Need advice on which laptop to buy.

[chaska]

(Let's try this again ... but not in the lounge.)

HEY DU!!! Garsh, I've missed you guys. :loveya:

I've taken a job as an OTR trucker. I have NO time off anymore. Well, hardly any. I need a computer so I can check in with ya'll.

I know squat about computers.

I just need a good (fast, hopefully) laptop and wifi setup and whatever else you can suggest. Again, I know nothing about setting up a computer and all that technical stuff. I guess I'd be hoping to keep it to about half a grand - aren't they givin' 'em away by now? What's the going rate on these things anyway?

Thanks, everybody.

[applegrove]

1. If you know it will be safe - and doesn't need the newest technology -

go with one second hand. I saw one advertised.

But if you want the shockproof versions.. and unless you are not moving it a bit - I would - get the newest.

P.S. I have no idea what I am talking about. Never owned one!!!

[FreedomAngel82]

8. I wouldn't get a dell

I have one (desk) and I've had problems with my computer crashing and things like that. I've heard Compaq is a good brand and I know people who are happy with them. :) But other wise I don't know anything about laptops.

[BlueEyedSon]

11. I wouldnt get a dell because he is a 'pub!

[leftofthedial]

2. Powerbook or iBook

I have both and both are great.

[mod mom]

4. and their the bluest company!

[joefree1]

17. And they look cool

Which is the most important factor. And soon the all Mac laptops will include the intel chips. I heard you will be able to run Windows or MAC OS on these machines. Rumor is that Jobs will start selling the Intel Macs as soon as February.


made on a Mac

[Dinger]

49. I LOVE My iBook!

Never a problem, ever!

[RagingInMiami]

3. Check out this link

www.notebookreview.com

[skids]

10. Heh.

Not to bash on that site, it looks pretty useful, but try searching with Apple as a vendor and note the CPU options are still i386 :-)

And you wonder why the MAC folks have a persecution complex :-)

[evlbstrd]

12. "...note the CPU options are still i386..."

What?

[skids]

24. Sorry.

Longhand that's: go to the search for a laptop area, select vedor Apple, and the screen will refresh with a selection of Apple notebooks. Then pull down the "CPU" drop menu. All the CPUs shown are Intel x86 architecture -- which, at least at present, Apple doesn't use.

[evlbstrd]

28. I still don't get your point.

No, they aren't Intel yet. So?

[skids]

29. So, that's rather intel-centric, don't you think? n/t

[evlbstrd]

30. Never mind.

I was mistaken in thinking you had something to say.

[skids]

32. Whatever. I thought it was pretty funny.

But I guess it takes someone who's been outdoors to notice the humor.

[evlbstrd]

59. Outdoors. i386.

Inability to communicate. That's fuckin' hysterical. Bite me.

[RagingInMiami]

25. You've lost me

[Warpy]

5. I'm doing the dad to nursing home, on the road

time for an estate sale thing and bought the cheapest little Toshiba I could find, wifi ready although I'm using it with a dialup.

Second hand laptops aren't bad if you don't mind going with an old o/s and less than adequate innards. http://www.overstock.com has good prices on new units, with occasional great deals on scratch and dent models if you don't need it to look pretty. http://www.ubid.com can also be a good source if you happen to catch an auction just right.

Just decide which bells and whistles you need for the things you do (gaming vs. email vs. casual surfing). Also consider what sort of battery life you'll need, whether or not you'll have an AC outlet to plug the unit into, and whether or not auxiliary battery packs are available.

Good luck!

[missouri dem 2]

40. overstock is republican company.

[sabbat hunter]

6. go for

an IBM laptop.

[CountAllVotes]

7. yeah I have two ThinkPads, BUT

One I bought on eBay used about 4 years ago (Celeron processor). It is slow, but it runs and works just fine still. In fact I took it on a recent trip and used it to develop digital photos being it is small. An IBM ThinkPad A series.

I also now have a newer ThinkPad that is almost 3 years old that has XP Professional installed on it. Have not had one problem BUT it is not made in China.

