Laptop help

cstmar01

So my brother found out friday that he was let go and had a company computer that he was using and seeing his took a crap about 5 months ago was just using the company for everything.

My girlfriend and I want to help him out and buy him a laptop for christmas. I am not into computers these days and have no idea whats good, who's good, or what to look for.

Budget would be 600-700.
He wants to be able to:
Have a webcame built in.
Have HDMI to then connect to his TV.
Likes Intel for processor (don't know if better then AMD blah blah blah) this doesn't REALLY matter just what he stated but if AMD is better then please tell me)
Wants wireless card.
Have Micro office for word, excel, etc.
Doesn't care about battery life or anything just wants something that is going to hold up.
He said screen size isn't the biggest factor or anything like that.

Any help would be appreciated as I never deal with laptops nor know whats good etc.

is this one any good?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavilion+Laptop+/+AMD+Phenom%26%23153%3B+II+Processor+/+17.3%22+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+640GB+Hard+Drive+-+Brushed+Aluminum/1260564.p?id=1218243758022&skuId=1260564

Sherardp

Dell or HP. Configure it to your specs as mentioned above. For CPU I'd go for something with an i5 or i7 processor.

Toolfan66

Dell.........

Outfitter03

Are you looking to buy new or used?

Is your budget for the laptop, or the laptop and software. The Microsoft Suite itself is kinda pricey?

I bought my laptop last year through Costco. I don't know if you have Costco in your area or if you are a member. Costco extends a two year warranty for free on all of it's electronics.

I don't claim to be any kind of a laptop expert, but what I like about the one I bought, media version (cost about $800 with tax) and would look for if buying again.

500 gb hard drive.
4 gb memory
Good graphics card with 1GB video memory.
Blue Ray DVD disk reader
The preceding two items are great to go with the HDMI out. Mine is an HP and comes with a small remote that docks inside computer to operate DVD, CD as a media center.
A memory card reader installed for downloading of pictures.
eSata connection. I use this with external hard drive dock. I upgraded my HD to a 7200 rpm drive and copied(ghosted including operating system) all the software over with free version of Casper. Took a total of 30 minutes including install.
Web Cam
Wireless N

Link to this years model, faster processor, more memory, a finger print reader for James Bond types and a little over $100 more!

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11610143&whse=BC&Ne=5000001+4000000&eCat=BC|84|56670&N=4047229%204294967277&Mo=15&pos=1&No=1&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC5-Cat84&topnav=

Hope this helps.

AudioGenics

really sorry to hear about your brother and hope
is able to find a new opportunity quickly
It is bad it happen just at the holidays.

HP is a great choice !

cstmar01

thanks for the info.

Who is supposed to be the better processor though, AMD or Intel? and why.

kawizx9r

I'd suggest Dell.

Had bad experiences with several HP's, especially their DV series. Found out later that tens of thousands of people had the same issue which happened around the same time (11 mo's-1yr 2mo's later). Worst thing is, there wasn't even a recall...it was very close to being recalled but wasn't in the end.

Dell on the otherhand has always outlasted everything else I've owned (other than the systems I build myself) and their CS is top notch.

messiah

I think Dell completely sucks. If you gave me a Dell for free I'd sell it, buy something else, and let someone else enjoy the headache.

Sorry Freddy, but from my experience Dell's cs is f'n useless. Their answer is usually something like "gee, I'm really sorry our product sucks, would you like another one?" Why would I want another sh!tty product??!!

They build in crap that is completely unnecessary as well.

I'd buy a disney mickey mouse computer before I bought another dell.

kawizx9r

messiah wrote: »

I think Dell completely sucks. If you gave me a Dell for free I'd sell it, buy something else, and let someone else enjoy the headache.

Sorry Freddy, but from my experience Dell's cs is f'n useless. Their answer is usually something like "gee, I'm really sorry our product sucks, would you like another one?" Why would I want another sh!tty product??!!

They build in crap that is completely unnecessary as well.

I'd buy a disney mickey mouse computer before I bought another dell.

Lmao

No problem bro. That Inspiron you had, do you still have it? I remember you talking down on it but I had that same model laptop for years (even took it to Iraq a few times) and it served me well. I did have issues with their CS (outsourced) but it was only until I got with their Tech department that they helped me out and hooked me up.

Sorry to hear about your experience though! But it seems like yours was as bad as my experience with HP was

messiah

kawizx9r wrote: »

Lmao

No problem bro. That Inspiron you had, do you still have it? I remember you talking down on it but I had that same model laptop for years (even took it to Iraq a few times) and it served me well. I did have issues with their CS (outsourced) but it was only until I got with their Tech department that they helped me out and hooked me up.

