View Full Version : Best laptop to buy right now
adiosk8
10-09-2006, 09:23 PM
I am in the market for a new laptop and I was wondering what is the best kind of laptop to get right now? looking at a price range of < 1500
wastern
10-09-2006, 10:10 PM
I'm always going to suggest apple first, in your price range I'd say the MacBook
However if you are looking to go the PC route Thinkpads are great.
adiosk8
10-09-2006, 10:13 PM
I was looking at macbook, but for the price you can get a way more powerful pc laptop for the same price...
I am also in the market to buy one, and the newest mac books look amazing. I just can't find a good enough deal around my area.
adiosk8
10-09-2006, 10:25 PM
I was told to wait until january for the macbooks though, and onboard video? ew. and I would be afraid that i would have to take OSX off there and put windows back on due to running into programs that i cant run
wastern
10-09-2006, 10:27 PM
I was told to wait until january for the macbooks though, and onboard video? ew. and I would be afraid that i would have to take OSX off there and put windows back on due to running into programs that i cant run
such as?
....
Jordanddunn
10-09-2006, 10:34 PM
I agree that a mac is the way to go all the way. There isn't a program a mac can't run as it can run windows fine. Also, you say you can get a faster, better pc for the same price, but with viruses, ads, spyware, and adware all bogging it down, it's worse than the mac.
senshi
10-09-2006, 10:42 PM
Don't be quick to buy one brand of laptop. It really depends on what you intend to do with it. Do you need it for school? Do you need it for work? What kind of work do you do? Are you going to be working with music, pictures, art? Do you need it for graphic design? What OS do you want to run? Do you want to run linux? Do you need to run Windows?
wastern
10-09-2006, 10:44 PM
I agree that a mac is the way to go all the way. There isn't a program a mac can't run as it can run windows fine. Also, you say you can get a faster, better pc for the same price, but with viruses, ads, spyware, and adware all bogging it down, it's worse than the mac.
even without that crap.....all the bloatware that comes with the thing sucks.
I got a media center PC that I was going to use as....well...a media center. I got it removed a bunch of crap, then just decided to format it clean with the disks that came with it. For the life of my I couldn't find the DVD codec that came on it needed for media center to run and none of the free ones worked with the media center app.....it now runs linux and a mac mini is running the media center. haha
I hate bloatware and the polluted registry that comes with it. HP was pretty bad about that, I had to setup my step-mom's computer (they went against my suggestions, and she wanted a mac as well....but my dad talked her into the PC to help him out somehow) anyway. I spent about 1 hour removing crap. Another hour doing windows updates. Another hour installing the applications that are actually worth installing, then some more time tweaking it and making it so she wouldn't have to do anything manual as far as updates and scans go
what a pain in the ass....spent about 4 hours....brand new out of the box. My MacBook Pro on the other hand took maybe 5 minutes to fill in my name and junk for it to create my profile. Then I was online
even without that crap.....all the bloatware that comes with the thing sucks.
I got a media center PC that I was going to use as....well...a media center. I got it removed a bunch of crap, then just decided to format it clean with the disks that came with it. For the life of my I couldn't find the DVD codec that came on it needed for media center to run and none of the free ones worked with the media center app.....it now runs linux and a mac mini is running the media center. haha
I hate bloatware and the polluted registry that comes with it. HP was pretty bad about that, I had to setup my step-mom's computer (they went against my suggestions, and she wanted a mac as well....but my dad talked her into the PC to help him out somehow) anyway. I spent about 1 hour removing crap. Another hour doing windows updates. Another hour installing the applications that are actually worth installing, then some more time tweaking it and making it so she wouldn't have to do anything manual as far as updates and scans go
what a pain in the ass....spent about 4 hours....brand new out of the box. My MacBook Pro on the other hand took maybe 5 minutes to fill in my name and junk for it to create my profile. Then I was online
For the longest time I hated MAC, but now it's hard not to like.
adiosk8
10-09-2006, 11:01 PM
This would be in place of my desktop, I would only be using a laptop...one program that I can think of its Visual studio and games such as counter strike. I saw a video of a macbook pro running counter strike, but it looked pretty bogged down.
wastern
10-09-2006, 11:16 PM
This would be in place of my desktop, I would only be using a laptop...one program that I can think of its Visual studio and games such as counter strike. I saw a video of a macbook pro running counter strike, but it looked pretty bogged down.
How was it running CS? I wouldn't think it'd have any problem handling it.
With Codeweaver's Crossover Windows apps are starting to run like native apps right in OS X (like WINE). I've seen a few games run in there and they look pretty smooth, especially for a beta app
You could always dual boot as well to get your programing done, boot camp makes it really easy.
