Laptop Reccomendations

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 5:36pm

Hi. I'm looking to buy my first ever laptop. I'm a college student (theatre major) who is looking for a basic reliable (not too expensive) laptop to take notes on, use the internet, download/play music, watch dvds, burn cds, keep pictures. I'm also a stage manager so a reliable laptop will help me so much as I go back and forth between the theatre, classroom and my apartment. I've been doing some research on laptops, and as of now it looks like i'm probably going to go with a Dell. I've heard that these are the best for PCs. I've also heard that Macs are great too. I've never had a Mac before but have used my friend's once and a while. I think i'd be okay switching over, but as of right now i'm definetly more comftorble on PCs. Oh also I'm not a computer expert and therefore want one thats fairly easy to use and doesnt have alot of problems (because I dont know how to fix them). Any reccomendations of what you use or know about would be awesome. Thanks guys!

[My Fair Lady]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 5:41pm

Not Fujitsu. That's what my school gave the Freshmen this year. They fall apart so easily and are just really poor quality. The Dell ones are nicer, but also break easily. I'd say go with the Macs. They're the prettiest and although the software isn't as good, they don't break as easily.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 5:41pm

Get a Mac.

I don't really know what you mean about the software, MFL. If you're looking just to use them for basic functions -- net browsing, word processing, etc, I really don't know that anything is THAT different. You can get Microsoft Office for Mac, and it's like... identical. My only software issue is that iPhoto doesn't really do very many exciting things, and it doesn't come with something simple like Paint, but it's not a big deal.

I switched in January and I'm loving it.

If you're set on a PC, I... wouldn't exactly recommend a Dell.

Updated On: 2/20/06 at 05:41 PM

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 5:42pm

I have an HP and it is very reliable.

[JLSatUD]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 6:01pm

I would have to vote for Mac as well. They are getting pretty affordable if you get an iBook, and some powerbooks aren't too terribly pricy. I got this one through work, and was my first experience switching over to Macs. I think they are almost identical because so much of the software is very similar. The added benefit is there are not as many viruses made to attack Macs.

When I got my first Dell in 1997 it came with a fantastic (free) service warranty. When I blew the ethernet card up somehow, they came to my dorm and fixed it. Overall back then Dells were pretty reliable so they could afford to cover the service. I don't think they're the same quality they were back then because I got a laptop at Christmas of 2001 and by the summer of 2005 it was dead. I don't want to make a purchase like that knowing I'm only going to get 4 years out of it.

That being said, I'd probably still buy a Dell (and spring for the good warranty program) if I wasn't using the Mac all the time now.

[Plum]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 6:09pm

The Dell business line- Latitude- is more reliable and sturdy than the Inspirons. Plus they come with less prepackaged crap software and more choices as to configuration. And they don't overheat. I've sat with mine on my lap for hours and had no problem. Look online for Dell coupons- they have some kind of coupon out most of the time, but every once in a while they come out with a HUGE discount; that's the time to buy.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 6:23pm

Macs aren't my thing, but to be fair, I've always heard good things about them from those who use them. I love PCs, though... yeah, I know.

Every Sony laptop I've used has been wonderful.

Stay away from Dell (at least the Inspirons) and Toshiba laptops. I've had dreadful experiences with both of those companies (I'll elaborate if you'd like).

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 6:23pm

Mac.
No question.
You'll never go back to PC.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 6:25pm

Thanks guys for all the reccomendations so far. Keep em coming! Plum- I just went on the Dell website and the Lattitudes look a little cheaper but it doesnt look like it has everything i want with cd/dvd burning and what not. Are the Inspirons really that bad? Thats what i was looking at primarily.
Macs still look good too, (a lil pricy but hopefully worth it) but i dont know, i think i'm still too scared to spend that much money on it and not like it.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 6:27pm

I used a PC today for the first time in like four months and I wanted to guage my eyes out.

[Plum]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 6:31pm

Rose, my Latitude has a CD/DVD drive/burner. You just have to click the right Latitude link. You're in the small business section, yes? I'm pretty sure models from 410 on up should have it as an option.

And I guess I'm the designated Mac hater- or, more accuratly, doubter- around here. I have gone Mac, and I very happily went back.

[Plum]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 6:35pm

Also, just general things- go for a 4-cell rather than 6-cell battery if you can, because it'll improve battery life. If you can, find an actual model of the computer and make sure the keyboard isn't a total disaster. Trade up to a good warranty; it could be worth it.

