Need to buy a new laptop computer... Help please ;-)

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I'm with cactus... unless you're doing CPU intensive stuff... go for more system memory.



My rule of thumb is usually lower CPU, highest RAM, highest resolution screen and fastest disk drive (which doesn't necessarily mean the biggest).
 
For a laptop one thing that often gets overlooked is fan noise. On a power horse laptop you are very likely to have some high RPM fans that can be rather loud. Over time, they wear and get louder and may even fail. It's hard to find out about the noise until you buy and use the laptop. You may have some luck with online reviews.
 
Here's the thing with L2 vs. RAM: HP gives one other option with RAM and that is 8GB, and it's more expensive to do that than it is to upgrade to a processor that has 3 times the Level 2 cache. In pure bang for the buck, upgrading that processor will do more for less. Rather than focus on theoretical possibilities, I am trying to focus on answering her questions about her choice in company and platform.
 
Being in the Computer Busines for the last decade.



Get a system that meets your needs. If your primary application is

some word processing, maybe some Excel and an occasional Power Point slide show

plus e-mail. And maybe watching a movie.

You DO NOT need the latest and greatest processor.

Those new TOP END laptops are for doing HD Video Editing or Heavy Photoshop

type applications. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY.



Watching a Blue Ray Movie on a 17" monitor ???? You cant be serious.



Go over to Costco.com. Look at the laptops. I would suggest the refirbished ones.

I bought my GF`s son a NICE HP 17" with all goodies for $ 799.00



No it wasnt a quad or 700 Gig. But he didnt need all that power.



T8100 17" 2.1 Ghtz. 4GB DDR2 320Gb HD

512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS

Integrated Webcam

Item # 330092

$ 799.00

1 Year Warranty.

Wireless and DVD-RW.



Good Luck and DONT WASTE YOUR $$$$$$$$
 
[quote author="Oscar" date=1235808333]Here's the thing with L2 vs. RAM: HP gives one other option with RAM and that is 8GB, and it's more expensive to do that than it is to upgrade to a processor that has 3 times the Level 2 cache. In pure bang for the buck, upgrading that processor will do more for less. Rather than focus on theoretical possibilities, I am trying to focus on answering her questions about her choice in company and platform.</blockquote>


For the record, I wasn't trying to put down your L2 cache recommendation - yours was a valid point. Although 4GB sounds like a lot for RAM, I don't know if it will be enough - don't have Vista so maybe someone else can comment on its "memory hunger". I find that the lags that you can actually feel fairly often come from RAM issues.



Upgrading a CPU is not easy whereas upgrading your RAM is a piece of cake (and it may get cheaper over time). Settle for the CPU you really want, worry about RAM later. Or get the whole enchilada and don't worry about it ... :P
 
[quote author="bltserv" date=1235809086]

You DO NOT need the latest and greatest processor.

Those new TOP END laptops are for doing HD Video Editing or Heavy Photoshop

type applications. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY.



Watching a Blue Ray Movie on a 17" monitor ???? You cant be serious.

</blockquote>


Dude, you are such a buzz kill ... :P
 
[quote author="green_cactus" date=1235809327][quote author="bltserv" date=1235809086]

You DO NOT need the latest and greatest processor.

Those new TOP END laptops are for doing HD Video Editing or Heavy Photoshop

type applications. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY.



Watching a Blue Ray Movie on a 17" monitor ???? You cant be serious.

</blockquote>


Dude, you are such a buzz kill ... :P</blockquote>


Sorry. I know you guys like the latest gadgets.



Can you even get Surround 5.1 on those laptops yet ?
 
[quote author="bltserv" date=1235810180][quote author="green_cactus" date=1235809327][quote author="bltserv" date=1235809086]

You DO NOT need the latest and greatest processor.

Those new TOP END laptops are for doing HD Video Editing or Heavy Photoshop

type applications. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY.



Watching a Blue Ray Movie on a 17" monitor ???? You cant be serious.

</blockquote>


Dude, you are such a buzz kill ... :P</blockquote>


Sorry. I know you guys like the latest gadgets.



Can you even get Surround 5.1 on those laptops yet ?</blockquote>


5.1??? That's like so 5 years ago.
 
Cactus.

Guess I need to get a THX compliant laptop and get with the times. LOL



Hey GITOC.

Get the damn laptop already.



Happy Friday Everyone !!!!!
 
[quote author="bltserv" date=1235811185]Cactus.

Guess I need to get a THX compliant laptop and get with the times. LOL



Hey GITOC.

Get the damn laptop already.



Happy Friday Everyone !!!!!</blockquote>


Have fun lugging that sub-woofer around wherever your go ...



so ... on a related note. Since I don't have a need to compensate for lack in other areas, I'm thinking of getting one of those netbooks that are popping up everywhere. Went to BB to check a few out and I could be happy with a couple of those models. I'm thinking ASUS EEEPC 1000HE? But I like the look of the MSI WIND as well ... Has anyone gotten one of these yet?
 
