OT: Buying a new laptop
Computer guys, I need your help. I'm looking for a new laptop. I'm willing to spend up to $1000 but what I really want is the best value. I don't do any online gaming. I mainly just DL movies/shows and browse the webz. I was thinking a Macbook, but wasn't sure if there was a PC out there that would be a better value (for the money). I also don't want something that is going to get real hot. Screen size isn't a huge deal, anywhere from 13-15. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. TIA.
August 25th, 2010 at 12:00 PM ^
I'm sure I could find a way to overclock it.
August 25th, 2010 at 12:10 PM ^
Of course you haven't had any problems with your Mac, it's only 2 months old. I would shit if I spent $1100 on a product and 2 months later it fucked up.
August 25th, 2010 at 10:16 AM ^
Ah, the Mac vs PC debate (where Mac folks tend to be rather rabid), but basically if you're looking at spending more money then get a Mac. If you're looking to cripple the function of a PC, use McAfee or Norton (else use one of the free antivirus solutions out there) along with Internet Explorer. There really isn't that much of a difference in performance between the two anymore, especially since Apple switched the architecture of Macs to Intel. The security differences are pretty small also, if you avoid using IE and opening strange things, you won't get a virus on a PC, and both Macs and PCs have gaping security holes - Mac users tend to lull themselves into a false sense of security.
Basically - buy a Mac if you're willing to spend a significant amount more and want something to work out of the box with little ability to customize or control your experience. Get a PC if you want something which is cheaper, you can customize the experience, and has more capabilities since you can add a nearly infinite amount of programs, but takes a little bit more work out of the box (downloading programs, etc).
For deals - head over to http://www.slickdeals.net - there are always amazing deals posted there and just sit on it til you find something you like.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:03 AM ^
August 25th, 2010 at 1:12 PM ^
Here it's a little more PC friendly, if you hit any of the major tech sites though the Apple folks get really bad, that and they tend to live in their own world where anything with an Apple on it is a gift from God (Jobs).
August 25th, 2010 at 10:20 AM ^
you could actually get away with an iPad. Seriously, and that would definitely be under $1000, even with an added bluetooth keyboard.
August 25th, 2010 at 10:24 AM ^
Not very well - you're limited since there's no Flash and Silverlight (no Youtube, Hulu, etc). A netbook would work but doesn't fit his screen size requirements (nor does an iPad).
August 25th, 2010 at 10:31 AM ^
I'm sure he probably needs something that is more like a computer with the ability to do word processing and other similar programs.
Edit: I apologize I did not realize the iPad had a word document program on it. I googled it and found out it does.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:05 AM ^
No YouTube? I've been watching YouTube on my iPhone alot. I wonder how mine is different. IMO, Flash sucks donkey nuts. 95% of the flash crap is ads and you cannot block them without add-ons.
August 25th, 2010 at 12:01 PM ^
FYI you can get all the add-ons you want on non-stock Android browsers like Dolphin.
August 25th, 2010 at 1:14 PM ^
Youtube runs in a separate application, you can't natively browse it and you can't use it integrated to the rest of the internet.
Flash isn't the greatest, especially with wide scale adoption of HTML 5 on the horizon, but it's what the internet runs on.
August 25th, 2010 at 1:23 PM ^
Youtube uses HTML5 to play movies now. Hulu and Netflix don't.
August 25th, 2010 at 10:23 AM ^
I still love it.
Friends that bought pc laptops at the same time are not content with those ones anymore and are wanting to get a new one.
I've had no desires of getting a new one. That's contentment, I always want new electronics.
Mac won me over and continues to. My usage needs sound similar to OP.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:35 AM ^
It died a month ago. That's 6.5 years of computer life.
In that time, my friends/family have gone through multiple machines, although each were purchased at a lower price. FWIW, I bought another Mac.
Most of the computer engineering professionals I know , and I know a surprising amount here in the Chi, also own Macs. The ones who don't are militant about not liking all things Apple.
August 25th, 2010 at 10:30 AM ^
I have a 4 year old iMac with a 24" monitor, never had one problem with it, next up is an iPad
August 25th, 2010 at 10:34 AM ^
One laptop that I really like is the HP DM3 series. The screen size is 13.3" which is on the smaller side, but this will result in greater battery life. This laptop is very thin and has a very nice keyboard, which doesn't sound like a big deal but it will be if you hate the keyboard. The only negative in my mind is the AMD Neo processor. AMD mobile processors have typically run hotter than Intel in my experiences (feel free to refute that). If DM3 doesn't have the specs you like, then chekc out the DM4 which is the newer series. I have no experiences with the DM4 models, but if they follow the DM3 series, they should be great. Good luck finding your laptop!
