I'm looking for a good laptop (suggestions)

Bob The Great · May 13th, 2003, 03:57 PM

Ok, well I have a job finnaly! I start in about a month which rules! Any way I've been wanting a laptop for a while and have done a bit of research.
I'm currently a college student, and right now I'm leaning twoards the Apple iBook configured this way...

• 900Mhz G3
• 640MB SDRAM (128MB built-in & 512MB SO-DIMM)
• 40GB Ultra ATA drive
• DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo drive
• Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
• Mac OS X & Mac OS 9 included
• ATI Mobility RADEON 7500 w/ 32MB DDR video memory

$1,649

I liked this one because of its 4+ hour battery life, and the software that comes with it like Sherlock 3 (ripped from whatson, so I might just buy whatson instead), the stability of OS-X and OS-9, the ease of use for networking (cause I don't want to be messing with networks instead of writing a paper), and it can play some games at good fps (quake3 ect...). I want your peoples opinion though.

I've shied away from windows for a laptop because it is less stable, doesn't boot as quick, and the cpu's either suck power or cost $600+ more then the iBook.

Centrino's were a thought. They were to expensive though. The new Athlon XP M ULV's might be an option if they hit the market soon. I'm really wondering what would be the best line here. Anyone own an iBook about that speed? Do you like it? I've only read some reviews and none compaired it with a pc laptop. I know the gaming preformance won't be steller. All I want is some Quake3 and a few other games though for long trips.

What are your opinions?

tpik · May 13th, 2003, 04:56 PM

You can get more speed, ram,and hdd space from Toshiba,Dell, or HP. Using XP your will have a better OS than OSX too. More stable. The Apple graphics myth is even being shot down by Hollywood now. Buy a real computer.

Bob The Great · May 13th, 2003, 05:06 PM

well they do have an advantage in desktop graphics as they use quartz extreme which is basicly usuing the GPU for graphics instead of the CPU. On a laptop this can save battery life, and in normal situations it saves the cpu for better stuff.

Still good point. For about the same stuff I can get a good fast windows based laptop.

What models/brands would be good? I'm looking for something with a good warrenty (also another knock against apple for its 90day/1 year parts). Perhaps something with more graphics punch?? I really want good battery life though!

EndobioticChaos · May 13th, 2003, 05:09 PM

There's nothing wrong with getting an Apple, though I do think you pay more for the quality and performance you get. For the amount you quoted above, you can get a pretty sweet laptop at www.powernotebooks.com.

If you do go with a PC instead of an iBook, I recommend using Win2K over XP. It might be a bit harder to get running initially, because you'll have to spend a bit more time finding the right drivers... but in the long haul, Win2K is a clear winner.

omalleytrading · May 13th, 2003, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EndobioticChaos
If you do go with a PC instead of an iBook, I recommend using Win2K over XP. It might be a bit harder to get running initially, because you'll have to spend a bit more time finding the right drivers... but in the long haul, Win2K is a clear winner.

What makes you say that?

**GroundZero3** · May 13th, 2003, 05:17 PM

will this laptop be mobile? or just sit on a desk?

if it will be mobile i would shy away from powernotebooks are still using desktop processors i believe. they are designed to be desktop replacements.

what is the main purpose for the laptop? gaming or homework?

I would reccomend dell or toshiba

*with most new laptops drivers for new os's arent really a problem. its older hardware

EndobioticChaos · May 13th, 2003, 05:21 PM

You're right GroundZero. The ones from Powernotebooks don't do so hot on battery life.

One other brand I'd look into that would probably have something that would fit the criteria here is Sony. I know several guys that have Sony laptops, and they all seem like decent machines to me.

Bob The Great · May 13th, 2003, 05:54 PM

yeah this is very mobile. I'll need it to be able to last a class without me having to worry about batteries. Some of my classes go 2 1/2 hours to 3 hours. Plus sometimes I have to run to the next class which means no charging. Those days are only when I have my 1 1/2 hour classes though but still thats about 3 1/4 or more hours I need battery to last for.

One thing I liked about the apples is that you can have them do a hibernate type thing where they will turn on as soon as you open the cover to exactly where you left off. But they are underpowered which isn't a good thing.

Well ok, just say I'm going to get an iBook, is the one I've configured good? Should I go with less ram or anything?

I configured some systems at dell and they all get into the $2000+ mark when I put in what I want.

Toshiba though has a very good deal with there satalites Lots of mem and stuff. I dont see the name of the vid card in them though...

EndobioticChaos · May 13th, 2003, 06:08 PM

Take a look at this one too and see what you think.

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...UMSDH&Dept=cpu

pickel · May 13th, 2003, 09:02 PM

http://www.sotecglobal.com/us/produc...00&prodid=1000

http://www.sotecglobal.com/us/produc...820P-Specs.pdf

I've had mine for 8 months and I LOVE it. Great performace, DVD looks like cimemascope, hasn't missed a burn and sitting in the backyard with my 811 b card is really cool. Fell like I got more than my money's worth with this one. 24/7 tech support also