Opinions, please!

adagioinb · 06-02-2008, 02:52 PM

Budget: How much money are you willing to spend on the laptop? Up to a couple of thousand, to get what I want

Screen: What size screen do you want, and do you need widescreen? I don't need widescreen, but it might be nice. I tend to keep several windows open at one time, and like to still have a view of the desktop. I like having lots of screen to play with.

Brands: Are there any brands you want or don't want to buy? Absolutely out of the question: Compaq/HP. I've had a Compaq Presario, and it had issues that I never saw them own up to or address.

Mobility: How much will you need and how long does the battery need to last? This is more for a desktop replacement, or laptop computing from my living room recliner. Maybe an occasional excursion to my job. But mostly it goes from the endtable to the arm of the recliner. At most, past experiences had left me needing maybe two hours without power.

Durability: Does this laptop need to be sturdy or durable/semi-durable? While this computer's lot in life will be rather cushy, accidents do happen. However, transportation out of my home will be in a padded briefcase/computer bag/backpack, usually into another 'safe' environment.

Multitasking: Will you be multitasking with this laptop and if so, how much? I'm almost always multitasking. Browser open, email program open, text editor open, Total Commander open, IRFAnview open,... and maybe freecell as well.

Gaming: Will you be gaming and if so, how much and how new are the games? Mostly just SimCity 4K. But I've got lots & lots of plugins, and these things eat up the RAM. But who knows, I might get some game more action intensive, but I'm not planning on it.

Calculations: Will you be doing any intense calculations or multimedia encoding? My son likes to manipulate multimedia at times.

Storage: How much storage will you need and what will you be storing? I'm a pack rat. I need room for everything. My current laptop has a 60gb hd, with about 20 gb free. And a 120 gb external drive, about half full.

Optical Media: Will you need to burn any optical media like CDs or DVDs? Yes and yes

Operating System: Do you want Windows XP or Vista, or Linux compatibility? I don't want Vista, so I've got just a short time to grab an XP. I've never tried Linux, but am open to the idea.

Location: What country do you live in?USA

Hm, I thought I saw another question, that I don't see here....
How long do I need it to last? Until Windows 7, or I decide to switch to MAC. I'm not quite ready to make that jump yet.

I'm using a 4+year old Dell Inspiron 5150. It still runs well, although the dvd/cd burner sometimes doesn't recognize there's a disc in there. I had the video card replaced just before the warranty expired. Other than that, it has been the best computer I've ever had, but it is aging, and getting a bit quirky. I don't want to get Vista, and I don't know if the Dell will make it to Windows 7. And I don't want to have to make an emergency purchase of a Mac, if this one goes, but I'm not ready for Mac, yet.

I'm considering another Dell (15.4", same as I have now). And think I would be happy with it. I've purchased two Dell computers in the last six years, and been happy with them. But I've been looking at a Microtel gaming computer, 17" screen. I have had a hard time finding information on technical support/customer satisfaction. Until I got here, I'd found next to nothing. I've googled till my fingers turned blue, and my eyeballs crossed. Visited zdnet, cnet, pcmag, and crutchfield. Either the brand isn't listed, or there are no ratings or reviews.
I finally found a few posts here that indicated 'issues' with the brand. But then again, most folks come here because they have 'issues with their 'puters, good brand or not.

I'm purchasing through the military exchange system, so my brand options are somewhat limited.
Thanks for any opinions/recommendations ya'll can give me.
Ruth

**grimx133** · 06-02-2008, 03:42 PM

I've got a Dell Inspiron 9400, which is an Inspiron 1705 in the states. This is a 2006 model. Basically used as a desktop replacement, and I am more than satisfied with it. So, I'd have to say that sticking with Dell is a good idea, specially if you've used them before and have had a good experience. The only thing I'd really like to suggest is to get the best video that you can afford for it. Integrated video sucks, I wouldn't be able to play Links 2003 if I had integrated, so I have a radeon mobility x1400 instead and have had no problems. Haven't tried any intense games and don't know how well it would perform at those. Get a 17 inch model if the mobility isn't a big deal, it's a fairly large and heavy beast, but that's ok for what you want it for. I think the screen is referred to as UWXGA and is their true-life or whatever they call it. Movies look simply great on it. Cost is a bit of a factor, I find Dell is a tad dear in that regard, but have always thought "you get what you pay for", as well.
Opinions will vary, but I'd say get a Dell, but upgrade it as much as you can. Btw, I also have a couple of 500 gig external hdd's and a 20x external burner, since it is used as a desktop replacement.

broosten · 06-02-2008, 04:33 PM

I would go with a basic MacBook, it would fit your needs pretty well. Limited gaming (and yes, Sim City 4 is available for mac), reasonable Hard Drive, RAM, etc. Make the switch, I think you may find the grass is greener on the other (mac) side. Try to ignore my sig. I'm not [i]that[i] biased.

adagioinb · 06-02-2008, 05:17 PM

grimx133, I'm sticking with whatever model they're offering XP on, and that has limited my video card to Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100. And they aren't offering XP on any of the 17" models. Ordering through the military exchange has limited my choices.
broosten, I appreciate your passion for Mac. My sister has been trying to convert me for years. Two of my favorite programs have a Mac version (Opera & SC4K), but I'd have to install XP somehow on whatever mac I've got to run some of the other programs I'm not quite ready to part with. I've started researching it, but I've got sooooo manyyyy questions(many of which I can't even think how to ask) that I just can't do it yet.

