Shopping for a laptop

[The Nth Doctor]

After avoiding the inevitable for a long time, I've finally decided it's time to ditch my seven year-old Dell laptop on its third hard drive. However, I'm not sure what laptop brand or model I want to get. One thing is for certain: NO MACS. So don't even bother trying that pitch.

I'm currently in training to be a Mass Communications specialist for the Navy which means I'll be dealing a lot with digital pictures and videos. I'll probably need something that can handle both of those well. Other than that, I don't require anything else. My price range is <$1000, but the lower the better.

Oh, if it's at all possible, I would prefer the computer to come with XP instead of Vista, but I've already discovered the difficulty in finding laptops that come with XP.

Any thoughts?

 

[Hedbergian]

I haven't owned a laptop myself, but when I was looking into one a couple years ago, Sager was one name that always came up. Solid reviews, then and now. Take a look at the NP2095, has XP-Pro as an option. Also, make sure to load it out with a 7200RPM HDD for the video work you'll be doing, especially if any of it will be larger than DV.

And btw, ... c'mon, ya know you want a Mac.

 

[Deks]

If I was in your position, I'd stick to Sager.

http://www.sagernotebook.com/product_customed.php?pid=91133&action=customize

You can sellect Windows XP as a pre-installed OS.
However ... here's a bit of a tidbit:
Since the laptop in question comes with 4GB of RAM (highly recommended for what you'll be doing) I recommend you stick with Vista Home Premium (64 bit).

XP is fine and all, but it might become slow if it starts using more than 1GB (or more) of RAM and of course 32 bit OS ion general won't be able to use over 3 or 3.5GB of RAM.
Vista is different as it has better memory management, so slowing down with high RAM use won't really present an issue.

64 bit version (x64) of Vista is a better option compared to XP x64 if we take into consideration that MS took more time to develop it properly (not to mention you will be able to utilize all 4GB ... whereas 32 bit OS as mentioned above, won't).
One more thing ... if you pick the above laptop ... leave the OS as it is on Vista (although contact Sager and let them know you want a x64 OS for proper RAM use just to be safe) and pick the P8600 cpu. It produces less heat, consumes less power compared to T5800 and is also faster by 400 Mhz on both cores (which again is highly beneficial for the things you will do).
That way, the laptop comes up to $999 in total ... but well worth the money if you ask me.

Also ... this particular machine will allow you to play some of the latest games if you make a decision to do so.
The hardware (with my cpu recommendation) is powerful enough after all (although it's a shame the gpu doesn't have GDDR3 ram which would be by about 10 to 15 FPS faster in games).
Btw, I'm using Vista Home Premium SP1 (64 bit) and most of the things work just fine.
Yes, I would deeply prefer a 'leaner' OS, but Windows 7 will fulfill that purpose when it comes out.

 

[Iasius]

^^ Looks very much like my Compal JHL 90 based notebook that I bought two weeks ago. I also went for the P8600, but I didn't foresee too heavy HDD usage so I stuck to a 5400rpm 200 GB HDD.

I'm using Vista Home Premium 64 with it and so far it works fine. I haven't done much with it except for surfing and playing video files though.

I'd also recommend the higher display resolution. Being able to view more at once is always helpful, especially in your case of working with images and videos (in my case working with data files and graphing programs for example).

 

[Mr. B]

I'm loyal to Sony and their VAIO laptops... mostly because they are the most stylish computers you can buy without an Apple logo. I've been happy with all five of the ones I've bought since 2004 (it's a hobby, they all still work) and my Dad has the SZ and TZ series so I've played with plenty of them.

If you decide to get an ugly laptop, get a Thinkpad.

 

[Deks]

Speaking from a personal perspective, stylishness is the least of my worries when buying a laptop.
I'm more concerned about the hardware/performance and will require the laptop in question that has a decent build quality.
Sure that in the end, aesthetics 'might' take some getting used to, but as I said, I don't consider that a priority and had a relatively 'plain' looking laptop for over 2 years (from DELL) and the looks never bothered me to begin with.

