I need help buying my first laptop

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › I need help buying my first laptop

1 | 2

ZollyMonsta

3009 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#71257 19-May-2007 10:48

Get one with Windows XP on it if you can! Vista is very memory/cpu hungry.

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz - Now on iHeart Radio, TuneIn and Radio Garden

As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."

you are going to be so happy once you have a laptop (and will never want to go back to a desk) - well that's what happened to me anyway. i am spoiled by the fact that i can take my computer anywhere with me. my favorite is being able to watch tv and be online at the same time =) gluck to yah!

stromlancer

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#73112 1-Jun-2007 09:46

Man, so much good advice being posted. Let's organize it for Page 2!

1. Vista Home Premium is nice to keep an eye on, but for the time being you will want to just get a computer with XP, but is also Vista capable. Dell can be useful for this, I think they still have their offer with "It comes with XP, but you can have a free Vista upgrade!". If you can only find a computer with Vista, however, definitely gain Home Premium.

2. Your budget is aiming for below $2000. Some people (Read: store clerks and such people) will see this as a limiting factor. In fact, it isn't a limiting factor at all, and your window is a good one at that. For the stuff you want it to do (surf the net, manage music, do a bit of work, possibly play a few games on it in your free time) you'll need to look for two things: A 100-120 GB hard drive, and a good wireless card that is built in for when you aren't plugged directly. Also, with the Intel vs AMD issue, you really don't need something that is made for programs that are more processor-intensive. AMD is a good choice.

3. You already stated a laptop, that being the Compaq V6302AU. I looked it up and agree with you, it's quite pleasing to the eye. Also, a glance at its hardware shows me that you have a good sixth sense:

AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TL-56 (1.8 GHz)

120GB 5400RPM

1024MB DDR2 (2 Dimms)

Super Multi 8X DVDRW with Double Layer Support

15.4" WXGA High-Definition BrightView Widescreen Display

Windows Vista Home Premium

NVIDIA GeForce (didn't state what model)

Boardcom 802.11b/g, Integrated 10/100 L AN

5-in-1 digital memory reader slot

120 GB hard drive, decent processor, decent screen, Home Premium, and it has a wireless card. Excellent choice and you likely didn't even know it. At only $1500 (at the site I found it, atleast), I'd give you the green to get it.

4. Finally, make sure you get a warranty for the thing. You will appreciate it in case something happens (screen cracks, keyboard falling apart, etc)

Well, there ya go. Also, if you want to see where I got the specs, then just go to http://www.bondandbond.co.nz/computers-accessories/computers-notebooks/notebooks/compaq-v6302au-presario-v6302au-notebook-96617/index.html

timestyles

424 posts

Ultimate Geek

#73136 1-Jun-2007 12:27

There are lots of good comments on this thread - here are my thoughts:

If you aren't playing games, you don't really need a fast CPU. Memory is much more useful. I'd suggest 2GB if using Vista.

Do you have a digital camera? If so, if it has a card reader slot, it is handier than having to get the USB cable for the camera and mess around with that.

Screen size is the biggest issue - I wouldn't suggest you get anything less than 15 inch widescreen, preferably 15.4 because now that everything is widescreen, the height has actually reduced slightly.

As someone posted before - get an extended warranty. That's something I didn't have with my current laptop, and I regret it. Dick Smith sell extended warranties for less than $300 each, that's not bad, compared with say Dell. Yes, the Consumer Guarantees Act does extend your rights as a non-business customer, but do you really want to take the retailer to the disputes tribunal to find out if you are going to get your money back? The acts says that what you paid for the item has to be taken into account, so if you bought an inexpensive item, that's against you.

Will you buy a video camera in the next 3 years (I'd suggest buying the extended warranty and selling 3 months before it ends)? If so, consider getting a IEEE1394 socket.

You might need to budget for an additional battery later on, this being my first laptop I cannot say exactly.

If you have a lot of music files, I'd suggest you get an external USB hard drive enclosure as often you cannot choose the hard drive you are going to get, that said an 80GB hard drive will hold a lot of songs as well as the operating system.

aftm

27 posts

Geek

#73756 7-Jun-2007 09:46

FREAKAZOID! Where's my cookie?

Hey,
I'm considering getting a laptop also, unfortunately my price range is WAY lower. I've been looking at Trademe, do you think a Trademe notebook is safe or should i lean towards new ones?

Adam

AllNightNerding

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#73849 7-Jun-2007 16:54

yahh i'll post something.

I have brought 4 laptops off trademe and they have all been fine and had no problems except one didnt have a HardDrive caddy to hold the hdd in place but they just sent one down.

in my opinion all new desktops and laptops nbeed to have at least a...
2GHZ processor
1GB Ram
100GB HardDrive
1504" Sceen
DVD Dual layer drive

Not be an HP, Compaq, IBM, Lenovo or an apple *the brands that I hate.
and thats about all. Anything else should be fine.

timestyles

424 posts

Ultimate Geek

#73890 7-Jun-2007 20:29

I'm considering getting a laptop also, unfortunately my price range is WAY lower. I've been looking at Trademe, do you think a Trademe notebook is safe or should i lean towards new ones?

When a desktop craps out, you just go down to the local computer store and get a replacement part. When a Laptop craps out, you need to have it serviced. My advice is to not by any laptop without a warranty, you can buy Laptops from Dick Smith for as little as $800 on occasion (or see http://www.pricespy.co.nz/).

Lenovo

Shop now for Lenovo laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

Batman

Mad Scientist
29763 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#74356 12-Jun-2007 10:46

dell laptops will suit your needs. also one of the cheapest. and fully customisable (prior to getting the thing that is!)

pat111

1 post

Wannabe Geek
Inactive user

#74434 12-Jun-2007 20:34

Hi,

You can contact us below for a good and cheap laptops.Find our price list below:

Contact through email:cityt1@gmail.com

Sony Vaio Vgn-Sz491n / X PC Notebook-400usd
Sony VAIO VGN-UX280P PC Notebook-380usd
Sony VAIO VGN-FE770G PC Notebook-400usd
Sony VAIO VGN-SZ450N/C PC Notebook-400usd
Sony VAIO VGN-FS780/W PC Notebook-430usd
Sony VAIO VGN-SZ430N/B PC Notebook-400usd
Sony VAIO VGN-AR190G PC Notebook-380usd

Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV650 (PQG31U016007) PC Notebook-400usd
Toshiba Satellite P105 (PSPAGU00J00V) PC Notebook-420usd
Toshiba Satellite U205 (PLUA0U-0CK042) PC Notebook-400usd
Toshiba Satellite A105-S361 (PSAA0U01C002) PC Notebook-390usd

Acer Ferrari 4005WLMi (LX.FR406.035) PC Notebook-450usd
Acer Ferrari 5005-5832 (LX.FR50U.059) PC Notebook-470usd
Acer Ferrari 1000 (LX.FR60U.051) PC Notebook-400usd
Acer Ferrari 5005WLMi (LXFR506119) PC Notebook-500usd
Acer Ferrari 4005WLMi (LXFR406017) PC Notebook-450usd

Hewlett Packard Pavilion zv6130us (EC356UA) PC Notebook-500usd
Hewlett Packard Pavilion dv9260us PC Notebook-450usd
Hewlett Packard Pavilion dv9030us (882780877016) PC Notebook-400usd
Hewlett Packard Pavilion tx1000z (RD223AV) PC Notebook-400usd

Dell Xps M1710 Notebook-450usd

Contact through email:cityt1@gmail.com

1 | 2