I think VS would run OK in Parallels, I guess it would depend on the size builds you were doing
How was it running CS? I wouldn't think it'd have any problem handling it.
With Codeweaver's Crossover Windows apps are starting to run like native apps right in OS X (like WINE). I've seen a few games run in there and they look pretty smooth, especially for a beta app
You could always dual boot as well to get your programing done, boot camp makes it really easy.
I think VS would run OK in Parallels, I guess it would depend on the size builds you were doing
When Leapord is good and out, you can fast-user switch from OSX to XP, or whatever else.
Casework
10-10-2006, 12:08 AM
I, too, suggest a MacBook.
1. If you're a student, make sure you get the student discount. Not a huge savings, but there's no reason to not use it.
2. Macs can run Windows(Programs, Games) just the same as a similarly configured PC would.
3. I doubt you can really get a much more powerful PC for the same price or less. At least when I did price comparison, the MacBook(Pro in my case), was at LEAST $50 cheaper(than a Dell), and over $1000 cheaper than better PC companies such as IBM and Falcon Northwest.
4. Like the others have mentioned, the lack of viruses, spyware, and bloatware really is noticable. First, you really don't ever have to worry about the security of your computer. Second, you don't have a bunch of junk on your computer(although Apple does bundle a lot with the Macs, but almost all of it is stuff you can either use or have fun with). Third, so far, my computer hasn't slowed down or degraded at all like a PC quickly would.
That's really all I can think of that might help you. If you don't get the MacBook, I would definitely go with a Thinkpad. If, for whatever reason, I happen to buy another PC, I don't think I'd consider anything less than an IBM.
wastern
10-10-2006, 12:25 AM
When Leapord is good and out, you can fast-user switch from OSX to XP, or whatever else.
what rumor mill did you pull that one out of. Sorry. Until I see Jobs showing it off at MWSF I don't buy any of that crap.
Also, doing that is going to slow down the system dramatically. It'd just be like running Parallels all the time
Vista is a hog on its own, can you imagine running that in parallel with another OS
Casework
10-10-2006, 01:05 AM
what rumor mill did you pull that one out of. Sorry. Until I see Jobs showing it off at MWSF I don't buy any of that crap.
Also, doing that is going to slow down the system dramatically. It'd just be like running Parallels all the time
Vista is a hog on its own, can you imagine running that in parallel with another OS
Well, Boot Camp will be a part of Leopard. And it's always been possible to switch between OS' using the SmackBook mod. So in theory, it's very possible. While there has been no announcement, it will surely be possible with at most a simple hack.
Whats the best gaming laptopl? ive been reading about it, but all i could find that was good was the Dell XPS or the new Alienware but those are hella expensive =/
wastern
10-10-2006, 02:11 AM
Well, Boot Camp will be a part of Leopard. And it's always been possible to switch between OS' using the SmackBook mod. So in theory, it's very possible. While there has been no announcement, it will surely be possible with at most a simple hack.
I think you are confused.
Boot Camp will be included, yes. That is a dual boot solution. You have to shut down and restart the system in the other OS to change
The 'smackbook' was just using the sudden motion sensor to invoke Virtue Desktops, the virtual desktop app for OS X. (think Spaces in Leopard). It wasn't fast user switching.
What appears to be an OS change was just Parallels running full screen on each different virtual desktop.
So the 'smackbook' was actually Parallels + Virtue + a python(?) script. It had nothing to do at all with Boot Camp, it was 100% 3rd party stuff all hacked together.
You do have 3 OSes running at the same time...2 in virtual machines, it bogs down the system pretty bad. You also can't run games or any app that needs a lot of horse power or it'll choke on it
I think you are confused.
Boot Camp will be included, yes. That is a dual boot solution. You have to shut down and restart the system in the other OS to change
The 'smackbook' was just using the sudden motion sensor to invoke Virtue Desktops, the virtual desktop app for OS X. (think Spaces in Leopard). It wasn't fast user switching.
What appears to be an OS change was just Parallels running full screen on each different virtual desktop.
So the 'smackbook' was actually Parallels + Virtue + a python(?) script. It had nothing to do at all with Boot Camp, it was 100% 3rd party stuff all hacked together.
You do have 3 OSes running at the same time...2 in virtual machines, it bogs down the system pretty bad. You also can't run games or any app that needs a lot of horse power or it'll choke on it
That's wrong, with the new leopard it will switch to the other OS as if you were fast-user switching, not how boot camp is like now.
wastern
10-10-2006, 02:26 AM
That's wrong, with the new leopard it will switch to the other OS as if you were fast-user switching, not how boot camp is like now.
and where did you hear this? thinksecret..macrumors? that doesn't mean anything
The last thing spoken by anyone inside apple about it was by Phil Schiller who said the scope of Boot Camp wasn't changing and it was still going to be a dual boot solution.
