Gathering Info - Buying a new Laptop soon.

[Dr. Jones]

Hey folks,

I am in the beginning stages of gathering intelligence on what I should look for. I have a ton of electronic knowledge when it comes to cell phones but only a working knowledge of what I should look out for when it comes to this.

Here are some of the things I think I need.

1. 15 to 18 inch monitor. With great resolution.
2. A very good media/graphics card.
3. A good sized internal hard drive.
4. MS Office
5. I leave it on almost all of the time. I don't want it to get too hot over time.
6. Some good audio from the internal speakers.


Things I do a lot of:

1. Internet.
2. Music & Multimedia
3. Itunes for my two ipods.
4. Videos - Mostly from websites.
5. Torrents (I know)
6. I use Office documents a lot.

I currently have an HP Compaq nc6230 that I have been using since 2004 or 2005. It has been fine for me until the last year or so.

My budget is between $750 and $1000. I want to make sure I get something that will last me 5 to 10 years.

Where should I look?
What should I look for?
What specific components should I really want?
What companies should I really look at?
Would it be better to have a laptop made for me or buy a stock model?
Does anyone have a good news story about a recent computer purchase you made?

What else?

Any advice I get will be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[HeavyB3]

I did a lot of research and bought this one about a month ago. It's a fantastic laptop. Very fast, and can play any game that's out right now.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834246628

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Is it going to be mostly stationary? Are you going to use an external monitor? The biggest question to me regarding a 15 inch vs. 18 inch would be the weight. If you're going to carry it around a lot, it can make quite a difference.

My typical piece of advice for computers of any type is go crazy with the RAM. It's certainly the cheapest way to improve performance. Even if the laptop you choose is a little light on the pre-installed RAM, you can swap it out. 8GB minimum, you probably won't need all that for what you're doing, but it's too affordable not to.

 

[Dr. Jones]

CHF - #1 Yes. #2 No. #3 Weight is not an issue to me.

Thanks for your help guys. All advice is appreciated.

 

[HeavyB3]

Is it going to be mostly stationary? Are you going to use an external monitor? The biggest question to me regarding a 15 inch vs. 18 inch would be the weight. If you're going to carry it around a lot, it can make quite a difference.

My typical piece of advice for computers of any type is go crazy with the RAM. It's certainly the cheapest way to improve performance. Even if the laptop you choose is a little light on the pre-installed RAM, you can swap it out. 8GB minimum, you probably won't need all that for what you're doing, but it's too affordable not to.

Well, there is a model of my computer with 8 gigs of memory for 100 more. That's really the only difference. Upgrade the memory yourself, you'll save about 70 bucks. I haven't seen much of a difference between my desktop at 8gb and this with 6gb though, with all other specs fairly similar. Most applications can't touch even 6 gigs of memory though, unless you are editing videos. I'd take a good long look at that laptop link I sent. I researched about 3 weeks before making that decision and I couldn't find anything better.

 

[Dr. Jones]

Thanks Heavy..... I appreciate your help.