So far all my PC's have been Dell's-but I noticed some negative comments about Dell here on Tech Talk.
What brand do you suggest? I only want something basic, that will play DVD's--Hot Sync my PDA--take on vacation so I can access my personal files, etc.
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Posted - Aug 8 2006 : 12:56AM
I've had an IBM R52 Thinkpad for about 9 months that I've been pretty happy with. This is not exactly how mine is configured, but it's pretty close.
IBM sold its laptop business to a Chinese company called lenovo, but supposedly it's still all the same engineers etc. designing and building them.
I haven't tried installing a Linux distribution on it, but I've heard that the IBM laptops are generally well-supported, and tend to "just work" under Linux, if that is important to you at all.
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Posted - Aug 8 2006 : 10:49AM
i have an old ibm thinkpad that drew bought on ebay. it's thin. it has no extras. it travels well. not what you're looking for, but it has been very reliable.
Just bought a new Vaio to replace my IBM T21 that has been randomly shutting off. 15.4" display, 2 GHz, 1GB DDR Ram, DVD burner, Centrino wireless. $1100. I thought that was reasonable. I wanted a good display and a full-sized keyboard and this seemed like the best option compared to the 30 or so other Gateways, HPs and Toshibas the store had on display.
Things I'd look for right now (I use mine as a desktop replacement): -Avoid Celeron and Sempron processors and hold out for a Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processor -Wide screen, 15" max. I have a 17" @ 192 hex 1200 native and it's too good for it's own good. Scaling fonts in the OS doesn't work perfectly. -non-glare screen. Glare gives better contrast but shows reflections in bright environments. -3 year on-site warranty. I can fix a desktop, I can't easily fix a laptop. -as close to a full sized keyboard as you can get -keys in the right place -your preferred touch pad or touch stick -usb ports 2.0 out the ying yang -All laptops should do 802.11B and G but not all older ones do WPA encryption. -lighter the better -battery life -anti-virus/security suite software. I'm using eTrust from Computer Associates. It's quirky but it works and doesn't slow down my system like Norton or McAfee.
Not necessary -Bluetooth. it's too slow for file transfers and the peripherals are too expensive for wireless mouse and keyboard. -Firewire (unless you have a video camera or get one with a firewire B port, USB 2.0 will be faster and more common) -name brand built-in speakers... they'll suck. mine has a built in subwoofer but it still isn't great. -External media keys. handy in certain circumstances. -Windows Media Centre with or without TV Tuners. -100 in 1 memory card readers. Unless you find a laptop that has the type you want. -look for a parallel port only if you have an old printer.
And when you get it, read up on the extra pre-installed software and uninstall everything you don't want.
Morbid's link is a good place to start. If you zero in on a make and model check out their own support forums for bitching and moaning.
I've owned and worked on IBM, HP,Compaq, Dell, Sony, and Toshiba. The only one that I would AVOID AT ALL COSTS is Toshiba, nothing but problems. The nice thing about Dell is that they offer the extended on-site warranty. If you want to run Linux, I would stick with IBM or HP...just my thoughts.
I was stuck in the Dell mode ever since Consumer Reports rated Dell & Gateway top of the heap. (My daughter got a Gateway-WHAT a miserable PC that was.)
Posted - Aug 7 2006 : 11:59PM
