[___]

I'm thinking about buying this laptop.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product....Ca...p;topnav="

I'll be using it for college. I'm not worried about its size or weight, but I would like to know if the tech specs are decent for the price I'm paying. I think they look pretty good to me, but what do I know? x_x Help, please?

I wish I could downgrade to Windows XP though.. I've been hearing some horrible things about Windows Vista.

Nevermind. I just bought this. ^^
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Toshiba-Sat...roductDetail.do

[Godotology]

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/en/ho/WF...77-3753492.html

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/en/ho/WF...96-3756251.html

Both these computers are currently on sale at Best Buy, I'm getting one for university (no desktops) and was hoping I'll be able to run some games on it too. Mostly need opinion regarding their video cards, would I be able to run upcoming games with these laptops and at what levels?

Also which one would you recommend? My sister is also looking for a laptop but shes only concern with the design of the laptop skin so can anyone recommend me some place for nice designs?

Thanks in advance!

neither, they're both obsolete. HP is just trying to get rid of old stocks.

how do you bargain?
i thought processing the order through them would result in the same thing as ordering it myself online

operators are probably on commission. Making a sale with you at a cheaper price is better than no sale at all.
bargaining is like bargaining anywhere. Ask them for special deals for students, do price comparisons, tell them you're interested in two laptops (one from a rival) to put pressure on them to make their product sound better and cheaper, etc.

[Hap^_____^PY]

Hi, I planning to buy my very first laptop
The thing is my mom gave me a thousand dollars limit so that means I'll have to get something under like 900 so I can buy the warranty, extra battery, and whatnot
I'm planning to use it for school, movies, music(I like to keep music on like the whole time except when I'm watching something), well I would like something that is sturdy, good battery life, good amount of storage, and from medium to light weight, is that too much for something in my price range?
I don't have much knowledge about computers either so I can't really customize it or anything....
and I really don't know what brands I should consider since different friends tells me different things

[Godotology]

Hi, I planning to buy my very first laptop
The thing is my mom gave me a thousand dollars limit so that means I'll have to get something under like 900 so I can buy the warranty, extra battery, and whatnot
I'm planning to use it for school, movies, music(I like to keep music on like the whole time except when I'm watching something), well I would like something that is sturdy, good battery life, good amount of storage, and from medium to light weight, is that too much for something in my price range?
I don't have much knowledge about computers either so I can't really customize it or anything....
and I really don't know what brands I should consider since different friends tells me different things

I think what you need to do first is go to any electronics/computer store, and play around with laptops of different sizes and see which one fits you best. Once you found a size to your liking, then it'll be easier to pick out models from each size. However at $900, you'll pretty much be looking at 13.3" to 16".

[Antz]

i want a laptop for uni and for personal use, and i'm stuck between getting a dell or a vaio.
i really want a vaio but it's so pricey.
i wanted a hp but i heard bad stuff about it now :x
my budget will be about $1000 - $1500. hopefully not too much over $1500.
i'd pretty much be doing everything on it, except for gaming purposes. so i need a decent amount of storage too.
having an internal webcam with it would be nice (:
which is better, vaio or dell?
in terms of battery life, price, and then its pros and cons.
thank you

[Godotology]

i want a laptop for uni and for personal use, and i'm stuck between getting a dell or a vaio.
i really want a vaio but it's so pricey.
i wanted a hp but i heard bad stuff about it now :x
my budget will be about $1000 - $1500. hopefully not too much over $1500.
i'd pretty much be doing everything on it, except for gaming purposes. so i need a decent amount of storage too.
having an internal webcam with it would be nice (:
which is better, vaio or dell?
in terms of battery life, price, and then its pros and cons.
thank you

battery life isn't based on brand. its based on models.

[Antz]

^ oh ok, thanks. but in general, do vaio's and dell's have good battery life?

[Subways]

Hey guys I need help to decide between these 3 laptops. I returned my new HP one because there seems to be a lot of faults with its hardware (at least the series I got).

They're all on sale so the prices there shouldn't be a factor.