Sorry to hear about your experience though! But it seems like yours was as bad as my experience with HP was

It's my wife's and we still have it and she hates it. After Dell "fixed" it, it has more problems than ever. I'll get her a new laptop after the holidays. She'll need it for school.

I doubt most people have failure issues, and most dell users are probably happy. I just can't and won't recommend them.

messiah

Oh, and if you're asking if I still have it because you want it, well sorry bro, that would be bad karma, and I just can't afford that

inspiredsports

Dell online, or you might PM Polkie cokewithvanilla to see if he has a line on anything as he sold dozens of very robust HP's to others here. I purchased 3 six months ago that have been flawless.

As far as the Dell bashing, I have about 60 in use at customer sites and here in the office ranging from less than 1 to more than 7 years old and can't remember the last hardware failure, but I'm sure there was one. In fairness, only about 30% are laptops so I should say I currently have experience with 18.

cstmar01

I'm currently typing this from a Dell.

They are OK but feel that sometimes there are better out there and just getting a feel.

Also regarding processing power my brother wants to be able run autocad which is a pretty heavy program on the system.

Processor then for sure I should stick to or any thing still be good.

Also my budget I could go more if that really is what I would need but don't want to break anything over 1K mark.

Gadabout

For personal laptops... I prefer toshiba's. I have had 2 of them and they both have lasted 3.5 years with daily use till I decide it's time to buy a new one. Also, that being said, work always buys Dells. I have no issues with Dell, but some of the other guys seem to have breakdown issues. (Maybe I just take better care of my stuff)

I'm sure you can find several models to meet your price range.

For laptops, I also prefer Intel processors. They seem to run a bit cooler than the AMD processors and in the laptop format that is desirable. Desktops, doesn't really matter to me.

For doing AutoCad. Don't get a centrino processor. Those are for lighter duty (less number cycles) AutoCad will appreciate the full blow processor. The other option would be to get a laptop with a video card (vs. using the integrated graphics on the motherboard). It will cost you a bit more, but if he is doing a lot of Auto Cad, then it will make his life easier.

As far as an office program, I would suggest Open Office. (openoffice.org) It's freeware and will do most everything that the full version of Microsoft Office will do. It will just take a bit to relearn new menu and button locations.

Scott

messiah

Go Alienware for graphics intensive stuff. There are deals to be had.

AudioGenics

some more HP holiday advertisement "specials"

http://p.p0.com/YesConnect/HtmlMessagePreview?a=2CSV--uP1xrqASdNqisK6CDP&msgVersion=web

inspiredsports

cstmar01 wrote: »

I'm currently typing this from a Dell.

They are OK but feel that sometimes there are better out there and just getting a feel.

Also regarding processing power my brother wants to be able run autocad which is a pretty heavy program on the system.

Processor then for sure I should stick to or any thing still be good.

Also my budget I could go more if that really is what I would need but don't want to break anything over 1K mark.

It's cool that you want to make the buy and have the laptop under the tree with a bow on it, but I'm thinking out loud that you may consider giving him a gift certificate. That way he can configure the machine that he thinks is best for his needs.

ryanjoachim

I agree with the gift card comment.

If he wants to do programs like Autocad, he'll be looking at specs like this:

i5+ cpu (if you wait till around Feb, AMD should have it's new CPU line out and will be very competitively priced)
4GB ram (minimum. 6GB would probably be prefered for CAD)
A dedicated graphics card
An SSD - really helps when using those types of design programs

A larger screen (17"+) would probably be preferred for him, but if he can output to a TV or larger monitor, then the importance of the laptop monitor size diminishes.

renowilliams

cstmar01 wrote: »

So my brother found out friday that he was let go and had a company computer that he was using and seeing his took a crap about 5 months ago was just using the company for everything.

My girlfriend and I want to help him out and buy him a laptop for christmas. I am not into computers these days and have no idea whats good, who's good, or what to look for.

Budget would be 600-700.
He wants to be able to:
Have a webcame built in.
Have HDMI to then connect to his TV.
Likes Intel for processor (don't know if better then AMD blah blah blah) this doesn't REALLY matter just what he stated but if AMD is better then please tell me)
Wants wireless card.
Have Micro office for word, excel, etc.
Doesn't care about battery life or anything just wants something that is going to hold up.
He said screen size isn't the biggest factor or anything like that.

Any help would be appreciated as I never deal with laptops nor know whats good etc.

is this one any good?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavilion+Laptop+/+AMD+Phenom%26%23153%3B+II+Processor+/+17.3%22+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+640GB+Hard+Drive+-+Brushed+Aluminum/1260564.p?id=1218243758022&skuId=1260564

I have had great experiences with Lenovo laptops. The build quality IMHO is second to none. I bought my wife one used last year with an intel Centrino 2.8 GHZ duel core, 4 gig of memory,onboard HD graphics,for $400.00. She uses it everyday and there has been no issues.

renowilliams

cstmar01 wrote: »

So my brother found out friday that he was let go and had a company computer that he was using and seeing his took a crap about 5 months ago was just using the company for everything.

