| Since I got hosed last time -- Computer advice! [message #229856] |
Thu, 09 November 2006 22:00  |
Apache
Messages: 185
Registered: February 2003
Location: Fort McMurray, AB, Ca
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Hey folks!
As some of you may remember, I was a bit stupid in my last computer purchase, but it appears I may be redeemed a bit here. My grandparent's computer just recently died on them, and have decided they will pay the full retail price of my current desktop, so I can go get myself something thats got a bit better specs.
So, since I don't want to waste money again, as I probally won't get an opportunity to recover the money this time, I wanna get some advice from the guys whom I feel probally know the most about computers, lol
Now, since I started University this fall, a laptop has been something that would be exceptionally useful, either for finding something to do online during an exceptionally boring chem lecture, or to look for help online while studying later to figure out what I was "taught" during said lecture.
I'm planning on totally replacing my desktop with the laptop, and have a few specs I'm aiming for:
1) It must be equipped with a 2.0 GHz or faster Core 2 Duo processor
2) It must have at least 1 GB of RAM
3) It must have at least a 256 MB video card
4) It must have at least a 100 GB hard disk
5) It must have wireless networking capabilities
I'd prefer if it had a USB port and a Serial port, and would also prefer a point style cursor instead of the thumbpad. Both would be fine though.
I've got a fairly limited budget, but I will entertain possibilites up to 2000...
I'm currently considering a Dell Inspiron E1505 and a Dell Latitude D820, but haven't done much else for shopping...
Any suggestions?
- Russell
[Updated on: Thu, 09 November 2006 22:04] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Since I got hosed last time -- Computer advice! [message #229858 is a reply to message #229856] |
Thu, 09 November 2006 22:07  |
icedog90
Messages: 3483
Registered: April 2003
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Well, you're talking about at least $2,000 USD there. Just so you know.
It's not too easy to make a mistake with buying a laptop. They are usually the same price everywhere, and they're worth what they're worth. It's different from buying parts and building your own PC. My only real suggestion is staying away from Dell as best you can.
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| Re: Since I got hosed last time -- Computer advice! [message #229860 is a reply to message #229856] |
Thu, 09 November 2006 22:44 |
Apache
Messages: 185
Registered: February 2003
Location: Fort McMurray, AB, Ca
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I probally won't be buying brand new from the manufacturer, but buying from one of those sealed in box ebay guys which usually have some manufacturer warrantee left on them. I've found that prices are usually found from just under, to a few hundred bucks over a grand, at least on the two machines I looked at, while both would be approx 2 grand brand new, optioned the way I want.
Is there a specific reason for staying away from Dell, or is it simply a buying from the giant evil corporation like Wal-Mart type taboo?
- Russell
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| Re: Since I got hosed last time -- Computer advice! [message #229880 is a reply to message #229856] |
Fri, 10 November 2006 01:08 |
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Goztow
Messages: 9738
Registered: March 2005
Location: Belgium
Karma: 13
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General (5 Stars)
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Do NOT, I repeat, NOT take a Dell laptop.
I would advice you to go for an Acer laptop: I am very pleased of mine.
I can't give you exact parts but you need to look at two things:
- video card
- RAM
Why? The video card can never be replaced and is what will be out of date fastest. So buy a decent one, even though it seems terribly overpriced to you.
RAM: it costs a lot to buy extra laptop-RAM, so you may as well pay enough for it now. I remember buying a 512 MB RAM module for 139 € almost a year ago... Desktop would have cost me something like 30 €?
I personally don't understand why everyone wants to go dual core. Are you planning to do video editing on it or something similar? You need to understand that most games don't even support dual cores yet. It might be better to get one fast core than two medium cores for the same price? People might correct me on this, my knowledge of cpu's is pretty limited.
You can find me in The KOSs2 (TK2) discord while I'm playing. Feel free to come and say hi! TK2 discord
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| Re: Since I got hosed last time -- Computer advice! [message #229886 is a reply to message #229884] |
Fri, 10 November 2006 02:47 |
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Goztow
Messages: 9738
Registered: March 2005
Location: Belgium
Karma: 13
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General (5 Stars)
Goztoe |
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| icedog90 wrote on Fri, 10 November 2006 10:40 |
You are wrong. The Intel Core 2 Duos are faster than any single-core processor at the moment. Therefore, whether you edit video or you don't, they're still faster.
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But what's the price you pay for it, compared to a good single core?
You can find me in The KOSs2 (TK2) discord while I'm playing. Feel free to come and say hi! TK2 discord
[Updated on: Fri, 10 November 2006 02:48] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Since I got hosed last time -- Computer advice! [message #229900 is a reply to message #229856] |
Fri, 10 November 2006 06:24 |
Apache
Messages: 185
Registered: February 2003
Location: Fort McMurray, AB, Ca
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Oh, I should mention -- If the computer has an exandable docking station, I can put extra RAM, a good video card, sound card etc into the docking station. There are laptops out there that have 2 GB of RAM, and 512 MB video cards, but they are like 3 - 4 thousand dollar machines...
So, I've got one reccomendation for an Acer machine, I'll look at what they have to offer tonight. Anyone other suggestions of good machines?
I've been out of the computer world loop so long, I have no idea what is a good computer manufacturer, less saying away from HP Compaq, and now MDG....