August 25th, 2010 at 10:36 AM ^
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/deals/popular_laptops?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn
I would check out this link.
The studio on the far right is currently $800. The specs on it will last you until it breaks. The Intel HD Graphics on it is designed specifically for playing 1080p video, but not video games. Wireless N will work with current routers and future ones. 9-cell battery to give you pretty good battery life. The shape of the battery also helps raise the back of the computer to help ventilation and keep the computer cool. 2yr Warranty that should cover all reasonable damage to the computer.
I just bought something very similar to it and I love it so far.
August 25th, 2010 at 10:43 AM ^
I can get a MacBook for $950 and a free Ipod Touch (8g that I will put on ebay) through a student discount. Here are a few I like:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dndor25&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19
August 25th, 2010 at 11:26 AM ^
Your BBY links don't seem to be working for me, as an FYI.
And to compare the ASUS and Macbook (13 in), assuming that you can net around $200 for your Ipod
Asus vs. Macbook
$680 vs. $750
2.26 Ghz i3 vs. 2.4 Ghz dual
15.6 in vs. 13.3 in
4GB RAM vs. 2 GB RAM
500 GB HDD vs. 250 GB HDD
intel graphics vs. NVIDIA 320M
Everything else is similar enough that you won't really know the difference. And to recap, you'd be paying at least $50 more for a less capable processor, smaller screen, less RAM, less hard drive, but better graphics card, which you actually mentioned you don't need.
Of course, if you love Apple's OS, then go ahead and buy the Apple because you'll hate your PC. Otherwise, the Asus is the clear winner.
August 25th, 2010 at 10:49 AM ^
I just bought an HP dv6t two days ago. iCore 5 540 processor, 8 GB Ram, 640 GB hard drive, 15.6 inch touchscreen, dvd read/write, backlit keyboard and windows 7. Cost $1084, this was after 150 off instant and a $200 off coupon I found by typing "hp coupons" into yahoo. The $200 coupon only works if the total configuration is over something like $1250 but for what you want it for you could swap out the touchscreen or ram for a blue ray drive. The laptop's base price was 799 with free upgrades to 6 GB ram and 640 GB hard drive.
edit: I also meant to say that I have had an HP leptop before and was very pleased with it and after searching for a laptop the last two weeks this was the best deal I found.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:19 AM ^
Nice. I got an HP G62 about 4 months ago. It was a display model (long story; I bought it online for pickup at Best Buy, and they didn't have it, and so I took the display model). I got out the door, with Chicago's absurd 10% sales tax, for under $500. It has 320 gb, Intel I3 processor, 15.6" display, 4 MB DDR3. Windows 7 64 bit (also: if you get Windows 7 and it isn't W7 Pro, KNOW that you have to actually "opt in" to automatic backup/setting restore points.)
I definitely thought about getting a Mac, but, really, I have a work laptop, and I also want/need to have a Windows PC so I can access/use programs for PC easily if I am in a jam and want to do some work from home and not bring the work laptop home. Also, honestly, for the price I paid, I couldn't get a comparable mac.
I like Apple. I'm a definite iPhone fanboy, and think the iPad is cool. But, honestly, I feel like you get more bang for your buck with a Windows PC, and also I feel like in the business (legal/finance) world, most everyone uses PC's, so it's just easier to have one at home and become as proficient as possible in using the Windows-based software, especially when you're trying to edit a document intensely in Word, etc. (I know- you can get all of the MS programs for Mac, too). Just one man's opinion.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:42 AM ^
i got a preconfigured HP DV6-2170us for about $730 after tax/shipping and including instant rebate, coupon code, double-cash back (6%) special from ebates, and office max price match (bought direct from HP). 4GB RAM, Core i5-430M, 500GB HDD, and 12 cell battery. It's a bit of a hoss, but mostly stays home. I've found it to be very fast and reliable. Since I bought it back in February, it has crashed once. Otherwise, no big issues at all. Bluetooth and wireless work very reliably. Good deal too on a machine we expect to keep for a while. Then again, you're talking to the same guy who still has a desktop from 2001 running (after a few upgrades, using it as the kids' computer in their play room).
August 25th, 2010 at 10:51 AM ^
And it isgreat...Windows 7 is Ok too.
