[vannushka]

I was thinking of trading my sony viao s58 and gettign teh fujitsu p7010. I got my viao and I rarely use it because I thought it wasn't portable enough. Do you think that's a good decision..i heard fujitsu made better laptops than sony.

[Godotology]

I was thinking of trading my sony viao s58 and gettign teh fujitsu p7010. I got my viao and I rarely use it because I thought it wasn't portable enough. Do you think that's a good decision..i heard fujitsu made better laptops than sony.

Sony's aren't bad, infact they're pretty nice.. i just think they're over priced for what you get (unless theres a real good deal). And other than their 13.3" models, they usually don't have very good vid cards in them, they tend to use low end cards which might not be enough for those who like to game or do 3d graphics.

Fujitsus are very well built, my last laptop was once.. although I personally still rank IBM higher, especially its keyboard. As for portability.. I strongly reccomend you go to a store to see what screen size you feel is portable for you, then I can list some comparable models. I find the S series to be pretty light and easy to carry, but I guess it's too bulky for you.

[vannushka]

Sony's aren't bad, infact they're pretty nice.. i just think they're over priced for what you get (unless theres a real good deal). And other than their 13.3" models, they usually don't have very good vid cards in them, they tend to use low end cards which might not be enough for those who like to game or do 3d graphics.

Fujitsus are very well built, my last laptop was once.. although I personally still rank IBM higher, especially its keyboard. As for portability.. I strongly reccomend you go to a store to see what screen size you feel is portable for you, then I can list some comparable models. I find the S series to be pretty light and easy to carry, but I guess it's too bulky for you.

Since you said IBMs are better, could you name some models that are ultra portable. My choices at the moment are sony viao tx 17 and fujitsu p7010.

I am happy with my processor, i've never used a 1.2ghz before so I am not sure how slow it is. I have pretty basic needs, no graphics designing or anything.

[Godotology]

Since you said IBMs are better, could you name some models that are ultra portable. My choices at the moment are sony viao tx 17 and fujitsu p7010.

I am happy with my processor, i've never used a 1.2ghz before so I am not sure how slow it is. I have pretty basic needs, no graphics designing or anything.

IBM X series are 12", they've recently been updated to include the new Intel Core Duo gpu. 1.2ghz is good, it's the Ultra low voltage type, its something common on smaller models that helps conserve battery. the X series doesn't have an optical drive though (i.e cd/dvd) so it might be a turn off for some.. and if you think 13.3 is big, you might find 12" not too much of a difference. But like I said, they are built well!

for Fujitsu, there's the P7120D (the version), whic is newer than the p7010 you have listed
http://laptopsinc.com/Merchant2/merchant.m...tegory_Code=PS2
I reccomend the above buyer, very friendly, great aftersales support, and is an authorized fujitsu reseller.

[userid]

again i second the ibm, as a proud owner of one myself. Although, they're a bit more expensive and lacking in the graphic dept, but they made it up in built quality.

the new x60s have duo core, w/ optical drive, and they're all 12". I think the x40s also have the option for optical drive...not too sure though.

you can look at them first hand at office depot, as they are an authorized dealer now i think.

[brown eyes]

Alright so I had a situation with Dell and my Inspiron 6000 came damage. So I'm now returning it back to Dell for a refund.

When I got it, I realized a 15.4'' LCD weighing in at 6.65 lbs package is pretty damn bulky. I don't think I want to be lugging around something like this.

So now I'm back in the market for a laptop.

I'm looking for something thats 14'' and fast enough to play movies decently. I don't play games and I'll use this computer mostly for PowerPoint presentations and surfing the net/checking email/chatting. I need an internal Bluetooth adapter and wireless built-in.

I also can't spend over $1,000. So it has to be around $900 after taxes and shipping.

Anyone have any recommendations I should consider?

[Godotology]

Alright so I had a situation with Dell and my Inspiron 6000 came damage. So I'm now returning it back to Dell for a refund.

