Laptop Help

[cosmo vyss]

Hi Guys,

I am in the market for a laptop. I am budgeting to spend around 1500 on it.
I will need wireless and would like a 14/15 inch screen. The laptop will be used basically for some internet surfing, watching the odd dvd, and playing a game or two. I was looking at getting something like these:

Acer Inspire 5572ZWXMI
Toshiba Satellite M110

I have read somewhere that the new windows program vista drains the batteries from laptops real quick.

Anyway, i am after some advice on what you guys think would be a decent laptop and where would be the best place to buy one.
All help is greatly appreciated. I am rather low on brain cells when it comes to this sort off stuff.


JB

[macca_779]

Hi Guys,

I am in the market for a laptop. I am budgeting to spend around 1500 on it.
I will need wireless and would like a 14/15 inch screen. The laptop will be used basically for some internet surfing, watching the odd dvd, and playing a game or two. I was looking at getting something like these:

Acer Inspire 5572ZWXMI
Toshiba Satellite M110

I have read somewhere that the new windows program vista drains the batteries from laptops real quick.

Anyway, i am after some advice on what you guys think would be a decent laptop and where would be the best place to buy one.
All help is greatly appreciated. I am rather low on brain cells when it comes to this sort off stuff.


JB

check out dell mate. They are usually quite cheap due to the wholesale apporach and all systems are customisable.

[BLACKWAGON]

wouldnt touch dell with if my life depended on it.
We have had the biggest amount of bullshit with them, 3 faulty laptops, service was crap, we went without net or computer for 4 months bcs of them. Absolute assholes from day 1.
They also reserve an amount of your HD to store all of their stuff on, they come bundled with shit on their that u really dont want and they tell u that if u format it to get ur space back that warranty is void.
Go for something that isnt so controlled, that u can take to anyone to get fixed or modified if u want to.

[KeenGolfer]

I'd recommend you have a look at Dell too, very cheap and surprisingly good. We've got 2 at home + Dell 24" monitor, and I've had 4 Dell laptops all up and they've been great and very reliable. The 1 time I did have a memory problem, they diagnosed it over the phone, sent me out new ram with an air bag to return the faulty ram - no down time. I had excellent service.

[smokiebbear]

i got an asus they are like the lambourghini of the laptop world they even have a laptop licenced to lambourghini it's yellow and fast and also called.... yep you guessed it lambourghini:D haha anyhow i got mine for around 2k wireless/bluetooth capable but you can get the same just not as advanced for like 1500. they are not to well known at the moment but honestly they are awesome. my mates all have one and they are the next big thing.... i suggest get em while they are "good value" (as i don't like to use the word cheap). 100% fan frickin tastic they are.... http://www.asus.com.au/

[BLOWN_VXSS]

ebay has some good cheap second hand laptops

[LS1Grange]

If you're gonna get Vista mate you want at least 2gb RAM. Got a few laptops at work and they run like pigs even with 2gb. I'd say stick with XP for the time being. Vista is pretty and stuff but really resource intensive.

We have Dell computers at work and never had a problem with them. We also have HP's, acer's and toshi's at work and dont really ever have a problem with them aside from the usual microsoft issues.

[SSBarney]

I hate Dell, because its always so vague wat the price is. They advertise a "from" price but thats basically a lowest level thing no one will buy, and by time you go through all the add ons to make it a normal computer u are at a price that is well up with anyone.
Dell have got in with the corporate mkt because they obviously give a much better deal than they do to teh general public.

We had a Dell computer which was thru an employee thing with ANZ and had no real issues with it but i hated that u dont get the windows etc disks like u do when u buy a computer from a "normal" supplier. All u get is a recovery disk.
And I agree Dell support was usless and just referred us to their website to find our own solutions.

[swingtan]

Check the prices from the more well known shops then check HERE (http://www.msy.com.au/Parts/notebook.pdf)

I have used a laptop for work for the past 10 years, here are some points....

Big screens are great, but the bigger the screen, the more power it draws. Keep that in mind. Check the screen brightness. Many laptops have screens that look OK initially, but when compared with a normal monitor are dark. Think about all the things you "need" and ensure they are included. Then add the things you "want". Don't get sucked into stuff you don't care about. Nothing replaces a full sized keyboard. Many laptops spend most of there time plugged in to the power. If you're going to do that, don't get hung up over battery life. If you are going to keep valuable data on the laptop, back it up regularly and even encrypt the really important stuff.