- Russell
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| Re: Since I got hosed last time -- Computer advice! [message #229961 is a reply to message #229856] |
Fri, 10 November 2006 22:24 |
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almor999
Messages: 232
Registered: February 2004
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I noticed you are in Canada so newegg is not an option for you unless you have relatives or good friends in the U.S.
One place you might want to look is futureshop.ca a lot of the stuff they carry is overpriced but their laptops are usually not too bad, especially if you pick them up on sale.
How much are you willing to spend? What size screen do you want? What exactly are you going to be using the laptop for?
I have a 15.4" laptop but I find it is a bit on the big side for class as there often isn't a lot of room in lectures. So you may want to look at a 12" or 14".
[Updated on: Fri, 10 November 2006 22:28] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Since I got hosed last time -- Computer advice! [message #229969 is a reply to message #229856] |
Fri, 10 November 2006 23:37 |
Apache
Messages: 185
Registered: February 2003
Location: Fort McMurray, AB, Ca
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The computer will be a desktop replacement. Screen size doesn't matter that much, but something that can run a 1024x768, or equivelent widescreen ratio would be nice. Most of the machines I've looked at seem to have between a 14 and 17" monitor.
It will be Primarily used for surfing the net / chatting on MSN, some video editing, and some photo editing. However, I do occasionally play games online with my brother, and I take the laptop camping with me to play DVDs / surf online with a cellular air card.
I've been thinking, and I think that if I go for the docking station, which can accept more RAM, a second video card, TV tuner card, and a spare hard drive along with doing all my hookups, then I can get a lower end machine initially, and while it would be perfectly capable here at home to do everything I want through the docking station, I'd still have a portable machine that could do most everything I'd want away from home. Also, having the hard disk in the docking station (or even external) would mean that if my laptop does get stolen, or wrecked, my data would still be safe at home. I also already have all the hardware mentioned here, less a good video PCI video card. My ATI 9800 just doesn't make the cut anymore.
When I take the machine to school, I only really do basic C++ programming, assignments, looking stuff up online, occasionally some music and chatting on MSN, none of which requires an uber powerful laptop.
Also means that I can upgrade in the future with regard to video cards, RAM etc. A 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo should be a pretty powerful processor for a fairly long time.
I noticed that the Dell Latitude has a docking station that I can do everything I mentioned above with, and can be had relatively cheaply with the only real option being the 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo, and just base model ram, HD etc.
What do you guys think about this idea?
- Russell
[Updated on: Fri, 10 November 2006 23:39] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Since I got hosed last time -- Computer advice! [message #229978 is a reply to message #229856] |
Sat, 11 November 2006 03:19 |
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Goztow
Messages: 9738
Registered: March 2005
Location: Belgium
Karma: 13
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General (5 Stars)
Goztoe |
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Acer got an extendable guarantee up to 3 years. It costs around 100 € but it could be worth it if you think you'll wreck it.
You could also even extend it to 3 years omnium which was around 150 €, I think. That means that even if you drop it or something, it'll still be guaranteed. Might be nice if you're a camper?
Dell = no customer support. OK, do I need to say that again? Dell = no customer support.
You can find me in The KOSs2 (TK2) discord while I'm playing. Feel free to come and say hi! TK2 discord
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| Re: Since I got hosed last time -- Computer advice! [message #229979 is a reply to message #229978] |
Sat, 11 November 2006 03:49 |
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Jonty
Messages: 538
Registered: June 2006
Location: Chesterfield, England
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Colonel
Viva la Resistance! |
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| Goztow wrote on Sat, 11 November 2006 10:19 |
Dell = no customer support. OK, do I need to say that again? Dell = no customer support.
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Ah, but everything we've bought from Dell has worked well enough to not need Customer Support. Also, all the computers at both my mother's and father's workplace are Dells. 
| icedog90 wrote on Sat, 11 November 2006 09:54 |
Well, I come from the world of building-our-own-PCs and I say that Dell sucks.
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Oh, I built the main PC myself, quite a good deal in the end. Total cost of PC= £200 from info-tech systems
Total cost of 19" screen= £200 from Dell (Super-duper ultrasharp DVI model)
I also love the Dell style, only the Apple Cinema screens look nicer IMO. 
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| Re: Since I got hosed last time -- Computer advice! [message #229982 is a reply to message #229856] |
Sat, 11 November 2006 05:30 |
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Goztow
Messages: 9738
Registered: March 2005
Location: Belgium
Karma: 13
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General (5 Stars)
Goztoe |
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At my work, we use Dell and we got nothing but trouble with some of those. At times the fans make so much noise, it's as if an airplane is lifting off. I googled the prob and others had it: it's a motherboard problem, so it seems.
You can find me in The KOSs2 (TK2) discord while I'm playing. Feel free to come and say hi! TK2 discord
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| Re: Since I got hosed last time -- Computer advice! [message #229989 is a reply to message #229986] |
Sat, 11 November 2006 08:28 |
JPNOD
Messages: 807
Registered: April 2004
Location: Area 51
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| Demolition man wrote on Sat, 11 November 2006 10:12 |
Asus FTW
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agreed, the casing of a ASUS feels alot thougher on most series..
Else if you have to spend look up for IBM they make great laptops aswell but its more designed for bussiness then gaming.
WOL nick: JPNOD
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