Looking for a laptop?? Got consumer reports info here!!

Guest20074 · Sep 11, 2003

Thanks for posting this info! I'm thinking of getting a laptop sometime in the future for class. If possible, could you email me the article?

dreamon · Sep 11, 2003

No problem, I will type it up for you today.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Sep 11, 2003

Thanks! I have been looking at maybe getting a laptop as well since both me and my husband are both in school and we both always want on the computer to do school stuff at the same time anymore..lol I think I might go with one of the Dell laptops.

Marilyn

SirJohnny · Sep 11, 2003

All:

- An one who uses laptops on an everyday basis for school,

here are some suggestions.

1. Get your laptop from a major vendor (Circuit-City, Sears,

Comp_USA, etc.) Why? You will need to get an extended

warranty -- and want to make sure company will be in

business 3 or 4 yrs down the road. This is why you DO NOT

buy laptops on ebay.

Your laptop will run around $1500 for laptop and warranty.

I would not try to save $200 or so and grab one from an

unknown person on ebay. The min service job (if you can

find someone to fix them), is around US$150. A new screen

will run US$500.

2. Weight -- does not matter. Even in an airport. You want to

get a stroller type luggage thing for airports. So weight

won't matter.

3. Warranty!!! Spend the extra $350 and get the 4-year

complete care (it's their fault if you drive over it with the car)

warranty. Why? These things WILL break.

4. Get copy of Windows XP Office. You will want to do your

papers in MS-Word. This is the industry standard -- so go

with it.

5. I like the 15 inch screen size. Seems to work well.

6. Speed: Anything over 1GhZ is good for class. Today's

market -- you will want 2GhZ or faster if you want to play

games. However, if you are in nursing school - you won't

have time for games of this magnitude. Just run pacman

on your 1GhZ machine.

7. Grab an extra battery or two. I study at coffee shops, etc,

and not all have outlets.

8. Make sure your laptop can take an Ethernet connection to

cable modem. Most of the new ones do -- but should ask.

9. Make sure you get a CDR/W drive -- use this to make

backups of your data.

10. Make sure you get a 3.5" floppy drive with machine. So you

can xfer data from your laptop to school machines. This is so

you can print out notes/homework/papers while in school

library.

11. I do ALL my studying on the laptop. I HATE to write page

after page of notes or papers by hand. Can't live without

a laptop.

Hope this helps.

John Coxey

essarge · Sep 11, 2003

Thanks John! That was very helpful. I do have one questions though. Do the laptops come with printer capability?

dreamon · Sep 11, 2003

Okay--here goes: LAPTOPS..Your Next Computer?

This year, the laptop has finally come into its own as a seriour alternative to th desktop computer. Laptops are no longer little machines intended for road warriors who are willing to sacrifice performance for portability.

Diminutive screens and cramped keyboards have been replaced by bigger screens and more usable key layouts. Processors, once lagging noticeably in speed, have caught up, and an innovative new processor provides some real advantages. Fast CD and DVD recoding drives are common, as are ample hard drives. And a growing interest in wireless computing plays to the laptop's main strength: it's portability.

Laptops have always performed well in our tests.The 16 covered in this report are no exception. Any of them can handle all the routine computing tasks: e-mail,word processing, finances,image handling, and casino games. That means you can make a choice based on other factors. Here are the major developments to keep in mind.

New chip on the block: The big news for Windows laptops is the Centrino, Intel's name for its Pentium M processor and allied circuitry. It's the first designed from the ground up for mobile computing and wireless connectivity.

The Centrino has other advantages for mobile computing that have nothing to do with wireless capability. Centrino-powered laptops deliver the longest battery life times we've seen. That can make a big difference for anyone who has to use a laptop in a classroom, on a plane, or anywhere else away from a power outlet. The Centrino machines generate less heat, so they don't require the kind of noisy cooling fan that others do. Centrino laptops were some of the quietest we've tested.

Lower prices: Though prices generally have fallen, the average laptop still costs about $1,500, or about $400 more than a garden-variety desktop unit. But prices on closeouts and no-frills, smaller-screen laptops often come within striking distance of desktop prices. If you want a lightweight laptop, Centrino technology, or one of the innovative Tablet PCs (more on that later), however, you'll pay a premium of $200 or more.

Bigger screens: Apple's top-line PowerBook was the first to feature a very large display- 17 inches, measured diagonnally. It's large enough to accomodate two readable Web pages side by side.

The display on other laptops (always an LCD) isn't exactly small. A 15in screen is commonplace.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Decide if a laptop is right for you.

If you're on a very tight budget and aren't cramped for space, a desktop computer may still be ok. Otherwise, consider a laptop.

Windows vs. Macintosh.

Most people will choose Windows because it's what they've always used. Apple's hardware will suit you if you're interested in simple photo editing, music, video, and other multimedia applications. For now, a Macintosh is the only entry to the wildly successful iTunes store for music downloads. The Apple PowerBook and iBook are expensive as laptops go, however.

Buy a la carte.

