Laptop. Decision Made.
- Thread starter Revolution.
- 69 comments
- 3,270 views
- 13,818
- Alabama
I wouldn't call them great, but they sure aren't bad. As for the screen, it depends on where you will be using the laptop, and what you'll be using it for. Since it's a laptop, the where doesn't matter much since you can move very easily. If you are doing, or are planning on doing any graphics work, stay far far away from glossy. It makes everything seem over saturated and it will be a royal pain to get your printer to match what you see on screen.
- 10,309
- San Francisco, CA
- Vasco506
- Vasc0
I just got a 1520 two days ago specced to a T7500, 3GB of Ram (4GB isn't much difference really), 160GB 7200rpm hard drive, vista home premium and it comes with an 8600M GT. The speakers are alright on them, i mean laptop speakers are never 'awesome' so to speak because they have to be fairly compact to fit in there. I probably would've got the Macbook Pro had it not been $800 more than the Dell I configured, which came to just a smidge under $2000. You'll probably be able to get a 5% discount on the dell too if you are an NRMA member (www.dell.com.au/nrma), which is a further incentive to buy.
The build quality of the laptop seems quite good, and I definitely recommend getting the 1680x1050 screen option, it looks fantastic. I can't see what people complain about home premium, it seems really great to me so far. Oh, and with the $800 or so you save you can put $100 towards bundling in an MX revolution mouse, which is also worth it in my opinion (I hate touchpads).
The build quality of the laptop seems quite good, and I definitely recommend getting the 1680x1050 screen option, it looks fantastic. I can't see what people complain about home premium, it seems really great to me so far. Oh, and with the $800 or so you save you can put $100 towards bundling in an MX revolution mouse, which is also worth it in my opinion (I hate touchpads).
Rotary Junkie
Premium
- 9,810
- Canton, MI
- RJs_RX-7
Two words: Resource Eater.
Vista KILLS performance. If you can get XP drivers, do, and run WinXP.
Vista KILLS performance. If you can get XP drivers, do, and run WinXP.
- 11,462
- U.K
- Paganisterr
- Ak Paganister
Isn't it like this with every new Windows release?
Give it a year or two and no one will be complaining no more.
- 6,131
- London
- SomaEightyFour
- MrVerloc
4GB of ram = no worry! The reason Vista uses more memory is because it preloads frequently used programs, which is why Firefox loads up in well under a second.
- 6,584
- Kent, UK
- GTP_Jondot
Only with lower performance PCs. Get yourself a large amount of RAM and you'll be just fine, if rather out of pocket. That said, I'd still have XP on a new computer because I've found Vista to be extremely unreliable.
- 1,805
- Adelaide
- Revolution52
I know all about Vista and XP, and the resources that they may or may not eat up respectively. Right now I use XP SP2 on both of my PCs, it is the easiest solution for the time being.
- 1,805
- Adelaide
- Revolution52
Final question about Macs: Leopard. I heard it was due for an October release, what's the deal with that?
- 2,344
- Bristol UK
- GTP_Chris
yea they are damn good. i even got a subwoofer in my laptop
that laptop is real just amazing. There is another one, an HP, with the same specs at my ACER Aspire 5920G but with a 17'' screen. mine has 15.4'' which is pretty good too.
- 6,584
- Kent, UK
- GTP_Jondot
I honestly wouldn't bother waiting. If you're new to Macs, you won't notice any difference, and you'll avoid any issues that might come with the new OS (if any, of course).
It's up to you. The shipping times are so long now that I'd order as soon as possible, and as a new Mac user I'm not at all excited by the prospect of a slightly altered OS when I'm still getting used to this one.
If however you are interested in it, it comes out some time this month and will cost around $120 US to buy its self. Of course, if you wait until it's out you should receive a MBP with it included at no extra cost.
It's up to you. The shipping times are so long now that I'd order as soon as possible, and as a new Mac user I'm not at all excited by the prospect of a slightly altered OS when I'm still getting used to this one.
If however you are interested in it, it comes out some time this month and will cost around $120 US to buy its self. Of course, if you wait until it's out you should receive a MBP with it included at no extra cost.
