[x teehee]

I'm considering the Toshiba Satellite A205; I want to buy it to use in college. Pros/cons?

Please PM me, I don't think I'll remember to come visit this thread again

[weissritter]

you don't mind the 7" screen (with the 7" wide keyboard) on the current EEE PC?
I was thinking of replacing my current laptop with two laptops.. a big one (maybe 15.4") for home use, and an EEE PC or clone for the times i want something on the go for notes and basic stuff. but I dunno if I could ever get used to the keyboard on something so small. the 10" one looks appealing for me personally.

I actually don't mind it at all~
I surf the web, and even reply to e-mails and chat on my windows mobile phone (t-mobile shadow), so the small screen doesn't bother me ^^
and the keyboard doesn't look too cramped! I was surprised when I saw it.
but the dead space around the screen really isn't too appealing...it's pretty thick.
but if the 10" comes out and it's less than $450-500, then I wouldn't mind it whatsoever =] (why would I? xD)
but if something comparable comes out from a competitor at a lower price, I'd get it =X heheh
I am not a fan of linux, but I guess I can just put xp or something on it...
I see a lot of xp and upgraded (2gig ram, 8gb hd) on ebay... maybe I should spring for one of those xD they're fairly cheap at $500-600!

[Godotology]

I'm so used to using a desktop since it's been my primary ever since the beginning.
I'm thinking of getting a laptop and using that as my primary for school and such, but do you think it will be a hard switch?

depends on what you do really.

those who do intensive CAS, or really hard core gaming will probably prefer sticking to a desktop. the everyday user who usually just browses the net, watches videos, downloads music, and types documents will probably prefer the mobility of the laptop.. especially when watching tv at the same time.

I'm considering the Toshiba Satellite A205; I want to buy it to use in college. Pros/cons?

Please PM me, I don't think I'll remember to come visit this thread again

I don't recommend any Satellite model period. For cheaper budget laptops, there's better options. For better quality laptops, there's better options.

[MistahKK]

ooo yeah, basically just everyday user type of stuff, since I'm not really a hardcore gamer. But CAS? CAS means soo many different things.
well anyways, I would assume that thing's such as video editing or audio mixing would produce the same results; depending on graphics card and such rather then desktop vs. laptop.

[vc1188]

I'm interested in getting a Dell laptop this summer (XPS M1330) and I have read consistently good reviews for it. But the other day I overheard a conversation, and this guy was complaining about how crappy the battery life was. He said he was already on his third one, but it's already dying and only lasting 20 minutes. For those of you with Dell laptops, is this true? I can't really find reviews that make remarks about long-term usage.

[azzer]

I'm interested in getting a Dell laptop this summer (XPS M1330) and I have read consistently good reviews for it. But the other day I overheard a conversation, and this guy was complaining about how crappy the battery life was. He said he was already on his third one, but it's already dying and only lasting 20 minutes. For those of you with Dell laptops, is this true? I can't really find reviews that make remarks about long-term usage.

I have the XPS M1330. I only got it a month ago so I can't really comment on longterm battery life. However, I got both the 6-cell and the 9-cell. The 9-cell one lasts a really long time, and the 6-cell one is only so-so. When I was just using it for word processing and MSN I think I got about 3 hours out of it? I think if you were using it for other things the battery life would go down quite a bit. I just keep mine plugged in for the most part. Maybe he recharged too often.

[Godotology]

I'm interested in getting a Dell laptop this summer (XPS M1330) and I have read consistently good reviews for it. But the other day I overheard a conversation, and this guy was complaining about how crappy the battery life was. He said he was already on his third one, but it's already dying and only lasting 20 minutes. For those of you with Dell laptops, is this true? I can't really find reviews that make remarks about long-term usage.

check notebookreview.com, there's lots of threads of M1330 users. 20 minutes is very extreme (the laptop hasn't even been out a year), so its likely he has a faulty battery and never bothered replacing, or damaged it himself. Battery life deteriorates after time, but not THAT extreme.

[x teehee]

I don't recommend any Satellite model period. For cheaper budget laptops, there's better options. For better quality laptops, there's better options.

then what would you recommend for a good laptop to use for college for around the same price?

[Godotology]

then what would you recommend for a good laptop to use for college for around the same price?

