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Suggest a laptop: $800 - $1,000

R

reallygreatusername

Junior Member
Hello all,

I am in the market for a laptop. I'm looking to get something mid-size that will offer the most for my money in terms of reliability and performance. I'll be doing a lot of Photoshop/Open Office work so I'll need something that won't slow me down if I've got 10 or so documents going at the same time.

I have been looking at the HP line in this range and I have come across a few models that seem to fit what I'm looking for but I'd like to know a more about their reliability reputation before I pull the trigger.

Any and all suggestions welcome.

Thank you.
 
Thinkpads are as reliable as they come. There is a huge sale going on right now. You can get 25%+15% off, details are on Fatwallet.com (just browse through hot deals). Now they even offer a 15.4" model with linux preloaded, so you can save money if you want to use that or your own copy of windows. What scren size are you looking for? Do you need dedicated graphics or can you do get by with justintegrated? Do you plan on gaming at all?
 
A refurbed MacBook would get done what you wanted. You would more than likely be able to get a larger/slightly more powerful machine from lenovo, but the MacBook is a great little machine for what you pay. Mine has been an absolute tank for the past 1.5 years, and you can't beat the ability to run an OS under the sun (legally)
 
I must say I've been intrigued by the macbook. Wish the black ones weren't so expensive, I know they have the superdrive and more but damn nice looking.
 
macbook with student discount. it will be pleasurable. or thinkpad.

the macbook was my gateway drug, and i recently splurged on a mbp based on how much i liked the mb.
 
Originally posted by: makoto00
macbook with student discount. it will be pleasurable. or thinkpad.

the macbook was my gateway drug, and i recently splurged on a mbp based on how much i liked the mb.
Click to expand...

Me too. Upgraded to a MBP. May also be adding a Mac mini soon so I can retire my electron-sucking loud-fan-blowing desktop that I really only use Outlook for.
 
They are telling you to get MacBook Pro but for less than 1000 I don't think so I think you won't be disappointed with outstanding HP notebook.
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there a small 'cool' tax associated with a Macbook? Perhaps it's false consumer perception on my part, but I get the sense that I'm getting less for my money with a Macbook. Plus, I've never had a problem with Windows and I think I'd like to stick with a Windows machine. I don't have any advanced software/hardware to port to Vista, so I'm not particularly concerned with that either.

Adn4n, I will take a look at Thinkpads and see what they have to offer.

I was looking at this machine on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pavilion...&qid=1206013375&sr=1-1

...but I'm not sure if I want the Intel chip or the AMD chip?

And I don't plan on doing any gaming, but it would be nice to be able to should I decide to, you know?

Thanks all,

Nate
 
It's not a "cool" tax, per se and I never said get the macbook pro. I said look at the macbook or thinkpads. You pay more for thinkpads. Why? Because of build quality and support. Same thing with apple: build quality, support, and design. To each their own though. It doesn't hurt to check it out. I personally feel 999 for the base macbook with edu discount is a pretty good deal considering you wanted reliability and performance (i'm assuming software and hardware-wise), and wanted to run photoshop and openoffice.
 
You can also run Xp or Vista on the Mac using Bootcamp. I have been looking at a Macbook myself. As I want to learn more about them.
 
With the current offers right now...you would be kind of crazy to miss out on the $765.00 T61 15.4" ThinkPad Linky. That's even below your $800 floor limit.

In terms of reliability....as far as I know...ThinkPads are the best PC laptops you can get your hands on and the performance is much more than good enough for your needs.

Then either load up your own copy of Windows or use the pre-installed SUSE Linux ....or better yet do like I do and install Fedora 8 on that thing, then use OpenOffice natively and install PhotoShop through WINE and enjoy that hassle free life of getting things done without having to worry about virus this or spyware that or BlueScreen this....afterwards.

Also if you don't have a copy of Windows and or don't want to use Linux.....just get the $850.50 one and that would still be within budget.
 
Originally posted by: DarkThinker
With the current offers right now...you would be kind of crazy to miss out on the $765.00 T61 15.4" ThinkPad Linky. That's even below your $800 floor limit.

In terms of reliability....as far as I know...ThinkPads are the best PC laptops you can get your hands on and the performance is much more than good enough for your needs.

Then either load up your own copy of Windows or use the pre-installed SUSE Linux ....or better yet do like I do and install Fedora 8 on that thing, then use OpenOffice natively and install PhotoShop through WINE and enjoy that hassle free life of getting things done without having to worry about virus this or spyware that or BlueScreen this....afterwards.