[BLACKWAGON]

go onto www.cnet.com or similar and have a good look thru the reviews and write ups to find something that suits your needs.
Im sure someone here will probably be able to suggest another site for reviews.
With dell u r on the phone to them if there is a problem, wait and wait and go thru 20 dickheads telling you to turn the computer on and go through all of their steps first, even if u tell them u have just done the same with the last operator before getting cut off. They are wankers.

Find somewhere that you can buy a laptop and take it back to them to have anything done if needed, atleast face to face it is alot harder to fob u off.

[nosman]

hey,

I have a HP laptop myself, hasn't missed a beat since I got it which was around x-mas last year. With some good hard negotiating you should be able to pick up something decent for $1500.00. Asus is another brand that I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about from friends and colleagues at work, it offers pretty good specs when compared to the sales price.
When buying my laptop I came across the following site http://www.staticice.com.au/ which gives you the cheapest price on all IT and electronic goods sold here in AUS, all you have to do is type in the brand name and model number.

Oh and remember, a lot of the big name companies like Dick Smith, JB’s etc do price matching.

[team illucid]

i got an asus they are like the lambourghini of the laptop world they even have a laptop licenced to lambourghini it's yellow and fast and also called.... yep you guessed it lambourghini:D haha anyhow i got mine for around 2k wireless/bluetooth capable but you can get the same just not as advanced for like 1500. they are not to well known at the moment but honestly they are awesome. my mates all have one and they are the next big thing.... i suggest get em while they are "good value" (as i don't like to use the word cheap). 100% fan frickin tastic they are.... http://www.asus.com.au/

ASUS have been huge for years - I don't know where you have been hiding but I have had 4 of their laptops - each one an absolute stunner ... my old ASUS lappie still plays Battlefield 2142 in good resolutions with great FPS.

[macca33]

I agree with team illucid on the ASUS comments.

I have had one since last June and it has performed FAULTLESSLY. Several blokes who went overseas with me also bought them and have had no dramas. The same cannot be said for other brands that won't play certain media files, or just won't run with any speed.

For a good integrated package, the ASUS stacks up I reckon.

Cheers,

Macca

[team illucid]

check out dell mate. They are usually quite cheap due to the wholesale apporach and all systems are customisable.

Dells are overall quite good but do have some issues that seem to prop up more than other manufacturers ... namely RAM and HDD issues.

Acer make OK cheap laptops as do HP.

Toshiba I wouldn't touch as their aftersale support is the worst I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with.

have a look at www.p4laptops.com.au - a few of the boys have purchased from here with only one that I know of having troubles - all fixed within 48 hours (brand new machine).

[vx_clubby]

Yes my mate uses ASUS and he swears by them, hasnt had any major dramas.
But take this tip, I wouldnt get Vista, it isnt supported by alot of programs, you would spend half your time looking for drivers and updates on the internet.
Also Ive heard Microsoft are redoing XP because of all the hassles they have had with Vista, customers arent very happy.

[Capt.LS2]

Hi mate,

I just bought an ASUS laptop F3JR 15.4". Core 2 Duo T7200 2.0Ghz,2G RAM,120G HD,DVD dual layer burner, Bluetooth,wireless all built in for $1798.

Had it for a few days and it's awesome. Cannot fault it yet!

Yes it has Vista but so far so good.

For what it has the price was great compared to some I looked at including Dell.

Best of luck!

[Swordie]

Acer and Toshiba are fine. What ever you buy check it is certified for Vista.

[_G_]

QUOTE - wouldnt touch dell with if my life depended on it.
We have had the biggest amount of bullshit with them, 3 faulty laptops, service was crap, we went without net or computer for 4 months bcs of them. Absolute assholes from day 1.
They also reserve an amount of your HD to store all of their stuff on, they come bundled with shit on their that u really dont want and they tell u that if u format it to get ur space back that warranty is void.
Go for something that isnt so controlled, that u can take to anyone to get fixed or modified if u want to. - ENDQUOTE

I currently have a Dell Inspiron 9400 running Vista, no issues encountered. I've previously had two other Dells and a HP, no issues with any of them either. The reserved hard drive space is optional and does not have to be kept, removing it, does not and legally, can not void your warranty.

QUOTE - I'd recommend you have a look at Dell too, very cheap and surprisingly good. We've got 2 at home + Dell 24" monitor, and I've had 4 Dell laptops all up and they've been great and very reliable. The 1 time I did have a memory problem, they diagnosed it over the phone, sent me out new ram with an air bag to return the faulty ram - no down time. I had excellent service. - ENDQUOTE

Agreed. I also have had two friends, separate incidents, who have had an issue with their Dell laptop that was running on the Extended Warranty, i.e: more than three years old. Dell couldn't seem to fix either laptop after replacing various parts, so on both occassions, they replaced it with a brand new one of the latest model. (same series - Latitude for Latitude/Inspiron for Inspiron).