[quote author="green_cactus" date=1235811709]Have fun lugging that sub-woofer around wherever your go ...



so ... on a related note. Since I don't have a need to compensate for lack in other areas, I'm thinking of getting one of those netbooks that are popping up everywhere. Went to BB to check a few out and I could be happy with a couple of those models. I'm thinking ASUS EEEPC 1000HE? But I like the look of the MSI WIND as well ... Has anyone gotten one of these yet?</blockquote>
Running Linux or Windoze?
 
[quote author="Oscar" date=1235811972][quote author="green_cactus" date=1235811709]Have fun lugging that sub-woofer around wherever your go ...



so ... on a related note. Since I don't have a need to compensate for lack in other areas, I'm thinking of getting one of those netbooks that are popping up everywhere. Went to BB to check a few out and I could be happy with a couple of those models. I'm thinking ASUS EEEPC 1000HE? But I like the look of the MSI WIND as well ... Has anyone gotten one of these yet?</blockquote>
Running Linux or Windoze?</blockquote>


XP - I need it for certain applications I want to be able to use. Dual boot seemed to be a stretch on that kind of "toy".
 
[quote author="green_cactus" date=1235812116][quote author="Oscar" date=1235811972][quote author="green_cactus" date=1235811709]Have fun lugging that sub-woofer around wherever your go ...



so ... on a related note. Since I don't have a need to compensate for lack in other areas, I'm thinking of getting one of those netbooks that are popping up everywhere. Went to BB to check a few out and I could be happy with a couple of those models. I'm thinking ASUS EEEPC 1000HE? But I like the look of the MSI WIND as well ... Has anyone gotten one of these yet?</blockquote>
Running Linux or Windoze?</blockquote>


XP - I need it for certain applications I want to be able to use. Dual boot seemed to be a stretch on that kind of "toy".</blockquote>
I might have touched an EEEPC 10-something running WIN7 almost-RC1... and doing it very well. I might have done that. XP should be similar.
 
Thx Blt... I needed that...



It's soooooo easy to get caught up in all the options! I was looking at the HP's at Costco... the 16" but the reviews were horrible! All had problems with the wireless...



I just don't want to buy a problem...







[quote author="bltserv" date=1235809086]Being in the Computer Busines for the last decade.



Get a system that meets your needs. If your primary application is

some word processing, maybe some Excel and an occasional Power Point slide show

plus e-mail. And maybe watching a movie.

You DO NOT need the latest and greatest processor.

Those new TOP END laptops are for doing HD Video Editing or Heavy Photoshop

type applications. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY.



Watching a Blue Ray Movie on a 17" monitor ???? You cant be serious.



Go over to Costco.com. Look at the laptops. I would suggest the refirbished ones.

I bought my GF`s son a NICE HP 17" with all goodies for $ 799.00



No it wasnt a quad or 700 Gig. But he didnt need all that power.



T8100 17" 2.1 Ghtz. 4GB DDR2 320Gb HD

512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS

Integrated Webcam

Item # 330092

$ 799.00

1 Year Warranty.

Wireless and DVD-RW.



Good Luck and DONT WASTE YOUR $$$$$$$$</blockquote>
 
I guess you didn't see the earlier post about me being a procrastinator??? :coolhmm:







[quote author="bltserv" date=1235810180][quote author="green_cactus" date=1235809327][quote author="bltserv" date=1235809086]

You DO NOT need the latest and greatest processor.

Those new TOP END laptops are for doing HD Video Editing or Heavy Photoshop

type applications. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY.



Watching a Blue Ray Movie on a 17" monitor ???? You cant be serious.

</blockquote>


Dude, you are such a buzz kill ... :P</blockquote>


Sorry. I know you guys like the latest gadgets.



Can you even get Surround 5.1 on those laptops yet ?</blockquote>
 
[quote author="Girl In the OC" date=1235812377]Thx Blt... I needed that...



It's soooooo easy to get caught up in all the options! I was looking at the HP's at Costco... the 16" but the reviews were horrible! All had problems with the wireless...



I just don't want to buy a problem... </blockquote>


I've been running wireless since I unpacked it... no issues at all. I even picked up 15 bluetooth devices when I went to the doctor's office with my wife. Again... 1 opinion among many, but I believe they are the same cards.

Edited to add: I have the Intel WiFi Link 5100 AGN
 
<strong>Ok, guys... don't get sick of me yet please!