Also if you don't have a copy of Windows and or don't want to use Linux.....just get the $850.50 one and that would still be within budget.
Click to expand...

It's actually another 15% off if you go through www.lenovo.com/cpp The code is 556655

The linux T61 15.4" starts at $650.23 and the Windows at 722.92. If you want to be able to play some game in the future, then get the dedicated graphics starting at $786.67.

And since you want to juggle many office documents, I suggest a standard screen, not a widescreen. The 14.1" models are available in standard and even come with a FREE upgrade to SXGA+ (1400x1050) resolution.

Originally posted by: makoto00
It's not a "cool" tax, per se and I never said get the macbook pro. I said look at the macbook or thinkpads. You pay more for thinkpads. Why? Because of build quality and support. Same thing with apple: build quality, support, and design. To each their own though. It doesn't hurt to check it out. I personally feel 999 for the base macbook with edu discount is a pretty good deal considering you wanted reliability and performance (i'm assuming software and hardware-wise), and wanted to run photoshop and openoffice.
Click to expand...

The whole point is that right now you DO NOT pay more for Thinkpads. The deals are just unbelievable currently.

Originally posted by: reallygreatusername
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there a small 'cool' tax associated with a Macbook? Perhaps it's false consumer perception on my part, but I get the sense that I'm getting less for my money with a Macbook. Plus, I've never had a problem with Windows and I think I'd like to stick with a Windows machine. I don't have any advanced software/hardware to port to Vista, so I'm not particularly concerned with that either.

Adn4n, I will take a look at Thinkpads and see what they have to offer.

I was looking at this machine on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pavilion...&qid=1206013375&sr=1-1

...but I'm not sure if I want the Intel chip or the AMD chip?

And I don't plan on doing any gaming, but it would be nice to be able to should I decide to, you know?

Thanks all,

Nate
Click to expand...

Nate, you want the Intel chips hands down. AMD is still trailing behind INTEL this time around. That HP you linked to is a very bad choice in my opinion. Sure it'll do what you want, but it will lag in Vista. I had to fix up an almost similarly specced out system for a family member and it wasn't smooth sailing. The processor is the bottom line Core 2 Duo available that runs at 667MHz and is almost the worst with the exception of the T5400. It's jjust overpriced. Also, the video card won't do much gaming wise. If you're already willing to spend $1100 before tax, I suggest you take a look at my signature. That rig cost me $1140 with tax and runs Crysis.
 
Very good advice, all.

I am definitely leaning toward the Lenovo as it's quite obvious I'm getting a lot for my money.

Adn4n: I have configured this notebook...what do you think?


Intel? Core? 2 Duo processor T9300 (2.5GHz 800MHz 6MBL2)1
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic12
15.4 WXGA TFT
NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M (128MB)
3 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)8
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
160GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm4
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim5
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)10
No Bluetooth
6 cell Li-Ion Battery60
6459: Express - 1 Yr Depot Warranty7
System Processor1 Intel? Core? 2 Duo processor T9300 (2.5GHz 800MHz 6MBL2)
Operating System12 Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
Operating System Language Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic - US English
Display Panel 15.4 WXGA TFT
System graphics NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M (128MB)
Total memory8 3 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Keyboards Keyboard US English
Pointing Device UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
Hard Drive4 160GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Optical device5 CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim
System expansion slots PC Card Slot & Express Card Slot
Card Reader 4 in 1 Media Card Reader
Wireless cards10 Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)
Battery60 6 cell Li-Ion Battery
Power cord Country Pack North America
Language Pack Language Pack US English

06P4069 ThinkPlus USB Optical Wheel Mouse

It's a hair above my price range but I think it would be worth the extra cash 2-3 years down the road... ?
 
The current coupon code for the Lenovos is USPMARCHSAVINGS. What series is that? I think it's 15% off the R series, not sure about T series.
 
Originally posted by: reallygreatusername
Very good advice, all.

I am definitely leaning toward the Lenovo as it's quite obvious I'm getting a lot for my money.

Adn4n: I have configured this notebook...what do you think?