I want to play games but thats not top priority right now, from what I understand the last one listed has the best video card, but I'm not sure overall with the proccessor and all included which one is best.

Also, if the third one is best, how much better is it than the others? Because if just by a little (can you give an example?) I wouldn't mind sacraficing it for a smaller laptop screen (preference).

And is Intel better than AMD for laptops? I've heard some stories of faulty AMD processors and laptops (word of mouth) so not sure how acurate that is.

If someone can also give input on Toshiba laptops that would be great since laptop hardware from what I remember tend to be quite fragile.

Thanks in advance!



http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku....;affixedcode=WW

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetai...8183&catid=

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetai...amp;catid=25314

[Godotology]

^ oh ok, thanks. but in general, do vaio's and dell's have good battery life?

i'm not bothering to answer this because there's no such thing as a general answer for battery life for an entire brand. Every vaio and dell laptop is different and has different specs, and thus they have different battery life.

what you're trying to ask is no different from if all trucks, compact cars, and limos have a general gas mileage despite being totally different type of vehicles.

Some laptops such as the Dell XPS M1530 with a video card will have far less battery life than the Dell E which is smaller and has no video card.
You should stop looking for easy answers and do a bit more research on laptop models you'll be interested in.

Hey guys I need help to decide between these 3 laptops. I returned my new HP one because there seems to be a lot of faults with its hardware (at least the series I got).

They're all on sale so the prices there shouldn't be a factor.

I want to play games but thats not top priority right now, from what I understand the last one listed has the best video card, but I'm not sure overall with the proccessor and all included which one is best.

Also, if the third one is best, how much better is it than the others? Because if just by a little (can you give an example?) I wouldn't mind sacraficing it for a smaller laptop screen (preference).

And is Intel better than AMD for laptops? I've heard some stories of faulty AMD processors and laptops (word of mouth) so not sure how acurate that is.

If someone can also give input on Toshiba laptops that would be great since laptop hardware from what I remember tend to be quite fragile.

Thanks in advance!



http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku....;affixedcode=WW

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetai...8183&catid=

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetai...amp;catid=25314

the first link doesn't work properly.
between the two toshiba.. AMD is generally synonymous as "low end and cheap", and Intel used on the more normal models. Intel beats AMD in many areas of notebook processors, especially battery life and heat.

also the models you're toying with are all average consumer models, meant to be cheap and used by the average person.. not meant to have the best build. If you want something stronger, you have to spend more money. If I were you, I'd probably stick to the newer HPs. You probably had a lemon (and all laptops have bad ones), and should just try to get one that isn't flawed.

[lamehead]

Hi. :] I posted earlier about buying a laptop for college, but my parents decided that they were too expensive. :\ They're aiming for under $1000- after taxes (or at least very very close to $1000 after taxes). So I was wondering if you guys could help me again! Thanks. :D

Basic needs: schoolwork (major in graphic communications/design), watching YouTube/Asian dramas, downloading music, going to forums, chatting, Photoshop, and things of that nature. I don't play many games, just the occasion visit to Yahoo Games and I may or may not play GunBound. xD

So, here is what I came up with. There's a lot. Sorry. :\ I'm open to other suggestions, also!

Sony VAIO VGN-FZ430E/B

Sony VAIO VGN-NR498E/L

Sony Vaio CR510

HP Pavilion DV2940SE*****

HP Pavilion dv9910us*

HP Pavilion DV9810US*

HP Pavilion dv9920us*

ASUS M51 Series M51Ta-X1

Thanks again! :]

*I really like the 17 inch, but I know it will be inconvenient to lug it around. :[ Probably eliminated from the list, huh?
*****The one I am leaning towards (mainly because my parents want me to get a HP), but I know HP has a lot of problems. >_____<

[azn_goodies]

I need a laptop for school and I was thinking of purchasing a Hp dince it has everything i need at a reasonable price. However, I am abit reluctant to buy it because i've heard bads things about Hp and how easily it breaks.

