Laptops

[KieranM]

Im looking to buy one but im not really into the tec side of life, so can anyone guide me in a direction of a nice quality one. Im not a gamer or the like, just want one to put pics on and use the internet to watch vids and all associated.
Thanks

 

[r97]

i'm not a gamer either, but i have used macs, dells, and HP computers, the inexpensive dells are OK and are good for just standard use, i bet the more expensive one are good for gaming, but that doesn't apply, macs...... either you love them, or you hate them, they are just totally different. if i were to buy a laptop right now, i would get an hp, i just haven't had a single complaint about my hp, i don't know if there expensive though. other options are IBM like dell, except more standard, and Panasonic, i have never used a Panasonic, but i don't here bad things about them. like i said i'm not a computer guru or anything, these are just my opinion, i'm sure others will vary, and please test out the computers at the store before buying.

 

[NJOHC]

Depending on how much you want to spend I'd go with a Mac. They're very solid machines and if anything goes wrong they have the best services to fix them. They're the best for media(pics, video, music etc.) But they're pricey. I got mine for Christmas and will probably always have a Mac now. Internet use is really cool because of all the gestures the trackpad supports. It will take a week or so to get used to the difference between a Mac and PC but in the end it's up to you. They're also machined out of either a solid block of aluminum or white polycarbonate. Go to Best Buy and check out the ones you like best.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

yeah i have 2 macs. a G4 desktop from 10 years ago, and a Macbook 13" from 2008. i never use the G4 anymore, but it still works fine. my macbook has never failed me either. i use it a few hours a day.
they dont make the polycarbonate ones anymore i think, (not sure)
i dont game, lol. lots of software available though. no viruses at all. its got built in superdrive, intel core 2 duo, and its so easy to use. theres nothing not to like about it. and if your into uploading photos/video, mac is basically designed for that because it comes with all the software out of the box.

most people say the reason why macs run so smoothly is because apple makes both the operating software and computer, and can fine tune each one. not to put down microsoft, but all pc's arent microsoft brand, they just use that operating system on a different companies computer. overall, definitely worth the 1k for mac. if you get a pc for 700 and operating system and softwares for 300, you could just get a mac.
i will have my mac for a very long time!

 

[devino246]

HP are good, dell are pretty good too. Dont get an acer, they dont last in my experience Personally, if i wanted a computer for simple stuff like Kieran wants, i wouldnt spend more than about $600. On the spec side, look for one with a dual-core processor and 3-4 gigs of memory. Hardrives are so big now that you dont really need to worry about their size. When you find a laptop that meets your standards, google it. Find reviews, common problems, etc. A little research goes a long way. Good luck.

As for Macs, i personally avoid purchasing products made by Mac/Apple. Their products are overpriced IMO. Mabe i just dont like them cause i dont like popluar things

 

[Blazkowiez]

For the money and warranty HP would be a fantastic buy, you can get Toshiba laptops for as cheep as 400 dollars reconditioned on sale at Fry's electronics quite often but HP tends to have very nice customer service and a flexible warranty. I've been pleased with this and my last 2 HP laptops.

 

[redsox985]

I use my mom's work HP. It's an EliteBook 2730p. I love it. It's a notebook pc so the screen swivels around and you can write with a pen. I'm assuming it's expensive. BlueThunder, I saw you said you had an old mac. I have a PowerMac G3 that I need to do a total wipe and reset of. As not to hi-jack this, if you know, could you PM me? TY

 

[KieranM]

Thanks for the replies, i have been looking into dells and at the moment im on a dell desktop and quite like it. I have had bad experiences with hp, im beside a hopeless hp printer and it kind of puts me off there products.

 

[ramairgtz]

I have a cheap $400 compaq and other than a few minor problems it has been a great laptop. Check newegg.com for deals

 

[Blazkowiez]

Thanks for the replies, i have been looking into dells and at the moment im on a dell desktop and quite like it. I have had bad experiences with hp, im beside a hopeless hp printer and it kind of puts me off there products.

