New laptop recommendations

[Klato]

Hi guys,

I've had a Dell Inspiron 4150 for the past few years, and it's actually held up quite nicely. Been around the world and back, and the only real problem I had was a fried motherboard (although that's a pretty serious problem eh?). No worries though, because I had it under warranty and got a replacement.

Anyway, I just tried upgrading my hard drive, only to find that I had a screwy ATA-5 connection in there, and I don't think anyone even sells those drives anymore. My touchpad is also failing, and the clicking buttons/tapping functions rarely work now. Which means I have a wireless USB mouse...but I've only 1 USB 1.1 port, so I can't connect my iPod at the same time! Anyways, you get the idea...the system's old. To sum up:

1. I'm sickeningly low on HD space, and always have to remove programs, shuffle stuff around just to do anything (hell I can barely hibernate)

1. I've got mouse failure

1. Only 1 USB port, when I have 3 USB devices (tried PCMCIA USB 2.0 card...didn't work too well)

Basically I think it might be time for a new laptop. What do you guys think? Here's what I currently do with my 2-user laptop:

• web browsing (usually with 4-5 tabs open at a time)

• chatting

• office apps

• watching videos (dvds and downloaded stuff)

• listening to music

If I do get a new system, I would probably blow out Windows and install Ubuntu on there, just because I don't feel like upgrading to Vista, want something free, want to learn something new (well, I'm not a total linux newb, heh). I'd also want to mess around with compiz/beryl at some point, so a semi-decent modern graphics card would be a requirement.

So there it is. I've been reading the forums, and it sounds like Asus, Dell, or IBM (Or is it Lenovo now? Wtf?) are the way to go...

Any suggestions?

 

[Commodus]

I don't think there's much point to getting a 'free' OS if you've already paid for Windows. Upgrades will be free, but will also require quite a bit of work.

Have you considered a MacBook? I don't know if you can use compiz/beryl on it, but Apple makes an X11 client, and you probably don't need to worry about recompiling as much now that a Mac uses the same CPU architecture as most Linux PCs. OpenOffice runs on the Mac and there's a "Macified" port called NeoOffice. More importantly, you can go out and buy a copy of Microsoft Office if you need it - can't do that with Ubuntu unless you really trust WINE to use it properly. You could run Linux in Parallels Desktop if you wanted.

As for graphics... well, that depends on whether you'll even need compiz/beryl and just how demanding it really is. The Intel GMA950 definitely isn't fast but it's modern enough to make OS X (which uses 3D acceleration for the 2D interface) feel fast. If your budget allows you can get a MacBook Pro.

Before I finish, I should say that I won't only recommend Apple, but I'm hesitant to look at ASUS and only like the higher-end equipment from Dell and Lenovo. I will say that the HP dv2000t or dv6000t is probably a good choice if you've just gotta get something other than Apple.

 

[cheesehead]

First, I would consider patching up your current laptop. A new touchpad and palmrest is 30$ shipped from eBay, and you could add another 512mb of RAM for about 40$. With 768mb+ of DDR and a properly configured install of Mepis, Ubuntu, or whatever, it should be plenty for your requirements. You might even be able to beef up the video card, although this would be a bit trickier than an easy touchpad replacement and RAM installation.

Link to Bezel:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250031550391&category=31534

If you want a machine for CPU brawn but not video power, the MacBook (non-pro) is a very nice option. The dual-core 1.83ghz Core Duo is a strong performer, and the combination of a 4-hour battery life (according to my friend, who owns one), good build quality, and a low pricetag of 1100$ (1,000$ for academic customers), you have a nice machine for video and audio editing.

On the other hand, if this is ALL you do, I would consider moving to a Lenovo. I just bought a refurbished X40 from a liscensed reseller for 650$, and that includes a 1-year warranty. Add another 512mb of RAM for about 40-50$, and you have a great machine that will not only last a long time, but with the extended battery, get 6+ hours of battery life. (And the 2.7lb weight is nothing to sneeze at, either.)

Lenovo also has a very high degree of compatibility with Linux. From what I've seen, it's easier to run FreeBSD on the IBM z50 (which is essentially a PalmPilot with an 8" screen and a keyboard) than it is to run just about any flavor of Linux on many Dells.

 

[tatteredpotato]

I wouldnt spend money on the mac if the idea was to get used to a free OS. I just ordered a Compaq V3000 that sounds like it might be a good fit for you, although the graphics may be a little underpowered (GMA950). I configured it with 512 megs of ram, 60 Gig HDD, 1.8 Core Solo for right about $650. It can be upgraded to a Core Duo if you'd like, and of course a little more memory, but that all will still put u hundreds below any Mac Notebook.