Here's the latest, taking advise that the 17" may be to big/heavy and Blt's advise about over buying from what I need... here is what I am now looking at from Costco (on sale until Sunday)... a little worried though since all the reviews had issues with the wifi...</strong>





Costco



$799.99

HP dv6-1053cl 16.0"W

P7450 2.13GHz 4GB DDR2

320GB HDD

Intel? WiFi Link 5100AGN

Integrated Webcam



Processor & Memory:







Intel? Core? 2 Duo Processor P7450 (2.13GHz)

3MB L2 cache

1066MHz front side bus

4GB DDR2 SDRAM (both slots occupied, shared)

Drives:



320GB (5,400RPM) SATA Hard Drive

LightScribe 8x DVD?RW drive with double layer support

Graphics & Video:



16.0" diagonal BrightView widescreen display; 1366 x 768 native resolution

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD (shared)

Communications:



Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN WLAN

Integrated 10/100 Ethernet LAN

56K modem



Audio:



SRS Premium Sound

Keyboard:



101-key compatible with full size keyboard and integrated numeric keypad

Touch Pad with on/off and dedicated vertical scroll up/down pad

Personalization:



HP IMPRINT finish offers a smooth, high-gloss coating with a unique, inlaid design which provides greater durability than a traditional paint process

Integrated microphone and HP Webcam

HP mobile remote control

Expandability:



5-in-1 integrated digital media card reader supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro or xD cards

Ports:



Four USB 2.0 ports (one shared with eSATA port)

VGA (15-pin)

HDMI

RJ-45 (LAN)

RJ-11 (modem)

Microphone in

Two headphone out

Notebook expansion port 3

Consumer IR (remote receiver)

Operating System:



Microsoft? Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 (64-bit)

Additional Software:



Microsoft Works

Symantec? Norton Internet Security? 2009 (60 days complimentary live update)

Power Supply:



6-cell Lithium Ion battery

65W AC adapter

Additional Information:



Onyx finish

Approximate Weight: 6.3 lbs.

Dimensions: 14.9? W x 10.15" D x 1.33"~1.61" H

[Model dv6t Pavilion]
 
[quote author="green_cactus" date=1235811709]so ... on a related note. Since I don't have a need to compensate for lack in other areas, I'm thinking of getting one of those netbooks that are popping up everywhere. Went to BB to check a few out and I could be happy with a couple of those models. I'm thinking ASUS EEEPC 1000HE? But I like the look of the MSI WIND as well ... Has anyone gotten one of these yet?</blockquote>
I've done some research on this:



My choices would either be the Samsung NC-10 (only available via mail order like Amazon) or the Acer.



The MSI Wind and EEEs are great feature-wise but with these small notebooks you have to look at how the keyboard is laid out and battery life.



Only the Sammy and Acer have dedicated PgUp/PgDn keys, the others are CTRL+[cursor]. If you think that's not a big deal, just remember the screen resolutions are max 1028x600. That's a lot of scrolling and you'll find yourself using those Pg keys.



The other thing is both the newer model Acers (160GB) and the Sammies have 6-cell batteries. That's about 6 hours of life on the Acer... the Sammy has one with a higher power capacity (Amazon Special Edition) that can theoretically stretch to 9 hours vs. the standard 6 the normal Sammies get.



The Sammie has more features than the Acer (like Bluetooth).



I was about to jump on the Sammie but after playing with my touchscreen HP a bit more... I think I'll stick with that for now. I may end up getting a netbook anyways (the Sony P Lifestyle also looks interesting)... because the portability is just too good.
 
[quote author="Oscar" date=1235812817][quote author="Girl In the OC" date=1235812377]Thx Blt... I needed that...



It's soooooo easy to get caught up in all the options! I was looking at the HP's at Costco... the 16" but the reviews were horrible! All had problems with the wireless...



I just don't want to buy a problem... </blockquote>


I've been running wireless since I unpacked it... no issues at all. I even picked up 15 bluetooth devices when I went to the doctor's office with my wife. Again... 1 opinion among many, but I believe they are the same cards.

Edited to add: I have the Intel WiFi Link 5100 AGN</blockquote>


Could also be a problem with the router - for me, the routers have been more on the flaky side.



Worst case, you return the laptop if it's too much of a headache.
 
[quote author="Girl In the OC" date=1235812885]<strong>Ok, guys... don't get sick of me yet please!



Here's the latest, taking advise that the 17" may be to big/heavy and Blt's advise about over buying from what I need... here is what I am now looking at from Costco (on sale until Sunday)... a little worried though since all the reviews had issues with the wifi...</strong>





Costco



$799.99

HP dv6-1053cl 16.0"W

P7450 2.13GHz 4GB DDR2

320GB HDD

Intel? WiFi Link 5100AGN

Integrated Webcam



Processor & Memory:







Intel? Core? 2 Duo Processor P7450 (2.13GHz)

3MB L2 cache

1066MHz front side bus

4GB DDR2 SDRAM (both slots occupied, shared)</blockquote>


Decent stats, better than the previous.



Costco? What is their return policy? I ask because it may be that the best way for you to go is buy something and if you don;t like it, exchange it for something that addresses what the other lacked.
 
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