New Computer question

[Captain Ice]

I'm looking into purchasing a new computer, which will likely be my first laptop. I'm curious to see if anyone here has any experience with HP, Samsung, Toshiba, or Lenovo laptops.

Any recommendations?

For those of you with laptops, what screensize do you have? Also, for those who have purchased new computers in the last few months, what processor did you get?

 

[RoJoHen]

My very first laptop was an HP Pavilion. It worked fine, I guess.

I've since been converted into an Apple person, though, so the idea of going back to a Windows-based computer just sounds dreadful to me.

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

Obviously price is always a factor.

If I were to get a new laptop, I would see if one could be had with the I7 processor and 8GB+ of RAM, since I'm a 64bit OS guy.

Minimum 500GB HDD. A SSD would be best for a laptop, but are really expensive for a sizable one.

It would also depend on the usage. If it's not going to be your "main" computer, it doesn't need to be too over-powered.

 

[ParLawGod]

Before we can give you any recommendations regarding what you need (4GB or 8GB ram, 320GB or 500GB+ hard drive, HDMI, webcam, etc.) could you let us know a little more about what you all do on the computer? Just browse the Internet? Do you play games (if so, which ones)? Do you keep a lot of music on your computer? etc. This will determine whether you can get by with one for $350-400, or if you need to spend in the $600-800 (or even more!) range.

Regarding brands, I've always been a loyal HP/Compaq user - I've purchased about 8-10 of them for myself and family in the last five years and I've never had a problem. That's just me though.

Buying a new laptop is always exciting!

 

[tomalak301]

I actually just bought a computer and it was a Toshiba, which I've really come to like for at least 7 years. Good luck with whatever purchase you make though.

 

[Spot's Meow]

I have had a couple of Toshibas that I found very reliable. But I'm sure you'll be fine with any brand, though I would read up on the reviews for specific models to make sure there are no particular issues that stand out.

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

Is any one brand really better or worse than the others?

I know Gateway used to use fairly low-end components, unknown brand drive and whatnot (if you didn't order better parts).

 

[Bisz]

I've since been converted into an Apple person, though, so the idea of going back to a Windows-based computer just sounds dreadful to me.

Ditto!

When I was looking for my first laptop I was still a Windows junkie, with a smarmy attitude about Apple to boot!

That is until I put together a decision matrix (I'm an engineer, its what we do) which told me that I should get a MacBook Pro and just run Windows on it. So, I got a 15" MBP and used Boot Camp (comes free with every Mac) to split my HDD in half and install XP on the other half. I launched the laptop into XP about three times total and less than a month after I got the computer I had erased the Windows partition and have never looked back.

 

[Captain Ice]

Before we can give you any recommendations regarding what you need (4GB or 8GB ram, 320GB or 500GB+ hard drive, HDMI, webcam, etc.) could you let us know a little more about what you all do on the computer? Just browse the Internet? Do you play games (if so, which ones)? Do you keep a lot of music on your computer? etc. This will determine whether you can get by with one for $350-400, or if you need to spend in the $600-800 (or even more!) range.

To answer your question...

This is replacing my main machine. Will be used for minor gaming, email, web browsing, word processing, etc. I tend to keep a lot of music and video clips on my machine. All of the machines I'm looking for are between $600 and $900. All have a minimum of 6GB of Ram with the option of going to 8.

However, they are powered by a wide variety of processors and I'm not sure what size screen I should get. I've also not purchased a computer ( I built the one I'm replacing myself) in so long that I am not sure what brands are reliable.

 

[Starbreaker]

I recommend buying some kind of warranty no matter what you get...

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

If you're getting a Windows machine, remember, only the 64bit OS will be able to recognize & utilize over 4GB of RAM.

But if you put something like PhotoShop on it, you'll need the RAM

 

[ares93]

I've own one of each of all the brands you mentioned. Personally I'd avoid the Business models of HP laptops. Consumer models are fine, but in me opinion too fragile.

Samsung and Toshiba make decent machines. If the price is right I wouldn't hesitate. Avoid the smaller Toshibas, (14" and below) they tend to overheat easily.

And now to lenovo. Tell you the truth, this is what i would aim for personally. While my thinkpads were IBM's, its the same company and they make just as god laptops as IBM did. Me T40 is still in daily use.


As for what i use. I own a 17.3 inch Asus X72JR with a i5-520m cpu, Corsair SSD+500gb 7200rpm and 8gb ram. But that's more like me portable desktop replacement. Me everyday machine is a modified Panasonic Toughbook CF-29 MK5. Which has a 13 inch touchscreen.

I use XP on me Toughbook and Windows 7 / OS X Lion dualboot on me Asus.

 

[farmkid]

I'll second the recommendation for a Lenovo Thinkpad. I've been using a Thinkpad T61 for nearly 3 years now. It's by far the best built laptop I've ever had and is noticeably better built than the Dells, HP's, Toshibas, etc. that I've seen friends/colleagues use. It will cost you a bit more, but if you can afford it it's worth it.

 

[AntonyF]

Is any one brand really better or worse than the others?

I think these days... no. Component manufacturing and laptop/PC creating is all so mature that I don't think you'd get much difference between the brands above. The difference may be in after care service etc.

 

[milo bloom]

Wife has had a Lenovo that she used for work (work at home) for about 4 years now, and I recently bought a similar model for myself (Fry's had it for $280 last fall).

 

[Mooch]

I use an Apple at home, and I service HP laptops at work (because I work in IT, and my company buys HP). They are decent enough, the newset models are (relatively) easy to disassemble, which is always nice.

 

[propita]

Is any one brand really better or worse than the others?

I think these days... no. Component manufacturing and laptop/PC creating is all so mature that I don't think you'd get much difference between the brands above. The difference may be in after care service etc.

Paraphrasing from 'Armageddon': "One brand. Another brand. And everything made in Taiwan!"


One of the best lines in that film.