The Dell Vostro series were really cheap and were built well, I'm talking about the 1400 and 1500 models. they were a bit bulky but they were very sturdy because it used a magnesium chassis, versus the plastic ones used by most budget notebooks.
Unfortunately I think Dell's new models coming out in summer, will no longer feature this, but will probably be cheaper and lighter (but all plastic).. either way Dell is cheaper. I also don't like HP either, but I feel that you get more for your money with their pavillion models as well.

[fiveplusohplusone]

hi, i am completely new to this (laptop stuff) and would appreciate some guidance on what i should look toward and what i should try avoiding
i read through the guideline and here are what i came up with:
- mainly use for college (moderate memory space)
- screen: nothing smaller than 13"
- moderate gaming memory
- range between $600-$850
- matte screen
- media: movie/music compatible
- itunes friendly
- tablet pc (if possible)
- not hp/dell
- not Pentium IV, Pentium IV-M
- not centrino

~~~~

[Godotology]

hi, i am completely new to this (laptop stuff) and would appreciate some guidance on what i should look toward and what i should try avoiding
i read through the guideline and here are what i came up with:
- mainly use for college (moderate memory space)
- screen: nothing smaller than 13"
- moderate gaming memory
- range between $600-$850
- matte screen
- media: movie/music compatible
- itunes friendly
- tablet pc (if possible)
- not hp/dell
- not Pentium IV, Pentium IV-M
- not centrino

~~~~

bigger than 13" is no problem because 14" and 15.4" are the cheapest sizes. itunes no problem because its just a program and can be installed on any computer.
no pentium IV/M? no problem because they don't even make that anymore (sorry my guide is a little outdated lol).

matte screen? problem because almost everyone is going to glossy. If you act now, you may be able to find a few Lenovo R61s that should fit the price range/mattescreen/ w good build. But its going to be replaced in summer (which is why its on sale now).

tablet pc is also another problem as they tend to be pricier than a regular notebook and tend not to have a dedicated video card. that and the only two cheapo tablet pcs I can think of is HP (a no no on your list), and one from gateway (dunno about the build quality..).

Dell's Fall 2007 line up - mid 2008 was actually very good and improved dramatically in build quality over their previous ones. they even had matte options. However dunno how their new summer notebooks will hold up

[stryder]

I bought the vostro 1400 a year back, the 9 cell lasts around 4-5 hours, depending on what you use it for.

Anyway I'm shopping for a good deal for my brother who now needs a laptop.
What do you guys think of this one?
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=585894

[ProjectVirtue]

Hmm, I was wondering if anybody here has any moniter recommendations.
I'm looking for a matte screen in particular so the glare is like 1/10000000000 of those other screens with the plastic.
I'm also looking at a widescreen, and the resolution is confusing me. theres 1600x1200, or 1650 x 1280. I duno which ratio to pick.
Also, a high color contrast is preferred since it'll be used for my CG. And my current moniter is getting dead/stuck pixels
all over the place.
Any recommendations? companies/models?

[Godotology]

I bought the vostro 1400 a year back, the 9 cell lasts around 4-5 hours, depending on what you use it for.

Anyway I'm shopping for a good deal for my brother who now needs a laptop.
What do you guys think of this one?
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=585894

wow, its only 799!? That's really cheap for an Asus! especially an Asus Ensemble series!
However the name doesn't match. The W7J should have the Nvidia 7400, while it lists it as having the 8400 (which would be the W7S).
I had the W7J two christmas ago. Pretty sturdy laptop. nice keyboard. I just really hated the right side vent (which was in the middle) as it constantly blew heat into my hand when using a mouse. Also got really warm too. Since you own a Vostro yourself (and I owned the 1400).. it feels and looks the same, but a tad thinner and the screen being a bit brighter. lots of crapware tho.

Hmm, I was wondering if anybody here has any moniter recommendations.
I'm looking for a matte screen in particular so the glare is like 1/10000000000 of those other screens with the plastic.
I'm also looking at a widescreen, and the resolution is confusing me. theres 1600x1200, or 1650 x 1280. I duno which ratio to pick.
Also, a high color contrast is preferred since it'll be used for my CG. And my current moniter is getting dead/stuck pixels
all over the place.
Any recommendations? companies/models?

you mean external monitor or monitor for a laptop?
as far as screens goes theres wxga, wxga+, wsxga+, and wuxga.
you usually see these terms being used more with laptop monitors than external flat ones (but some companies still use them for those too).

