[austintx05]

I think I have finally settled in on a computer type - a laptop

I need the portability. The more I thought about it, I do not like being stuck in the same spot. If I am out and about I wanna take advantage of wifi, and eventually the use of a broadband card. Still the same need as an internet machine, but I want it to be fast enough to handle mutliple browsers with ease.

First a couple questions

1. Is Vista stable enough now or should I look for an XP machine?
2. I have been recommended the Toshiba line and I have noticed than unlike most laptops, they are expandable up to 4 gigs, which should increase the life of the computer? correct?

Onlooker pointed me to newegg/zipzoomfly for computer parts and I was wondering if anyone knew of some good online discount computer sites, or just an onine site that has a good rep for doing business.

Thank You

[austintx05]

anyone?

[jjgold]

Heck just do a google search

I thought new egg sold laptops anyway

[bigboydan]

I was playing around with Vista when it first came out, and I found lots of bugs in it at the time. Needless to say I switched back over to XP. I would assume that they fixed most of the bugs in it by now though, but I haven't re-installed it lately.

If you know the specs your wanting on your laptop, then you might want to checkout ebay for your computer needs.

[compaqDikk]

Waco,Tx.....

JJGold got the hookup for ya

[austintx05]

I am not sure how safe ebay is for computers....

[sergfro]

First a couple questions

1. Is Vista stable enough now or should I look for an XP machine?
2. I have been recommended the Toshiba line and I have noticed than unlike most laptops, they are expandable up to 4 gigs, which should increase the life of the computer? correct?

Thank You

Stick with XP. There is nothing on Vista that will benefit you right now for what you use it for.

Get a laptop with a Intel Core 2 Duo or above....Intel has blown away AMD lately with the new chips released.

[austintx05]

I thought the Core 2 Duo was the latest released?

I found a Toshiba Satellite 15.4"/core 2 duo 1.73/1gb(expandable to 4gb)/16ogb hd - $799

[austintx05]

this site is great for electronics..

www.deals2buy.com

I got my last Dell laptop from them through the site discounts.

I get various electronics from here when there is a good deal or sometimes they are even free if you do like 10 rebates..

are these laptops used?

[austintx05]

Im sure everyone here has an opinion on what brand of laptop to use. So I will give you my opinion, Im a die hard Sony believer, the Vaio line has many different options to choose from. Sony isnt the cheapest out there $ wise, but they do make quality products.

www.sony.com

later

why do you prefer sony?

[degenerate#1]

Make sure you read the fine print, if you read refurbished. It's someone's fixed up lemon.

[degenerate#1]

I've worked with alot of HP, IBM and Dell laptops, not Sony or Toshiba.

Quick thoughts on HP, IBM and Dell.

HP: best overall out of the 3, well made and well built.
IBM: very good but for most of the displays I've seen, in the upper right hand corner, you will see something develop over time, a blue or red line.
Dell: good warranty, but not well built imo. Our warranty (where I used to work) with Dell was good though, you could drive over the laptop and give the laptop back in pieces and Dell would have replaced the laptop.

[austintx05]

HP, I have heard is solid, but I have only found their laptops to be expandable up to 2 gigs, whereas the Toshiba's can be expanded up to 4 gigs....

[sergfro]

i wouldnt go for HP they usually install all this junk on laptops and usually are made for the novice..

Toshiba
IBM
Dell
Sony

all solid

[jjgold]

Hp
Acer

are the tops

[Doug]

Toshiba is junk, nothing but problems.

[rjt721]

Toshiba is a fine choice, but why do you care that they are expandable up to 4 gigs? You say you primarily need an "internet machine." If that's the case, 2 GB or RAM is more than enough. In fact, 1 gig is actually plenty of memory to open multiple browsers without losing speed.

Definitely go for the Core 2 Duo.

As for ebay, I would stay away from buying a laptop there. There are certainly reputable sellers, and you can get better deals than at your local store, but it's not worth the risk and hassle to save maybe 100-200 bucks.

[seaborneq]

Toshiba is a fine choice, but why do you care that they are expandable up to 4 gigs? You say you primarily need an "internet machine." If that's the case, 2 GB or RAM is more than enough. In fact, 1 gig is actually plenty of memory to open multiple browsers without losing speed.

Definitely go for the Core 2 Duo.

As for ebay, I would stay away from buying a laptop there. There are certainly reputable sellers, and you can get better deals than at your local store, but it's not worth the risk and hassle to save maybe 100-200 bucks.

I bought a laptop on ebay. It is ok to do, just be careful not to overpay and avoid getting scammed. I bought one a year ago. It works just fine.