When I got it, I realized a 15.4'' LCD weighing in at 6.65 lbs package is pretty damn bulky. I don't think I want to be lugging around something like this.

So now I'm back in the market for a laptop.

I'm looking for something thats 14'' and fast enough to play movies decently. I don't play games and I'll use this computer mostly for PowerPoint presentations and surfing the net/checking email/chatting. I need an internal Bluetooth adapter and wireless built-in.

I also can't spend over $1,000. So it has to be around $900 after taxes and shipping.

Anyone have any recommendations I should consider?

hmm 14" and under $1000? I'd normally recomend the Asus Z63a (you might be able to configure it to be under $1000 if you get it w/o an OS and buy the RAM seperately), or the new Asus Z62f, which is also a 14" widescreen that has a built in webcam and the new Intel Core Duo processor..
http://www.geared2play.com/store/products/...s/z62f/z62f.htm

other wise, you will probably be looking at HP and Compaq's offerings, i.e the V2000 series.
Dell does have a 14" widescreen, in the US I believe its called the XPS M140, while it has a totally different designation in Canada (if you're canadian that is). There are usually coupons for these, so you'll have to do some searching for them.. such as this:
http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/cheapst...s_m140_n_1.html

[rich.paekk]

Dear Mr.Range,

I am a current senior and will be attending college around mid August. I am looking for a laptop and I thought you could help me out.

I am looking for a laptop that I can play games, watch movies, surf the internet (mostly wireless) and do basic word processing/powerpoints. I'd like a laptop thats not too small and not too big. My price range is anything below $2000. Do you have anything you recommend based on my needs?

Thanks!

[Godotology]

Dear Mr.Range,

I am a current senior and will be attending college around mid August. I am looking for a laptop and I thought you could help me out.

I am looking for a laptop that I can play games, watch movies, surf the internet (mostly wireless) and do basic word processing/powerpoints. I'd like a laptop thats not too small and not too big. My price range is anything below $2000. Do you have anything you recommend based on my needs?

Thanks!

a model in the 14" to 15.4" should do it.. 14" would be the most preferable as they are a good compromise between power and portability. Quite honestly, I think you should ask around July or early August.. by then more Intel Core Duo and AMD Turion x2 models should be out, and it's always best to buy a laptop when you really need it.

off the top of my head, the Asus w3j, which will come out around april would be a good choice.. about $1799, has the ATi x1600 card (the best card you can get in a 14" model), carbon fiber build, at least 4 hours of battery life, and about 5.5lbs.. it should meet your gaming and portability needs.

[vannushka]

Thanks for the info Range. I like the fujitsu but apart from the weight, I don't have any other complaints about my sony viao. I think I'll keep that for now. I'll come back here soon regarding questions about my brother's laptop. My dad wants to get my brother a laptop but we have no clue where to start. It's going to be his first computer.

[MONICA]

i have to buy a new laptop for college this coming september. i'm kind of in the same position as rich.paekk, except i dont play games. i need to use the laptop for school stuff like writing papers, wireless internet, and i download stuff A LOT. i was thinking about a vaio [because they're the prettiest =X] lol. oh and i need it to be fast, portable, and decent battery life. thanks in advance :]

[tigereyez]

My dad said he'd buy me a laptop if I won the State math competition. Surprisingly, I did this year and he said he'd buy me a laptop upto 500 dollars on Ebay (lol, we're cheap people)

Like MONICA, I don't play games and thanks to this post, I guess I don't need a video card.

I do, however, read comic books and download stuff - a lot, but I just only need pretty much a computer where I can a) type up stuff b)access the internet c) watch DVDs d)keep files - a lot of files, like music and such e)CD/DVD burner and f) be it relatively portable, pretty, and its battery life useful.

Pretty much a laptop with about 40G's, 512 RAM, with CD/DVD Burner with no dead pixels ^^.