Dell and Gateway pioneered the notion that every computer can be tailored to an individual buyer's needs, like choosing the options on a car. This configure-to-order model is now the industry norm. It's still possible to but a pre-configured computer off the shelf. (You can do the same online if you opt for the default chioces of equipment that the manufacturer offers.) That's fine if you don't have very strict requiremants for how a laptop is outfitted or if you want to take advantage of an attractive sale. But we believe configure-to-order makes more sense.

Configure-to-order will often give you a choice of display resolutions or sizes: you won't get that if you buy off the shelf. And configure to order means less chance of overlooking important details. You may decide to use a less-expensive processor, for example, but spend more for wireless capability or better graphics.

Downplay the processor speed.

Speed is no longer the be-all of personal computers. For years, processors have delivered all the speed that mopst people need. That's still very much the case. A Pentium 4 processor with a speed of 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) and a Centrino at 1.4 GHz earned the same speed score in our tests. the different types of chips now on the market male direct speed comparison difficult. It doesn't pay to try.

Look closely at warranties and insurance.

Get the longest manufacturer's warranty you can afford: many offer one or two years above the basic one year warranty, for a price. if you intend to travel a lot, buy screen insurance from the manufacturer. If you take full advantage of the manufacturer's warranty/insurance, you won't need an extended warranty from the retailer.

The Laptop as Notepad.

Tablet Pcs, the latest twist on portable computers, use a version of Windows that allows them to interpret handwriting. They're equipped with a touch sensitive screen and penlike stylus that doubles as a mouse. We tested the toshiba Portege, a regular laptop that can become a Tablet PC when you flip the screen and lock it over the keyboard. The Windows software lets you write on the screen, then convert your longhand to editable printed text.

In our tests, the handwriting-to-type conversion worked well. The toshiba's screen is prone to glare from overhead lights, and its pen slips too easily on the glossy surface. You can display a pen-sensitive keyboard at any time to tap in letters (for fixing mistakes or giving commands). You can send your handwritten notes over the Internet to other Windows users, provided they have downloaded a free reader for tablet files.

The bottom line.

The Tablet Pc is a good idea, and Toshiba's convertible tablet-or-laptop design is versatile. But as a laptop, the Protege doesn't quite measure up to the others. It's low contrast scrreen,tinny sound, and low potential for upgrading dropped its score.

dreamon · Sep 11, 2003

this is the next part, I decided to send the first part separately because I am using dial-up (yuck!) at the moment while my new modem gets sent from the cable company. I didnt want the line to disconnect and lose everything I typed...

Thanks for bearing with me! Now the second part....Comparing Brands-

dreamon · Sep 11, 2003

Features that count/Things a well-dressed laptop will wear.

Diskette drive.

Found on a few Compaq, Dell, Gateway and HP machines and optional on others. the drive makes it possible to use older files and programs stored on diskette.

S-video output.

This allows yu to connect a laptop with aDVD drive to a TV set to play movies on disk or show presentations to groups.

Infared port.

This lets you synchronize data witha personal digital assistant or transfer a digital camera's images to the computer.

Card slots.

These accept credit-card-sized PC cards to add wireless capability or ead digital-camera memory cards. At least one card slot is standard.

Standby button.

This lets you instantly suspend your work, then resume quickly where you left off. It's better than the hibernate function. (Found on all the above laptops except: Compaq Presario 2500 and 2100; HP Pavilion ze5300 and ze4300; Sony Vaio PCG-Z1.

Modular Bay.

Holds a spare battery or a CD-ROM or diskette drive. A modular bay makes a laptop easier to use because you don't need to plug in an external drive. You can also remove a drive to save weight.

High-speed USB.

This port can deliver more than 40 times the speed of earlier USB ports, allowing for much faster transfer of files from a digital camera or a scanner.

Display.

Choices start with XGA (for extended graphics array), with a resolution of 1,024x768 picture elements, or pixels. Next comes SXGA (super XGA) at 1,280x1,024 pixels and SXGA+ at 1,400x1,050. Last comes UXGA (ultra XGA) at 1,600x1,200.

An XGA display should be fine in a basic configuration; otherwise opt for SXGA+ or better. Most laptop lines offer at least one upgrade from XGA.

BRANDS:

Apple Macintosh

Distinguished by sleek, soft white/silver styling and a friendly user interface. Costly, with configurations tied to screen size. Mac dropped diskette drives years ago. Limited configurability. Sold at independent reatilers, apple stores or at http://www.store.apple.com

Desktop Replacements:

iBook (14 in) $1400 to $1800. Very good no-frills laptop. Low-speed USB ports. No hard-drive activity light.

PowerBook (17 in) #3300. Widest screen found in laptops, good for watching DVDs, but you'll want headphones for good sound.

1-GHz PowerPC G4, DVD writer.

Lightweights:

iBook (12 in)

-$1000 to $1500.

-Compact 5-lb package

-small screen and battery, otherwise same as iBook 14 in.

PowerBook (12in, 15in)

-$1600 to $2600.

-Apple's slim, powerful G4-based laptops.

-15in has short,wide screen ideal for viewing DVDs

-Bottom of unit gets hot on AC power.