250GB Hard Drive
4GB ram
Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5750

Does anybody have any opinions on this laptop?

[Godotology]

I need a laptop for school and I was thinking of purchasing a Hp dince it has everything i need at a reasonable price. However, I am abit reluctant to buy it because i've heard bads things about Hp and how easily it breaks.

250GB Hard Drive
4GB ram
Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5750

Does anybody have any opinions on this laptop?

the one in that picture is an older model. HP already has made a replacement.
HP Pavilions are typical consumer level notebooks. They are cheap and offer alot of spec for its price, but don't expect it to have the build quality of something more expensive like a Thinkpad or a Macbook Pro.

Hi. :] I posted earlier about buying a laptop for college, but my parents decided that they were too expensive. :\ They're aiming for under $1000- after taxes (or at least very very close to $1000 after taxes). So I was wondering if you guys could help me again! Thanks.

Basic needs: schoolwork (major in graphic communications/design), watching YouTube/Asian dramas, downloading music, going to forums, chatting, Photoshop, and things of that nature. I don't play many games, just the occasion visit to Yahoo Games and I may or may not play GunBound. xD

So, here is what I came up with. There's a lot. Sorry. :\ I'm open to other suggestions, also!

Sony VAIO VGN-FZ430E/B

Sony VAIO VGN-NR498E/L

Sony Vaio CR510

HP Pavilion DV2940SE*****

HP Pavilion dv9910us*

HP Pavilion DV9810US*

HP Pavilion dv9920us*

ASUS M51 Series M51Ta-X1

Thanks again! :]

*I really like the 17 inch, but I know it will be inconvenient to lug it around. :[ Probably eliminated from the list, huh?
*****The one I am leaning towards (mainly because my parents want me to get a HP), but I know HP has a lot of problems. >_____<

they are all old models. You're better off buying directly from HP using coupons and student deals and you can get something newer and still meet that $1000 price tag.

[BR1TT4NYy]

this is a comparison of the 3 sony vaio models im looking at..
i have set all of them with 2.53 ghz with a 4gb ram and 320gb hd in the comparison above

do you think if i get these specs, it will last me for a while until things get upgraded really quickly like 2.80ghz becoming really cheap, etc?

also, is it really worth paying the extra $150 for a 2.5ghz compared to 2.4ghz, and $40-50 more for a 4gb ram?

to get my moneys worth on the 4gb ram, would i have to be a hardcore gamer or something?

do most people get like a standard 250gb hd and use an external hd instead of a larger internal hd?

*i know that the size between the fw and the other series is very different, but im only considering that because the price is great for such a large size, theres blu ray for only $150+, and im planning on getting a macbook (not pro) when the new one comes out in aluminum..*

and would an extended warranty be recommended? if so, for how many years?

---

thanks so much for those who answer all my questions, thanks

[Godotology]

this is a comparison of the 3 sony vaio models im looking at..
i have set all of them with 2.53 ghz with a 4gb ram and 320gb hd in the comparison above

do you think if i get these specs, it will last me for a while until things get upgraded really quickly like 2.80ghz becoming really cheap, etc?

also, is it really worth paying the extra $150 for a 2.5ghz compared to 2.4ghz, and $40-50 more for a 4gb ram?

to get my moneys worth on the 4gb ram, would i have to be a hardcore gamer or something?

do most people get like a standard 250gb hd and use an external hd instead of a larger internal hd?

*i know that the size between the fw and the other series is very different, but im only considering that because the price is great for such a large size, theres blu ray for only $150+, and im planning on getting a macbook (not pro) when the new one comes out in aluminum..*

and would an extended warranty be recommended? if so, for how many years?

---

thanks so much for those who answer all my questions, thanks

you won't notice the difference between 2.5ghz and 2.4 so its probably not worth the extra $150.
4gb of ram is always good, especially if you use Vista. However its usually cheaper for you to buy the RAM separately and install it yourself.. Vaios usually have easy access to the RAM (usually just unscrew one of the panels on the bottom).

yeah, the FW series is a great deal actually, especially for a Vaio. However its pretty big. Are you sure thats what you want?
if you're also getting the new macbook (the specs are still unknown and the aluminum thing is just a rumor) I think you should just stick that one.
why waste money on two notebooks that don't offer anything significantly better than the other.

