Need to buy a non-Dell laptop pc. Any recommendations?

[Helga Scow Stern]

I want a 15" screen, dvd burning capabilities, good sound quality.


It will be my desktop pc too.

[SKKY]

1. I just recently built my own PC and saved a TON 'O Money...

And I recommend you do the same, if you feel so inclined. Here's the particulars. Everything was purchased at Fry's in San Diego, but some on-line shopping could save you even more.

Intel D915GEVL Motherboard for the 775 CPU - $109.00
Intel Pentium IV 3.0 ghz processor - $186.00
Sony Dual Layer Multi-Format DVD Writer - $79.00
2 x 512 DDR2 533mhz RAM - $159.00
Seagate 250gb SATA hard drive - $199.00 (before $50 rebate)
128mb PCI-Express Video card - $119.00

Some things I cannibalized from my old computer and used them for this (floppy drive, NIC, etc) which also saved me lots of money.

[Helga Scow Stern]

2. Wow. That sounds like the way to go for a desktop, but I need a laptop.

I don't suppose there's any way to do that, is there?

Thanks for that excellent list, in any case. How did you know how to put everything together?

[SKKY]

3. There's tons of info on-line, How-to guides that show you...

...step-by-step. It's really not hard. I don't know if any way to build your own laptop. If you have the $$, Alienware makes fantastic laptops, or "desk-top replacements" as they like to call them. The Sony line is nice also.

[Helga Scow Stern]

5. Thanks for telling me about Alienware. The marketing is sure seductive...

how to justify spending the extra money....:shrug:?


on edit:
Any opinion about the configuration? Anything that stands out? Is there anything that might be more valuable to me than something else (given that I don't plan on playing games on it.) My impulse is always to get the fastest, etc., but money is an object.

And in particular, do you know about the optical drive selections?

Why have two? And is the dual layer compatible with playing devices, or just for storage?

Primary Optical Drive More Info


All DVD Drives include Cyberlink PowerDVD 5 DVD playback software (a $49.95 value). All CD-RW drives shown below include Nero 6 CD writing software (a $69.99 value). All DVD±RW drives shown below include Nero 6 CD/DVD writing software (a $69.99 value) and Cyberlink PowerDVD 5 DVD playback software (a $49.95 value).

24x10x24 CD-RW / 8X DVD Combo w/Software MPEG2 Decoder
8X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW / 24X CD-RW Combo w/Software <+74 or $3/mo.>



Secondary Optical Drive More Info

All DVD Drives include Cyberlink PowerDVD 5 DVD playback software (a $49.95 value). All CD-RW drives shown below include Nero 6 CD writing software (a $69.99 value). All DVD±RW drives shown below include Nero 6 CD/DVD writing software (a $69.99 value) and Cyberlink PowerDVD 5 DVD playback software (a $49.95 value).

24x10x24 CD-RW / 8X DVD Combo w/Software MPEG2 Decoder <+84 or $3/mo.>

8X Dual Layer DVD+/-RW / 24X CD-RW Combo w/Software - Easy Disc Backup <+158 or $5/mo.>
None


Any input is much appreciated. :hi:

[SKKY]

13. Personally, I wouldn't have a need for 2 optical drives...

...The Dual layer's primary advantage is storage, although It also allows you to make a "back-up" of a DVD, since almost all of them are written to dual layer disks, and not have to compress it onto 1 4.7GB disk.

If you don't play video games, I don't think you'll need the top 'O the line video card. If this is going to be a "workstation" that will run some pretty intensive programs, (VMWare, ProE, ETC.), stick in as much ram as it will hold, and get the fastest hard drive they offer. You can always upgrade the video card with Alienware if you need more graphics power, or do in fact "become" a gamer later on.

Another advantage to Alienware is the ability to upgrade certain features (Video Card come to mind). They were the first company to offer this.

All marketing aside, Alienware puts quality components in their machines, be it Desktop or Laptop. I probably would have purchased an Alienware machine if I could have afforded it.

