Laptop Advice Please

[Kain__Thornn]

I have a Fujistu running Windows 95 first edition, it still runs great!

 

[RC1856]

Yeah, being a college student, I can relate. Toshibas and HPs can take beating after beating. I had a toshiba before the HP... (toshiba for high school, HP for college)

I've hadthree Toshibas and like them a lot. I am brutally tough on computers and they take abuse better than sony's I had. I have the m30x/m35x series satelllite.
There is one thing I've found with them that may be a factor for you to consider, in my experiences the cd/dvd drive sucks. They broke in both laptops reletively soon and the external one I had for the portege tablet worked twice and quit. Like I said, I'm a little rougher than you may be but I don't mean dropping it or hitting it I mean moving from room to room, ashes and crumbs and dust in the keys and never turning off.

 

[revelator]

I am purchasing a laptop and was seriously considering this one. I only need it for college, googling, emails, finances, and in the future, photos--of my kids for family and friends. I know very little about computers...is this one okay? Thank you.

Toshiba - Satellite Notebook with Intel® Centrino® Duo - Onyx Blue A105-S4384
Intel® Core™2 Duo mobile processor T5500; DL DVD±RW/CD-RW drive; 15.4" widescreen; 160GB hard drive; 1GB PC4200 DDR2 SDRAM; Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005; 5-in-1 media adapter

Toshiba is a fine computer - my wife really likes the one we bought for her this summer. Fantastic screen.

Don't EVER buy an extra warranty, or maintenance plan, on ANYTHING - they don't make sense over the long haul.

 

[RC1856]

However, if your computer may take a beating... the warranty can come in handy. If you're gonna baby it, the don't worry about it. (good point, revelator)

Toshiba is a fine computer - my wife really likes the one we bought for her this summer. Fantastic screen.

Don't EVER buy an extra warranty, or maintenance plan, on ANYTHING - they don't make sense over the long haul.

 

[Olivianna]

hp sucks


i've had a toshiba laptop for a little over a year. i'm really happy with it--it has caused me very few problems (other than having some issues with the effectiveness of the touchpad), which is something i can't say for the dell laptop i had previously (which had to be sent off to be serviced multiple times). on the other hand, dell technicians are top-notch, while toshiba does have a reputation for being difficult to deal with in terms of getting things fixed.

 

[RC1856]

That's not very nice.

hp sucksQUOTE]

 

[Olivianna]

That's not very nice.

hp sucksQUOTE]

well, it's just one person's opinion, of course.

but they also just look stupid -- they look like fucking clunkers. i don't need my laptop to look like an suv.

 

[RC1856]

Well... this is true. HPs are big and bulky. That's my only problem with it though.

That's not very nice.




well, it's just one person's opinion, of course.

but they also just look stupid -- they look like fucking clunkers. i don't need my laptop to look like an suv.

 

[MechaBlade]

Toshiba is a fine computer - my wife really likes the one we bought for her this summer. Fantastic screen.

Don't EVER buy an extra warranty, or maintenance plan, on ANYTHING - they don't make sense over the long haul.

I bought a 3 year warranty and, sure enough, my mobo went out 2 and a half years later.

Sadly, I forgot that it was still covered by the warranty.

 

[The Heretic]

Toshiba is a fine computer - my wife really likes the one we bought for her this summer. Fantastic screen.

Don't EVER buy an extra warranty, or maintenance plan, on ANYTHING - they don't make sense over the long haul.

The ones offered by the stores usually suck, but some offered by manufacturers are good. When I buy my next Mac I will get AppleCare for it because I figure $350 to extend the warranty from one year to three years on a $3500 laptop is a good thing.

It mostly depends on who is backing up the warranty.

 

[RhumbRunner13]

Just a question, can you wait until after Christmas?

All the choices you are looking at are MORE than adequate to do what you want to do...and every one is OBSOLETE as soon as you get it in your hands. Yes, it will do what you want and it will do it for a couple or several years, but for all intents and purposes, in six months it is a dinosaur.

If you can wait two weeks or so you will see Dell, Gateway or HP come out with some great prices , possible free shipping and possibly save sales tax. It gives you a little longer to research what you really need and decide what you really want.

It's just my personal opinion, but I ONLY buy on-line. I don't want to pay for a brick and mortar storefront when I don't need it.

