someone recommend a laptop for me

[nageov3t]

I need a laptop for surfing the web on the couch in my living room... I currently use a gigantic desktop-replacement laptop for this, but I'm looking for something a bit more portable (perhaps something that doesn't require a dedicated table to support its weight/heat and that I could toss in my bag to take to work without breaking my back).

an ipad might be perfect for this except most of my web surfing is spent on various forums. a physical keyboard and support for tabbed browsing are an absolute must, and preferably a full-sized keyboard. I wouldn't say no to any other Apple product if it otherwise fit my needs, though.

I've got an HP mini 1000 that might fit the bill, but it really doesn't have enough power under the hood and given the choice, I'd rather have something with a bigger screen... I keep it at my desk at work and use it for listening to music, but it feels like it always really lags down when I've got multiple tabs open (and especially when on multimedia-heavy sites)

 

[amdhunter]

I think a few people here might disagree, but I absolutely love the Gateway ID series. The only problem is, I am not sure if the trackpad light (yes trackpad light) can be disabled. If it can't, well that would just suck.

http://www.gateway.com/programs/idseries/index.php

 

[TheStu]

Those don't look terrible. A backlit trackpad is a bit... odd though.

OP, if you were to get a Mac, would you use OS X or Windows? If Windows, then just get a PC. The main advantages (in my eyes) of a Mac are lost once you leave OS X (namely, the trackpad loses its edge, the battery life goes down, and you don't have OS X).

If you are cool with OS X, then you can get a 13" MBP for ~$1000 refurbed. 2.4GHz Core 2 (slower/older than Core i, but still capable), 4GB RAM, 250/320GB HDD (can't remember which), 320m GPU, LED backlit screen and 10 hr battery.

 

[Emulex]

i use a macbook air - powerful dual core, ion (9400m) - cheap - used these are cheap..

keep in mind most 1.8" hard drives use much less power than SSD drives . so if runtime is an issue you may give up ssd to save a few bucks.

paid $700 for my macbook air REV.B 120gb sata hard drive (not-ssd) with 1.6 years remaining on applecare. lovely laptop - quality - not fast - but dang it is light. thin. sleek. quiet. beautiful screen (led).

You can get the older slower models for $500-700 (pata hard drive or pata ssd) or if you must get the SSD rev.b/c for about $1000 (too much).

plus it is probably the coolest looking laptop there is - if image means anything to you.

X301 is far better but dang its fugly. Adamo - fug. Envy - fug.

plus the apple service is awesome. nobody gives that level of service for that quality of laptop for that little $$.

I actually found mine off amazon of all places - used.

 

[MJinZ]

What's your budget?

My favorites:

Sony Z series ($1500+)
Asus U series ($850+) - comes in 13" and 14" and other sizes
Alienware M11x ($1000 or so) 11.6"
HP Envy 14 - 14"

Would not recommend an Apple laptop unless you are already familiar with it and understand the operational quirks and drawbacks. I ended up selling all of my Apple computers for a reason.

 

[GeekDrew]

Find a used ThinkPad X200. I've had one for a little over a year and a half, and it goes *everywhere* with me... and it still looks and performs like new. Best laptop I've ever seen.

 

[nageov3t]

what's the verdict on the thin dell laptops, latitude 13 and adamo?

 

[somethingsketchy]

what's the verdict on the thin dell laptops, latitude 13 and adamo?

If you can get a good warranty with the Dells, I'd highly recommend them. Their business line (i.e. the Latitudes) are rock solid. If you can get a laptop with a Core i3 processor, then you can get some great uptimes on battery, while surfing on the couch.