I have a friend with an ASUS laptop which he says is great as well, no issues encountered there.

As regards not getting a Windows CD....t hey have to provide a separate Windows CD as it is a legal requirement... each of my Dells certainly came with one.

You also have to be caredul with this buying from local stores, as unless they are a chain, you never know what support for warranty you are going to get, especially if they go bust or move-on etc... also, is it a back to base warranty or NBD onsite etc? depends on how long you want to be waiting for your laptop. Dell, HP etc. warranties can be made worldwide and same day onsite. Your local mob generally can't provide that... plus nowadays it's getting harder and harder to find a local place that provides any sort of decent after sales support as they are only interested in the quick sale and getting you out the door.

Also need to be careful with big chains like Harvey Norman etc, as a lot of their so called IT support people wouldn't know which end of a computer to put the CD in when it comes down to it. They can tell you all the specs to sell it.... but support it when it breaks and repair it under warranty...Beware!

[heavyduty1340]

Got a Toshiba Centrino Duo
Had it 18 month and not a single problem , cost $1400.00 back then

Im more than happy with it:yahoo:

[cosmo vyss]

Thank you for all your help thus far. I am leaning towards an asus 8js for 2200. I have had a look at dell and for a few dollars more the acus seems to be a better laptop with a better processor and graphics.

I am also considering a Toshiba a200 k00 notebok for 2000.

both machines come with vista. the acus one has a 2.00ghz procesor and the toshy has a 1.73. Also the acus has a 512mg graphics as opposed to 256 on the toshy.

JB

[michaels1v8]

Thank you for all your help thus far. I am leaning towards an asus 8js for 2200. I have had a look at dell and for a few dollars more the acus seems to be a better laptop with a better processor and graphics.

I am also considering a Toshiba a200 k00 notebok for 2000.

both machines come with vista. the acus one has a 2.00ghz procesor and the toshy has a 1.73. Also the acus has a 512mg graphics as opposed to 256 on the toshy.

JB

If both are running similar hardware then I would go the Asus. For the slight price difference your getting alot better value.

More future proof too seeing as its running a higher memory graphics card. Not sure about the 2 laptops in question's motherboard but on most laptops I think that graphics cards are integrated and non upgradeable so IMO go with something that will still perform well for a few years.

Also the faster processor is pretty good value too (assuming they are both the same model processor just different speed?)

what are the specs on the 2 machines. Have seen the Toshiba in the Harvey Norman catalogue but what about the Asus?

Toshibe is running a intel core 2 duo at 1.73Ghz
2GB RAM
160GB HDD
DVD Burner (unsure of speed)
256MB graphics
Vista Home Premium

Im assuming the Asus is running similar except for the larger graphics card and higher speed processor?

[cyal8r]

Asus,Accer,HP would be my pic. Don't be scared off of vista it has some great features but i would getting something with 1GB of RAM and a half decent video card. I've been running vista for a couple of months now and havn't had a problem.

[hsvLS1255]

Hey Cosmo:

Check ur PMs mate, sent u a message... for $1570 i think this is a decent deal... brand new in the box with factory warranty... and it aint of the back of a truck


HP Pavilion dv6306TX Entertainment Notebook PC
Operating system: Genuine Windows Vista™ Ultimate
Internal Hard Disk Drive: 160 GB
Hard Disk Drive Speed: 5400 rpm
Processor Speed: 1.83 GHz
Audio: 3D Sound Blaster Pro compatible sound 16 bit integrated
Battery: 6-cell Li-ion
Modem: High speed 56K modem
Network: Ethernet 10/100BT integrated network interface
Optical drive: Lightscribe Super Multi DVD Writer (+/-R +/-RW) with Double Layer support
Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 7400 with up to 256MB memory (128MB delicated + 128MB shared memory)
Keyboard: Next Gen full size mobile keyboard
I/O interfaces: 1 VGA port; 3 USB 2.0 ports; 1 IEEE-1394; 1 RJ 11 modem connector; 1 RJ 45 Ethernet connector; S-video TV out; Stereo headphone with SPDIF; External microphone; AC adapter; Expansion port for HP expansion base xb3000
Dimensions: 35.70 cm (L) x 25.70 cm (W) x 2.54 cm (min) H / 4.30 cm (max) H
Weight: 2.78kg (6.14 lbs)
Maximum memory: 2GB
Standard memory: 2048MB DDR2 (2 Dimms)
Pointing device: Touchpad with 2-way scroll
Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T5600 (1.83 GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)
PC card slots: One ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
Bluetooth: Bluetooth® wireless networking
Resolution: 1280 x 800
Viewable Image Size: 15.4” WXGA High Definition BrightView Widescreen
Wireless LAN: 802.11 a/b/g WLAN

[pteropid]

Hi mate,

I just bought an ASUS laptop F3JR 15.4". Core 2 Duo T7200 2.0Ghz,2G RAM,120G HD,DVD dual layer burner, Bluetooth,wireless all built in for $1798.