Keep asking questions and don't let the answers mystify you. If in a year or two you need a powerhouse 'puter cause you've really gotten into them, what will be available then would make a $5000 computer today look like a Commador and will still cost $2000!

Good luck.

Rhumb

 

[Angel]

What the hell HP Laptops are you people looking at? Mine is thin as hell and not at all clunky?


If you are going to buy from a store, you might want to try to see what they have available at the after Christmas sales. But you can probably get a better bargain online.

Either way, Try www.fatwallet.com and search the forums. We've gotten all of our computers using that website for ridiculously lower prices.

 

[Horny_Husband]

But is Toshiba an okay brand? And thank you

I for one am not a big fan of Toshiba. But on the other hand one can find something wrong with particular any product line.

I usually look at the Dell product line. I also get some pretty decent coupons from them as I purchase quite a few. If you are intersted in one of those coupons next time I get one let me know and I'll PM you with it if you are not in a hurry. I check out both lines from the Home and then the Small Business line.

Ford or GM? Easy answer: Ford.

 

[Horny_Husband]

Should I pay extra for the Geek Squad to but VIrus and Firewall programs on my laptop for $129.99 or is there programs cheaper that I can install myself?

NEVER! I would never let a member of the geek squad ever touch my machine even if they were the last IT on earth! Oh course since I do IT I'd have to be dead first! Talk to the local IT guy at your office. I'm sure (s)he would do it much cheaper.

As for Virus - I use Avast at http://www.avast.com and then rely on my Router's firewall and Windows firewall. I do NOT like the extra overhead. I have also downloaded and installed Windows Defender (another MUST freebie) from www.microsoft.com/windowsdefender .

Feel free to PM if you have more questions or anything. You could even do it yourself or I could do it remotely for you if needed.

 

[Horny_Husband]

My bias is going to show here, but, absolutely stay the hell away from Toshiba's

Here here!!

Having said that, Dell's aren't my preferred choice, but at least their tech support is pretty top notch.

Dell is what I sell to my clients and then service.

Go to this site as they always have great coupon codes and deals on Dells.

I use Deal Dump or eDealInfo .

 

[Horny_Husband]

That's what I'm running, but I keep getting a window that says after Jan 15 there will be no more free version of AVG. So I've got Avast ready to go when AVG stops.

Not true. The old free version will no longer work. You just have to downlaod a new version of it which will still be free.

 

[Nuggy]

NEVER! I would never let a member of the geek squad ever touch my machine even if they were the last IT on earth! Oh course since I do IT I'd have to be dead first! Talk to the local IT guy at your office. I'm sure (s)he would do it much cheaper.

I can confirm that!

 

[Horny_Husband]

Originally Posted by Horny_Husband
NEVER! I would never let a member of the geek squad ever touch my machine even if they were the last IT on earth! Oh course since I do IT I'd have to be dead first! Talk to the local IT guy at your office. I'm sure (s)he would do it much cheaper.

I can confirm that!

I double confirm it. Twice.

 

[RhumbRunner13]

Another question...what are you using for your internet portal?

If you get or have Comcast high speed cable, they have McAfee available on a FREE download for customers. There are other internet downloadable AV programs that are free as well....funny, those Geek guys haven't told you that!

Rhumb

 

[tailfinz69]

yet more advice

Another good thing to do is check the reviews on Amazon by people who have actually purchased and used the various laptops. Sometimes you discover a "gotcha" there.

For someone with your level of usage, I'd recommend a Mac, no worry about viruses that way...

PS. You are a cutie!

THis was the one I was going to get...but the sales person recommended the Toshiba...this one is $50 more than the Toshiba...

Hewlett-Packard Pavilion Notebook with AMD Turion™ 64 X2 Mobile Technology TL-50 - Piano Black

Model: dv2125nr



With a stylish wave pattern on the case, blue backlit media buttons and powerful AMD Turion™ 64 X2 mobile technology, this notebook has the look while it makes work quick and easy. LightScribe labeling allows you to create custom silkscreen-quality labels for your CDs and DVDs.
Take a product tour of this HP Pavilion dv2000-series notebook.
Learn more about LightScribe technology.