My girlfriend and I want to help him out and buy him a laptop for christmas. I am not into computers these days and have no idea whats good, who's good, or what to look for.

Budget would be 600-700.
He wants to be able to:
Have a webcame built in.
Have HDMI to then connect to his TV.
Likes Intel for processor (don't know if better then AMD blah blah blah) this doesn't REALLY matter just what he stated but if AMD is better then please tell me)
Wants wireless card.
Have Micro office for word, excel, etc.
Doesn't care about battery life or anything just wants something that is going to hold up.
He said screen size isn't the biggest factor or anything like that.

Any help would be appreciated as I never deal with laptops nor know whats good etc.

is this one any good?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavilion+Laptop+/+AMD+Phenom%26%23153%3B+II+Processor+/+17.3%22+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+640GB+Hard+Drive+-+Brushed+Aluminum/1260564.p?id=1218243758022&skuId=1260564

I have had great experiences with Lenovo laptops. The build quality IMHO is second to none. I bought my wife one used last year with a 2.8 GHZ duel core, 4 gig of memory,onboard HD graphics,for $400.00. She uses it everyday and there has been no issues.

nguyendot

Dell precision, or latitude.
HP pro series
IBM...any series
Toshiba- i never had a good experience with them, on all their lines. They probably are the most broken I've ever seen, and I used to repair them all.
I'm not biased to any of them. I have 3 Dells, 2 hps, and no more toshibas. I had a Latitude D620 that lasted forever and got dropped from 4ft onto a hard floor, kicked, flipped, etc... and it still works. The E6400 that replaced it was even better, and fits all of your required specs. The DisplayPort can run vga, hdmi, dvi, etc.
My hp DV9000 series has lasted me OK. It did require a repair of the LCD hinge as it snapped in half, but other than that it's worked out great for me.

My precision work station has been the best laptop so far, but I guarantee will be out of your price range.

I've heard mixed reviews on Asus too...

As stated before -everyone has entry level machines, and all brands have bad cases like Messiah. Make sure you get a good warranty I wouldn't recommend the inspiron line of Dell - I've got two and they've been perfect, but I also fixed them for 3 years.... so it's a toss up.

wayne3burk

I got my wife a Dell Inspiron 17" i5 4gb Ram 500Gb HD DVD writer HDMI out Window 7 Home Edition for $649 when it was on sale at Staples (Mother's Day? or maybe February on our anniversary).

I think it is a pretty awesome laptop -- I'd kinda like one myself.

I think they're on sale this last black friday / cyber monday at staples for $749. I guess some things just don't come down in price like they should and we were lucky to get the deal on her's that we did when we did.

gl

-- wayne --

nguyendot

Oh if you want to save some money on a Dell laptop.. I have a coupon to karma out. It's 17% or something like that. AND it stacks on ANY other deal, and other coupons. Even if they say not combinable/stackable. I never use mine and they always expire.

Fireman32

I would stay away from Dell. I would sugest HP or Lenovo. Or buy a used Mac off of craigslist as long as it has the intel processor. I have been seeing good machines for around 500 and you can run office on it.

cstmar01

Well the problem is right now seeing he's without a computer we are trying to kinda do it quick and get him one ASAP.He told me he's not too picky and that he would rather me research it a bit and get him one as he's busy right now looking for jobs and doesn't have the time to research this stuff.

He's also busy with his daughter and with his wife being with their 2nd kid has a lot of stress so I took it upon myself to try and find him something and just get it for him in probably a week or so as a gift so he can try and get some stuff done and not constantly running to the library anytime he needs to use the internet etc as that is a nice way to look for a job.

I've been trying to read who is supposed to be better still for a more intensive graphics/application for the processor.

So far I'm leaning toward something with a graphics card and then a Intel i5 or i3 as they seem to be able to handle a bit more than the AMD's.

Is that right? or is it a horse a piece? I've had bad experience with Dell personally and I know he likes Mac's but I would have to find out if autocad can be run on a mac etc or how to do it. He wants to be able to do some side work until he can find a perm job and what he does would be made a lot easier if he has the auto cad and a machine to run it on. he already has autoCAD for a PC soooo I don't think he would really want to buy it for a Mac as its pretty expensive....