Do you have Macs in your school? Try those out to see if you like them. Remember that you'll probably want an external keyboard and mouse, so look into how many and what kinds of ports the computer has. Think about all your peripherals- digital camera, MP3 player, whatever- and think about how they'll fit. You might need a USB hub.

ETA- Oh! And 1 DIMM of memory is better than 2. Counterintuitive but true. :) Updated On: 2/20/06 at 06:35 PM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 6:40pm

Are the Inspirons really that bad?

Yes. I've heard so many horror stories about them plus have two Inspiron stories of my own. Unless they've improved radically over the last two years or so, stay far away. There are so many better options out there.

[Plum]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 6:44pm

The major problem I've seen with Inspirons is overheating, usually caused by hours of watching DVDs. (Since the DVD drive spins, it generates heat, which this model is not well-equipped to handle.) One person I knew had a wonky internal mouse, but it turned out a piece of software she'd installed was interfering with it, I think.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 6:55pm

o okay i found the good stuff for latitudes. also dell has big discounts for university students, so its alot cheaper than i thought it was going to be which is really nice. now that i found this discount i think theres no way i'm gonna be able to make myself buy a mac as good as it sounds that they are much better. ahh i'm so scared, still not sure what do....

[dreaminaret]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 6:58pm

GET A MAC.

I had a Dell Latitude for the first 3 yrs of college and it was hell. I have an IBook now which was about $950 ($50 student discount) and it's sooooo amazing. It's easy to transit to and is very reliable and so much more logical once you get the hang of it (after like a week). Now the MacBook Pro is out and that is gorgeous, though much pricier.

GET A MAC.

[erikaamato]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 7:15pm

I've been using a Dell Inspiron 1100 for about a year now and I love it. No problems at all. But that's just my experience. =)

(And for what it's worth, my husband and I own 6 computers between us... 2 Desktop PC's (our business computers), 2 Desktop Mac's (our music studio), a Sony laptop and a Dell laptop... As far as I know, my hubby loves his Sony laptop, too.)
Updated On: 2/20/06 at 07:15 PM

[popular_elphie]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 7:20pm

I've worked on both Macs and PCs and find them the same. The problem I have with Mac is most programs I use work only for PC.

If you go with a PC, I'd say a Compaq, HP, Dell, or Sony VAIO. I've had my VAIO for about a year, and I love love love love it. We have Dells at my school, and they're pretty amazing, too.

[Plum]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 7:23pm

Latitude != Inspiron. Business-class models are, well...another class.

And I wouldn't get an HP; those have serious issues.
Updated On: 2/20/06 at 07:23 PM

[Color and Light]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 7:38pm

I love my Mac powerbook - it never crashes on me, runs quickly, and is just very pretty. A word of warning - some people get mad when they realize the availability of software for Macs is nowhere near the amount for PCs. But I personally believe that everything you need can be bought/accomplished some way. It'll call for being a bit resourceful when you first make the switch, but it's no biggie.

[meagan9848]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 7:47pm

ibook.

[Billboard Girl]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 8:18pm

I've had a Dell Latitude D600 for about a year and a half and I really like it. I've never had any major problems, it came with just about all of the software I needed, and it was reasonably priced. I know a lot of people aren't such big Dell fans, but my family has been using Dells for years and we're all happy with them.

[timote316]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 8:47pm

I was in love with Dell, until my DJ broke... but thats a different story.

My college has a special deal with Dell. I got a Latitude D600 (near top of the line) at a very good price. It was wonderful... until I dropped it. Fortunately, my college deal came with all the bells and whistles, so it was replaced at no cost. From the laptop standpoint, I have no real problem with my laptop. The hardware has held up to this point (I leave it on 24/7 for the most part)... the casing has cracked once due to the wear and tear of being carried in my backpack, but that's really to be expected (I've since gotten a laptop backpack). I'd recommend Dell, personally.

[midnghtdolphin]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 8:54pm

i love my gateway. the dell that i had before this was always f'ed up. but i've had the gateway for like 6 months now and no problems whatsoever.

[buffyactsing]

Posted: 2/20/06 at 9:02pm

I have an Acer (not well known in the US, but very popular in Europe). It's very well priced for what it provides compared to other brands and has served me very well.