I'm looking for a new laptop

Sgt PSN · January 17, 2006, 08:30:34 PM

I'm thinking it's time I upgrade my laptop and get something a little more up to date. I've had my current laptop for about 4 years. It served me well and provided me with porn a plenty but I think it's time I get something new. So I'm looking to you jerks to help me out.

I don't need anything super hi tech. I'm not a computer geek and don't do graphics or design websites or anything like that. I surf the net, download/burn music, occasionally edit some photos and that's about it. I'm currently looking at a Dell XPS M140 which starts out at $949.

The upgrades it has over my current laptop include a dvd burner (which I want), bigger hard drive and a bunch of general technical improvements that have been made over the last 4 years since I last bought a laptop.

Any suggestions on comparable laptops that may run a little cheaper but still give me the same performance/features?

PhillyPhanInDC · January 17, 2006, 08:44:57 PM

Sony VAIO @ Tigerdirect

Dell's are good, but I like the Sony's better. Working for the DoD (I use them everyday), you probably have alot of expierience with Dells, and they are a decent product, but you pay for the name a bit. Also, since you are active duty, you qualify for a nice discount through Dell. I'll try to find you some info on it.

EDIT: Here is the Dell "Member" Purchase program for Active Duty members, you'll probably have to call your order and provide some info.

Dell Site

PoopyfaceMcGee · January 17, 2006, 11:38:36 PM

I just got a new work laptop from my company today, so nanny nanny boo boo.

I like the Dell XPS systems, though.

LBIggle · January 18, 2006, 04:51:21 AM

do not i repeat, do not get a toshiba.

more specifically a toshiba satellite. POS. i wasn't unfortunate enough to personally get one but i know 1 person last x-mas and 2 people who got em for this x-mas, and shtein.. yah shtein pretty much sums em up.

Susquehanna Birder · January 18, 2006, 07:23:09 AM

Quote from: L-ong-B-each-I-ggle on January 18, 2006, 04:51:21 AM
do not i repeat, do not get a toshiba.

more specifically a toshiba satellite. POS. i wasn't unfortunate enough to personally get one but i know 1 person last x-mas and 2 people who got em for this x-mas, and shtein.. yah shtein pretty much sums em up.

I have to disagree with you there. A couple of years ago, I got a mid-high level Toshiba for my daughter and an even better one for myself. Other than a HDD failure on my daughter's laptop (caused by heat, as she had the intakes blocked and/or they were clogged with dust), I've never had a problem.

My only issue with Toshiba laptops is that they are built so that most "normal" people can't open them for repair (like replacing a HDD). Other than that, I love 'em.

Zanshin · January 18, 2006, 09:17:00 AM

I have a Toshiba Satillite. I was really happy with it, right up until I started getting the dreaded blue-screen-of-death. That said, they extended my warranty and are covering the cost of the repair. Turns out the model I have has a grounding problem that had to be fixed with a new cover. That an a little thermal grease to make it run cooler, and it should be set. But for the money, at the time, it was a top-notch machine.

The only thing about many of the new laptops I don't like is that the cooling intake fans are on the bottom of the machine...so, if you actually have it on your lap or put it on the couch, it can easily overheat and shut down.

MadMarchHare · January 18, 2006, 09:34:02 AM

I seem to remember a news article from a year or two ago where some lugnut got 2nd degree burns from working in bed and having his laptop on his bare skin.

Wingspan · January 18, 2006, 10:02:17 AM

i love the tech assit threads....they are like mad libs

initial post
my old (product) is dead, so i am in the market for a new (product) . i've had a (brand name #1) for (number) of years, and a)hated b)loved it. however i just want a) the same b)more features than before, but i only want to spend $ price .

what do you guys think of this (link to new brand name #1) or this (link to brand name #2)

reply 1, replier 1
i've used (brand name #2) for a few years now, and is much better than (brand name #1) . so get that one.

reply 1, replier 2
i've used (brand name #1) for a few years now, and is much better than (brand name #2) , which i have nothing but bad experiences with. so get the one i suggest.

reply 1, replier 3
both (brand name #1) & (brand name #2) , suck. in fact, for what you are using it for, i wouldnt even get a (product) . I would look into (totally unrelated product)

reply 2, replier 1
i still think (brand name #2) is the best, but maybe you should get the more expensive model?

thread starter, reply 1
will i need to get (random ad on or accessory) ?

reply 2, replier 3
you have to to make it work, which is why i am telling you to buy (totally unrelated product) . PM me if you want more specifics.

thread starter, reply 2
i dont want one of those.

reply 2, replier 2
like i said above, i've used (brand name #1) for a few years now, and is much better than (brand name #2) .

reply 1, replier 3
heres what i found on this.... (tech specs) (links to reviews)

thread starter, reply 3
thanks for all the help guys!

MURP · January 18, 2006, 10:46:23 AM

ha.

Father Demon · January 18, 2006, 11:29:02 AM

Quote from: MadMarchHare on January 18, 2006, 09:34:02 AM
I seem to remember a news article from a year or two ago where some lugnut got 2nd degree burns from working in bed and having his laptop on his bare skin.

How long do you have to think about if the computer is getting too hot before you get 2nd degree burns?

Sounds like this guy should go outside and play with Lawn Darts^TM

PoopyfaceMcGee · January 18, 2006, 11:31:23 AM

My new Lenovo ThinkPad (which still has IBM insignia all over it) is very nice. T42.

I would get the T42p if I were purchasing for myself, but... whatever.

Sgt PSN · January 18, 2006, 11:34:39 AM

Thanks for all the help guys.

Phanatic · January 18, 2006, 11:35:23 AM

Quote from: DemonchildrenOnTurf on January 18, 2006, 11:29:02 AM
Quote from: MadMarchHare on January 18, 2006, 09:34:02 AM
I seem to remember a news article from a year or two ago where some lugnut got 2nd degree burns from working in bed and having his laptop on his bare skin.

How long do you have to think about if the computer is getting too hot before you get 2nd degree burns?

Sounds like this guy should go outside and play with Lawn Darts^TM

Susquehanna Birder · January 18, 2006, 12:49:38 PM

Quote from: Zanshin on January 18, 2006, 09:17:00 AMThe only thing about many of the new laptops I don't like is that the cooling intake fans are on the bottom of the machine...so, if you actually have it on your lap or put it on the couch, it can easily overheat and shut down.

Exactly. The makers have to realize that people will be using them on carpets, bedspreads, and (heaven forbid) actual laptops. I got one of those cooling-pad devices, and it broke within a week. Now I just have to be careful about where I sit the thing (and tell my daughter to keep the intake fans clear).

PoopyfaceMcGee · January 18, 2006, 01:17:17 PM

You can't get a lot of computing power without generating heat. Kind of hard to fit a refrigeration unit in a laptop.