Notebook/laptop/tablet Pc Buying Guide *updated 2011* Post all notebook/laptop/tablet pc related questions here
#1901
Posted 26 October 2008 - 09:52 PM
asus eeepc, msi wind, acer aspire one?
and which model, thanks
#1902
Posted 27 October 2008 - 12:36 PM

what do you think about this laptop?
Feedbacks?
i saw it @ futureshop the other day.. and i'm in love with it because of the color O_o
i know that's not suppose to be what you think of the first thing.. but how is it.. in terms of it's functions and stuff?
#1903
Posted 27 October 2008 - 03:46 PM
I'm planning to buy a laptop this saturday and I need to know what laptops are worth buying.
Does anyone have any recommendations? Something that isn't too big, is colored, and fast would be nice.
I'm also looking into buying this VAIO laptop.

I believe it is the VGN CR model. Does anyone have it or recommend it?
It would be helpful if your recommendations are detailed (in simple words).
Thank you in advance!
#1904
Posted 31 October 2008 - 07:53 AM
asus eeepc, msi wind, acer aspire one?
and which model, thanks
you should check out the samsung nc-10
not sure if it was released or is going to be released really soon
it has the best battery life out of all of them (from reviews)
asides from that
it depends which model you wanna get and what features you want.
the eee 901, 900HA , and aspire one have 8.9in screens
the eee 1000 & msi wind , samsung nc-10 have 10in screens.
also depends how much hard drive space you want
eee901 uses SSD, which is a bit faster but not very large around (16gb or 20gb)
the others use a 2.5in hard drive which are larger but make the netbook heavier and warmer.
i personally would recommend the eee 900HA or the samsung nc-10.
the eee900HA is supposed to be around $350 which is really cheap, for all the features you get. The only drawback is that it has a 4-cell battery which doesn't last along as the other 6-cell batteries. So you will get abut 3.5 hours of battery life roughly estimated. Oh and it also has a smaller keyboard, but if you have small fingers it`ll be perfect.
on the other hand there is the samsung nc-10. this one has a 6-cell battery with supposedly 7 hours of battery life. It supposed weight around the same of the msi wind 2.6-2.8 lbs again roughly estimated.
#1905
Posted 01 November 2008 - 09:25 AM
#1906
Posted 02 November 2008 - 11:58 AM
I'm planning to buy a laptop this saturday and I need to know what laptops are worth buying.
Does anyone have any recommendations? Something that isn't too big, is colored, and fast would be nice.
I'm also looking into buying this VAIO laptop.

I believe it is the VGN CR model. Does anyone have it or recommend it?
It would be helpful if your recommendations are detailed (in simple words).
Thank you in advance!
The CR model is already replaced by the CS. Get the newer model
asus eeepc, msi wind, acer aspire one?
and which model, thanks
best in what way? they all have roughly the same specs. Except for the Asus EEE PC because there's a jillion versions of it.
I think the Dell Mini is good for the value as is the Acer Aspire one. Try not to over spend on a netbook, its throwing good money on something that's intended to provide only limited functionality anyways.
well there will be the thanksgiving and xmas sales soon (but we tend to see the discounts on older and low end notebooks).
Usually new CPUs come in around Spring and Summer. This year they came kind of late.. many of the new models didn't come out until the end of summer, early fall!