AMD Turion™ 64 X2 mobile technology TL-50* for AMD dual-core technology in a thin-and-light design; HyperTransport™ and AMD PowerNow!™ technologies and improved security with Enhanced Virus Protection**
1GB DDR2 memory for multitasking power, expandable to 2GB
Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible media; also supports LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible LightScribe media
More Options

Protect your investment with a Service Plan.
Do you have all the accessories you need?
Compare with products in this price range.

 

[Horny_Husband]

Another question...what are you using for your internet portal?

If you get or have Comcast high speed cable, they have McAfee available on a FREE download for customers. There are other internet downloadable AV programs that are free as well....funny, those Geek guys have'nt told you that!

Rhumb

First thing you do with a new computer if it has McAfee on it - UN-INSTALL it! Piece of junk AND a resource HOG.

I found this neat tool that I use for new Dell's that I install for my clients called: De-Crapifier! It gets rid of all that free CRAP that comes installed on new PCs.

 

[Horny_Husband]

sereneone4u, clean out your PM box. It's currently full.

 

[RhumbRunner13]

First thing you do with a new computer if it has McAfee on it - UN-INSTALL it! Piece of junk AND a resource HOG.

I found this neat tool that I use for new Dell's that I install for my clients called: De-Crapifier! It gets rid of all that free CRAP that comes installed on new PCs.

I understand.

Only problem is, I've had problems with various programs.

I had Norton for a long time, then a new version seemed to really cause problems so I un-installed that and downloaded an internet (highly rated) AV program that destablized my 'puter so bad I didn't know if I could recover it. Got rid of that and went to McAfee Internet Suite. That worked fine for a year or so until it puked. I finally got a file from McAfee that removes EVERY trace of MF on your computer (saved it, too). Now I'm using the Comcast download...but only the AV part, not all the other crap.

Rhumb

 

[The Heretic]

McAfee was just too annoying an intrusive. I unintalled it and installed AVG.

I was in Circuit City today and looke at the Toshiba laptop in question. I have to say I didn't care for it. Everything looked cheap and not well made on it. I preferred even the Gateway over the Toshiba *shudder*.

Of course, looks aren't everything, but having had a number of laptops over the years I have a little bit of an eye for what is cheap or prone to breakage.

 

[BreeCarter]

I am purchasing a laptop and was seriously considering this one. I only need it for college, googling, emails, finances, and in the future, photos--of my kids for family and friends. I know very little about computers...is this one okay? Thank you.

Toshiba - Satellite Notebook with Intel® Centrino® Duo - Onyx Blue A105-S4384
Intel® Core™2 Duo mobile processor T5500; DL DVD±RW/CD-RW drive; 15.4" widescreen; 160GB hard drive; 1GB PC4200 DDR2 SDRAM; Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005; 5-in-1 media adapter


Toshiba Satellite Notebook with Intel® Centrino® Duo Mobile Technology - Onyx Blue

Model: A105-S4384



This sleek powerhouse notebook boasts an Intel® Core™2 Duo processor, 5-in-1 bridge media adapter and Express Media Player, so managing your photos, music and video clips is quick and easy.
Take a product tour of the Toshiba Satellite A105-S4384 notebook. (Flash demo)
What is the Intel processor number? Learn more about this 3-digit number with our Resource Guide, or check out Intel's introduction for all the details.


Intel® Centrino® Duo mobile technology with interrelated Intel® Core™2 Duo mobile processor T5500, Intel® 945GM chipset, Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG network connection (802.11a/b/g) and extended battery life capability
1GB PC4200 DDR2 SDRAM for multitasking power, expandable to 4GB; 667MHz frontside bus, 2MB L2 cache and 1.66GHz processor speed
Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media; also supports DVD-RAM
More Options

Protect your investment with a Service Plan.
Do you have all the accessories you need?
Compare with products in this price range.

i have pretty much the same thing except 100 gb harddrive not a 160, and mine is bad ass and was only 700.

i have an amd turion dual core processor, 5 in 1 memory card reader, 100 gig harddrive, 1 gig of ddr ram, dvd/cd both rws, abg wireless, a built in webcam, regular 10/100 network, 17 in. shiny screen moniter, xp media, built in microphone, and vista ready. it's an acer aspire 5100, and believe it or it came from walmart. all that for $700. i'd highly suggest it! oh and came with free norton antivirus.