Compaq

Now owned by HP, the Compaq brand is being promoted for business and home office; we see little difference between Compaq and HP consumer lines. Sold at independent retailers, or online at http://www.shopping.hp.com

Desktop Replacements

Presario 2500

-$1000 to $2000

-typical perfomance and features

-one of the few with diskette drive

-pentium 4 or celeron, 14 or 15 in display

-fully configurable

-similar to HP ze5300

Presario 3000

-$1600 to $2200

-big, full feature laptop

-pentium 4 processor; 16in SXGA display

-60-GB hard drive

Lightweights

Presario 2100

-$800 to $1700

-a bit lighter and less expensive than 2500

-pentium 4 mobile, celeron or athlon

-14/15in screen

-built in diskette drive; similar to HP ze4200

-low speed USB

Presario X1000

-$1200 to $1600

-a multi media powerhouse

-wide, sharp display; big hard drive

-fully configurable

Dell

New laptops replace the somber, dark cases. Dell sells its lines of moderately priced, highly configurable laptops at store kiosks and online at http://www.dell.com

Desktop Replacements

Inspiron 1100

-$850 to $1600; buget model

-celeron or pentium 4

Inspiron 5100

-$1000 to $2000

-very good all around laptop

-pentium 4

Inspiron 5150

-$1400 to $2300

-like 5100, but better multimedia capabilities

-3 GHz pentium 4; available UXGA display; faster graphics

Inspiron 8500

-$1400 to $2800

-Dell's largest, with 15 1/2 display; pentium 4 mobile

Lightweights

Inspiron 500m

-$1100 to $2100

-modular bay; light enough to travel

-very good 14in display; no firewire

Inspiron 600m

-$1300 to $2400

- similar to 500m, with faster processor/graphics

-no firewire

-up to 1.7 GHz Centrino

Latitude X200

-$1500 to $2200

-Business oriented

-pentium 3 mobile

I will continue in about 30 minutes to an hour with the rest of the brands, Gateway, Hp, IBM,Sony, Toshiba.

dreamon · Sep 11, 2003

Gateway

A gray-and-silver exterior distinguishes these well-designed laptops. An S,X, or XL at the end of a model number indicates a default configuration; all Gateway laptops are fully configurable. Sold online at http://www.gateway.com or in Gateway stores.

Desktop Replacements

400

-$850 to $1900; Budget model; Pentium 4 or Celeron

600

-$1700 to $2800

-Big, full-featured model with 2 drive bays; fast graphics

-can play music cd with main power off

Lightweights

450

-$1600 to $2800

-excellent;high performing;single modular bay

-SXGA+

200

-$1700 to $2500

-lightweight Centrino model

-XGA dsiplay and internal combo drive

IBM

Many options, but they're arranged in confusing bundles, which makes configuration daunting. Prone to shipping delays, in our experience. Sold online at http://www.ibm.com

ThinkPad G

-$900 to $2000

-economy model; pentium 4

-diskette drive

ThinkPad A

-$1400 to $3300

-2 modular bays

-pentium 4 mobile

Lightweights

ThinkPad R

-$850 to $2500

-modular economy model;stick pad and pointing devices.

ThinkPad X

-$1700 to $3050

-less than $lbs but needs a dock with a bay to use the IBM combo drive, a costly 3 year warranty.

ThinkPad T

-$1700 to $3300

-High-end slim model

Sony

The most interesting styling among tested models, with sweeping lines and violetor silver trim. Sony goes its own way in many areas. among them: using shift keys for page and line navigation, including many multimedia content-creation programs. Sold at independent reatilers or online at http://www.sony.com.

Vaio PCG-GRT

-$1000 to $3200

-Full-size, fully configured, feature-laedn model with a modular bay.

-pentium 4 or Celeron

-14,15,16 in displays

Vaio PCG-FRV

-$1500 or $1700

-2 fixed confirguration models, the pricier one with a DVD burner

Lightweights

Vaio PCG-V505

-$1500 to $2400

-light; built in combo drive; somewhat cramped keyboard

-no antivirus program

Vaio PCG-Z1

-$2400 to $3500

-No antivirus program

-portable; more than 5hrs battery life

Toshiba

Long an innovator in laptops, Toshiba offers desktop replacements that emphasize multimedia and lightweights that focus on protability. Sold at independent retailers or online at http://www.csd.toshiba.com

Satellite A

-$1200 to $1900

-pentium 4 or celeron

-15-in XGA dsiplay

Satellite Pro M

-$1800 to $2100

-15 in XGA display; SD memory card slot

-pad and stick type pointing devices

Satellite 5205

-$2700

-Windows XP media center with built- in TV tuner and remote control.

-UXGA display; DVD burner

Lightweights

Protege 3500

-$1800 to $2500

-a new breed: a small laptop or, by rotating the 12 in display, a pen and tablet PC that can store or read your handwriting.

-SD memory card slot

-external DVD drive

Hope that helped!!

Reesa23 · Sep 16, 2003

We have the Toshiba Satellite S253 which is now over a year old and we like it very much. This is our second Toshiba laptop.

Mkue · Sep 17, 2003

One of my sons has a Gateway laptop and it's fantastic!