06-02-2008, 02:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
adagioinb Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: east texas Posts: 4 OS: XP Pro sp1	Opinions, please! Budget: How much money are you willing to spend on the laptop? Up to a couple of thousand, to get what I want Screen: What size screen do you want, and do you need widescreen? I don't need widescreen, but it might be nice. I tend to keep several windows open at one time, and like to still have a view of the desktop. I like having lots of screen to play with. Brands: Are there any brands you want or don't want to buy? Absolutely out of the question: Compaq/HP. I've had a Compaq Presario, and it had issues that I never saw them own up to or address. Mobility: How much will you need and how long does the battery need to last? This is more for a desktop replacement, or laptop computing from my living room recliner. Maybe an occasional excursion to my job. But mostly it goes from the endtable to the arm of the recliner. At most, past experiences had left me needing maybe two hours without power. Durability: Does this laptop need to be sturdy or durable/semi-durable? While this computer's lot in life will be rather cushy, accidents do happen. However, transportation out of my home will be in a padded briefcase/computer bag/backpack, usually into another 'safe' environment. Multitasking: Will you be multitasking with this laptop and if so, how much? I'm almost always multitasking. Browser open, email program open, text editor open, Total Commander open, IRFAnview open,... and maybe freecell as well. Gaming: Will you be gaming and if so, how much and how new are the games? Mostly just SimCity 4K. But I've got lots & lots of plugins, and these things eat up the RAM. But who knows, I might get some game more action intensive, but I'm not planning on it. Calculations: Will you be doing any intense calculations or multimedia encoding? My son likes to manipulate multimedia at times. Storage: How much storage will you need and what will you be storing? I'm a pack rat. I need room for everything. My current laptop has a 60gb hd, with about 20 gb free. And a 120 gb external drive, about half full. Optical Media: Will you need to burn any optical media like CDs or DVDs? Yes and yes Operating System: Do you want Windows XP or Vista, or Linux compatibility? I don't want Vista, so I've got just a short time to grab an XP. I've never tried Linux, but am open to the idea. Location: What country do you live in?USA Hm, I thought I saw another question, that I don't see here.... How long do I need it to last? Until Windows 7, or I decide to switch to MAC. I'm not quite ready to make that jump yet. I'm using a 4+year old Dell Inspiron 5150. It still runs well, although the dvd/cd burner sometimes doesn't recognize there's a disc in there. I had the video card replaced just before the warranty expired. Other than that, it has been the best computer I've ever had, but it is aging, and getting a bit quirky. I don't want to get Vista, and I don't know if the Dell will make it to Windows 7. And I don't want to have to make an emergency purchase of a Mac, if this one goes, but I'm not ready for Mac, yet. I'm considering another Dell (15.4", same as I have now). And think I would be happy with it. I've purchased two Dell computers in the last six years, and been happy with them. But I've been looking at a Microtel gaming computer, 17" screen. I have had a hard time finding information on technical support/customer satisfaction. Until I got here, I'd found next to nothing. I've googled till my fingers turned blue, and my eyeballs crossed. Visited zdnet, cnet, pcmag, and crutchfield. Either the brand isn't listed, or there are no ratings or reviews. I finally found a few posts here that indicated 'issues' with the brand. But then again, most folks come here because they have 'issues with their 'puters, good brand or not. I'm purchasing through the military exchange system, so my brand options are somewhat limited. Thanks for any opinions/recommendations ya'll can give me. Ruth

06-02-2008, 03:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
grimx133 Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada eh Posts: 2,203 OS: xp mce sp2, xp pro sp2, windows 7 beta My System	Re: Opinions, please! I've got a Dell Inspiron 9400, which is an Inspiron 1705 in the states. This is a 2006 model. Basically used as a desktop replacement, and I am more than satisfied with it. So, I'd have to say that sticking with Dell is a good idea, specially if you've used them before and have had a good experience. The only thing I'd really like to suggest is to get the best video that you can afford for it. Integrated video sucks, I wouldn't be able to play Links 2003 if I had integrated, so I have a radeon mobility x1400 instead and have had no problems. Haven't tried any intense games and don't know how well it would perform at those. Get a 17 inch model if the mobility isn't a big deal, it's a fairly large and heavy beast, but that's ok for what you want it for. I think the screen is referred to as UWXGA and is their true-life or whatever they call it. Movies look simply great on it. Cost is a bit of a factor, I find Dell is a tad dear in that regard, but have always thought "you get what you pay for", as well. Opinions will vary, but I'd say get a Dell, but upgrade it as much as you can. Btw, I also have a couple of 500 gig external hdd's and a 20x external burner, since it is used as a desktop replacement.

06-02-2008, 04:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
broosten Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 23 OS: Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP2, Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.7, Ubuntu 9.04 Jaunty Jackalope	Re: Opinions, please! I would go with a basic MacBook, it would fit your needs pretty well. Limited gaming (and yes, Sim City 4 is available for mac), reasonable Hard Drive, RAM, etc. Make the switch, I think you may find the grass is greener on the other (mac) side. Try to ignore my sig. I'm not [i]that[i] biased. __________________ Proud Apple Fanboy.

06-02-2008, 05:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
adagioinb Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: east texas Posts: 4 OS: XP Pro sp1	Re: Opinions, please! grimx133, I'm sticking with whatever model they're offering XP on, and that has limited my video card to Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100. And they aren't offering XP on any of the 17" models. Ordering through the military exchange has limited my choices. broosten, I appreciate your passion for Mac. My sister has been trying to convert me for years. Two of my favorite programs have a Mac version (Opera & SC4K), but I'd have to install XP somehow on whatever mac I've got to run some of the other programs I'm not quite ready to part with. I've started researching it, but I've got sooooo manyyyy questions(many of which I can't even think how to ask) that I just can't do it yet.