[BR1TT4NYy]

you won't notice the difference between 2.5ghz and 2.4 so its probably not worth the extra $150.
4gb of ram is always good, especially if you use Vista. However its usually cheaper for you to buy the RAM separately and install it yourself.. Vaios usually have easy access to the RAM (usually just unscrew one of the panels on the bottom).

yeah, the FW series is a great deal actually, especially for a Vaio. However its pretty big. Are you sure thats what you want?
if you're also getting the new macbook (the specs are still unknown and the aluminum thing is just a rumor) I think you should just stick that one.
why waste money on two notebooks that don't offer anything significantly better than the other.

since most of the models have an upgrade sale, i figured its just cheaper and easier for me to get the ram through sony since its only a $40-50 difference
if i get the fw, i wanted the macbook later (in a year or two) since its a lot smaller and more portable

also, is it better to get an extended battery or buy a separate battery? (forget the price of them)

[Godotology]

since most of the models have an upgrade sale, i figured its just cheaper and easier for me to get the ram through sony since its only a $40-50 difference
if i get the fw, i wanted the macbook later (in a year or two) since its a lot smaller and more portable

also, is it better to get an extended battery or buy a separate battery? (forget the price of them)

there's no guarantee the next macbook will be the same size, especially if rumors hold true and that it will use a 16 : 9 scale screen instead of 16:10.

I personally lean towards extended battery, simply because if you are on regular battery. you'll have to switch your computer off and then change it, then re turn it on.. and if you use both batteries often.. within a year or two, you'll have two degraded batteries that won't hold much charge. (all batteries lose life after a while)

[lamehead]

the one in that picture is an older model. HP already has made a replacement.
HP Pavilions are typical consumer level notebooks. They are cheap and offer a lot of spec for its price, but don't expect it to have the build quality of something more expensive like a Thinkpad or a Macbook Pro.



they are all old models. You're better off buying directly from HP using coupons and student deals and you can get something newer and still meet that $1000 price tag.

Are one of these better? Or would you suggest another laptop for a Graphic Communications/Design major?

One

Two

And then I'll use the $400 coupon, so the total will be $900ish?

Thanks for your help. ^^

[Godotology]

Are one of these better? Or would you suggest another laptop for a Graphic Communications/Design major?

One

Two

And then I'll use the $400 coupon, so the total will be $900ish?

Thanks for your help. ^^

i personally would try to get the wsxga+ screen AND the nvidia 9600gt video card. If you were tight on a budget, i'd try cutting down the hard drive or processor size. a hard drive can easily be replaced, and most people won't notice the difference between say 2.4ghz and 2.5. but a wxga screen vs wsxga will be very noticeable, and so will the video card performance if you game.

also, to put it simply, you won't find another 15.4" laptop that offers both wsxga+ and an nvidia 9600 video card for that price. the DV5T is by far the best in price/performance ratio.

[lamehead]

i personally would try to get the wsxga+ screen AND the nvidia 9600gt video card. If you were tight on a budget, i'd try cutting down the hard drive or processor size. a hard drive can easily be replaced, and most people won't notice the difference between say 2.4ghz and 2.5. but a wxga screen vs wsxga will be very noticeable, and so will the video card performance if you game.

also, to put it simply, you won't find another 15.4" laptop that offers both wsxga+ and an nvidia 9600 video card for that price. the DV5T is by far the best in price/performance ratio.

Three

Is that better? ^^ And I don't really game. I think the only game I would play was Gunbound. Thanks!

[Godotology]

Three

Is that better? ^^ And I don't really game. I think the only game I would play was Gunbound. Thanks!

looks good to me! Out of all the 15.4" notebooks this year, I probably woulda gone for the DV5T too (and I generally don't recommend HP!)