TOPIC: Geek needs Nerd advice

Hey, everybody.  We are planning on buying a new computer.  We are tired of using our work laptops, worrying about what we can do or download.  I am asking for your advice on what would be the best computer to buy.  Here are the factors in our decision:<br /><br />1. I am a Mac guy, but my wife is PC.<br />2. We aren't looking to break the bank - we'd like a good value.<br />3. We would probably prefer a laptop to a desktop, since we travel at least a couple times a year.<br />4. I don't play WoW or any other MMO's, so I don't need top-level graphics or anything like that.<br />5. We mostly use our computers for the basic practical purposes: photos, address management, word processing, interwebs/email, etc.<br />6. We have ipods, so it would need to be able to use iTunes.<br />7. I'm not a Luddite, but I'm not programming the WOPR either.<br />8. I am a teacher, so I can get a 10% discount from some companies, like Apple and Dell.<br /><br />What do you guys think?<br /><br />Brian<br />

my .02 from personal experience...avoid SONY at all costs...<br /><br />I use a Dell at work - and if you are not upgrading I guess they are OK - laptops seem stable.<br /><br />I only use PC - but MACs are ok I guess...

Well, I build my own desktop computers cause I have a tendency to just upgrade one or two pieces at a time.  But, I'll try to shed some light on your options as best as I can.<br /><br />1. I am a Mac guy, but my wife is PC.<br />You know what you are getting with a Mac.  You know how to use it.  Personally, I haven't dealt with them very much, but Apple does seem to put out a great product for a reasonable cost.  I can't make the Apple/PC decision for you, but if you go PC here's my opinions.<br /><br />2. We aren't looking to break the bank - we'd like a good value.<br />You don't need to break the bank to get a good PC.  Take a look at Dell's website for laptops.  Check out the lowest cost laptop.  That is a piece of @#$&.  Don't ever get the cheapest Dell.  Add about $100 to $200 to that cost and start looking around there.<br /><br />3. We would probably prefer a laptop to a desktop, since we travel at least a couple times a year.<br />If you are not carrying the laptop around every day, then I would avoid getting the ultra-light, ultra-thin laptops as they tend to carry a hefty price premium.  Also, consider if screen size is important to you.  15" widescreens are pretty standard on most laptops, but 17" screens are available.  They do cost a bit more, and they will weigh more.<br /><br />4. I don't play WoW or any other MMO's, so I don't need top-level graphics or anything like that.<br />Then whatever integrated graphics should be fine for you.  Some laptops can come with upgraded integrated or discreet graphics.  You will not need anything discreet, but an integrated Nvidia or ATI graphics chipset would help if doing anything 3D and are not too expensive upgrades.<br /><br />5. We mostly use our computers for the basic practical purposes: photos, address management, word processing, interwebs/email, etc.<br />In this case, I would get a slower dual core processor.  You don't need blazing speed, but the dual core helps make the computer run smoothly.  Make sure if it's an Intel processor, it is a Core 2 architecture, not a Pentium D or Celeron.  AMD Turions are also good.<br /><br />6. We have ipods, so it would need to be able to use iTunes.<br />iTunes should work on either Mac or PC.  (if you have problems installing iTunes on Vista 64-bit, just google "iTunes vista 64 bit" and there is an easy workaround.)<br /><br />7. I'm not a Luddite, but I'm not programming the WOPR either.<br />For PC's, no less than 1 GB RAM (system memory) for Windows XP, and no less than 2 GB RAM for Vista.  Personally, I don't see much of a reason to go with Vista if you can still get XP.  If you do go Vista, go ahead and make sure it's the 64-bit version.<br /><br />8. I am a teacher, so I can get a 10% discount from some companies, like Apple and Dell.<br />Take advantage of whatever price breaks you can.<br /><br />I hope this helps some.