Also the OP stated a need for a solution that is obviously powerful enough for the applications that were mentioned.
Sony Vaio is a relatively expensive brand, and I sincerely doubt that the OP would be able to get a mid-range laptop of Sager's specs for the same amount of money (although there IS always that remote possibility).

I am a member on 'Notebook Review' website (site specializing in laptops in general).
A lot of people in US are being recommended to buy Sager laptops on that website as they have a pretty high build quality, are customizable, and offer powerful solutions in a decent price range.
Most of the individuals who bought Sager laptops never really complained and were completely satisfied.

I am using an Acer laptop for example. 5930G (mid-range) solution, that is quite powerful for everything I need to do, and I paid only £600.
It's build quality is not exactly stellar, but it's good enough for me and my needs.

 

[Brolan]

I'm loyal to Sony and their VAIO laptops... mostly because they are the most stylish computers you can buy without an Apple logo. I've been happy with all five of the ones I've bought since 2004 (it's a hobby, they all still work) and my Dad has the SZ and TZ series so I've played with plenty of them.

If you decide to get an ugly laptop, get a Thinkpad.

I detailed in another thread how I recently bought a red and silver Dell Insprion 1525 laptop. It's pretty stylish as well.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I've been pretty busy this week, but hopefully I'll be able to look more into my options this weekend.

 

[Daedalus12]

I was going to recommend a Macbook when I remembered that everyone that I know who bought one has had at least one major problem with it and that was before I read your post.

As usual I recommend a Thinkpad.

 

[Mallory]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I've been pretty busy this week, but hopefully I'll be able to look more into my options this weekend.

Be sure and let us know what you eventually end up with and what you think of it.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

I settled on the HP Pavalion dv4-1225dx. It's pretty sweet so far. I'm doing my best to make Vista look like Windows 2000 but there are some things I can't quite change. I also need to order some internet and fast. The computer lab here is dying quickly. Only 4 out of the 10 computers work properly at the moment.

 

[BolianAuthor]

You can always buy an OEM copy of XP, and upgrade the system.

 

[backstept]

Vista is fine, and with Windows 7 on the way you'll be able to upgrade when it comes out (not sure about the pricing between upgrade and fresh install)
I'm holding off on building a new desktop because I'd like to wait for 7 which may be out within the year

everything I've heard so far about 7 has been good, and I definitely recommend going 64 bit . . . 64 is the future, man

 

[Deks]

I settled on the HP Pavalion dv4-1225dx. It's pretty sweet so far. I'm doing my best to make Vista look like Windows 2000 but there are some things I can't quite change. I also need to order some internet and fast. The computer lab here is dying quickly. Only 4 out of the 10 computers work properly at the moment.

Well, if you have Vista pre-installed on that laptop, chances are you have the OEM version.
Is the Vista in question 32 bit or 64 bit?
Go to Control Panel, and then System.
Under 'system type' it should be stated which version is it.

I'm personally using Vista Home Premium SP1 x64 for everyday work and it works nicely.
I'll still replace it with Windows 7 x64 when it comes out though, but for now I find Vista to be adequate (I use the 64 bit Vista because it has better support and memory management compared to XP in general, and it's able to use my hardware's fullest potential).
I would also recommend you stick with Vista x64 for the moment as it can utilize your hardware to the fullest, and it's more secure that x86 OS.

In any event, if you have issues with old programs compatibility, then installing XP in a dual-boot config would help out.
Keep in mind though that you will need to find SATA drivers before installing XP, or disable AHCI (and set it to IDE) in BIOS so XP would be able to install without a BSOD.
I also recommend that if you do install XP, just get the version that already has SP3 on it.
And you will have to find all of the laptop devices drivers for XP.
I wouldn't bother with HP's website as support for XP is dwindling.
What you can do is go into Device Manager, look up the names/numbers of crucial devices and go to their manuf. websites to download XP drivers (they will have them most definitely).
also, you will need your chipset and sata drivers for XP as well.
Cpu-Z is a free utility that doesn't even install onto your computer and it will tell you detailed information about your system.