Lap Top (notebook)

[Jon]

Ok everyone let's see all the imput you can offer here since I never have owned a lap top but am looking into them and am so lost with all this new technology it is blowing my mind.

I am pretty sure I want a 15.5 inch one but which one, what to have in it etc.?

Windows XP home or Pro?

What about all the other stuff?

Would I need anything special to transfer from my desktop to the laptop?

Brands?

I sort of am looking at Toshiba as being one of the best with Pentuim 4, what is a Pentuim M?

I think you get the point here, oh and please I don't want to spend $2500 up.

This question is just for fun, they used to call them laptops so why the name change to notebooks?

Thanks for all the help you offer.

Jon

[RyanH]

Unless you are going to be networking several computers together, you won't need the security offered by XP Pro; just go with Home version.

As for brands, I'm pretty partial to Dell. They're pretty cool to work with and (from my experience) have been very good on support. HPs are a little gimpy on reliability. Sonys are a little high priced. Toshibas are traditionally pretty decent machines but they are also a little on the high side and aren't as durable as they used to be. The nice thing about Dell is they don't load your machine up with lots of third party software (AOL, MSN, Earthlink, etc.).

You can buy a patch cable (that's the term) to connect your laptop/desktop together directly. If you have a cable connection, you can buy a cheap router and both computers plug into it. By setting up some allowances in both computers, you can share the data between them and have both on the internet at the same time. Having a wireless router is really nice if you get a wireless card in your laptop..you can walk around with your laptop and have it always connected to the network. You will want a good antivirus and firewall program on each, though.

Pentium M is a chip that Intel came out for "mobile" applications. Supposedly it's a little more energy efficient, runs cooler and takes up less space. I have one in my laptop and it works very well.

Since you might want something easy on your eyes, you might consider a widescreen screen.

They used to be called laptops because they were big and bulky. When they became really trendy in business and travel, marketing teams thought it would sell better if they could give the perception of being smaller and more portable, so the term "notebook" was coined. Seeing as how most are smaller than a typical 3-ring binder, I guess the name is fitting.

As for price, you can find really nice deals from $800 to $1300 at dell.
And right now they are offering memory upgrades to 512mb.

[Craig]

Jon,

One on my very good friends owns a computer buiness. He also sets up networking, builds computers and travels mobile computer help. He went with me to buy mine and knows everything there is to know about your shopping experience. If you want, I could have him call you for free. He'd ask you questions and find out exactly what you need with what you want to spend. He'd even tell you where to go to get everything really cheap.

Trust me, with the technology out there in computers it's definately a maze and you need professional help.

[tropical wave]

Jon.....my .02, we are using a Toshiba Satellite, XP, DVD, CD Burner, wireless internet blah blah blah.....can be had for under a grand...been great so far (knocking on wood)

If you wanna spend more, the Sony laptops have an awesome display that can actually be viewed outdoors in the sunshine......

If you know what you want in a computer, try www.tigerdirect.com they have fantastic prices and aren't a fly-by-night computer outfit.

good luck

[Jon]

Guys thanks for the suggestions, we have a router with built in firewall now and have 2 spare slots so connecting that way when home would work.

All I have to do is learn how to network the two, don't want the wifes computer networked to mine! No nothing in it that should not be but mine is MINE and hers is MINE, ops hers is hers. LOL

Tropical Wave, spend money? I was thinking more in line of stealing one! I feel a top limit of $1500 should get me all and more then I need in one.

As for going wireless I have heard enough to know I doubt that will happen but I believe so far from what I have learned most come set up for it. Some include the wireless card, some don't. We have DSL if that makes any difference on using a laptop, er sorry guys notebook!

If I understand one thing here at this time it is to avoid the 'M' chip and stick with Pent. 4?

Craig please do have your friend call me, just let him know I have a hearing problem and will ask him to repeat things. (909)598-1144

Again thanks guys.

Jon

[Aplus]

Jon,
Get the wi-fi setup. Many hotels now offer wi-fi access, and there are wi-fi areas popping up in coffee shops, cafes, and certain shopping areas. This is only the beginning of the wi-fi era. You should be ready, plus, I think you'll like the functionality once you become familiar with it. Many people are unaware what is available using wireless technology. It's a hoot to walk around freely with a notebook, and do all your office and internet tasks the same as if you were on a wired network.