what do you think about this laptop?
Feedbacks?
i saw it @ futureshop the other day.. and i'm in love with it because of the color O_o
i know that's not suppose to be what you think of the first thing.. but how is it.. in terms of it's functions and stuff?
well you really shouldn't buy a laptop based on just its color.. it costs several hundreds of dollars and incorporates many pieces of the recent technology yet some people are more interested in the fancy painted color that only makes up part of the costs and does little in terms of performance.. however thats just me and looks do matter for some people over specs.
If you go for the Vaio C series, do not go for the CR model, go for the CS which is the newer one. There's still plenty of places that got the CR in stock and are trying to get rid of it by offering deals.
can anyone please recommend or tell me about some brands such as sony, thinkpad, etc.
it depends what you want to do. Sony, Lenovo, etc make more than one model of laptops and in more than one size.
2.5ghz, 4gb ram, xbrite hicolor, blu ray, 320gb hd
PM ME :]
what already?
Dell XPS1530
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800Mhz FSB, 3MB Cache)
Full Hi Definition, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LCD (1920x1200) & 2.0 M
4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
Speed: 320GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) with Free Fall Sensor
Slot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Mini Card
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
High Definition Audio 2.0
Finger Print Reader XPS M1530
those are some nice specs (i would opt for the LED wxga+ screen over the CCFL WUXGA, but some people prefer the extra real estate over the color and brightness)..
however the XPS 1530 is last year's technology and Dell is going to replace it soon in a few weeks. It also contains the Nvidia card that is affected by the fiasco. Thats why Dell is trying to offer all these deals to get rid of it. For them its probably cheaper to sell them and deal with problems involved with the nvidia card individually than to offer one massive recall.
I am looking into getting a netbook. I love my T60(15") and really it isn't THAT heavy to carry around. But dang those netbooks look so much lighter + more portable.
However I will not want to have something less than 10", anything smaller than that is just way too small. So the 1000 or 1000H are my favs for now from Asus. I also like the MSI Winds, but battery life is still lacking with them. Their keyboard is better than ASUS's netbooks though.
So yeah I am still holding out for something more closer to being perfect for me. And the price of ASUS netbooks are quite unattractive right now. Come on, why are they so expensive?
I also checked out Acer's and HP's netbooks. I really do not like their quality+feel.
SSD is not all that important to me so waiting for a larger SSD drive doesn't make sense, although if a 40GB SSD drive is more affordable, I mean why not get one? It will be a netbook so I won't be storing a lot of things on it. My downloading like crazy days are pretty much over. And I find myself only installing necessary programs nowadays.
I can't wait to get my hands on Lenovo's S10, but none of the computer stores in my area have them yet.
My question is:
How long do you think for netbooks to drop in price? Will the Atom duo core be worth the wait? Should I just hold out for until next year for better value and performance?
you're right, they are ridiculously expensive for what they offer, and yes, they are all shoddy. Thats why I keep telling people not to put too much money on a netbook as they're limited in use to begin with and are all shoddy. the Dell Mini and Acer Aspire though, are the cheapest netbooks in the US. HP recently unveiled another netbook (all black).. they say this one may be an exception to the general shoddyness.
#1907
Posted 02 November 2008 - 01:17 PM
What I'm looking for is
3 MB+ Memory
200-320 GB
15.4-17 inches screen.
Fast processor.
I mostly use a computer for entertainment and because it's considered a big purchase for me and my family, something that would still be good for the next few years. The reason for all the space is that I download a lot and I have a lot of files. The reason for 3MB memory is because I heard that Vista needs at least 2 to run smoothly and I just don't want any issues (though I might downgrade if possible to XP if there's a problem). For right now it'll probably be a desktop replacement until later which is why I put 17''. I do like number pads and fingerprint scanners as well. Fast processor because I hate slow computers.
Like I said, I'm a complete noob so I need help haha.

