OT: Laptop computer

[mudder17]

So I may be in the market for a new Laptop Computer (PC) and I'm wondering what's out there, since I haven't looked in a long time. And of course, the market is always changing anyway. I'm interested in something that can handle lots of graphics, since I use photoshop and dreamweaver and other similar programs quite frequently. I also prefer a touchpad to one of those "dots" (like in the IBMs). So any recommendations? What's out there?

Thanks!

Eileen

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33734.gif 28 months...
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[BillK]

Well personally I'm not a fan of store bought computers - I build all mine - BUT - that can't really be said of laptops since they're about impossible to build yourself.

If I were in the market for a new laptop - the only one I think I'd consider would be a Dell. Like I said I'm not big on premade computers - Dell included - but I think you'd be hard pressed to find a PC based laptop with as much going for it as the new Dell XPS laptops - especially if you're into graphics intensive things and rendering. http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/xpsnb?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

On the other hand - there's nothing wrong with one of the top of the line Apple laptops - if you're willing to "switch teams" so to speak. ;)
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wo/0.RSLID?mco=925997E8&nclm=MacBookPro

edit: If you plan on doing any graphic intensive stuff - be sure whatever laptop you end up with has a seperate graphics card and not "shared memory" graphics - or you'll find nothing but frustration as you wait for your programs to load - not to mention how slow the programs will run once they are open.

[mudder17]

Thanks Bill! Yes, actually our desktop is one that DH built and we know it's much better than anything we could have gotten in the stores. And yes, we would definitely build our own laptop if that were an option, but unfortunately, they've managed to prevent that.

DH does have a Dell for work and it does work well, but of course, Dell's tend to be more pricey. I've used Apple computers quite a bit (when I was in grad school), but at the moment all of our computers at home are PC-based and we're linked in a network. I know we can hook in an Apple (we did that for our neighbor), but it does present some technical difficulties that we'd rather not deal with if we don't have to. I'll check out the Dell...

Wow, I think I'm lusting after the XPS1710...know a good deal for one of those? ;)


Eileen

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33734.gif 28 months...
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[BillK]

You're welcome.
Other than this: "No Interest for 18 Months on All XPS Systems! For qualified customers. Limited Time Offer." I don't know of any deals for a new XPS laptop.

I just managed to configure one for $3711.00 if you're interested! :)

Honestly though - I'd shoot for 2gb of ram (1gb may be ok but I wouldn't go any lower) and at least a 256mb graphics card for Dreamweaver and Photoshop.

I do some digital picture work on this computer with Photoshop CS2 and even with 1gb of ram (my processor is getting a bit long in the tooth though) and a 256mb GeForce 6800GT graphics card it will chug along pretty slowly at times. My new 2gb of ram should here tommorow - hopefully that'll speed things up a bit and relieve me from having to build a new computer for a while.

[mudder17]

Well, geez, anything will beat what I currently have. I'm currently running a Compaq with an Intel Celeron 2.4 GHz with 448 MB ram!!!

No wonder CS2 and Dreamweaver are often so slow!

I think it's time to Craiglist some stuff in my house. ;)


Eileen

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33734.gif 28 months...
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http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33732.gif for Leah

[bostonsmama]

Hey Eileen,

My brother and I have been extremely happy with our Toshibas. I know it seems like you can get more of exactly what you want when you custom build, but there are also some great package deals. I have a Satellite 229 and bro has, well....it's pretty awesome (just under $2K) w/ Intel Centrino chip 1GB RAM, 200GB hard drive, 17in wide screen, separate graphics card (for gaming et al), and it's so much lighter than mine. I didn't see it at Best Buy right now, but I know toshiba.com lets you customize (and a couple of months ago they had a 20% off all custom-built notebooks). Plus, I just know that CR lists their reliability at the top and the customer service for repairs under warranty has been stellar (I have first-hand experience with this). Both of ours have touchpads instead of buttons, and there are ample USB plug ins. My step dad's Dell on the other hand has been fussy and was extremely expensive. It would kick the pants off my laptop, but I do lots of photoshop (Adobe) and multiple applications at the same time and have never noticed a problem (I only have 100GB hard drive and 512MB RAM). Just throwing out suggestions. Happy Shopping!

Larissa

Baseline appt July 25th! Tentative retrieval ~Aug 10th, transfer ~8/13 or 15

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