Now Lenova = IBM.

They piss me off really. My desktop is also an IBM and update connector feature of these IBM computers no longer works (the desktop or this other ThinkPad with XP on it) since Lenova now owns IBM.

:grr:

I can't say that I would recommend IBM because I think they are Lenovo and if they are they sure as hell aren't impressing me one tiny little bit. I wrote to them and told them they were making customers angry, but they did not seem to care. :grr:

:kick:

[burythehatchet]

26. no such thing

[Clarkie1]

9. I love my ibook

I got it to replace a windows desktop a year ago and have been very happy. Tiger is a great operating system...I much prefer it to windows now. And no viruses or crashes! Also, Apple makes it extremely easy to stream itunes through your home stereo system with airport express. I will never go back to windows.

Edit: stream WIRELESSLY though home stereo system. It rocks!

[LeftHander]

13. iBook or Powerbook

For sure. OS X is just a great operating system without all the hassles of Windows.

[SpiralHawk]

14. Gigadittoes on the Ibook or powerbook

I have a G$ powerbook, and love it. Trouble free. But probably more than you need. Do check out the ibooks from Apple -- they are cool.

[Dinger]

50. That's For Damn Sure (nt)

[chaska]

15. Sorry ya'll, I went off and got all involved in an email. Thanks for...

all the replies.

[Plausible]

16. Since you travel a lot, make sure you get wifi

some places, like Sheetz stores in PA have free wifi if you are close to them.

Laptops come in the sizes...the ultraportable are lightweight ...desktop replacement ones are a few pounds heavier but usually are faster and have more features. Gamer ones are the fastest and heaviest. A desktop replacement, for instance, should have a high-end processor, at least 1.6GHz or higher for mobile specific processors or 2.8GHz for desktop processors.

I like the AMB64 chips.

For me, 512 of ram would be a minimum.
Check the battery life.

Display screen, is it easy on your eyes?

I like the new 17 inch screens but then I tend to want all the bells and whistles a computer can provide. That isn't really necessary for one you need just for the ability to surf and check email type of things.

[joefree1]

20. Trucker friends I know use the Wireless Internet connection

Then you can visit DU while stopped at the truck stop or when someone else is driving. Just google wireless internet for more information.

[ddeclue]

18. I've owned two Sony VAIOs - don't recommend them..

They come with a lot of features and software but their reliability is poor. My screen backlight is dead on the 2 year old one and the 4 year old one is totally dead.

Doug D.

[Tesha]

55. Okay experience with a Sony Vaio here.

Generally, we prefer Macs around here, but we've also had good experience
with our Sony Vaio; it's been about as reliable as Win98/SE ever is. In its
five years or so (maybe more, not sure any more), it has only needed a
new battery (no surprise) and failed once when a spilled soda glued its
lid-closed switch down; the switch was cleaned and the laptop was
back up and running.

By comparison, our Compaq laptop was a dog from day one, spending
more time broken or in the shop than it ever spent running.

Tesha

[bvar22]

19. Toshiba for me.

I've owned 4 (two supplied by employer) over the last 10 years. They have all been used in hostile (to electronics) environments.
They have been shaken up on long helicopter rides, tossed about boat decks, spent extended time in saltwater environments.
Operated 24/7 for months from the humid tropics to winters in the frozen North. I have never had a failure of a Toshiba notebook (if you don't count the time a crane hook fractured the screen.) They have a pretty good seal between the keyboard and the innards.

Maybe I've been lucky, but Toshiba gets my notebook business.

[oasis]

22. We just got one, it's great. Satellite model.

[Moochy]

51. When I was Manager of IT at a large consulting company

We used Toshibas as well, they were the most durable, reliable back in 99-2000. Lowest failure rates of all of our laptop fleet. We serviced about 200+ of them and the ones you didnt want if you were actually going to move your laptop around, was the VAIO or the super slim IBM's. The LCD displays would break if you sneezed on them.