I just need some answers to these nagging questions:
1) is Pentium IV basically the same thing as Pentium Celeron? What are the differences?
2)2.8 GHz, is this good? How much processor speed is considered fast?
3)What's the best and most reliable model to buy (ie Dell, HP, Toshiba)?
4)How much does the battery life last, anyway?

This is it for now...my mom's kicking me off so she can watch her stupid dramas.
But no more of that with my future laptop! Yay!

Thanks in advance, soompiers!...^^

[Godotology]

My dad said he'd buy me a laptop if I won the State math competition. Surprisingly, I did this year and he said he'd buy me a laptop upto 500 dollars on Ebay (lol, we're cheap people)

$500 won't get you anything good, infact you're limited to used computers, or those on sale HP/Compaq/Toshiba models that are usually very low end and using a celeron processor. Lenovo might release a new budget line but it'll probably be over $500.

Like MONICA, I don't play games and thanks to this post, I guess I don't need a video card.

unfortunately you don't have a choice, at $500, you won't find any model with a dedicated video card

Pretty much a laptop with about 40G's, 512 RAM, with CD/DVD Burner with no dead pixels ^^.

the no dead pixel is pretty much up to luck in this case. Some manufacturers offer a pixel perfect guarantee that you have to purchase seperately, others (like Asus) include it in their high end line, which will probably be beyond your budget

I just need some answers to these nagging questions:
1) is Pentium IV basically the same thing as Pentium Celeron? What are the differences?

No. The Celeron is designed specifically for Notebooks, keeping in mind battery life and heat. The Pentium IV requires a larger heat sink, thus the notebooks containing them tend to be thicker. Celeron is usually 1.3-1.6ghz (not too sure on exact numbers but it should be it). You won't find too many current notebooks using Pentium 4 unless it is a big gaming rig.

2)2.8 GHz, is this good? How much processor speed is considered fast?

only the Pentium IV models will get 2.8ghz. The new Intel line, starting from the Celeron, Pentium M, and Core Duo all range between 1.66ghz to 2.13ghz.. however don't let the numbers fool you.. 2.13ghz from this processor is faster than a pentium 4 with 4.0ghz.

3)What's the best and most reliable model to buy (ie Dell, HP, Toshiba)?

Depends on specific models, as well as your budget.. a $500 laptop will get you something worth that quality.. paying $2000 for an Apple Powerbook, Asus Ensemble, or Lenovo Thinkpad will get you something solid, longer lasting and better built..but you have to pay for that quality. You will be limited to either top of the line "old models" as in 2-3 years ago, or current budget models.

4)How much does the battery life last, anyway?
Thanks in advance, soompiers!...^^

depends on the size of the battery (3,4,6,8,9 or 12 cell).. and the laptop itself. something using integrated graphics, a Celeron or Pentium M processor, and a 6 or 8 cell laptop can range from 2h30m to 4hs.

I think you should up your budget to at least $700

i have to buy a new laptop for college this coming september. i'm kind of in the same position as rich.paekk, except i dont play games. i need to use the laptop for school stuff like writing papers, wireless internet, and i download stuff A LOT. i was thinking about a vaio [because they're the prettiest =X] lol. oh and i need it to be fast, portable, and decent battery life. thanks in advance :]

you should best ask in july of august because alot of new models will come out by then as well as better pricing. the general rule of thumb is to buy when you really need it.

[tigereyez]

Hm. But I've been looking on Ebay for refurbished, used, and somewhat new (overstock) products and for $500, I found a lot of Dell Inspirons that were 40G, 512 MB Ram, CD/DVD, 2.8 GHz from Celeron, etc. - new ones too.

I think you know a lot about computers (more than I will ever lol)
So I don't know...Are you saying that these are all scams? o_o

[userid]

i would look into refurbs only if it's by the manufracture and does carry a decent warranty.

[Xarthan]

Hey I have a brand new Inspiron 6000 that's not a refurb that's still in the box with I think 3 years left on the warranty. if anyone is interested I can sell to a fellow soompier before I ebay the lapie. (1.5, 512 Ram, 40GB HD)

[tigereyez]

^ That seems pretty cool.
How much are you thinking of selling it for?


