Originally Posted By ajnhollysmommy I am looking at buying a laptop. I only need it to surf the web and play DVD's on for the kids. I found a Toshiba Satellite A105-S4034 for $580.00 Operating Systems Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 Platform Learn More Notebook PC Expansion Ports 1 - PC Card Slot Processor Brand Intel Processor Class Centrino Core™ Solo Processor T1350 Processor Speed 1.86Ghz Additional Technologies Intel Centrino Mobile Technology Memory Type DDR2 Memory Size 1GB Memory Slots (Total) 2 Capacity 100GB Optical Drive Type DVD?RW Graphics Description Integrated Graphics GPU/VPU Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Video Memory 8MB-128MB Shared Communications Description Integrated Modem Integrated LAN Integrated Wireless LAN Interface Type Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG RJ-11 Phone Connector RJ-45 Ethernet Connector Width 14.2" Height 1.17" Depth 10.5" Weight 6.0 lbs Display Type TruBrite TFT active-matrix LCD Display Viewable Screen Size 15.4" Battery Type 6-Cell Lithium-ion Battery Life Up to 3.5 hours is this good? I have not one single clue, or is there a better choice for a cheap but good laptop? I know the Dell has a low end one too HELP =)
Originally Posted By Labuda This one sounds ok, but I'd just ilke to remind you that if the Dell you're looking at is part of the Inspiron line, your 2005 SP can get you 10% off. No pressure.
Originally Posted By EdisYoda The specs look good, though I'm more partial to the AMD processors... lower cost, and generally use less power for the same speed.
Originally Posted By avromark <<The specs look good, though I'm more partial to the AMD processors... lower cost, and generally use less power for the same speed.>> You took the words right out of my mouth, Haven't bought any non Mac Intel's since 01. Unless you plan on using your laptop in a plane, I'd recommend at least a 15.4" screen, I don't think I could survive without my 17" laptop screen.
Originally Posted By EdisYoda <<You took the words right out of my mouth>> And they say I don't have enough experience to do desktop support. GRRRRRRRRR.
Originally Posted By ajnhollysmommy My monitor I have right now is only 14" LOL Are the lower end once ok, what brands should I stay way from? And should I keep Windows XP on it or should I upgrade to Windows Vista??
Originally Posted By mrichmondj To truly run Windows Vista, you'll need a dual core processor and 2GB of RAM. Without those, Windows Vista will run a less robust version of the operating system and you might as well be using Windows XP.
Originally Posted By EdisYoda From what I've been reading about Vista, I'd stay away from it until at least Service Pack 1... if not Service Pack 2 is released. There are some concerns out there that Vista may not let you play CD's or DVD's (especially HD and Blue Ray DVD's) properly due to Digital Rights Management. I'm waiting to see how these play out before I upgrade. As for low end, they are usually ok, however, right now, I'd stay away from Compaq. Also Gateway, goes through cycles in quality where one year they're great, next year, terrible. Not sure where they are right now. IBM, Dell, Toshiba, and HP are the brands I'd recommend right now.
Originally Posted By fkurucz >>And should I keep Windows XP on it or should I upgrade to Windows Vista??<< I have sworn to never buy another Windows machine.
Originally Posted By avromark Basically, stay away from "Celeron", get at least 512mb RAM (1GB or more strongly recommended), and try to aim for at least 60GB HDD. Keep in mind laptops will always lag a bit behind the desktops (Ie, power consumption and space are a primary concern). The average desktop's hard drive spins at 7200rpm (Higher end systems use 10m or 15m, whereas a laptop spins at 4200rpm). IBM is tops in quality, but their laptops tend to be a bit staid in design, Inspirons (Dell), Toshiba, Acer are good. Heck my laptop is a "Ferrari" lol (Acer purchased the right to use the name) Hey administration/engineering kicks desktop support Ed you should know that (even if they don't pay you the proper tier).
Originally Posted By avromark Oh XP SP2 (pretty much standard now), ffor your purposes Home is OK, you don't need Pro or Media Center(sic). Just make sure to upgrade everything and get Firefox!
Originally Posted By EdisYoda Oh, I know that very well avromark... it's trying to convince prospective employers of that