I wanted a Mac really bad, but I could get 3 Toshibas for 1 MacBook.
It works well and gets good Consumer Reports Grades for reliability and customer support.
August 25th, 2010 at 10:57 AM ^
I just bought a Tosiba Satalite with the I7 core. Its a really good computer.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:02 AM ^
Macbook Pro enough said
August 25th, 2010 at 11:12 AM ^
I have had lots of new Dell Laptops configured for road warriors, including my most recent one with Windows 7.. Last November, I bought a 13 inch MacBook Pro for my personal use. The MacBook blows the Dell out of the water on just about every level except for the cost.
One of my sons, who has a BS in computer engineering and is getting his MS in computer engineering (both from Michigan) got a MacBook Pro last fall when I did. His area of concentration is operating systems. He comment was he wishes he had gotten the MacBook sooner. My other son, who has an MS in EE feels the same way - loves the MacBook.
One other comment - the current MacBook Office Suite from Microsoft sucks big time. I can't wait for the new release and hope it emulates what MS did for the Windows version.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:15 AM ^
Meeting you up with your requirements, I doubt you need anything better than a core i3. I bet a dual core would work pretty well for you.
This puts you in the $500-650 range for a PC laptop around 15 in screen size. If you're really going to use it to watch movies, you're going to want the bigger screen size.
For the equivalant price from Apple, you can get an ipad. This would also probably meet your needs. You could also go with the macbook, although its generally priced $150 or so above an equivalant PC.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:24 AM ^
I am in the market for laptop. It is for work so I am locked into a PC. (No, I don't know why other than that's what the computer guy says. Please don't pull me into the MAC v. PC debate.)
I assume that now is a bad time to buy a laptop since it is "back to school time" and the demand is really high. I also assume that is better to wait a month or so. Does anyone know if I am right about this.
Thanks. Resume MAC v. PC argument while we wait for some football.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:30 AM ^
The best time to buy is generally when retailers transition out of their models, usually 1-2x a year. I know that the transition period this year was in June, there might be another one in October, but don't cross your fingers. If it does happen, you won't see crazy discounts, usually something along the lines of $20-40 off.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:34 AM ^
They alwayz wait to release the latest and greatest until around Christmas, but you can get some great deals on last years models by shopping now.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:37 AM ^
If you can hold off till November, Black Friday deals on newegg.com always have amazing laptop deals. Yes, you are correct, prices are 50 to 100 dollars higher right now.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:45 AM ^
I've found that there are usually a lot of deals going on right now because the demand is high and companies are competing for those sales. What I would do is watch the deal pages and jump on one that is too good to be true. You probably won't wait longer than a month if you watch them diligently. You will obviously need to do your homework on what is too good to be true for this to work though.
EDIT: The others' suggestions to wait until Black Friday are good, but I wasn't sure if you can wait that long. I was just trying to point out that buying right now would probably not be considered a bad thing if you found a great deal.
August 25th, 2010 at 12:58 PM ^
basically your locked into buying a pc since 90% of work software is pc only.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:28 AM ^
I would recommend a core 2 duo, SSD, @ least 3 gigs of ram, with a a good graphics card if you like to watch movies. From what you said you don't do any hard multiple tasks. This is all the PC you need. You could actually get by with a P4 with hyper threading.
I have been building PC's for about 10 years now. The SSD will make a huge difference. It is like night and day for boot ups less than 10 seconds. I would also go with a 15.4 or 17.1 screen size as it makes watching better and cant forget make sure you have a blue ray player. You don't want to forget that.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:46 AM ^
Dude.
If you are not a graphic designer, engineer doing super heavy lifting, or playing the latest and greatest games get the cheapest new laptop you can get your hands on. Then spend some of that money you just saved on getting a really good warranty. As long as you buy a good name brand (Asus for example) you will be fine. If you have even the smallest bit of computer common sense, you can handle keeping your laptop in good shape. Get a decent anti-virus and run malware bytes on a regular basis. If you can wait a bit more than a month the best thing to do is to go out on black friday and you can get an excellent laptop for $299. You just have to get up early and hit an office supply store, staples for example, not best buy where the great mass of folks go. Also if you are a student make sure to contact your school, as most colleges get huge discounts for their kids. Honestly though if you spend more than $400 or $450 for the needs you showed us in the original post you are an idiot.
