[.minjoo]

I recently purchased an Acer 4736z laptop for school purposes (I'm an upcoming Computer Engineering major), and it seems pretty good.
But, I'm just a bit curious why no one seems to use Acer that much, is it because it's not a good brand or something?

[Godotology]

I recently purchased an Acer 4736z laptop for school purposes (I'm an upcoming Computer Engineering major), and it seems pretty good.
But, I'm just a bit curious why no one seems to use Acer that much, is it because it's not a good brand or something?

probably because its not marketed as well as HP or Toshiba. The most popular and bought laptops aren't necessarily the best ones.. it could simply mean they are the most readily available ones. You can find HP Pavilion models for example, at any Best Buy, Fry's, etc.. they are everywhere and one of the reasons they are the top brand in the US. Lenovo Thinkpads are one of the best built laptops, but they are harder to find and have a smaller market share than HP.

[.minjoo]

Oh, thanks for the answer. I just had a momentary lapse of doubt whether I made the smart choice in buying it.
I've only been using it for more than a week, but I can say that it's really worth the money. The specs are better than the usual laptop specs out there (it's a dual core intel with 2gb ddr3 ram and 250GB HDD--nothing too special but good enough) and the keyboard is pretty nifty. Got it for around $600.

[NNQM]

Hi!

I am currently saving up for a MacBook Pro for University next year.

I'll be starting in graphic design and I plan on using it for Adobe programs (PS/Illustrator/InDesign) and hopefully some video editing(Premiere/AfterEffects). I also hope that it's powerful enough to replace my desktop. So like I was thinking of buying the adapter for monitor with the MacBookPro and plugging my 19in hp monitor / keyboard / mouse / tablet into the laptop when I'm working at home and use it like a tower. I also want to be able to play games (there's an option on Mac now that let's you run Windows right? since it uses the intel chip) on it so I was thinking of taking the 2gig ram upgrade aswell. I'll probably only be playing Starcraft2 and Diablo 3.

So with all that taken into account is there one SERIOUS reason why I shouldn't keep saving up for a MacBook Pro? or maybe I should wait for prices to lower? I heard a rumour that Apple would/might lower their prices...

I also remembered that ALL new MacBooks have the bright vivid glossy screen thing (before you had the option of getting a matte one on the Pro). Does anyone know how much it deforms the colours? Is their a way of setting the screen settings to get non "vivid" colors and a display. I don't know much about that thing but it was mentionned by designers as being a problem...

Thanks!

edit: I also am new to the Mac OS but in my field of study I think it's inevitable and I'll have to use it one day... right?

[Godotology]

Hi!

I am currently saving up for a MacBook Pro for University next year.

I'll be starting in graphic design and I plan on using it for Adobe programs (PS/Illustrator/InDesign) and hopefully some video editing(Premiere/AfterEffects). I also hope that it's powerful enough to replace my desktop. So like I was thinking of buying the adapter for monitor with the MacBookPro and plugging my 19in hp monitor / keyboard / mouse / tablet into the laptop when I'm working at home and use it like a tower. I also want to be able to play games (there's an option on Mac now that let's you run Windows right? since it uses the intel chip) on it so I was thinking of taking the 2gig ram upgrade aswell. I'll probably only be playing Starcraft2 and Diablo 3.

So with all that taken into account is there one SERIOUS reason why I shouldn't keep saving up for a MacBook Pro? or maybe I should wait for prices to lower? I heard a rumour that Apple would/might lower their prices...

I also remembered that ALL new MacBooks have the bright vivid glossy screen thing (before you had the option of getting a matte one on the Pro). Does anyone know how much it deforms the colours? Is their a way of setting the screen settings to get non "vivid" colors and a display. I don't know much about that thing but it was mentionned by designers as being a problem...

Thanks!

edit: I also am new to the Mac OS but in my field of study I think it's inevitable and I'll have to use it one day... right?

well the 17" MBP still offers the matte/glossy screen options. Supposedly they say Glossy offers better contrast and that matte is more color accurate.. but lets be serious.. if you're a serious graphic designer (and I really mean one that is a professional, not those occasional PS users who make banners, etc).. then you wouldn't bother with 99% of these laptop screens because nearly all of them use dithering to achieve 100% of the adobe color gamut. lately there's a very few that offer RGB LED backlit screens which offer much higher color reproduction than most laptop screens and so far, they've been limited to large 17" and higher models (and none of which are Apple models yet). I don't know if this year's version (maybe appearing sometime late summer or september) will include it. And perhaps a year or two down the line, everyone will be moving to OLED! (things are moving fast!). You'll also need to consider port connection needs.

Apple lowering prices? I would say highly unlikely, but it is possible they may release "lower end" versions that come at a cheaper price point.

[Jentage]

Hi I am looking for a an above average or a little more than decent laptop specifically for gaming. Are there any good gaming laptops out there for around the $800~$900 price range?