[austintx05]

Doug - what problems have you experienced with Toshiba?

rjt - the reason I want to be able to expand to 4 gigs is I want to get 4-5 years worth of use out of this laptop. So when it starts to slow down I can stick (2) 2 gig sticks and upgrade it, since it is better to do it in pairs. Also most laptops I see with Vista Home Premium which requires a minimum of 1 gb.

[austintx05]

Now on the processor topic - the Toshiba's I have found have the 1.7 Core 2 Duo. Should I look for a 1.8/2.0 or will it not matter?

Thx

[degenerate#1]

Now on the processor topic - the Toshiba's I have found have the 1.7 Core 2 Duo. Should I look for a 1.8/2.0 or will it not matter?

Thx

the Core 2 Duo will be 30% faster than the Dual Core. If you are comparing the 1.7 core 2 with the 1.8 and the 2, the difference imo will be marginal.

[degenerate#1]

Doug - what problems have you experienced with Toshiba?

rjt - the reason I want to be able to expand to 4 gigs is I want to get 4-5 years worth of use out of this laptop. So when it starts to slow down I can stick (2) 2 gig sticks and upgrade it, since it is better to do it in pairs. Also most laptops I see with Vista Home Premium which requires a minimum of 1 gb.

Memory is important but 2 gb will be sufficient for what you are running if you are primarily only doing web-surfing and running basic MS office app's.

When it slows down, it is probably bec. you spent too much time on porn sites and downloaded spyware.

[austintx05]

degen - thx for the info.

This is an investment and since the recent upgrades, I have made my decision.

MacBook

[mbr_18]

Mac

Thought you were worried about upgrading in the future. Not with a Mac. What you buy is what you get.

Hadn't planned on commenting on what type of labtop because I feel they are all truly about the same, but your choice of a Mac...

[austintx05]

Mac

Thought you were worried about upgrading in the future. Not with a Mac. What you buy is what you get.

Hadn't planned on commenting on what type of labtop because I feel they are all truly about the same, but your choice of a Mac...

and why do you feel this way?

Better OS

comes standard with 1 gig/intel core 2 duo 2.0/80 gb hd - I have never heard anything bad about a mac....why do you not like them?

[mbr_18]

They are good machines if you do alot of advanced video/music editing or advanced photoshop work. And yes the OS is probably more stable but they don't have alot of support for many main stream programs (even though it is getting better). They are next to impossible to upgrade. And IF you can upgrade it is 2 to 3 times the cost of upgrading a pc-labtop.

If you are set on Apple its a good product, just conflicts with one of your previous post stating you wanted to be able to upgrade in the future.

[onlooker]

Dells have good prices and warranties.

I use a Dell XPS right now, and it has been great for the two years I have owned it. I love the 17" widescreen display.

I think the next laptop I get will be a Sony, because they pretty much have the best displays, and that is one of the main things to look for in a laptop. That and heat, you don't want a hotplate. But I haven't been in the market for a new one, so I will have to check them all out again when the time comes.

Plus I'm a Sony fan myself. TV, DVD players, etc.

[degenerate#1]

If you are not familiar or not experienced with a Mac, you will have difficulty getting support for it. The one time I got to try to network something with a Mac, I couldn't even figure out how to get the IP address. Most people who use Macs are in the multi-media industry.

Also have to remember typically laptop parts break down faster than desktop parts so you will spend more money on support in the long run.

[austintx05]

The New Mac OS is said to be the same price as Vista.

As far as upgrades, wouldn't the only upgrade you need in the future is the new OS?

If not, could you explain what updates you are talking about when dealing with a MAC?

tHX

[Doug]

Doug - what problems have you experienced with Toshiba?

rjt - the reason I want to be able to expand to 4 gigs is I want to get 4-5 years worth of use out of this laptop. So when it starts to slow down I can stick (2) 2 gig sticks and upgrade it, since it is better to do it in pairs. Also most laptops I see with Vista Home Premium which requires a minimum of 1 gb.

Everything imaginable, the battery life sucks, it overheats, shuts off by itself, The power cord breaks every 6 months.

Try googling something like Toshiba problems/complaints

[Doug]

In March 2006, the court granted final approval to a settlement of a class action by consumers who purchased or acquired Toshiba Satellite Pro 6100 Series notebook computers in the United States. Consumers charged the notebooks were defective. The settlement provides for new warranties and full reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by consumers in repairing their notebooks.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

they offered me like $20 in settlement,never sent the paperwork, never will buy Toshita again.

Mine is a different defective series.

[austintx05]

thx doug... i will steer clear