[ProjectVirtue]

external for my desktop. My current one is crapping out so i'll get a new one and might as well make a dual moniter setup.
What...do those mean lol. I've seen them around, but never really checked them up.
Thing is, theres like, 16:9, and 16:10 and some other funky ratios.
you'd kinda wish they all stuck to one like they did during full screens >_>

[i3izkit12]

Hello~~~

My grandparents are buying me a new laptop for a graduation present and im wondering which one would give me the most bang for my buck.
Umm some facts that may help decide which one to recommend.
I like to watch lots and lots of shows and movies so alot of space would be nice.
I don't play alot of hardcore games, BUT I get into something new like every week so a computer that could handle the newer games would be nice.
I'm using it for entertainment but im also using it for college lol
Long battery life would be nice as well.
AND the price needs to be in the range of $1000


Thank You~

[Godotology]

external for my desktop. My current one is crapping out so i'll get a new one and might as well make a dual moniter setup.
What...do those mean lol. I've seen them around, but never really checked them up.
Thing is, theres like, 16:9, and 16:10 and some other funky ratios.
you'd kinda wish they all stuck to one like they did during full screens >_>

yeah, I wish they were more consistent with their ratios too.
btw, this is primarily a laptop thread so if you re post your question in the main tech section, you'll probably get better replies.

personally I really like Samsung and especially LG flat screens.

Hello~~~

My grandparents are buying me a new laptop for a graduation present and im wondering which one would give me the most bang for my buck.
Umm some facts that may help decide which one to recommend.
I like to watch lots and lots of shows and movies so alot of space would be nice.
I don't play alot of hardcore games, BUT I get into something new like every week so a computer that could handle the newer games would be nice.
I'm using it for entertainment but im also using it for college lol
Long battery life would be nice as well.
AND the price needs to be in the range of $1000


Thank You~

I suggest you just ask for money and wait until mid to late summer when all the new laptop models will be available. Why buy something now when it will be obsolete in 2 months.

[fiveplusohplusone]

bigger than 13" is no problem because 14" and 15.4" are the cheapest sizes. itunes no problem because its just a program and can be installed on any computer.
no pentium IV/M? no problem because they don't even make that anymore (sorry my guide is a little outdated lol).

matte screen? problem because almost everyone is going to glossy. If you act now, you may be able to find a few Lenovo R61s that should fit the price range/mattescreen/ w good build. But its going to be replaced in summer (which is why its on sale now).

tablet pc is also another problem as they tend to be pricier than a regular notebook and tend not to have a dedicated video card. that and the only two cheapo tablet pcs I can think of is HP (a no no on your list), and one from gateway (dunno about the build quality..).

Dell's Fall 2007 line up - mid 2008 was actually very good and improved dramatically in build quality over their previous ones. they even had matte options. However dunno how their new summer notebooks will hold up

alright, so i've eliminated some choices/brands. anything else i should avoid so far?
and also, if i get a notebook and i've tried it for a week and i don't like it, would they do returns or are they strict about it? i read something about dead pixels but is that the only reason they'll let you return? let's just say i felt uncomfortable using it because of weight, low memory, etc...

[Godotology]

alright, so i've eliminated some choices/brands. anything else i should avoid so far?
and also, if i get a notebook and i've tried it for a week and i don't like it, would they do returns or are they strict about it? i read something about dead pixels but is that the only reason they'll let you return? let's just say i felt uncomfortable using it because of weight, low memory, etc...

it really depends who you buy it from. different places have different policies and you need to go research that on your own.

from my experience
when I bought my Dell Vostro, I used it for a few days, decided it wasn't for me. issued an RMA with Dell (the wait took a long time), but it went really simple, they sent me some labels, arranged it to be sent for free! no RMA, full refund.

Sony Vaio (direct from SonyStyle) was also a similar case, although i had to pay for the shipping back, but i got a full refund.

not so for Lenovo/IBM, you gotta pay something like 10-15% restocking fee.

[i3izkit12]

yeah, I wish they were more consistent with their ratios too.
btw, this is primarily a laptop thread so if you re post your question in the main tech section, you'll probably get better replies.

personally I really like Samsung and especially LG flat screens.



I suggest you just ask for money and wait until mid to late summer when all the new laptop models will be available. Why buy something now when it will be obsolete in 2 months.

Oh okay i actually didn't know that new models were coming out in two months lol. When they do come out what laptop would you recommend in that price range?