advice on laptop- mac? tablet?

[sixf00t4]

So i sold my old dell inspiron 3800. Now it's time to find it's replacement. I want something visually stimulating, durable, and going to last a while.

right off the bat, i want a powerbook. I like the plain and simple look. nah, LOVE the look. I hate the black plastic crap that EVERYONE ships out like dell. the biggest problem with the mac is the $$$. anyone have experience buying from another place other than the mac store?

I want something unique. I see gateway has a swivel display tablet, the a270x i think. anyone have any experience with XP tablet edition? anything i should be wary about?


I'm not liking anything from dell that i see. anyone want to open my eyes to anything?

I am going to use the laptop for everything. needs to have video out so i can hook it up to my tv. i'll use it to play mp3s/movies through my cars speakers. And i'll use it to write papers and and surf wirelessly. I definitely don't need, and maybe even want not to have a dvd burner in it. I like 15" displays, but am alright with a 17". weight doesn't really matter. anyone recommend anything?

oh, and if i hear slander about macs, i will threaten your life.

[PoonDoggy]

I have a 15" PowerBook, 1GHz, 256 MHz RAM, 60 GB HDD, Combo Drive and I love it. Bought from CompUSA. They offered 3 year AppleCare which is just an extension of Apple's manufacturers warranty, I took CompUSA's 2 year TAP cuz it covers more than the MFG Warranty with Screen Damage.

Apple sets the price for the Retailers, so the price will be the same everywhere, but you might find a deal on the extras with the laptop purchase <like laptop bag, printer etc...>.

[sixf00t4]

hmmm, might have to stop into compusa...

[Artek]

Check www.macmall.com the prices are similar (just a bit cheaper) but you don't pay tax and they have great support.

[sixf00t4]

i was reading this article, http://www.usatoday.com/money/indust...ord-usat_x.htm, and it struck the fire back in me for a mac. i had changed my mind before, because apple just announced they are switching to intel CPUs next year, so i bet we will see a major drop in prices, meaning what i buy now may not hold its value well. but after that article, i want it still.

http://www.us1camera.com/shop/Produc...f=pricegrabber - power mac



$1,346.99 for that compaq all configured. - Compaq Presario V2000 customizable Notebook PC
DZ667AV
– Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition with SP2
– Intel(R) Pentium(R) M Processor 735 (1.7 GHz)
– 14.0" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x768)
– Intel(R) Extreme Graphics 2 w/productivity ports
– 512MB DDR SDRAM (2x256MB)
– 80 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
– FREE Upgrade from DVD to DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive!!
– Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG WLAN
– 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
– Microsoft(R) Works/Money
– hpshopping in-box envelope

Targus® Mobile Entertainment Case
PK132A



http://www.us1camera.com/shop/Produc...f=pricegrabber - toshiba tablet.


so basically...

tablet - powerbook - typical laptop
$1,449.99 - $1,749.99 - $1,346.99

[sixf00t4]

well, stopped into compusa, circuit city, and best buy over the weekend. wasn't really too impressed with the prices at all. with the news of apple switching to intel...i'm wondering if they won't release the OS for standalone purchase. and yesterday, i found a tablet pc on ebay for 1k, so i made the purchase. i'll let you know how it goes.

[ArcticFox]

Just curiously...you said you are going to use your laptop for "everything"...so why on earth would you purchase a tablet PC?

On the subject of the Apple or PC laptop decision, the Powerbooks use outdated G4 processors which doesn't really excite me. While they look great, I think your better off purchasing a PC desktop replacement with real power under the hood.

Bear in mind this is coming from a guy who's daily driver is a dual proc PowerMac.