Had it for a few days and it's awesome. Cannot fault it yet!

Yes it has Vista but so far so good.

For what it has the price was great compared to some I looked at including Dell.

Best of luck!

I second that one, I've just bought an ASUS F3JP with similar specs and an X1700 graphics card for $1599. I paid an additional 100 bucks to give it 2GB of RAM.

I've used ASUS stuff for years, ASUS actually manufacture the Apple notebooks. Just make sure you check the keyboard doesn't rattle excessively before you walk out the door, some batches (like mine) were a bit loose on the left hand side, it's an easy fix if you get a wobbly one, but easier if you check it first.

[ss350]

Hi mate,

I just bought an ASUS laptop F3JR 15.4". Core 2 Duo T7200 2.0Ghz,2G RAM,120G HD,DVD dual layer burner, Bluetooth,wireless all built in for $1798.

Had it for a few days and it's awesome. Cannot fault it yet!

Yes it has Vista but so far so good.

For what it has the price was great compared to some I looked at including Dell.

Best of luck!

That sounds like a pretty good price, where did you buy it from if you dont mind me asking?
cheers

[cosmo vyss]

here is the specs for the asus.

Processor & Cache Memory Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T7600/T7400/T7200/T5600/T5500:
2.33GHZ-1.66GHz, 667MHz, 4MB/2MB L2 cache
Operating System Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional,
Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Home
Chipset Mobile Intel® 945 PM Express Chipset
Main Memory DDR2 667 MHz DRAM, 2x SO-DIMM socket expandable to 2GB
Display 14" WXGA+ (1440x900) LCD
Color Shine(glare-type) LCD
Video Graphics & Memory NVidia GeForce Go7700 512MB
Hard Drive SATA 80 /100 / 120 GB supported
Optical Drive COMBO
DVD Super Multi
DVD Super Multi with Lightscribe
Card Reader SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO
Built-in Camera 0.35 Mega-Pixel web-cam
Fax/Modem/LAN/WLAN Intel® High Definition Audio MDC Fax/Modem
10/100/1000 Giga Lan
Pass and support worldwide regulation
Integrated 802.11a/b/g
Built-in Bluetooth™V2.0+EDR (optional feature)
LED Status Indicator Power-on/Suspend
Battery Charging/full/low
Storage device access
Capital / Scroll / Number Lock
Bluetooth Indicator
Wireless indicator
Interface 1 x VGA port/Mini D-sub 15-pin for external monitor
1 x Headphone-out jack (SPDIF)
1 x Microphone-in jack
1 x RJ11 Modem jack for phone line
1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert
5 x USB 2.0 ports, 1x IEEE 1394 port
1 x TV Out (S-Video composite)
1 x Express Card
1 x Infrared Port (SIR-115.2Kbps supported)
1 x DVI Port
Hot Keys Instant launch Keys:
5 buttons: Power4 Gear +, Bluetooth™, Wireless, Splendid, Instant Fun Plus

Function Keys:
Fn+F1 Suspend switch
Fn+F2 BT/ Wireless switch
Fn+F3 Outlook
Fn+F4 IE
Fn+F5 Brightness down
Fn+F6 Brightness up
Fn+F7 LCD on/off
Fn+F8 LCD/CRT switch display
Fn+F9 Touchpad lock
Fn+F10 Volume on/mute
Fn+F11 Volume down
Fn+F12 Volume up
Audio Built-in Intel® High Definition Audio compliant audio chip,
Built-in speaker and microphone
Keyboard Standard keyboard with 88/89 Keys
Battery Pack & Life 6 cell, 3200mAh/4800mAh, 35/53Whrs
AC Adapter Output: 19 V DC, 4.74A, 90W,
Input: 100— 240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
Dimension & Weight 335 x 245 x 34.8~37.3 mm, 2.39kg
Security BIOS Booting / HDD User Password Protection and security lock
Kensington lock hole
Supplied Accessories Wireless Mouse(optional)
Carrying bag(optional)
Multimedia Software ASUSDVD XP 6.0
Power Director V3.0 DE
Medi@Show V2.0 SE
Virus & Tool Software Symantec Norton™ Internet Security 2005
Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0
NERO Express V6.0
ASUS Utility ASUS Live Update
ASUS ChkMail
ASUS Hotkey
ASUS Power4 Gear+
Warranty & e-support 2-year limited global hardware warranty
1-year battery pack warranty
On-line problem resolution through web interface (BIOS, Driver update)
OS (Microsoft Windows XP) install/uninstall consultation
Bundled software install/uninstall consultation
ASUS software supporting (Liveupdate,Power4 Gear+, ASUS Probe)

[vess]

have you thought about a little ibook - they're cheap, great build quality.