Specs I am looking for in a gaming laptop:

3GB ~ 4GB RAM
2.2 ~ 2.8 GHz
250 GB Harddrive
Intel 2 Duo core
a recent [NOT SUPER OLD] NVIDIA graphics card

I looked on newegg and uBid...their selection is kind of small... I was thinking of a Macbook Pro but those are so overpriced...and I am assuming it's because its an "Apple" product which gives it the automatic price boost...

[Godotology]

Hi I am looking for a an above average or a little more than decent laptop specifically for gaming. Are there any good gaming laptops out there for around the $800~$900 price range?

Specs I am looking for in a gaming laptop:

3GB ~ 4GB RAM
2.2 ~ 2.8 GHz
250 GB Harddrive
Intel 2 Duo core
a recent [NOT SUPER OLD] NVIDIA graphics card

I looked on newegg and uBid...their selection is kind of small... I was thinking of a Macbook Pro but those are so overpriced...and I am assuming it's because its an "Apple" product which gives it the automatic price boost...

$800-$900 won't get you a whole lot of gaming choices (and the MBP's video card is upper-mid range at best). it also depends how badly you want to game, as all the best video cards for notebooks are on models 17" and above.. and these will very likely be out of your budget and may be too big and heavy.

at that price range consumer lines like the HP DV5t (may not be offered anymore) offered a good price for power ratio (Nvidia 9600gt), and so do some of the Asus models (the N series I believe, havent kept up with Asus). If you want build quality, you can get a Dell Precision M4400 refurb for less than $800 even, and you get a card thats a bit better than the 9600GT. But again these are all upper-mid range cards. If you're a serious gamer then these won't cut it, but its the best you can do for a 15.4" range and for less than $1000. Gaming usually doesn't go with cheap.

[NNQM]

well the 17" MBP still offers the matte/glossy screen options. Supposedly they say Glossy offers better contrast and that matte is more color accurate.. but lets be serious.. if you're a serious graphic designer (and I really mean one that is a professional, not those occasional PS users who make banners, etc).. then you wouldn't bother with 99% of these laptop screens because nearly all of them use dithering to achieve 100% of the adobe color gamut. lately there's a very few that offer RGB LED backlit screens which offer much higher color reproduction than most laptop screens and so far, they've been limited to large 17" and higher models (and none of which are Apple models yet). I don't know if this year's version (maybe appearing sometime late summer or september) will include it. And perhaps a year or two down the line, everyone will be moving to OLED! (things are moving fast!). You'll also need to consider port connection needs.

Apple lowering prices? I would say highly unlikely, but it is possible they may release "lower end" versions that come at a cheaper price point.

I forgot to precise I was looking at the 15" ones. Well, currently I haven't started the program so I can't officially say that I'm a serious graphic designer or even a graphic design student! But I was looking for the best compromisein my current situation: something not too pricey (my budget is around 2500$CAN) but powerful enough and practical (meaning not a huge heavy laptop) that will be sufficient for my needs during my program. If I was a serious graphic designer I think I'd be working in a design studio where they would have proper displays and equipment the macbookpro would only serve as a means of doing work on the go or at home. Color correction can always be done on another machine I guess?

OLED? What's that? If it's some kind of accurate color display technology for monitors... what ports will it use?

Is it a fact, that Apple will show off new stuff late summer or during september? Or is it just that IF Apple has anything new to show it'll be during that period? I'm starting this september so I can wait until then.

Thanks again!

[Godotology]

I forgot to precise I was looking at the 15" ones. Well, currently I haven't started the program so I can't officially say that I'm a serious graphic designer or even a graphic design student! But I was looking for the best compromisein my current situation: something not too pricey (my budget is around 2500$CAN) but powerful enough and practical (meaning not a huge heavy laptop) that will be sufficient for my needs during my program. If I was a serious graphic designer I think I'd be working in a design studio where they would have proper displays and equipment the macbookpro would only serve as a means of doing work on the go or at home. Color correction can always be done on another machine I guess?

OLED? What's that? If it's some kind of accurate color display technology for monitors... what ports will it use?

Is it a fact, that Apple will show off new stuff late summer or during september? Or is it just that IF Apple has anything new to show it'll be during that period? I'm starting this september so I can wait until then.

Thanks again!

I'm not too familiar with laptop pricing in Canada I'm afraid. Can you afford an MBP? They are pricey but there's a good quality about them.. and.. it is the thinnest and lightest 15.4" notebook at the moment.. although everyone seems to be moving to 15.6" and 16" instead due to the new 16:9 screen ratio being pushed by panel manufacturers (15.4" is at a 16:10 ratio). The next Macs may very well be 16:9 as well! I personally think this is a step downwards, but what can we do.. panel companies are the ones who decide what screen sizes they will make, and notebook manufacturers have no choice but to buy whats available.
if you have access to another display then the MBP should be fine, in fact it has one of the better 15.4" panels.
Apple sometimes doesn't show off their latest notebooks right before they're released.. especially when its a refresh of an older chassis.. but yes, usually late summer or September is when they update their line up! I say wait a few more months! (also, around the time they start selling the newer models.. they sell the older models with a free ipod or something! so either way you go it'll be better!)