[Helga Scow Stern]

7. I have an old Sony laptop, which has been really good all these years,

since 1999. It is one of those tiny things that you can just put in your bag, less that 8.5x11 inches. I use it for my desktop, but it is woefully inadequate now. My only complaints aside from its outdatedness, are that the modem port breaks easily, and I have to keep the adapter in with tape.... :dunce: I loved it because it was so quiet compared to the desktop that sits under my desk unused.

Of course it is too small to ever work on except in an emergency, so I have it hooked up to a monitor and keyboard.

[trotsky]

4. I have had the best experience with Toshibas.

They are just bulletproof. One was dropped down a flight of stairs - cracked the screen, dented the case, but still powered up just fine. Another was in a car crash - it was in the carrying bag but not restrained at all. It, too, lost its screen but served as a desktop machine just fine when in its docking station.

I'm sure the features you want are available in pretty much any manufacturer's line, but if I were to buy my own laptop it would be a Toshiba. Or maybe an IBM.

[Helga Scow Stern]

6. Do you know anything about the sound quality of Toshiba?

I looked at IBM, but heard the sound quality is lacking. These things never would have mattered before, but now I figure, why not?, since I spend so many hours a day at the damned thing.

[alfredo]

8. If you want sound quality, try

the PowerBooks. Still, without external speakers, you are stuck with the tiny speakers that fit into laptops.

[NuttyFluffers]

19. if they really wants good sound quality...

they'd look up the sound cards or sound processors if they are on the motherboard.

generally a solid soundcard or on board processor and a good set of headphones should take care of most people.

the headphones and speakers are more important i think, because, unless you are getting a dirt cheap processor in the system, for the most part the speakers are going to make more of a difference.

[Osamasux]

10. IBM sound depends on the model.

It is not a requirement for the business units. The home units like the old "i" series had great speakers.

[Osamasux]

9. IBM Thinkpad.

I've had a few, support a bunch. They are built well. They are one of the only two real laptop innovators, along with Toshiba. Everyone else are just copycats.

Look at the various models. The DVD burner will be a slide in replacement for the stock DVD drive. (I think the current version is called UltraBay Thin II or something.)

The built in wireless capability is pretty good.

Check out their website for the various models. Weight versus price. Business versus home use. Also, look into their refurb section for good discounts.

For good sound quality, it was the "i" series for a while. I am not sure if that is still the model. The sound on my old 1611 was fantastic. We used to play CDs on it at the job sites instead of bringing a radio.

They give you BOTH the touchpad and 'track point' eraser-head type mouse pointers, so you can pick which one you prefer and turn the other off.

[democracyindanger]

11. Why is sound important?

Would help to know exactly what you need it for.

[gulfcoastliberal]

12. HP Pavilion laptops are highly rated as desktop replacements

I recently bought a Pavilion ZV5000 off Ebay for $1,000. It has a 15" widescreen, P4 3 GHZ, dvd burner, 60 GB drive, 750 MB RAM, firewire, 3 USBs, and a 4 in 1 flash card reader.

Check out CNET for many reviews:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Notebooks/2001-3121_7-0.html?tag=cnetfd.dir

[Helga Scow Stern]

14. I ended up getting a WidowPC....

I was going to get Alienware, but was not happy with the online chat service--just not a good portent of what was to come.

Then I found a company that makes the same computer, but at a lower price, WidowPC. Plus, I'll get the laptop in a few days instead of having to wait until February 11.

I will have to sacrifice having a green or blue case with alien eyes on it, but thems the breaks!

These are "gaming PCs". I don't play computer games, but they seem well outfitted.

[WLKjr]

15. TOSHIBA SATELLITE

They have some damn good models, pretty durable, and some are a good price for good hardware.

I have an older HP that has taken a beating too, and still works. IBM is another good one if you are needing something that can also take a beating.




But the inner geek is telling me...............buy a mac..........buy an iBook.............mac..................iBook.......... :)

[Endangered Specie]

16. Toshiba or IBM are good...

but I dont see why Dell has been excluded :shrug: Ive had one of their laptops serve me fine for 3 years or hard labor and abuse. Maybe it was an exception?

[KitchenWitch]

17. Dell is a notorious contributor to the rethugs

[NuttyFluffers]

18. buy a mac.

because i like flame wars.

:evilgrin: