Help needed...new laptop.

zenmandan · Post by **zenmandan** » Thu May 17, 2007 2:19 pm

I need to buy a new laptop for my new business, and it can't be a Mac, and I know very little about laptops (and computers in general). I don't need a lot, but here's a list of what I'll need capability wise:

some sort of fast processor
About 2 gig RAM
80 gig+ hard drive with shock protection
integrated wireless capability
cd/dvd writer
bluetooth capable
15.4" screen
3-4 USB ports
a 10 key number pad (are these only included on 17" models, because that's all I've seen them on?)

and here's some of what I need to add:
Office
Excel
Outlook
Quickbooks

My questions are, what is the best way to buy? Should I build it online with all the bells and whistles I want, or just go to a store and have them do it? HELP!

Garr · Post by **Garr** » Thu May 17, 2007 2:41 pm

Dell.

I recommend Dell.

I normally prefer to build my own computers, but I can't build laptops, and I got mine from Dell. I do also recommend that you format the friggen HDD immediately and install the OS from scratch.

All consumer computers come loaded with a bunch of crap from the vendor. It hampers performance and annoys the crap out of you.

Dell.

zenmandan · Post by **zenmandan** » Thu May 17, 2007 2:45 pm

Thanks. So...Dell is what you're telling me?

bwohlgemuth · Post by **bwohlgemuth** » Thu May 17, 2007 2:51 pm

I agree that for a Windows machine, Dell is the way to go.

Also, unless you need a bleeding edge machine, go with XP. While Vista might be "pretty", I have yet to see the vast improvements in performance.

Of course, you could get a Mac and use BootCamp to load XP when you need to. Also, Parallels Desktop is a nice piece of software.

zenmandan · Post by **zenmandan** » Thu May 17, 2007 3:00 pm

As far as the OS...I should just go to best Buy or whatever and pick up XP and all the other stuff I listed and install it on my own, even when you can have them do it? Is it cheaper one way or the other?

bassjones · Post by **bassjones** » Thu May 17, 2007 3:10 pm

My wife has had a bit of trouble with her Dell laptop. Nothing super major, but all the crap on that thing is irritating. I shouldn't have to pay somebody to clean up a brand new computer!!!!!

zenmandan · Post by **zenmandan** » Thu May 17, 2007 3:13 pm

80 GB 5400rpm vs 80GB 7200rpm

Is there a major difference? Will I even notice?

bwohlgemuth · Post by **bwohlgemuth** » Thu May 17, 2007 3:25 pm

Use techbargains.com or slickdeals.net to shop before you buy....

And 7200rpm if you are going to need to pull big files to your desktop and such.

WBOB · Post by **WBOB** » Thu May 17, 2007 3:42 pm

I choose (have chosen) Dell also.

poopstains · Post by **poopstains** » Thu May 17, 2007 5:14 pm

zenmandan wrote:As far as the OS...I should just go to best Buy or whatever and pick up XP and all the other stuff I listed and install it on my own, even when you can have them do it? Is it cheaper one way or the other?

As far as OS, and Microsoft Office FIND SOMEONE THAT GOES TO IPFW. Students get everythig dirt cheap, they can get you XP Professional OS, and XP Professional Office for about 20 bucks each, and its the real deal. I got Office 2007 Enterprise for 27 dollars, this sell for about $500-$600 retail.

bwohlgemuth · Post by **bwohlgemuth** » Thu May 17, 2007 5:19 pm

http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/90412

=^-..-^= · Post by **=^-..-^=** » Thu May 17, 2007 5:36 pm

poopstains wrote:As far as OS, and Microsoft Office FIND SOMEONE THAT GOES TO IPFW. Students get everythig dirt cheap, .

While we're in the stealin' mood, find someone that's adept at shoplifting, and have them pay a visit to Best Buy while you wait outside for your new 20$ laptop. . . . .

Post by **cwallace** » Thu May 17, 2007 5:53 pm

DO NOT BUY A DELL!

Two reasons...one they are crap...the majority of the time...and two...they are crap...

Ok..a little harsh, but there are comparable brands for MUCH less...and the warranty you get with Dell will NOT be what you pay for.

You might have a good Dell...but for that good Dell there are 20 bad dells...

Zen: I will send you some links and some info. I mostly comes down to budget. Everything else is simple..

I a searching for Tiny and Atherton as well...but they are on tight budgets...

With what you are listing you are most likely in a higher bracket than the two of them.

Anyway...read the PM...

As far as OS goes you will HAVE an OS...don't go BUY an OS...and don't format and reinstall either. Just clean it with the RIGHT software. There is a software that is called 'Dell Decrapifier' and it works wonders...then you call me and I put the rest on there for you for a VERY small fee and you will never have an issue again...

You only need the decrapifier if you get a dell BTW...most others are easy clean jobs...

Don't BUY a virus protection either...the best are FREE...

Anyway...read the PM...

Chris

Garr wrote:Dell.

I recommend Dell.

I normally prefer to build my own computers, but I can't build laptops, and I got mine from Dell. I do also recommend that you format the friggen HDD immediately and install the OS from scratch.

All consumer computers come loaded with a bunch of crap from the vendor. It hampers performance and annoys the crap out of you.

Dell.

Post by **cwallace** » Thu May 17, 2007 5:54 pm

bwohlgemuth wrote:http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/90412

Why would you pay $900 for a $500 laptop?

Chris

poopstains · Post by **poopstains** » Thu May 17, 2007 6:22 pm

=^-..-^= wrote:
poopstains wrote:As far as OS, and Microsoft Office FIND SOMEONE THAT GOES TO IPFW. Students get everythig dirt cheap, .
While we're in the stealin' mood, find someone that's adept at shoplifting, and have them pay a visit to Best Buy while you wait outside for your new 20$ laptop. . . . .

I'm confused. I wasn't saying steal it from a student, I was saying have a student buy it for you and save a ton of cash.