I'd watch for sales at the big box retailers.  If you are a teacher I believe you get a discount at Staples.  I got a nice HP Pavilion laptop at Staples for a really good price.  It runs Vista, which I've used for years (I helped write part of it as a contractor to Microsoft).<br /><br />You can also sign up for Dell's one day special emails, pick out a range of systems you would like and wait for them to put something in that range on sale.  My main development PC is a desktop system I bought from Dell with just a bit of custom configuration -- haven't had any problems with it.<br /><br />Most of the folks I work with use Macs - you pay a price premium for the same hardware but their upgrade cycle on their operating system is impressive.  I've thought about getting a little Mac Mini to play around with for a while and yesterday I saw my first app that only runs on Mac that I'd like to run.  Maybe a mini is in my future.

Watch some of the deal forums. I got my current laptop (a vostro 1500) for 426 shipped direct from Dell. I don't know much about computers anymore and the best part is, I don't have to. The people on the site are all deal freaks and compunerds. When something good comes around they start to spazz about it. I just wait until they come to a consensus about how good a deal it is and then buy when they do.

Thanks for all the advice so far - I really appreciate it!<br />

I have my second Dell laptop.  If you're wanting something to use every day you might think about a laptop with a docking station.  Like I said, I'm on my second one and I would NEVER have bought the new laptop w/out the docking station.  It basically makes it possible to run the laptop with a normal monitor and keyboard, so day to day use is easier.  Then when you do travel, pop it off and there ya go.<br /><br />Also, when I bought this laptop and docking station I was at the point to check out and pay when I thought "I wonder if I'd find anything if I googled Dell coupon"...I did a survey that was all of 5 minutes and ended up with a $400 discount coupon for the laptop that was sitting in my shopping cart.  I thought that was pretty cool.<br /><br />Good luck!  Have fun and enjoy whatever you get.<br /><br />Lori

Go with Ohio Scientific!

Thanks for all the input!  I'll let everyone know what we end up with.  Great idea re: coupons, Lori - I'll check that out!<br /><br />Brian<br />

<br />Thanks for all the input!  I'll let everyone know what we end up with.  Great idea re: coupons, Lori - I'll check that out!<br /><br />Brian<br /><br />

<br /><br />Couple more nuggets of wisdom -<br /><br />My HP laptop has a nice little on/off switch for the touchpad.  It's WAAAY annoying to keep accidentally hitting the touchpad with your thumb, and have your cursor end up

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over here or up there or wherever. It's possible to turn it off in the control panel, but easiest to have a little switch right where you need it. <br /><br />I also have an on/off switch for the wireless network card.  Saves battery if you don't need/want it, or don't trust the wifi in the coffeeshop.<br /><br />Octoberblu was right - 2 gb ram with Vista, for sure!<br /><br />

In my experience Dell is pretty good!  I work on Dell pcs in my everyday job and for the most part (as long as they are not abused) they hold up pretty good.  I do have to agree that when buying one you shouldn't go for the cheapest, as that tends to mean it can't be upgraded - if you go up to the next best one it is usually pretty good, and can be upgraded if you need it.  One of the best values that Dell has (IMO) is the clearance and/or scratch and dent stuff - you have to look for it, but there are some really good deals there sometimes - I personally got a laptop for about $200 cheaper than normal just because there was a scratch that you have to practically get a magifying glass out to see.  Hope this helps!

I have a brother-in-law in the computer business who is putting together a couple options for us.  Here is what he found.<br /><br />An HP 6515b with 14.1 inch display and an AMD dual 2.0 processor, 1Gb <br />RAM for $1127.00 with Software. <br />A Toshiba Satellite Pro with Intel 2.0 dual processor, 1Gb RAM, 15.1 <br />inch screen for $1383.50 with Software. <br />I'm a big fan of the Toshiba Satellites, but may be more than you want <br />to spend. The HP is a good machine too and I like the fact that it has a <br />better graphics card in it although just a slightly smaller screen. Either way, <br />like I said, both good machines. <br /><br />Thanks to everyone for all the great advice.<br /><br />Brian<br />