Also mac is going to be out of my budget right now with other stuff going on. As I would probably be above the 1K range easily...

ben62670

If you go Intel stay far away from centrino. They are very very slow. My old PIII 700 keeps up with my centrino. I prefer AMD for most apps. Just stay away from Sony.

ryanjoachim

cstmar01 wrote: »

Well the problem is right now seeing he's without a computer we are trying to kinda do it quick and get him one ASAP.He told me he's not too picky and that he would rather me research it a bit and get him one as he's busy right now looking for jobs and doesn't have the time to research this stuff.

He's also busy with his daughter and with his wife being with their 2nd kid has a lot of stress so I took it upon myself to try and find him something and just get it for him in probably a week or so as a gift so he can try and get some stuff done and not constantly running to the library anytime he needs to use the internet etc as that is a nice way to look for a job.

I've been trying to read who is supposed to be better still for a more intensive graphics/application for the processor.

So far I'm leaning toward something with a graphics card and then a Intel i5 or i3 as they seem to be able to handle a bit more than the AMD's.

Is that right? or is it a horse a piece? I've had bad experience with Dell personally and I know he likes Mac's but I would have to find out if autocad can be run on a mac etc or how to do it. He wants to be able to do some side work until he can find a perm job and what he does would be made a lot easier if he has the auto cad and a machine to run it on. he already has autoCAD for a PC soooo I don't think he would really want to buy it for a Mac as its pretty expensive....

Also mac is going to be out of my budget right now with other stuff going on. As I would probably be above the 1K range easily...

To make it easy for you:

Anything with an Intel i* cpu will be best in this situation (5 or 7).
Make sure it has at least 4GB of memory (which means a 64-bit OS).
If you can only find a 3GB model, you could get away with that.
A dedicated graphics card (no on-board) is a must for his uses. Both Nvidia and AMD are equal in this respect.

vmaxer

I am not trying to hijack, if I need to start another thread, let me know. I am considering this Dell, what does everyone think about it?? May work for the OP too???

Inspiron 14R Inspiron 14R

Quantity: 1

Item Number Item Description
225-0017
Inspiron 14R
317-4584
New 2010 Intel® Core™ i3-370M (2.4GHz, 4Threads, 3M cache)
317-3781
4GB DDR3 Shared Dual Channel Memory + 500GB 5400RPM HDD
320-1356
14.0" High Definition (720p) LED Display with TrueLife™
320-1569
ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD550v, 128-Bit, DDR3 1GB
313-9410
Mars Black
330-6222
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit
430-3605
Integrated 10/100 Network Card
410-1883
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 9.0
313-9403
8X CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive) - w/ Roxio Burn 1.0
313-4783
High Definition Audio 2.2, Support SRS™ Premium Sound
430-0761
Dell Wireless DW1501, 802.11 g/n 1x1 Half Mini Card
313-9420
Integrated 1.3M Pixel Webcam
410-0487
No Productivity Software
410-2488
McAfee SecurityCenter, 15-Months
312-0231
Lithium Ion Battery (6-Cell) – Up to 5 hours, 15 minutes of battery life*
420-8878
1 Year Basic Service Plan
420-8655
1 year LoJack for Laptops Standard Theft Protection
420-9518
Dell Online Backup 2GB for 1 year
430-3879
Dell Wireless 365 Internal Bluetooth (V2.1 + EDR)





Subtotal: $699.99
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
Tax: $64.41

Total Price w/Discounts: $764.40

bigaudiofanatic

Stay away from dell I know this has said before but even the admin I work under in the IT department says it. Go with acer asus or sony all are good and reliable.

nguyendot

ben62670 wrote: »

If you go Intel stay far away from centrino. They are very very slow. My old PIII 700 keeps up with my centrino. I prefer AMD for most apps. Just stay away from Sony.

Dude, you have no idea what you're talking about.

Centrino is a combination of parts....

Intel cpu, intel wifi, intel motherboard.

The fastest laptops are Centrino labeled....
Core i7, wireless N intel, intel mobo in a laptop....
That said, any "centrino" pentium-m or core based unit will blow away a pentium 3... Anything centrino based is Pentium M, or higher, which is 2 generations newer. The benchmarks are out there and its well known. If your centrino is that slow, you have a configuration or software issue.

ryanjoachim

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

Stay away from dell I know this has said before but even the admin I work under in the IT department says it. Go with acer asus or sony all are good and reliable.

In my school district (4000+ kids) we ONLY use Dell laptops. I have 120 Latitude laptops ranging from D505's to D520's and they are all in very good condition for how old they are.

Dell has had more than it's fair share of trouble with shoddy parts and such, but I wouldn't tell someone NOT to buy them just because my opinion is just that: an opinion.

Do research before-hand, that's my suggestion. Find out the CURRENT track record for any manufacturer you are looking at purchasing from.