How do I choose a good laptop? Anyone familiar with them?

Question

I'm looking for a new computer...thinking laptop. I want something with windows and wireless internet capability. Also looking for something with a CD/DVD Drive and CDRW. I'd use it for personal things at home like web surfing and such but may also use it for work. Any suggestions??? Anyone have experience with a particular model??

Answer 1

Dell is not on top of the pack anymore. This may be Sony's fault, see below. But no one is buying Dells anymore. I don't recommend their systems ESPECIALLY laptops / notebooks.

HP is the middle of the line, it's the best balance of cost and performance.

I myself always buy Sony VAIO. Although I'm not an upwardly mobile midget, in my humble opinion you get a little more for your money, even though it costs a bit more. Extra preinstalled software, and Sony displays are to die for, they really outshine the other manufacturers' screens, and are a lot easier on your eyes in the long run.

Of course Sony manufactured the batteries that blew up a bunch of Dells, Toshibas, etc, but that problem is long gone, although you can say what you will.

I would suggest that for general business purposes you buy a current HP laptop model, shop at http://www.hp.com/ , but if you think you require extra power for a specialized task, shop for a Sony from http://www.sonystyle.com/ .

Keep an eye on the Windows Vista version you will be getting with your new laptop / notebook. There are a handful of versions, and you need to know whether the version that is included with your new computer meets your needs. For more information on this subject, go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ . Educate yourself on this subject before you buy.

Extra Credit! Don't be in a hurry to buy EVERY peripheral you think you need with the laptop itself. When you buy the laptop, the company will most likely send you a coupon that you can THEN use to buy mice, docking stations, etc. Also think about buying accidental damage coverage. If it's your first laptop, you will probably end up dropping it / dragging it accidentally by a wire / stepping on it / etc. I think it's worth it.

Answer 2

The model isn't necessarily what you should be looking at. My suggestions are a computer with over 512 Mb RAM, over 2 Gigahertz processor, and over 80 Gb Hard Drive. If you go with these specs, it's gonna be a nice computer that won't freeze up and will be able to handle multitasking several different applications and programs at once. If it's in the budger, try aiming for 1024 Mb Hard Drive for really good performance.

Answer 3

I would go with either an HP or Dell. Best Buy and Circuit City has some good deals on HP laptops. I would check that out. If you wanted something more expensive you should think about the macbook pro.

Answer 4

Dell and Hewlett Packard are great choices the more you get the better because you have to buy a new one ffor a while.Stay away from Gateway's though these are what I call a POS. Piece of you get the rest..

Answer 5

We need to know your budget.
If budget is not an issue -- go Dell. They are best. I've owned many brands, but none are as good, IMHO.
If you need to save alot of money, consder a rebuilt model (HP) from CompUSA or Best Buy.

Answer 6

ya pi work for mac and this is the perfect laptop for u Apple® MacBook™ Pro with 17" Display - White ill give u the link

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8154953&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat103700050047&id=1161734372154

Answer 7

im using HP
its centrino and has 100 GB of hard disk
1024 of RAM, its working quite well ( i bought it a year ago, its considered history nowadays in the computer industry)
u can find better laptops

Answer 8

dell can build you one if you know what you want but just to go out and buy one that works with other products hp would be your best bet.

Answer 9

Whatever you do, dont buy it from a black guy.