Was he lying to try and throw people off? I don't know....but that was the last official word from apple, unless you can point be to something else because nothing was said at WWDC about it, other then Boot Camp being include..nothing was said about its function changing. They didn't even stress the point.
While it would be cool to have a solution that didn't require a dual boot, I'd like it if Apple could make it work and be just as fast as a dual boot somehow. However if they do that they might as well just buy up Crossover and improve that.
wastern
10-10-2006, 02:28 AM
That's wrong, with the new leopard it will switch to the other OS as if you were fast-user switching, not how boot camp is like now.
and also, how was i "wrong". I was explaining how the smackbook worked, that had nothing to do with leopard
Ryudo
10-10-2006, 03:09 AM
even without that crap.....all the bloatware that comes with the thing sucks.
I got a media center PC that I was going to use as....well...a media center. I got it removed a bunch of crap, then just decided to format it clean with the disks that came with it. For the life of my I couldn't find the DVD codec that came on it needed for media center to run and none of the free ones worked with the media center app.....it now runs linux and a mac mini is running the media center. haha
I have XP media center for a DELL pc and it came with the sonic codec...I hated that thing so removed it and got this http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/CCCP_Combined_Community_Codec_Pack_for_Windows_200 0XP/1135350520/1
this thing I swear is awesome...worked with media center and actually the quality is great.
wastern
10-10-2006, 03:19 AM
I have XP media center for a DELL pc and it came with the sonic codec...I hated that thing so removed it and got this http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/CCCP_Combined_Community_Codec_Pack_for_Windows_200 0XP/1135350520/1
this thing I swear is awesome...worked with media center and actually the quality is great.
Thats what mine was the, the Dell. I couldn't find that Sonic codec on anything, and I wasn't about to load up the whole CD full of crap again
I guess if I ever feel the need to try it as a media center again I'll give CCCP a shot, thanks for the link. Right now the Mini is working well and I'm liking the dell as a linux box.. I'm just waiting for Apple to release the iTV
synack
10-10-2006, 04:24 AM
Sup,
Have a look at the IBM thinkpads. The diagnostic software that is bundled with the laptop is reasonable. If you hose your
hardware, the utils help figure out what went wrong. comes with
P4s' I think and has build in 802.11b build in (it may be possible to get a b/g combo adapter, or just get a PCMCIA card)
synack
adiosk8
10-10-2006, 04:39 AM
is it true that the macbook's are getting core 2 duo's? that'd probaly be worth waiting around for
is it true that the macbook's are getting core 2 duo's? that'd probaly be worth waiting around for
What's the top of the line books right now called?
I thought that was it.:confused:
adiosk8
10-10-2006, 12:49 PM
the macbook is the lower end one and the macbook PRO is the higher end one
Murphy71984
10-10-2006, 03:43 PM
Hmm, are Satellites any good??....my mom is looking for one.
wastern
10-10-2006, 06:31 PM
Sup,
Have a look at the IBM thinkpads. The diagnostic software that is bundled with the laptop is reasonable. If you hose your
hardware, the utils help figure out what went wrong. comes with
P4s' I think and has build in 802.11b build in (it may be possible to get a b/g combo adapter, or just get a PCMCIA card)
synack
you can get Thinkpads with Core Duo chips now. the wireless is going to be all G. I can't imagine anyone throwing b cards in now, they are hard to find in brick and mortar stores now
nextgenxbox
10-10-2006, 08:48 PM
Whats the difference between a Macbook and a Macbook Pro?
All this positive Macbook talk is temptings me, lol.
Whats the difference between a Macbook and a Macbook Pro?
All this positive Macbook talk is temptings me, lol.
I think it's the Ghz, not sure.
adiosk8
10-10-2006, 09:50 PM
macbook pro has a seperate graphics card (x1600 I think?), a bigger screen, and an available 2.16 ghz as opposed to 2.0.
IMO the macbook pro isnt worth it unless you really need the graphics card ability, and the price difference is HUGE
macbook pro has a seperate graphics card (x1600 I think?), a bigger screen, and an available 2.16 ghz as opposed to 2.0.