[chaska]

21. I wish I could think of an intelligent question.... Okay here's one....

I'm really ignorant about tech.

So this iBook and powerbook, both Apple? I want it mainly for general surfing, but I am seriously considering a particular GPS/truck oriented map software (I get lost too much) that may or may not work with apple products. Any issues there?

I have a lot of researching to do it would seem.

[Plausible]

23. you would have to get programs for

the Mac operating system.
Maybe surf around to find some Mac programs of that type.

If you are using a Windows based system in your home, the programs for it won't work on the Mac.

[CatholicEdHead]

27. Powerbook. iBook or AMD64 Gateway model

is the best.

[billbuckhead]

31. Apple iBook, only use Windows if you get paid to

There's no comparison in the internet experience, multimedia software or aftersale support. Hardly have to worry about viruses and there's less hacking. Mac's are more expensive in the short run but make up for it quickly. It's like the difference between buying a Acura vs a General Motors car.

[CatholicEdHead]

36. I only mentioned Windows machines as a personal choice

If an XP box is chosen, then the AMD64 chips are the best. Of course no Windows laptop can compare to an Powerbook or iBook.

[newblewtoo]

54. Emachine / Gateway AMD64

Emachine / Gateway AMD 64 is an excellent choice. Their service is outstanding. I have been running an Emachine and Delorme Map and GO with GPS for a year or two. It has 512k ram and a great screen. Low price. Down side it does not have a floppy drive or serial port. Plus side it is a great portable DVD player.....Down side it draws 90w so you will need to buy a special auto adapter and it cannot be used on airplanes. I had to get a serial to usb adapter for my GPS but the new ones are all coming usb now. Great machine. Battery life is typical. Three hours if you do not use the machine. Two and a half if you do.....They all lie about battery life....

[SPKrazy]

33. I've been happy with a refurbished HP I bought a few years ago

I bought it for biofeedback, but have ended up using it most of the time.

My wife likes MacIntosh computers, which are fine, but I needed a PC laptop to run the software for my biofeedback equipment.

[buzzard]

34. I would go with an apple ibook or powerbook. I am hopeless with

computers and have no trouble with these.

[gmaki]

35. IBM/Lenovo Thinkpads are best

That's what I have and it is my dream laptop. Of course my company bought it for me.

I buy Dells when it is my own money but you gotta be careful. Some are pretty plasticky, some are nice. Some of the new models with the white plastic on either side of the keyboard are nice, like my 700m.

[chaska]

37. Since there are no real virus issues with the iBook....

I guess there's no reason not to buy one used???

What's the difference between the ibook and the powerbook?

All I do on the computer is email and surf, so no problems there. My only issue is whether or not this particular trucking software program (recommended by my company) works with Apple products. I wish I could remember the name of the program. I have it written down somewhere.

I don't think there are too many programs of this type around specifically for the trucking business. There's a huge difference between programs of this type for 4 wheelers and 18 wheelers.

[CatholicEdHead]

38. Bump this thead when you remember with the specific software

[billbuckhead]

43. If you have to buy Windows because of your trucking program

Gateway has ok customer service because they sell direct but you can now buy one in brick and mortar stores and get the salespeople to help you a little bit even if you don't think you need help.

I'd stay away from those refurb Think Pads.

[hootinholler]

39. If I were an OTR trucker, I'd look at ruggedized models.

Panasonic has a new one. Lots of bumps and scrapes on the road.

Also verizon has an 'Air Card' network that gives like 300K BPS via digital cellular service.

Not ruggedized, but I've had good luck with Toshibas.

-Hoot

[chaska]

41. There's that Toshiba name again. Must do more research.

[jaysunb]

42. Be VERY wary of Dell

Look here....

http://www.american-reporter.com/2,790/49.html

The class action siut is probably right around the corner.

October 23, 2005 Design flaw ruins computer This Dell's definitely a dud

Hey dude, before you buy a Dell, listen up: The computer giant has been cashing in on two well-known design flaws in one of its laptops. The defects, which have surfaced on hundreds and possibly thousands of Dell Inspiron 5150 notebooks, render the model useless right after the warranty runs out.