Don't let the printers of any brand sour you on the product itself, often times speakers and printers are outsourced items that have 1-2 company specific items like a powercord and their name stamped on the main product.

 

[r97]

no complaints about my hp here, i'm using it right now and its great. but like i said, maybe your a mac person (for the price i stick with hp or dell, and macs have a tendency to annoy me) so just test out a few computers, put that with the suggestions here, read reviews, and get a computer.

p.s. i have heard a few horror stories about macs. but don't let that discourage you, i have heard many good stories.

 

[redsox985]

consumerreports.com is your best hope for reviews. They are very reliable and accurate. newegg.com is a great site for bargains on good items.

 

[fowler]

go dell, the best otion as mine never mises a beat
hp's are not so good we use them at school and they are pretty dodgy but their other products like their screens and printers are ok

dont get a mac what ever u do.

 

[KieranM]

Something like this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DELL-D520-FAST-LAPTOP-1-6GHZ-1GB-80GB-DVD-RW-WIFI-/220666953367?pt=UK_Computing_Laptops_EH&hash=item3360c67e97

Good or bad?

 

[redsox985]

I like HP because they come with great warranties.

 

[Bill CNC]

The problem with mac's are software issues.

Their are lots of programs that are not offered in Mac format. That's why their not as popular. It takes longer to program Mac software than PC software and the programmers want to as little work as possible for the same money and their are FAR MORE PC machines than Macs.

Mac is getting better over the years, ... but PC software is cheaper on average.

Just some things to think about.

 

[Silvergrizz]

You mention you are not the techie type. Based on that fact, I would recommend a Mac. I have used PC's since 1980. I never minded digging into the whys and how's of the workings of the boxes. PC's are still vulnerable to hacker attacks. The collateral costs of purchasing a PC involve firewall, and Virus protection costs, which should be factored into the equation.

My wife wanted a computer last year, I bought her a Mac Book, with the understanding that she would learn how to use it on her own. She has only ever asked me 2 questions in the past year and she is doing more with that computer than I can with mine.

That would just not have been possible with a PC. Bill has some valid points about software for Macs. That is the main reason, I am still using PC's. Current laptop is 6 years old, but I discovered it can't handle video processing of the new Go Pro HD video camera I picked up a couple of weeks ago. I am now looking at at the Mac Book Pro and probably will go that route. More expensive initially, yes, but probably competitive over the long term. Mac's are well known for graphics capabilities, and the operating system is hacker proof. If you have never had the pleasure of acquiring a virus on your computer, ask around.

You need to analyze what you want your computer to do for you. You mention Video and all associated aspects of that. If you include Video editing Mac is king. Good luck in your search and if at all possible, try out as many different systems as you can.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

as for that dell 250 we have the same ones at school and out of 23 laptops only about 5 were able to log on, and mine including the rest of the classes froze at login, when a couple actually crashed. not good!
i still say go with a mac, because a good pc costs teh same!

 

[Bill CNC]

Older laptops have a GREAT function in their life to this day. I have a Newer Toshiba that works flawlessly and I have a Fry brand "Great Quality".

It is 6 years old and I have only had one problem with it. I had to replace the screen on it. It was my fault, ... well my wife's actually. She was tickling me and I kicked it off the coffee table. I got the screen for under $100. from ebay.

I will NEVER upgrade from XP on it and it still has a printer port that I plug into my Mini CNC machine that I built.

So off brands are very good machines, if you treat them right.

Desktops on the other hand, ... I build them myself with the parts of my choosing. Dell Compaq and the such are NOT upgradable unless you go through them. When My machines go down, ... I like going to the store and buying the part of my choosing and installing it.

As for viruses, ... since 1995, ... I have had (1) virus that actually crashed a machine. If you run FireFox, your chances of getting viruses are minimal. If you constantly look at questionable sites, ... your odds just went to hell. Music and porn downloads are your main source of viruses.

If you really want to eliminate viruses, ... run a Linux system. Ubuntu is the best one I have played with and I sill do on one of my desktops since 2006.

 

[KieranM]

Thanks everyone, this is really helping me as im a newb when it comes to this subject