Eric.
Premium
- 8,515
- GTP_Eric
- Ebiggs
The price difference isn't nearly so large over here in Australia.
On the Australian Acer website the basic model 5920 with 2gb RAM, 2ghz SR C2D, DVD-drive (not HD-DVD.. not that I'm fussed, I'd have little use for a HD-DVD drive regardless) and 200gb 4200rpm hard drive etc etc is $2399 initial outlay with $99 cashback.
Here.
Whereas the 2.2ghz MBP is $2899, but once you factor in the $300 Student Discount, that brings it down to $2599, which is quite reasonable.
$2899, then click the Education button beneath and go from there.
@Mr.Hitler - Hmm, I'll keep an eye out on that then. If I was to get a dell, I'd make sure it had at least 2gb RAM, (in fact, I think the Inspiron 1520 starts @ 3gb?)
Lots of positive things said about Apple stuff, I might have to go find an Apple Store and have a chat to someone about a few things.
About the 4GB in a Dell (or any other Windows machine for that matter)...
You'll need 64-bit Vista or XP to use over 3.5GB of RAM. That can open up a whole new can of worms sometimes, but that limitation is why a bunch of manufacturers are selling 3GB PCs.
- 13,818
- Alabama
Several new features. If you order a laptop (or any Mac) within 2 weeks of the new OS being released, you will get the new OS for free, If you order after it's released, it will come preinstalled.
- 1,805
- Adelaide
- Revolution52
Ahh cool, I did a bit of googling and there's a rumour flying around that it MIGHT ship on October 26th (my birthday, incidentally), so I'd definitely be ordering before then. Perhaps ordering within two weeks of that and recieving the new OS for free afterwards might be the go, gives me some time to get used to Tiger before jumping into Leopard. Ah well, we'll see what happens I guess.
@Ebiggs - Thanks for the tip, I was only really considering 4gb as an absolute luxury thing if I had cash to spare after the purchase, but I don't think I'll have to deal with that much RAM or that limitation for at least a year or so.
@Ebiggs - Thanks for the tip, I was only really considering 4gb as an absolute luxury thing if I had cash to spare after the purchase, but I don't think I'll have to deal with that much RAM or that limitation for at least a year or so.
- 599
There is the new XPS coming out. I hate dells, but this looks like it might be enough to change my mind away from the DV6500t.
- 10,849
- Belgium
- bramturismo
Rev, have you already made up your mind?
If not: Do not go with Dell, yes, they are quite good, better then HP and most other overall, but together with HP, they're having issues with having technical difficulties the first 12 months after purchase.
If I were to choose, Apple immediatly, they are pricey, but they do give you value for their money. If not Apple, Asus and Acer would come to mind. Another make is Sony, though most say it's crap, it's actually underrated and in most tests, it came out better then Dell and HP. Dell and HP are far too overrated, especially HP, they only look fancy, but you better invest your money into decent software, rather then paying too much attention to the hardware looks.
I've gathered some info from recent tests and Apple, Asus, Acer and Sony came out best. To my surprise Dell and HP both scored way too low. I already regret I didn't wait a couple of months to get the extra budget for an Acer or Apple đź‘Ž
If not: Do not go with Dell, yes, they are quite good, better then HP and most other overall, but together with HP, they're having issues with having technical difficulties the first 12 months after purchase.
If I were to choose, Apple immediatly, they are pricey, but they do give you value for their money. If not Apple, Asus and Acer would come to mind. Another make is Sony, though most say it's crap, it's actually underrated and in most tests, it came out better then Dell and HP. Dell and HP are far too overrated, especially HP, they only look fancy, but you better invest your money into decent software, rather then paying too much attention to the hardware looks.
I've gathered some info from recent tests and Apple, Asus, Acer and Sony came out best. To my surprise Dell and HP both scored way too low. I already regret I didn't wait a couple of months to get the extra budget for an Acer or Apple đź‘Ž
- 997
I have brought a Laptop recently. It's a brand new Fujitsu Amilo Notebook. It's a good Laptop. Sometimes I use it to come onto GTP, instead of my computer. At the moment though, I'm using the computer!
