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buying laptop 1
- Thread starter XoFF
- Start date
Hi,
Will this be your only computer (ie will it replace an existing desktop) or supplement?
Where are you based? (just to find out local suppliers)
At my last job the minimum spec for laptops was as follows:
1GHz mobile CPU, 512Mb RAM, Windows 2000 Pro or XP Pro, 56K modem, 10/100 LAN, CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive, min 2 USB ports, external VGA and PS/2 ports, slot for kensington security cable.
This should cope with anything - some people opted for the subnotebook type with smaller screen and detachable drives, while others opted for the full desktop replacement with everything and the kitchen sink thrown in.
Optional items were: floppy drive (normally bought an external USB device where needed), carry case, security cable if they were to be used in dodgy locations.
This was a year ago however, so things may have moved on since then.
John
Will this be your only computer (ie will it replace an existing desktop) or supplement?
Where are you based? (just to find out local suppliers)
At my last job the minimum spec for laptops was as follows:
1GHz mobile CPU, 512Mb RAM, Windows 2000 Pro or XP Pro, 56K modem, 10/100 LAN, CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive, min 2 USB ports, external VGA and PS/2 ports, slot for kensington security cable.
This should cope with anything - some people opted for the subnotebook type with smaller screen and detachable drives, while others opted for the full desktop replacement with everything and the kitchen sink thrown in.
Optional items were: floppy drive (normally bought an external USB device where needed), carry case, security cable if they were to be used in dodgy locations.
This was a year ago however, so things may have moved on since then.
John
I bought a laptop 6 months ago, I use Office 2000, Photoshop 7 and write Access databases. When I am away from home I watch DVD's.
My laptop is a Toshiba 1800 MHz, 32 MB video, 30 GB harddrive and for Photoshop 512 MB RAM.
It runs fine for me the only "extra" I have is a set of headphones for watching DVD's as the speakers on a laptop are rubbish
Neil Berryman
IT Trainer
neil_berryman@btopenworld.com
My laptop is a Toshiba 1800 MHz, 32 MB video, 30 GB harddrive and for Photoshop 512 MB RAM.
It runs fine for me the only "extra" I have is a set of headphones for watching DVD's as the speakers on a laptop are rubbish
Neil Berryman
IT Trainer
neil_berryman@btopenworld.com
monkeywrench2
Technical User
My needs are less: dvd, digital photography, email, on the road in RV... so I bought thinkpad 770X as ex-lease machine, in good shape, but wiped clean. Drivers are available, but since I haven't done this before, WHAT is a good info source for loading this up with drivers and OS?
Local shop says $200 to cover it all. I think I can do it...
Local shop says $200 to cover it all. I think I can do it...
or are two good places to start. Also, you might make a stop by IBM's website and just download all the original drivers at once. Once you have the original drivers, you can look for updated ones at the afforementioned websites if you want. If you go to driverguide.com, they have the files password protected so they cannot be linked to. Use:
user: drivers
pass: all
to get to the files. Hope this helps!
-John
user: drivers
pass: all
to get to the files. Hope this helps!
-John
Monkeywrench2,
I think this is what you are looking for:
John
I think this is what you are looking for:
John
marksnowdon
IS-IT--Management
I always say that the key thing to consider with a laptop is portability. Laptops vary in weight from 1.3kg to over 5kg. If you are going to be travelling a lot and carrying it that becomes quite an issue. If it is more a portable desktop then weight doesnt matter so much.
I would buy a centrino rather than the P4 for the power management and wireless - the speeds are not comparable, I think a 1.4 centrino is comparable to a 2ghzP4.
my current best options would be Samsung Q20 (1.3kg/12"screen/£1300 in uk) /Fujitsu-Siemens S6120 (1.6kg/13" screen/£1300)/Sony Vaio Tr1MP?(£1600) for really portable stuff.
Samsung X05(2kg/14"/£950)/X10(1.8kg/14"/£1400) for portable development.
for a desktop that can be carried at the end of the day - pretty much anything. toshiba / Acer / ibm / Fujitsu etc all start at £550-600.
I wouldnt touch Dell - we have had far too many problems
I would buy a centrino rather than the P4 for the power management and wireless - the speeds are not comparable, I think a 1.4 centrino is comparable to a 2ghzP4.
my current best options would be Samsung Q20 (1.3kg/12"screen/£1300 in uk) /Fujitsu-Siemens S6120 (1.6kg/13" screen/£1300)/Sony Vaio Tr1MP?(£1600) for really portable stuff.
Samsung X05(2kg/14"/£950)/X10(1.8kg/14"/£1400) for portable development.
for a desktop that can be carried at the end of the day - pretty much anything. toshiba / Acer / ibm / Fujitsu etc all start at £550-600.
I wouldnt touch Dell - we have had far too many problems
cian
Technical User
- Oct 11, 2001
- 1,383
I have been using a Compaq Armada E500 for a few years with no problems and a ton of programs including 3D CAD file viewers which are pretty demanding programs.
At home I just got a HP Compaq nx7000, 1.6GHz, 256mb Ram, 20Gb storage, basic enough.
I have Apache server, php/mysql, a html editor, 5 web browsers, about 4 graphics editing programs and a bunch of small games installed and it works no problem. I also watch DVD's on it!
Still i would recommend go for a higher ram, ideally 512mb and maybe a higher processor speed, maybe over 2Ghz.
20Gb is plenty too.
That should do everything you need.
- É -
At home I just got a HP Compaq nx7000, 1.6GHz, 256mb Ram, 20Gb storage, basic enough.
I have Apache server, php/mysql, a html editor, 5 web browsers, about 4 graphics editing programs and a bunch of small games installed and it works no problem. I also watch DVD's on it!
Still i would recommend go for a higher ram, ideally 512mb and maybe a higher processor speed, maybe over 2Ghz.
20Gb is plenty too.
That should do everything you need.
- É -
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- #10
wiredwoman
IS-IT--Management
I'm on my 2nd Toshiba in 6 years and quite happy with them. (Satellite 4080 and Satellite Pro 6100) I have used both as desktop replacements for a number of years. I do not travel with them regularly, so weight is not an issue for me. If you're towing it around a lot, weight certainly would be an issue. I take mine with me on weekends, every weekend.
My experience with buying them is that you'll probably pay most for the screen size, so if you don't mind dropping an inch or so you'll pay much less. They really do hold their value, and I've always bought the highest amount of screeen, hard drive, processor, RAM that budget allowed.
Be sure to do lots of research, search "Your model + issues and reviews". If there are issues with your model they will certainly turn up quickly online.
My experience with buying them is that you'll probably pay most for the screen size, so if you don't mind dropping an inch or so you'll pay much less. They really do hold their value, and I've always bought the highest amount of screeen, hard drive, processor, RAM that budget allowed.
Be sure to do lots of research, search "Your model + issues and reviews". If there are issues with your model they will certainly turn up quickly online.
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