But instead of issuing a recall, Dell charges $179 to "diagnose" the problems and then hundreds more to fix them.

No wonder Dell reported record-setting revenues of $11.7 billion in the second quarter of 2005 – 20 percent higher than in the same quarter a year ago.

That's small comfort to Maritza Vasquez, a 13-year-old honor student from New Windsor who saved every nickel of her allowance and birthday cash to buy a Dell laptop.

"There were several other brands I would have preferred, but she had to have a Dell, which I attribute to their aggressive advertising," says David Levy, Maritza's stepfather.

On Aug. 9, 2004, Maritza purchased the Dell 5150 Inspiron notebook, which came with a one-year warranty. Levy says he went along with her choice because she was using her own money, and because he thought Dell was "a decent and reputable company."

Fast forward 14 months – to last Monday afternoon. Maritza was typing a report about Julia Bowman Robinson, a renowned 20th-century mathematician. Suddenly, her cherished computer shut off. Kaput.

[chaska]

45. All I needed to hear is that he's a Republican. Off the list.

[Auntie Bush]

52. Sorry to hear that! I got a Dell Inspiron 5000 in 2000 and I just

replaced it with a Dell Inspiron 6000. Dell replaced a lot of parts in 2003...no charge! Tech support helped me set up my photo printer and spent about an hour, as it was jammed in shipping. I got really good service. I sure hope this one lasts as long! I did seriously consider getting an Apple but couldn't bear giving up all my programs.

Awhile back I heard the Toshiba was a good computer.

[johnfunk]

56. Duuude, yer gettin'an iBook!

Dell = money for GOPfluffer + Bill Gates's Malware Operating System + higher blood pressure.

Get an iBook.

[johnfunk]

57. Working link for the American Reporter story:

Gotta love that Google cache...

http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:z1dF_ZDeO24J:www.american-reporter.com/2,801W/70.html++%22This+Dell%27s+definitely+a+dud%22&hl=en

[sandrakae]

44. It is tough to get a laptop for 500. However I would suggest

going to Best Buy and looking at the E-machines. They are made by Gateway and you get a lot more for your money. I got a desktop, loaded for 695. A dell would have been over 1000 for those features. Also, thanks to George Bush, Dell sent their tech support jobs to India. The last thing you need is to be up at midnight, pissed of because you pc is acting up and talking to someone you can't understand and who has a job that belongs in this country.

[CatholicEdHead]

46. eMachines does not make laptops since Gateway bought them

you can get the equivilent model with a Gateway name, but eMachines is just desktops right now. I have a eMachines laptop and the current model is a Gateway name. The only other changes is a Intel P4 chip instead of AMD64.

[carolinalady]

47. I have 3 dells- two desktops and one laptop. I have never had a

problem with them. They come with all the programs loaded and the laptops even have the wireless card in them so you do not have to buy. They also have good tech support. I just got a new inspiron 6000 right befor christmas and it is great. (I had an inspiron 5500 that I bought last year, but hubby fried it with a whole glass of red wine.)

[redwitch]

48. Microsoft-NO! Apple, YES!

Wire service story from Glens Falls Post Star today ( not credited to any particular source):

"Microsoft Corp. has shut down the Internet journal of a Chinese blogger that discussed politically sensitive issues, including a recent strike at a Beijing newspaper."

Apparently they are willing to censor or silence people the Chinese government doesn't like, in order to sell their products in China.

r

[AlCzervik]

53. Ibook or powerbook, you cannot wrong with either.

[bpilgrim]

58. Apple BUT wait till the new models come out (soon+price break)

apple is moving to intel and rumor has it the new chip-set may make pricing cheaper.

here is a google search that will bring up the latest info on it...
Google Search

they truly are dream machines with very low maintenance, a huge free library of online software + it has great Audio/Video & Image software included... all the geeks use'm ;->

peace