external AC Adapter,100-240V/50-60Hz frequency (Universal) input

Size:

14.2x10.5x1.17/1.45 inches

Weight:

6.0 Lbs.

Operating system & Software

OS:

Microsoft Windows Vista Premium

Immediately "downgrade" to XP or put a Linux distro on that.

[WazzuRC]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

Immediately "downgrade" to XP or put a Linux distro on that.

Whys that?

[p2xgamers]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

IMO there's no reason to immediately downgrade. If you start to have too many problems or whatever, as some have had, then it's a good idea. But the only problem I had with it was the annoying confirmation thing, which I simply turned off.

I would keep it on there and see how it is. If you like it, then keep it. Of course if you don't, then go to XP.

[The GIGGAS]

Re: Laptops VS. Desktops

Personally, I would wait for a while for a SP for Vista. If it's already out (sorry, I've not been keeping up with Vista developments), go ahead and keep it for a while.

From what I've dealt with Vista for, it's been a horrible platform.