Looking at new computers.

[Cortez]

If you don't know, I have a full time job, which means that I'm taking my classes on-line. The next semester full of on-line classes is starting soon, and I have been looking at new computers for some time now. A laptop is a must for me, as is good compatibility for programs like Photoshop, Flash, RPG Maker XP, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and others along those lines (my browser of choice is Opera is that matters). And unfortunately, since my university is a bit...outdated (even thought it offers on-line classes), it would be a terrible hassle to be using a mac. Otherwise, I'd definitely be looking at those.

I have enough money to buy a simpler notebook this weekend, something basic but still an upgrade from what I have now (technology evolves so fast...I feel like I bought this just yesterday). I've begun recently looking at Tablet PCs, though, and I am really liking the ones that I've seen. Unfortunately, they seem a lot more expensive and it'll take me a few more weeks to save up for one of the big boys.

I'd just like some genuine suggestions and input. What do you guys say about different brands/companies, and what would you suggest? And would it be worth it to wait and get a tablet pc?

 

[AceJP]

well, im using a Dell Inspiron 600m with an Intel Pentium Processor 1.60GHz
with a gig of ram.
And I am loving it, never had a problem with it and I use it daily, often for hours at a time doing music editing.
I have RMXP on it, with photoshop, and some other high end programs and it handles it fine.

So, I am happy with mine, so i would recommend the above.

My room mate is a techy and if you could give me a price range and what you are looking to use it for the majority of the time (gaming, editing, ect..) I could get some suggestions from him (he builds comps from scratch as a hobby o_0)

As far as a tablet goes, you probably already know this, but save up for a good one, I got a $30 one, and it sucks, not even worth having :\

 

[Cortez]

Oh, I have an actual tablet. I'm thinking about a tablet PC. It's those laptops with the swivel-top where you can write on the screen like a tablet.

My price range could vary. For this weekend I'd only have about 6-7 hundred dollars, but if I wait some time I'd have the thousand or so I'd need for a tablet PC.

 

[Rare]

Tablet PC's are generally more for people who are always on the go, or into graphic designs. (I think)

It depends on what you plan on doing with it. If your always moving around, I dont suggest getting anything from the Sattelite (Toshiba) line of computers. If your looking for something thats generally cheap, and works...ok, then I suggest getting a Dell or some other highly commercialized brand. If you need something thats fast, get something like a Intel.

Oh, and dont get a mac. Thats going to cause a lot of compatibility problems with some programs.

Id like to post more, but I dont know too much about many other brands. Good luck with buying one!

 

[AceJP]

ih the tabklet comps, lol, i saw those on TV, i wonder how well they actually work, and how acurate the touch screen is...

 

[Tohsaka]

Well, I have a acer Apsire 5000, with a 1.80ghz AMD Turion 64, it's generally good for all those that you mentioned, although it sucks when it comes to 3d games.

 

[Cortez]

Right now I am seriously looking at the Acer Travelmate C200, but with a price of $1,279.99 it will still be a while. Does anyone know anything about this computer?

 

[Tohsaka]

Yes, in fact, it has a better graphics card then the Aspire 5000, although the Aspire 5000 cost me about... 800USD. After taxes.

 

[Hisuwashi]

I am planning to get a Toshiba Satellite Pro M70-333 laptop soon.... it looks pretty good.

 

[Cortez]

I've actually heard bad things about Toshiba. I'm pretty sure the company I want to stick with is Acer. Now I just gotta figure out...do I want to wait a month and get the tablet pc or get a decent laptop now in time to have everything ready for classes.

 

[Tohsaka]

Acer is pretty decent. The labtop is pretty durable too [don't test this yourself].
If you have the money, the ferrari series is the best way to go.

 

[Hisuwashi]

I've actually heard bad things about Toshiba. I'm pretty sure the company I want to stick with is Acer. Now I just gotta figure out...do I want to wait a month and get the tablet pc or get a decent laptop now in time to have everything ready for classes.

Hmm.... I've been doing a bit of research into this, and there were a couple of bad reviews about Toshiba... Acers look a bit too expensive tho. :P

You may find this guide useful: http://www.kelkoo.co.uk/b/a/co_841-laptop-buyers-guide-notebook-buying-guide-consumer-guides.html

 

[Cortez]

Thanks, Silverwolf. I've come across a bunch of guide in my searching and I'll take a look through that one too.

 

[Hisuwashi]

No problem, as I am searching for laptops myself this topic is useful for me also. If you know of any more guides or reviews I'd be grateful if you or anyone could me out. ^_^

 

[Kojo]

Right now I'm using an HP Pavilion zt1135 notebook. It sucks so bad, but gets the job done. It has a 20 gig HD, but half of it was sucked up with the stupid HP crap that it came with. I recommend buying from a smaller company that does not bundle crap with your PC or Notebook or tablet PC. It may sound good, but it really sucks up space, which for me, is a big deal. Also, buy add-ons for you notebook. Nifty things like external hardrives or jump drives make it handy if you can't set up a network right away, or just for the extra space. Scanners/printers are a must, and, if you buy a stupid piece of crap computer with no backlight. Like my HP. Get a monitor. You can't see anything, unless you're right in the light and have high contrast settings on.

 

[Cortez]

Actually, Kojo, it's cool that you mentioned the monitor. I have a really nice LCD monitor from a desktop that's not really being used right now- and I was thinking of setting that up with my new laptop in a dual monitor configuration.

Anyone know much about that?

I'll probably be going to Best Buy tomorrow night, so wish me luck. I'll be looking at the Acers.

 

[Kojo]

Yeah, I've used dual monitors before. Mainly just hooking it up so others can see it. (Like at school I'm always hooking up a teacher's computer to a TV.) There is a way to expand your desktop and programs to multiple monitors. You've gotta have a video card with two out puts. A splitter would only work if you wanted to have two monitor showing the same thing. I cannot remember where the command is, but it says something like "Expand to multiple monitors" or something to that effect. I think it would be under display or hardware configuration. I have not done this since last year, so wouldn't be able to give you exact instuctions, but you could just as easily google for a tutorial with the info I've given you.. I think.

BTW Good luck, hope you find the perfect computer!