 

[cheesehead]

Originally posted by: BlameCanada
I wouldnt spend money on the mac if the idea was to get used to a free OS. I just ordered a Compaq V3000 that sounds like it might be a good fit for you, although the graphics may be a little underpowered (GMA950). I configured it with 512 megs of ram, 60 Gig HDD, 1.8 Core Solo for right about $650. It can be upgraded to a Core Duo if you'd like, and of course a little more memory, but that all will still put u hundreds below any Mac Notebook.

The MacBook non-Pro weighs less and has better battery life.

 

[tatteredpotato]

Originally posted by: Cheesehead

Originally posted by: BlameCanada
I wouldnt spend money on the mac if the idea was to get used to a free OS. I just ordered a Compaq V3000 that sounds like it might be a good fit for you, although the graphics may be a little underpowered (GMA950). I configured it with 512 megs of ram, 60 Gig HDD, 1.8 Core Solo for right about $650. It can be upgraded to a Core Duo if you'd like, and of course a little more memory, but that all will still put u hundreds below any Mac Notebook.

The MacBook non-Pro weighs less and has better battery life.

And Costs much more. You can get the 12 cell for that thing to make it got for almost 6 hours, although its not as convieniant because it sticks out the bottom. I'm not saying the MacBook is not nice, its just not for everyone.

 

[cheesehead]

Originally posted by: BlameCanada

Originally posted by: Cheesehead

Originally posted by: BlameCanada
I wouldnt spend money on the mac if the idea was to get used to a free OS. I just ordered a Compaq V3000 that sounds like it might be a good fit for you, although the graphics may be a little underpowered (GMA950). I configured it with 512 megs of ram, 60 Gig HDD, 1.8 Core Solo for right about $650. It can be upgraded to a Core Duo if you'd like, and of course a little more memory, but that all will still put u hundreds below any Mac Notebook.

The MacBook non-Pro weighs less and has better battery life.

And Costs much more. You can get the 12 cell for that thing to make it got for almost 6 hours, although its not as convieniant because it sticks out the bottom. I'm not saying the MacBook is not nice, its just not for everyone.

True, but I don't want to take an HP monster "around the world". Having seen some of the less expensive HP notebooks, I can say that not only is a MacBook much less likely to dislocate your shoulder, their spiffy rounded polycarbonate shells hold up very well.

 

[tatteredpotato]

Also true, but his list of requirements doesn't list the ability to be ultra portable. Even so your shot at HP isn't very accurate. Apples website puts the 13" MacBook at 5.2 pounds. Compare that to the 5.3 pounds of the 14" HP dv2000 series notebooks. They also come equipped with their "imprint finish" for improved durability and better looks.

 

[alimoalem]

i agree with Blame Canada, HP is a good option. i just got the dv2000t and i really like it...and this is coming from a previous ibm/lenovo-only laptop user. my only complaint is the battery life but with a 12-cell you shouldn't have to worry about that.

it's portable and a couple hundred cheaper than the macbook. for $35, you can add a GeForce Go7200. i got mine with a 1.6GHz Core Duo, 14.1" BrightView upgrade, 1gb ram, 80gb hdd, dvd-burner, and 6-cell battery for a little over $800. i don't think it's a bad deal and it looks good.

i wouldn't recommend against getting a used thinkpad but sometimes you don't know what you're getting when you buy something 2nd hand

 

[cheesehead]

Originally posted by: alimoalem
i agree with Blame Canada, HP is a good option. i just got the dv2000t and i really like it...and this is coming from a previous ibm/lenovo-only laptop user. my only complaint is the battery life but with a 12-cell you shouldn't have to worry about that.

it's portable and a couple hundred cheaper than the macbook. for $35, you can add a GeForce Go7200. i got mine with a 1.6GHz Core Duo, 14.1" BrightView upgrade, 1gb ram, 80gb hdd, dvd-burner, and 6-cell battery for a little over $800. i don't think it's a bad deal and it looks good.

i wouldn't recommend against getting a used thinkpad but sometimes you don't know what you're getting when you buy something 2nd hand

Not used, REFURBISHED. Through a liscensed IBM reseller, so you get a warranty.

A T40 can be had for about 700$. It's not super-powerful, but it's adequate for basic tasks and music, the battery life is good, and they're very reliable.