Intel? Core? 2 Duo processor T9300 (2.5GHz 800MHz 6MBL2)1
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic12
15.4 WXGA TFT
NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M (128MB)
3 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)8
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
160GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm4
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim5
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)10
No Bluetooth
6 cell Li-Ion Battery60
6459: Express - 1 Yr Depot Warranty7
System Processor1 Intel? Core? 2 Duo processor T9300 (2.5GHz 800MHz 6MBL2)
Operating System12 Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
Operating System Language Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic - US English
Display Panel 15.4 WXGA TFT
System graphics NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M (128MB)
Total memory8 3 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Keyboards Keyboard US English
Pointing Device UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
Hard Drive4 160GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Optical device5 CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim
System expansion slots PC Card Slot & Express Card Slot
Card Reader 4 in 1 Media Card Reader
Wireless cards10 Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)
Battery60 6 cell Li-Ion Battery
Power cord Country Pack North America
Language Pack Language Pack US English

06P4069 ThinkPlus USB Optical Wheel Mouse

It's a hair above my price range but I think it would be worth the extra cash 2-3 years down the road... ?
Click to expand...

If you can save money on the RAM, do it since it might be cheaper to go with 2GB for now, and then drop in 4GB later. Also, see if you can get the screen res higher since WXGA is a little low for a 15.4" system.

If the 160GB HDD is standard, than go for that if you think you need that space. However, if you plunked down extra cash just for the 7200rpm aspect of it, I would suggest re-pocketing that money and getting a larger drive.

Since you are planning on using this machine for a while (and thinkpads last, so no real worries there) then I say stick with the processor, unless it was significantly more expensive to get that chip. Maybe stay penryn (3 and 6MB caches), but get a slower one. You won't notice much significant real world difference, and you will save yourself some cash.
 
I have a laptop i'm selling.

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Senior AnandTech Moderator
 
Originally posted by: reallygreatusername
Very good advice, all.

I am definitely leaning toward the Lenovo as it's quite obvious I'm getting a lot for my money.

Adn4n: I have configured this notebook...what do you think?


Intel? Core? 2 Duo processor T9300 (2.5GHz 800MHz 6MBL2)1
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic12
15.4 WXGA TFT
NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M (128MB)
3 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)8
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
160GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm4
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim5
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)10
No Bluetooth
6 cell Li-Ion Battery60
6459: Express - 1 Yr Depot Warranty7
System Processor1 Intel? Core? 2 Duo processor T9300 (2.5GHz 800MHz 6MBL2)
Operating System12 Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
Operating System Language Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic - US English
Display Panel 15.4 WXGA TFT
System graphics NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M (128MB)
Total memory8 3 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Keyboards Keyboard US English
Pointing Device UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
Hard Drive4 160GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Optical device5 CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim
System expansion slots PC Card Slot & Express Card Slot
Card Reader 4 in 1 Media Card Reader
Wireless cards10 Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)
Battery60 6 cell Li-Ion Battery
Power cord Country Pack North America
Language Pack Language Pack US English

06P4069 ThinkPlus USB Optical Wheel Mouse

It's a hair above my price range but I think it would be worth the extra cash 2-3 years down the road... ?
Click to expand...

What is your price at right now? Are you using the CPP discount?

You'll want a higher resolution, the sweet spot is WXGA+ in my opinion. Keep the processor, it's the best bang for the buck as it is for some reason heavily discounted to upgrade to the T9300. It has the max cache and great clock speed, simply worth the extra few bucks.

Also it's not worth getting 2GB of ram currently since you'll have to pay more for a 2GB(1Dimm) over a 2GB(2Dimm). I suggest you just get the 1GB(1Dimm) as it is the same price as the 1GB(2Dimm) and then later upgrade. Keep in mind that depending on your OS your maximum usable ram amount will be limited. XP and Vista Ultimate (both 32-bit) only use 3GB. You'll have to use Vista Ultimate (64-bit) to utilize 4GB. So adding another 2GB(1Dimm) from NewEgg to your 1GB(1Dimm) is clearly the best choice.

The Nvidia Quadro NVS 140m won't do much gaming-wise. May I suggest the T61p, it's under Mobile Workstations. The 15.4" model is the best choice, the 14.1" model has a crippled bus but it still runs Crysis for me.

Also, get a DVD burner. You'll won't get a restore disk but you'll have to make your own. It either takes 1-2 DVDs or ~9 CDs.

Post your specs and the price and I'll see if I can get a better price for you.
 
Since you intend to use Photoshop and do not want your system to slow down with 10 docs. open at the same time; I would recommend that you do not compromise on RAM. Anything less than 1 gig might make the programs to load slow. In your price range several laptops are available; however I would suggest Apple Macbook MB061LL/A laptop.
 
Does anyone know how long the thinkpad sale is going to last? I may pick on up since I've been in the market for a laptop lately and everyone seems to rave about them.
 
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