#1908
Posted 02 November 2008 - 01:36 PM
What I'm looking for is
3 MB+ Memory
200-320 GB
15.4-17 inches screen.
Fast processor.
I mostly use a computer for entertainment and because it's considered a big purchase for me and my family, something that would still be good for the next few years. The reason for all the space is that I download a lot and I have a lot of files. The reason for 3MB memory is because I heard that Vista needs at least 2 to run smoothly and I just don't want any issues (though I might downgrade if possible to XP if there's a problem). For right now it'll probably be a desktop replacement until later which is why I put 17''. I do like number pads and fingerprint scanners as well. Fast processor because I hate slow computers.
Like I said, I'm a complete noob so I need help haha.
how much are you willing to spend? don't let memory and hard drive size be a determining factor because you can change these yourself.
Do you need a dedicated video card? how exactly will you use it for "entertainment"? will you hook it up to a big screen tv? will you watch tv off this laptop? do you need HDMI or a display port? do you need a built in tv tuner? do you need blu ray?
#1909
Posted 02 November 2008 - 02:30 PM
Do you need a dedicated video card? how exactly will you use it for "entertainment"? will you hook it up to a big screen tv? will you watch tv off this laptop? do you need HDMI or a display port? do you need a built in tv tuner? do you need blu ray?
I don't think my parents are willing to pay more than 900. I'm a huge music lover and video watcher. I probably wouldn't hook it up to a big screen tv (though we have one) but I would like to have options as well. Sometimes I need to give presentations at school and this would help. It would have to go with me to college which isn't for a couple of years so something that would be compatible with things for a while. As for the tv tuner probably not but blu-ray would be a plus if it's in the price range (cause as I said, I'm planning to have this for a while).

#1910
Posted 02 November 2008 - 04:24 PM
hmm, your budget is pretty tough (really tough) especially as blu ray drives are still expensive.
I suggest you stick to a 15.4" or 16" size because 17" models can become expensive.
at your price budget, you can't afford to get anything fancy like say a Sony Vaio AW series, or something durable like a Thinkpad W500 and T500.. but you can still get a decently spec'd HP Pavilion. Take a look at the DV5t or the HDX 16 (15.4" and 16") respectively. For the price they offer, you get ALOT. The Dell Studio 15 is also something worth considering. You might have to consider just ignoring the blu-ray for now (if you can't afford it) and opt for an external one in the future (or a PS3 since you're at it) when you have more funds.
#1911
Posted 02 November 2008 - 05:14 PM
I suggest you stick to a 15.4" or 16" size because 17" models can become expensive.
at your price budget, you can't afford to get anything fancy like say a Sony Vaio AW series, or something durable like a Thinkpad W500 and T500.. but you can still get a decently spec'd HP Pavilion. Take a look at the DV5t or the HDX 16 (15.4" and 16") respectively. For the price they offer, you get ALOT. The Dell Studio 15 is also something worth considering. You might have to consider just ignoring the blu-ray for now (if you can't afford it) and opt for an external one in the future (or a PS3 since you're at it) when you have more funds.
I see what you mean about blu ray, so I'll stay away from that.
What do you think about these?
Choice 1
Choice 2
Choice 3
Choice 4
Choice 5
Thank you for your help!