- 1,805
- Adelaide
- Revolution52
Thanks for the tips Bram, I'm not decided on anything just yet.
I am steering clear of HP, and wary of Dell. Asus do make a decent range of laptops that are decently priced and well specced, I'll have to have a closer look. In Australia the Sonys tend to be rather expensive, and out of the equation because of it.
At the moment I THINK I'm leaning towards the MBP, with the student discount it's quite decent value, and it is desperately pretty. For a laptop.
I'll let all you guys know how it goes, thanks for the advice everyone.
I am steering clear of HP, and wary of Dell. Asus do make a decent range of laptops that are decently priced and well specced, I'll have to have a closer look. In Australia the Sonys tend to be rather expensive, and out of the equation because of it.
At the moment I THINK I'm leaning towards the MBP, with the student discount it's quite decent value, and it is desperately pretty. For a laptop.
I'll let all you guys know how it goes, thanks for the advice everyone.
- 471
I'm surprised no one's mentioned IBM/Lenovo laptops.
That's what I'm using anyways, a Lenovo Z60m, top specced. Sure, it's no longer in production, but I'd be surprised if the other of Lenovo's laptops today are worse. I've had mine for almost two years now, and apart from getting struck by lightning, thereby frying the network-adapter, it still runs like new (and all wireless connections still work fine). Haven't had a single problem with it.
What I did though was that I researched what kind of computer I wanted. You already have the specs ready. Decide on a price range as well and then start reading reviews and comparisons - lots of them. That's what I did, and that's why I settled on the computer I'm using now. I think I read around ten reviews before I finally decided, but I'm not regreting my choice. I can tell you my father, who uses Asus, has been through two such laptops since I got mine - I can tell you he's envious of my computer.
That's what I'm using anyways, a Lenovo Z60m, top specced. Sure, it's no longer in production, but I'd be surprised if the other of Lenovo's laptops today are worse. I've had mine for almost two years now, and apart from getting struck by lightning, thereby frying the network-adapter, it still runs like new (and all wireless connections still work fine). Haven't had a single problem with it.
What I did though was that I researched what kind of computer I wanted. You already have the specs ready. Decide on a price range as well and then start reading reviews and comparisons - lots of them. That's what I did, and that's why I settled on the computer I'm using now. I think I read around ten reviews before I finally decided, but I'm not regreting my choice. I can tell you my father, who uses Asus, has been through two such laptops since I got mine - I can tell you he's envious of my computer.
- 6,584
- Kent, UK
- GTP_Jondot
You raise a good point. The Thinkpads, while not exactly attractive, are far more robust than just about any other notebook on the market. Apart from the Panasonic toughbooks, of course, which could most probably thrown off a cliff in flames before even the battery dislodged.
I'd still have a Mac, though
I'd still have a Mac, though
- 10,849
- Belgium
- bramturismo
After seeing various tests, I'd take anything over an IBM...
- 2,722
- Knoxville, Tennessee
Hmm, the quality of this Dell (a Vostro 1500) seems quite nice, but then I really haven't been around a lot of different laptops. This Vostro feels very sturdy and solid, thanks to it's magnesium alloy chassis and lid. They also don't cost that much, especially if you manage to snag one of the many discounts Dell often has. Also you can get Win XP Pro on the computer if you don't want Vista. As far as specs go they have quite a few options. My setup:
Vostro 1500, Intel Core 2 Duo T7100, 1.8GHz, 800Mhz FSB, 2M L2 Cache
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA+ LCDTrueLife for Vostro 1500
1GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 DIMM
128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
160G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Genuine Windows XP Professional, SP2
8X DVD+/-RW with double-layer DVD+R write capability, w/o Roxio Creator
Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini Card
85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Vostro 1500
Before taxes and shipping it turned out to be about $904USD, so it wasn't too expensive. Various deals have had similar spec 1500's for even less.