Additionally, I have more questions for the soompi community!

1) To buy a "good" laptop, what brand is best? Brand tried to explain it to me, but...I'm still kind of confused. You know, a good brand that's not too cheap or expensive. Forget what I said the price limit was - Dell, Toshia, etc. I see a whole bunches of Dell Inspirons and IBM Thinkpads...and I'm not quite sure what's what.

2)What's WIFI?

3) I'm a junior in high school....and my dad said I had the option of waiting till my senior summer to get a laptop. That seems great, expect...I kinda want it now :-/ Plus, I'd still have to get it on Ebay anyway. My needs and demands are quiet modest (I think^^) and I don't think it'll make that much of difference. I buy it now or later. The fact is, I want it for coming up senior year and this summer. What do you guys think? Do you guys think i should wait?

[Godotology]

1) To buy a "good" laptop, what brand is best? Brand tried to explain it to me, but...I'm still kind of confused. You know, a good brand that's not too cheap or expensive. Forget what I said the price limit was - Dell, Toshia, etc. I see a whole bunches of Dell Inspirons and IBM Thinkpads...and I'm not quite sure what's what.

ultimately depends on the model. For example the Fujitsu C series is crap and built shoddily, but the rest of their line up is well built and high quality.

Dell has 3 laptop lines in the US.. Inspiron (the main stream one), Latitude (usually better built and more expensive), and the XPS line (with the exception of the M140, it is aimed towards gamers).

Thinkpad is one of the two lines Lenovo (formerly IBM) offers. The Z, T and X series from Lenovo are usually built with titanium in the chassis (compared to abs plastic most other brands use).. and thus are lighter, sturdier and more durable.

Toshiba has 3 lines, the Sattelite (aimed toward average users), Tecra (the higher end line), and Qosmio. While the Tecra is better built.. I personally find all 3 of them to be poorly built compared to their rivals.. keyboard and palm rests have major flex problems, battery life is poor, and generates a significant amount of heat.

Dell Inspirons, HP, and Compaq are all decent brands.. they don't really offer anything exciting but they're not bad either and since you're on a budget you probably would have to settle for these.

Other brands such as Asus, Clevo, Fujitsu, Sony, Apple and Lenovo usually either incorporate high performing video cards, better build (using either carbon fiber, titanium, or magnesium in the chassis and lid), and sleeker looks..but you have to be willing to spend the money for them because they certainly are NOT cheap.. especially Apple and Sony.

2)What's WIFI?

what's used to get wireless internet

3) I'm a junior in high school....and my dad said I had the option of waiting till my senior summer to get a laptop. That seems great, expect...I kinda want it now :-/ Plus, I'd still have to get it on Ebay anyway. My needs and demands are quiet modest (I think^^) and I don't think it'll make that much of difference. I buy it now or later. The fact is, I want it for coming up senior year and this summer. What do you guys think? Do you guys think i should wait?

like i said earlier.. NEVER buy a notebook until you really need it. Like most technology, prices will always go down and there will always be a better product later.

[MONICA]

you should best ask in july of august because alot of new models will come out by then as well as better pricing. the general rule of thumb is to buy when you really need it.

yea that's what my parents keep telling me but i'm sooooooooooooooo impatient. i wanted a laptop so i can take it to korea to watch dvds...i guess i'll just buy a portable dvd player haha.

[Godotology]

yea that's what my parents keep telling me but i'm sooooooooooooooo impatient. i wanted a laptop so i can take it to korea to watch dvds...i guess i'll just buy a portable dvd player haha.

i know that feeling.. but seriously..once you get over it, and when the time comes.. you'll thank yourself for waiting. Last year I really wanted an Asus w3v laptop.. it was a hard wait.. then when summer came, it had a $100 rebate.. and then another rebate came.. and this year, a new refresh model will come out that is so much superior over the previous model.

when are you going to Korea?