I've not used mac environment before however when I was going to pick up a laptop about 6 months ago the ibook was becoming the better choice out of them all.

When I was looking around at the apple's you can get an emulator like software so that if you want you can still run an XP / PC environment.

[SS--SS]

When it comes to reliability & support don't think anything beats the IBM T-series

[an-D]

Hmm i didnt know it was a 'legal requirement' to have the OS cd... i knew that was the case for the product key etc though.

Alot of laptops/desktops come with the recovery partition nowdays and then give you the option to create a recovery disk if you want.

[michaels1v8]

Well easy choice then. IMO the ASUS is the way to go..

[BLACKWAGON]

Ive never heard a bad word about Asus.
Ive used their motherboards for yrs, mates too all good.

[JA SV8]

Make sure you shop around.
I am no expert on laptops, but i would steer clear of Dell personally, ASUS is great, my mate has one. I have a Toshiba Satilite something and its great, i got it for $999 as it has a dead pixel, that is reduced from over $2000 a few months ago.
If you can put up with a dead pixel then i would recommend looking around and seeing if you can pick one up real cheap, for the money i paid i could get nothing as good as this. Mind you i use it as a second to my PC so the dead pixel doesnt bother me as it would others.

I think Toshiba make good Laptops, resonable prices too, Compaq is now owned my HP i believe and is the lower end of the market, HP is ok too, my mum uses them at work.

OH get a USB mouse too :P or WIFI one... helps alot!

Hope my info was useful in some way.

James

[Capt.LS2]

That sounds like a pretty good price, where did you buy it from if you dont mind me asking?
cheers

Sorry for the delay!

I got it from this mob..

http://www.digitalstar.com.au/

They have quite a good selection.

[cosmo vyss]

Does anyone know of any other places to purchase laptops online from.

JB

[vscorsa]

Does anyone know of any other places to purchase laptops online from.

JB

Also, If you are in another state how do they send them to you safely?

Cheers

Dave

[Fnomna]

Some others
Dell Factory Outlet (preconfigured) http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=au&l=en&s=dfo
Grays Online - mostly new or resealed, read final costs $$$ http://www.graysonline.com.au/category.asp?PARENT_ID=3

I got a Dell 6400 online myself and have had no problems and been completely happy with it. Didn't hear about the DFO until AFTER I'd bought though - there used to be heaps of 6400s available there, but doesn't look like it now.

You can wipe the HDD and do a fresh install and gain back about 5-10Gb of space, but with today's removable and network storage I didn't bother and don't notice the loss. Did uninstall quite a bit of various bloatware though. Comes with a full set of discs to restore it back to factory condition if required.

One thing I didn't go for was the super-high-res screen. Fonts were too small for comfortable reading - check the difference at somewhere like Harvey's. I Still got the 15.4"WS with shiny screen, just not super-res.

Good luck.

oh and if you go Dell, finalise your order on the phone and haggle for a free upgrade of something. I just got an XP Home -> Pro upgrade.

Maybe check http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-threads.cfm?f=7&g=78
and http://forums.overclockers.com.au if you haven't already

[mopar_maniac]

i work in IT so i guess i am qualified to comment, id definately go with Dell
there Inspiron are really good value for a middle of the road lappy if you spend around $1100 u will get a decent machine id recommend @ least a gig of RAM & 140+ gig HDD & 256Meg of video memory oh & 15" screen & as for a bag go the Dell backpack they are sweet!,,

[cosmo vyss]

Guys,

I ended up getting the Asus a8js for 2100, with vista ,norton anti virus etc,office premium,carry bag,mouse. It comes with two year global warrantee. I am quite happy with it so far. I still havent used all the functions. I havent quite worked out how to use the built in camer a yet.
Very happy with it thus far.

JB

[Mojo]

Guys,

I ended up getting the Asus a8js for 2100, with vista ,norton anti virus etc,office premium,carry bag,mouse. It comes with two year global warrantee. I am quite happy with it so far. I still havent used all the functions. I havent quite worked out how to use the built in camer a yet.
Very happy with it thus far.

JB

A 2 year global warranty - that's all well and good if your global goes bung... but what about the rest of it ?