#1912
Posted 02 November 2008 - 05:24 PM
What do you think about these?
Choice 1
Choice 2
Choice 3
Choice 4
Choice 5
Thank you for your help!
I'm not a fan of AMD processors, which is what the first two models use. the Sony NS series is their entry level model. I have the NR (which is similar to the NS) its a decent notebook for its price.. but between them and the Pavilions, I'd take the latter because they have far more variety of useful ports.
the 17" Dell Studio is probably the better one out of the five because it is a higher resolution screen and comes with more things standard... but either way I think you could do better if you purchase directly from either HP or Dell and used coupons (go to notebookreview.com and search for them there).
If you end up purchasing from Circuit City.. rumors is that they're going to close over 100 stores very soon, perhaps thats the best time to find deals.
#1913
Posted 04 November 2008 - 01:00 AM
I want to purchase a laptop, probably after x-mas or something.
I want :
a lot of storage space
Doesn't get laggy
lasts for around 2+ years
battery that lasts for around 5+ hours
priced around $1500 (may consider $2000)
moderately light-weight (if its slightly heavy, I dont mind)
I'll probably use it for word, arty programs (can i install those later?), net surfing. I might hook it up to plasmas but i doubt it. Same with blu-ray. I'll probably watch TV off it occasionally, but im not too fussed. Music though, is important, so probably a lot of storage space for that. I'll carry it around to relatives houses or something to complete homework but i wont be bringing it around on public transport or anything.
#1914
Posted 04 November 2008 - 01:21 AM
I want to purchase a laptop, probably after x-mas or something.
I want :
a lot of storage space
Doesn't get laggy
lasts for around 2+ years
battery that lasts for around 5+ hours
priced around $1500 (may consider $2000)
moderately light-weight (if its slightly heavy, I dont mind)
I'll probably use it for word, arty programs (can i install those later?), net surfing. I might hook it up to plasmas but i doubt it. Same with blu-ray. I'll probably watch TV off it occasionally, but im not too fussed. Music though, is important, so probably a lot of storage space for that. I'll carry it around to relatives houses or something to complete homework but i wont be bringing it around on public transport or anything.
plasma? check out the type of port connection you intend to hook up into the plasma with, that may be very important as some laptops have a very few selection of ports.
storage space you can change on your own. lag is based on the specs you choose, software, and your own habits.
battery life, depends on whether you get a laptop with a dedicated video card and the size of the battery
$1500 USD or AUS? not sure how much that is in USD I'm afriad.
go to a computer store first and check out what screen size you feel best with. Many of the things you want to do can be done with any laptop.
#1915
Posted 04 November 2008 - 03:46 AM
#1916
Posted 06 November 2008 - 03:38 PM
well, my friend cant decide which computer is the best for him
he wants a tablet pc
with the twirly screen XD
the specs he wants:
- high speed
- long battery life
- bright screen
- a lot of memory
- and if so, a decent priced one
does anyone know what laptop fits these standards?
he's thinking that maybe:
lenovo tablet or hp tablet or toshiba tablet.
or any other recommendations for a good laptop/tablet
please help, thanks :]
my lovely sujinn<3 thank you soo much for the iconn!
#1917
Posted 06 November 2008 - 07:56 PM
well, my friend cant decide which computer is the best for him
he wants a tablet pc
with the twirly screen XD
the specs he wants:
- high speed
- long battery life
- bright screen
- a lot of memory
- and if so, a decent priced one
does anyone know what laptop fits these standards?
he's thinking that maybe:
lenovo tablet or hp tablet or toshiba tablet.
or any other recommendations for a good laptop/tablet
please help, thanks :]
speed and memory depend on what configuration you choose because most places give you an option on CPU and memory (and you can always change memory yourself).
Lenovo's tablets are always good, if not the best. They are very sturdy, the recent ones use LED backlit screens which are very bright, and they have great battery life for a tablet. but they're not decently priced. (you may try look for a refurb older one). their customer service is also known be laggy too.
HP on the other hand, is much more affordable, and you get good specs for the price. but they're no where built as well as a Lenovo thinkpad tablet.
#1918
Posted 09 November 2008 - 03:29 PM
#1919
Posted 09 November 2008 - 03:33 PM
the $999 one is basically last year's model at a lower price point and with a dvd burner as standard. I think you may find cheaper elsewhere.
and yes, you can get a MUCH better spec laptop for even less if you go with another brand.
I recommend going for mac if you like Mac OSX.
The last Macbook model (before they went aluminum) doesn't really offer anything over its rivals. it wasn't the best spec'd 13.3", it wasn't the lightest either, and it wasn't the thinnest nor sturdiest. but it had a good combination of everything (except for a video card).
This year's macbook (the more expensive one) is a bit different as it has a new design, an Nvidia 9400, and an aluminum chassis that sets it apart (or nearly equal to) some of its rivals.
#1920
Posted 10 November 2008 - 08:48 PM
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=312303
I plan on returning it since it's only been a day or two. I was wondering which of the two would you recommend?
HP Pavilion 14.1" Laptop featuring Intel Pentium Dual-Core Mobile T3200 (DV4-1118CA)

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.a...amp;catid=20354

Dell 13.3" Laptop featuring Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5800 (1318-614E)
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.a...amp;catid=20354
Thanks a lot






