Dell makes some nice notebooks to look into. They have complete solutions to satisfy anyones mobile computing needs. It's conveniant to have a one source provider for most the equipment you'll ever need I have seen the Dells perform nicely in a heavy use business environment.

Don't even worry about the M version or not. It's basically just a marketing strategy, as both so called versions perform equally overall.

[Jon]

I'm learning fast both here and from my research.

I am pretty sure I should stay with Intel Pentium 4 and stay away from most others, namely the Celeron processors.

If I understand Tony right the Pent. 4 or M are pretty much equal so not to worry about that.

Is it really worth the extra bucks for a 17 inch over the 15?

[RyanH]

Jon,
What are you going to do on this machine? That might help in giving a good direction for you.

[Douglas Hicks]

Jon, several months ago, I was in the market for a laptop. My research was the best quality was IBM, Sony and Toshiba. I went w/IBM ($1400.00), 12"x 9" screen, then a small color printer Canon $ 270.00), mouse, 12V power tap, extension cord, phone cord, and have since upgraded to a wireless ($80.00). Get a bag to carry it in. I bought from IBM, could have saved $25.00 by going to a reseller, but wanted the IBM warrenty. I can do estimates, print estimates, e-mail to and from the desk top. Now those rare evenings in the motel, w/o a hood job can be productive. The laptop is much slower than the desktop.

I was warned away from Dell, to many propritary parts. So far no problems w/IBM.

Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc

[tidyjet]

Definitely get wireless router. It's nice to be able to go anywhere in the house and connect on-line and connecting at hotels is also a great convienience.

[Jon]

Ryan and everyone, truthfully to be honest I have no need for one at all, just want one.

Now how's that for a short honest answer?


I pretty much now know what I will get but shall check out IBM so I can compare all 3 brands I think are best, or best from what I have heard, seen and read.

Toshiba
Dell
IBM

Not in any order just listed is all. Have heard horror stories about HP/compaq, Gateway stuff and won't buy odd/off brand stuff.

[RyanH]

Have had 3 compaqs...one had a bad switch on the monitor that caught on fire. The Armada was decent but way overpriced. They're heavy.

Friend had his HP replaced 3 times (that's 3 different machines) because of video problems and the screen not being durable with normal operation.

Two IT guys I've talked with at one of my customers flippantly refer to IBM's machines as "Stinkpads" as opposed to "Thinkpads." I've personally never been impressed with IBMs in the past 15 years I've been using computers.

You're definitely safe with Dell, and I've always had good luck with Toshibas, except for one model about 8 years ago that would shut itself off when the processor heated up, but they offered good support to fix them.

[tropical wave]

Computer geek (I mean that in a loving way) friend, that has been in the biz forever related that Dell, Gateway, Best Buy, Circuit City etc are horrible for tech support...... when it breaks you need to send it in, mail, UPS etc (if you can get them to stay on the phone long enough) Never owned one from any of those places, just passing on the words I got wind of from the EXPERT..... Jon, if you can find a reputable (good luck) computer joint in your area, you can have them build one for you.... they're usually cheaper, have only the hardware and software you want without all the B.S. that comes pre-loaded on Compaqs and HP's.... plus if it breaks and they give you crap about tech support---you can pitch it through their plate glass window !!!!!!!!!!! LOLOL

[Aplus]

Every notebook made has proprietary parts. The only place you can buy a mainboard for an IBM is from IBM. The only place you can buy a case assembly for a particular notebook, is from that particular vendor. And cases do get broken.

I'm be cautious buying future IBM notebooks, look at this link to see what has happened to the IBM personal computer line.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/12...m_lenovo_memo/

[Jon]

Tropical you bad man very very bad I can picture a former account smashing you window what his hose!

Ordered a Toshiba today!

The research I did the more confused I got and was about to just go to Best Buy and get one off he shelf.

Then I said give Toshiba a call and see and the guy at Toshiba gave his all so he got my order.

This guy was as helpful as could be, took his time and explained things I did not understand and just went above and beyond in my opinion so I ordered what we built, might be a little more then I need both with what is in it and cost but figured I won't be buying another so just get it and be happy.

Now the long wait for it to be built and shipped.

I am the kind of guy that wants it yesterday but am not buying till tomorrow!