[NNQM]

My budget (2500) is not really a budget I'm just planning to save til that sum and spend it on the MBP. 2500 is enough for a 15in MBP with 2gb ram upgrade + a standard monitor adaptor.

I'll probably have to include a good wireless mouse (around 50$) and I'm set! I'm really anxious of playing aronud with the Apple's OS but I guess I'll have to wait. XD

Then maybe I can play around with an Itouch too... haha


Thanks again!

[Gofishus]

I recently purchased an Acer 4736z laptop for school purposes (I'm an upcoming Computer Engineering major), and it seems pretty good.
But, I'm just a bit curious why no one seems to use Acer that much, is it because it's not a good brand or something?

I always think Dell is the GM of computers and Acer is...the Chrysler? I dunno, I personally don't think their quality is top notch but you do get a good deal for the price. The other taiwanese company (Asus) in my opinion makes much more stylish and better quality ones

[ohchells]

I had a question. I'm starting to save some money for a netbook since I figured it'd be more useful for next year being a student and all. Would this Samsung Netbook be a good choice? All I'm really demanding is that it can do the daily tasks, such as word, excel. Probably some movies/dramas on the computer to take with me whenever I'm going somewhere far. I was planning on boosting it would to 2GB for memory. I think a major deciding factor was that it's OS is still XP. Any comments on my choice? Sorry if this is the wrong section >.<

[Godotology]

I had a question. I'm starting to save some money for a netbook since I figured it'd be more useful for next year being a student and all. Would this Samsung Netbook be a good choice? All I'm really demanding is that it can do the daily tasks, such as word, excel. Probably some movies/dramas on the computer to take with me whenever I'm going somewhere far. I was planning on boosting it would to 2GB for memory. I think a major deciding factor was that it's OS is still XP. Any comments on my choice? Sorry if this is the wrong section >.<

there's a netbook thread in the regular section.
I think it should be good for basic tasks.. movies.. well it depends on how its encoded but should be fine for most.
Excel.. well, for me personally I'd rather do that on something with a larger screen and a better resolution.. and especially a more comfortable keyboard. I'm not sure how you'd feel working for a long time on a spread sheet on such a tiny screen and cramp keyboard.

I'd also wait a few more months too, with summer coming, I expect Samsung to reveal some of their newer models.

[clone]

The latest release of the Axiotron Modbook has kindled my interest. Being an artist and a mac fan, this mac tablet interests me a lot. Can anyone, who’s already bought one, tell me your experiences using them?

[Godotology]

The latest release of the Axiotron Modbook has kindled my interest. Being an artist and a mac fan, this mac tablet interests me a lot. Can anyone, who’s already bought one, tell me your experiences using them?

you'll probably get more replies if you post this in the mac thread. in addition, there's rumors that Apple may release their own tablet soon

[Noning]

What is your suggestion if i want to change/upgrade CPU to a higher processor??

[Godotology]

What is your suggestion if i want to change/upgrade CPU to a higher processor??

its usually very difficult to do on a notebook due to its specific design.

[boda]

so the notebook that i have right now is a HP Pavilion dv5000 which is about 4 years old...

and i am looking into getting a new notebook... i mean i had no problem with the notebook i am using right now but i was wondering if i should stick with a hp or get a different type of notebook... my main use for my notebook would be:
doing homework
downloading dramas and music
listening to music
every once in awhile i will game

my budget is about 600 to 800.... and i would like to maybe stick with HP or if there is a better company....

i would like some advice.... thank you!!

[Godotology]

so the notebook that i have right now is a HP Pavilion dv5000 which is about 4 years old...

and i am looking into getting a new notebook... i mean i had no problem with the notebook i am using right now but i was wondering if i should stick with a hp or get a different type of notebook... my main use for my notebook would be:
doing homework
downloading dramas and music
listening to music
every once in awhile i will game

my budget is about 600 to 800.... and i would like to maybe stick with HP or if there is a better company....

i would like some advice.... thank you!!

well at a budget 600-800, you'll be hard pressed to find a notebook thats outside of mainstream consumer models unless you opt for refurbs of a more expensive line up from any brand.

your gaming needs will depend on the type of games you play and the graphics they demand. all others, i.e downloading.. doing homework 'whatever that is supposed to be', are usually not intensive needs.

[Sam Sik]

Is there a considerable difference between the T6600 to the P8600?

I'm thinking of getting a Dell Studio lappy w/ the T6600 but I feel like the XPS (w/ 8600) would be a more worthwhile investment?

I just need fast accessibility. No need for gaming. I'll be tweaking it here and there with services and disable unnecessary functions on Vista. What do you think?