Vostro 1500, Intel Core 2 Duo T7100, 1.8GHz, 800Mhz FSB, 2M L2 Cache
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA+ LCDTrueLife for Vostro 1500
1GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 DIMM
128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
160G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Genuine Windows XP Professional, SP2
8X DVD+/-RW with double-layer DVD+R write capability, w/o Roxio Creator
Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini Card
85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Vostro 1500
Before taxes and shipping it turned out to be about $904USD, so it wasn't too expensive. Various deals have had similar spec 1500's for even less.
- 14
The Vostro is nice on specs, but it may be a bit bland for some. It won't win any design competitions, but it may win some performance competitions.
- 2,722
- Knoxville, Tennessee
Heh, I wasn't exactly looking for the sexiest laptop out there
Anyway my choice was limited to only Dell, due to my dad having a account with them. I do believe he gets rebates on Dell computers as well.
- 10,849
- Belgium
- bramturismo
I bought a Vostro 1000 with exact the same specs, only that I've got an ATI graphicd card, and I'm having nothing but troubles. Random freezes, random re-boots...Vista says it's my ATI software but I've got the latest driver 
Damnit, I want XP!
Damnit, I want XP!
- 2,722
- Knoxville, Tennessee
Oh wow, sounds like Vista doesn't like your setup very much...I bought a Vostro 1000 with exact the same specs, only that I've got an ATI graphicd card, and I'm having nothing but troubles. Random freezes, random re-boots...Vista says it's my ATI software but I've got the latest driver
Damnit, I want XP!
I am sooo glad XP was a option on this, in fact it was one of the primary reasons I went with the 1500. Plus it has a 15.4" screen like the old Inspiron 8600 we recently got rid of. I won't bother with Vista until it is as stable and trouble free as XP is for me.
- 3,603
I've got a Dell Inpiron 6400, about five months old. No problems with it, although I will point out that it comes with alot of preloaded spam that can be a pain to get rid of. No real complaints, but I'm not terribly impressed with the performance.
2.0 GHz Core2 Duo, 2 GB RAM, 15.4" screen, 128MB Radeon graphics card, upgraded battery (No clue what it actually is).
It isn't as fast as I expected it to be, though it gets by OK most of the time.
Two things I would recommend if you're getting a laptop:
-An uprated wifi receiver, if available
-An uprated battery, if available. I can get over four hours battery life using "High Performance" settings, for a fairly minimal extra cost (I believe it was around $120).
And, of course, as much RAM as you can get.
I'd be looking at an HP (They just look so damn cool, though the glossy-everything would be hard to keep clean), or a high-end Dell. You get what you pay for.
Mabye a Toshiba, or an Acer as well. Or Sony, if you can afford it.
If you're not planning on getting an external keyboard and mouse, you might also consider a 17" laptop. Better key spacing, proper number pad, etc. And the bigger screen, of course.
2.0 GHz Core2 Duo, 2 GB RAM, 15.4" screen, 128MB Radeon graphics card, upgraded battery (No clue what it actually is).
It isn't as fast as I expected it to be, though it gets by OK most of the time.
Two things I would recommend if you're getting a laptop:
-An uprated wifi receiver, if available
-An uprated battery, if available. I can get over four hours battery life using "High Performance" settings, for a fairly minimal extra cost (I believe it was around $120).
And, of course, as much RAM as you can get.
I'd be looking at an HP (They just look so damn cool, though the glossy-everything would be hard to keep clean), or a high-end Dell. You get what you pay for.
Mabye a Toshiba, or an Acer as well. Or Sony, if you can afford it.
If you're not planning on getting an external keyboard and mouse, you might also consider a 17" laptop. Better key spacing, proper number pad, etc. And the bigger screen, of course.
- 1,805
- Adelaide
- Revolution52
Well, it's official, I shall soon be the owner of a 15" Macbook Pro. We'll be ordering the thing tomorrow night, as it is out of stock EVERYWHERE at the moment đź‘Ž. But the word is a shipment with 900 of them is coming soon, so fingers crossed that this shipment will come with Leopard preinstalled. I'm excited! Will post a review of sorts when I recieve the machine, till then thanks to everyone who gave advice, +rep for all! (at least until VBulletin says no more. )
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