Aug
August 25th, 2010 at 11:53 AM ^
don't know if this was brought up yet, but if you buy a mac, you can get a free 8GB 2nd gen iPod Touch, or 32GB 3rd gen for $100 or 64GB 3rd gen for $200. Also, go through a site like ebates or similar to get an additional rebate.
and total whoring, but feel free to use my ebates referral link if you sign up. Are we allowed to start congas? probably not...
http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=nUJQ3BBB0fJXaHqX40Uh3A%3D%3D
August 25th, 2010 at 11:55 AM ^
It also has a long battery life. Didn't see any mention below but don't get a netbook.
August 25th, 2010 at 12:10 PM ^
I got my first Mac (iMac) about 4-5 years ago and she's still running like a champ (typing this on it right now).
That being said I finally have a need for something more portable, and because I've been so happy with Apple I'm sticking with them (if you prefer PC's that's all cool - one love).
I tried the iPad (already have a full computer and that was the cheapest option). I found out that that wasn't enough computer for me to work on so decided to get a laptop.
Now, I was this close to getting the base Macbook Pro for $1100 (still have my student id) however the rumors swirling about the Macbook Air have got me waiting for a couple more weeks.
Basically, word on the street is that Apple is planning on upping the specs / lowering of the price of the Airs to replace the Macbook line with them to create a non-premium-priced alternative to the Macbook Pro for people who don't need to do intense graphics processing. This is rumored to be happening mid-September.
Now, this could all end up being bullshit, and in which case I'll just get that Pro, but I figure it's worth my time if I can get a $1000 Macbook Air that will be thinner and lighter than the current model (new liqui-metal technology), does all of the work I need it to do (web based work/word processing/minor video work) and will last me at least 3 years.
That's my plan that I put far more thought into than anyone actually should but if it can be of any help to at least one person than I'm more than happy to share. If not than I apologize for wasting the board's time.
http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2010/08/06/apple-analyst-sees-…
August 25th, 2010 at 12:11 PM ^
If you don't think you're good with computers (which you make it seem like you aren't) then shell out the extra ?00 bucks and buy yourself a nice mac. Doesn't really matter if other people can do blah blah on their windows if YOU can't...
August 25th, 2010 at 12:22 PM ^
I'm not sure why this thread went on to boot times and such. I work with the USMC in purchasing computers for the past few years. We primarily deal with Dell and HPs which are just okay. Its hard to compare to a home computer since we load up our systems with a lot security software and run GPOs that make our computers slower on boot and during regular use.
For home use I purchased a Lenovo u450p w/ Windows 7 and absolutely love the computer. It has a 14" screen and is very light. I don't game much (although I do play Starcraft 2 on it), but this machine is perfect for most people.
I typically suggest a PC over MAC only because you can get more bang for your buck, and Windows 7 is substantially better than Vista, and simply a good OS.
I'm not a MAC hater, but if you simply match spec for spec between the two types of computers you will see they run $300 to $400 more.
August 25th, 2010 at 1:14 PM ^
My mom got a mac because the sales person told her that it auto updates and does other stuff that a pc doesnt.....
Being a computer person i tried to tell her my pc and all the other pc's running xp or higher have auto updates....
August 25th, 2010 at 3:35 PM ^
Good luck getting any laptop that has any kind of power and have it not get hot. Even my newer MacBook gets hot, and when it gets hot it gets REALLY hot. Alluminum may not be the greatest choice for casing, oh and having no exhaust ports can tend to be a bad idea as well.
Are you a lefty? You'll probably hate the Mac a little if you are. ALL the ports (USB, Power, Mini-DV, Ethernet, SD reader) are on the left side. It can get crowded if you have a lot plugged in, and you'll find your mouse hand way out in the middle of nowhere if you're a lefty.
If you have money to burn, get the MacBook Pro, but also buy Windows 7. You can use Boot Camp to dual boot your MacBook with Mac OSX and Windows 7. That way if you ever come across things that don't work in Mac, you can boot over to windows. Or you could drop another $80 and pick up VMWare Fusion or Parallels. Which will allow you to run windows inside Mac as a virtual machine. Best of both worlds. It is a little flakey though doing things as a virtual machine.
If you don't have money to burn, a mid priced PC is still the way to go. You get way more, hardware wise, for your buck. And don't listen to the devoted Mac fan boys, they're really not THAT much better. If you know what you're doing and keep your windows install clean, 7 runs really well on modern hardware (I'd recommend at least a core i5 and 4 GB of RAM).
August 26th, 2010 at 9:14 AM ^
the issue has been conclusively settled. Thanks, Mgoboard!