IMO the macbook pro isnt worth it unless you really need the graphics card ability, and the price difference is HUGE
Which I'm getting because I am a Web/graphic Designer, and I love to dual boot !!
adiosk8
10-10-2006, 11:26 PM
Which I'm getting because I am a Web/graphic Designer, and I love to dual boot !!
if you are a web / graphic designer you wont notice a difference unless you need the bigger screen
Casework
10-10-2006, 11:38 PM
if you are a web / graphic designer you wont notice a difference unless you need the bigger screen
I'd say the Graphics card makes a difference.
MacBook Pro advantages:
Dedicated Graphics Card(ATi Radeon X1600)
Larger Harddrive
2-2.16 GHz Processor(rather than >2.0 GHz)
Larger Screen(min. 15.4 inch)
Standard 1GB RAM
A lot more ports(USB, FireWire, etc)
PCI Express Card Slot
Starting at $1999
So, unless you need the power, then yes, it's a lot more for things you won't utilize, but if you need or want the extra power and capabilities, then the Pro is a must. I got the 17 in MBP, and I love it. Yes, it's expensive, but at LEAST as cheap as a similarly configured Dell machine. My cousin got the low end MacBook and is planning on selling his and getting the Pro. But like I said, unlesss you really need or want the extra stuff, then no it's not worth it. Otheriwse, it is worth every penny. It's especially great as a desktop replacement.
See right now I'm between getting the macbook 17" 2GB RAM system or this...
Dell Laptop
PROCESSOR : Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7600 (2.33GHz/667MHz/4MB)
LCD DISPLAY : 17 inch
MEMORY : 4GB, DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHZ, 2 DIMMs
HARD DRIVE : 160GB SATA Hard Drive
DRIVE : At least a 8x CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW)
BATTERY : 80 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
GRAPHICS CARD : 512MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 7900 GTX
SOUND CARD : Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy™ HD Software Edition
Not sure what I want in the end....
Casework
10-11-2006, 12:02 AM
What's the price of the Dell?
As long as one isn't a lot more expensive than the other, I would say go with the Mac if solely for OS X. That alone is better than having most PC machines in my opinion.
What's the price of the Dell?
As long as one isn't a lot more expensive than the other, I would say go with the Mac if solely for OS X. That alone is better than having most PC machines in my opinion.
The dell is a much better system, and its around $5000, so it's about 1000 or more then the macbook.
Casework
10-11-2006, 04:04 AM
That's actually almost $2000 more expensive. The only upgrade you'd be getting in the MacBook is the RAM and that only takes it to about $3000(everything else is standard for $2799). But I really can't justify a little more processor power(2.33 GHz rather than 2.16 GHz), 20 gigs more for your HD, and better battery life for +$2000. Aside from the processor speed being the only thing you can't do anything about, get an external hard drive and an extra battery for the MacBook($300, $400+ at most), and you're still at $1500 cheaper.
And if you're planning on spending $5000 on a Dell, why not look at an IBM or something such as a Falcon Northwest for a high-end PC option?
wastern
10-11-2006, 12:15 PM
if you are a web / graphic designer you wont notice a difference unless you need the bigger screen
huh? a graphic designer won't notice a difference from a dedicated graphics card? Photoshop will run much better on a MBP vs. a MB.
That's actually almost $2000 more expensive. The only upgrade you'd be getting in the MacBook is the RAM and that only takes it to about $3000(everything else is standard for $2799). But I really can't justify a little more processor power(2.33 GHz rather than 2.16 GHz), 20 gigs more for your HD, and better battery life for +$2000. Aside from the processor speed being the only thing you can't do anything about, get an external hard drive and an extra battery for the MacBook($300, $400+ at most), and you're still at $1500 cheaper.
And if you're planning on spending $5000 on a Dell, why not look at an IBM or something such as a Falcon Northwest for a high-end PC option?
I was originally looking for a price range of 1000-2500 but if I really have too. I would want a Mac, or Dell cause those are the only companies I really trust and have tested there work. I thought IBM was no good anymore, older company.
adiosk8
10-12-2006, 04:18 AM
huh? a graphic designer won't notice a difference from a dedicated graphics card? Photoshop will run much better on a MBP vs. a MB.
in web...probably not
now print...thats a different story
Hegemony
10-12-2006, 06:55 AM
I was originally looking for a price range of 1000-2500 but if I really have too. I would want a Mac, or Dell cause those are the only companies I really trust and have tested there work. I thought IBM was no good anymore, older company.
I'd never get a Dell. Their laptops are clunky and ugly. I've seen so many of them crap out.
nextgenxbox
10-12-2006, 08:20 AM
I'd never get a Dell. Their laptops are clunky and ugly. I've seen so many of them crap out.
Not to mention their customer service is horrible... so I've heard and read.
I found a person around here that can get great deals on Apple, IBM, and Dell. So I'd be getting on of those from them :D