So I think I want to get a laptop (for serious thread)

[FAGGOT WATCHIN TRON]

I've been thinking about it, and while I like having a desktop because I like the idea of having more power available to me, the more I think about it, the more I think a laptop will really suit my computing needs better. Also, I don't need to have a whole huge set up with a desk and all that jazz if I just have a laptop, the portability aspect is very appealing.

That being said, can anybody make some suggestions as to what I should look at? I am considering doing what Mary did, and going through Dell and getting one with Ubuntu preinstalled on it, QUOTE THIS POST AND CALL ME A CUNT that's just neat, but I have to say I'm not crazy about the laptop she has itself. The speakers are fucking atrocious, you can barely hear anything, and I'm fairly certain she got the top of the line model as far as those are concerned.

All I really need is something that can do word processing, internet, music and video. Nothing fancy, no games or anything really. Any suggestions?

[Shire Le Buff]

IBM Thinkpads are pretty much the best laptops I can recommend. Linux is free and you can put it on any computer you want so don't let that sway your decision.

[FAGGOT WATCHIN TRON]

Yeah I know...I think I'm going to stick with my original plan for Linux, which was strip my old desktop completely and do it on that. I just don't want to be tied down to a desktop for my main computer use anymore.

[TemporalRift]

Definitely grab a Thinkpad if you can afford one of their models. I've got one that's ten years old and I still use it for playing MP3's and surfing occasionally

[Violent Unrest in Allentown]

Also a quick survey of the laptop market today has shown me that people like ugly things. This makes things like this happen: http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/17/apples-u-s-notebook-marketshare-up-to-10-6/

What does everyone think of this guy?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115482

[Shire Le Buff]

If all you do with your laptop is surf the internet, word processing, music and video then what's wrong with being tied down to a desktop? Do you have a wireless network in your house to take advantage of the portability? And if you do, will being able to IM from your downstairs couch really be worth the chunk of change you'll be dropping on this? Do you travel a lot? Spend a lot of time at Starbucks?

What benefit are you seeking from owning a laptop?

[FAGGOT WATCHIN TRON]

What benefit are you seeking from owning a laptop?

Haha mostly what you said: being able to IM from my couch and do other computer activities while being able to remain in the same room with the people I live with, and not forcing them to look at my hideous desk and desktop every day of their lives. I'll probably keep the desktop in my bedroom, but I don't want to have to go inot the bedroom everytime I want to use the computer. Also, I think if I have the option of taking my computer with me, I might take advantage of it more.

Not to mention, I've been in the market for a new computer anyway, and originally was planning on replacing my current desktop. I just made the decision that instead of replacing it, I'd rather supplement it with a laptop. Either way, the amount of money spent works out to be about the same, I think.

[Pube Truth]

Either way, the amount of money spent works out to be about the same, I think.

no...but ok. also, my speakers are shit, but only with some things....i have to do a little bit of digging and i think i can solve that prob. also....you don't have a job at the end of the month. save your money, fool.

[FAGGOT WATCHIN TRON]

Well I'm not buying it RIGHT NOW. I'm just trying to get an idea of what I should look for when I do decide to purchase one. Also, if I were to buy a desktop, it would probably cost way MORE than a laptop, and I wouldn't go for a total top of the line laptop if I got one.

[Violent Unrest in Allentown]

So you're not sure what you want or when you want it or how much you want to spend? 

HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO RECOMMEND YOU SOMETHING CARLY 

[FAGGOT WATCHIN TRON]

So you're not sure what you want or when you want it or how much you want to spend? 

HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO RECOMMEND YOU SOMETHING CARLY 

All I really need is something that can do word processing, internet, music and video. Nothing fancy, no games or anything really. Any suggestions?

Jeeze Dan, read the first post why don't you? That's what I want. Nothing fancy. As to what I want to spend, anything from $600-$1000 I'd imagine would be pretty reasonable. I'll probably end up financing it, as opposed to paying for it outright, or at least financing a portion of it, depending on the price.

I know I want something with a larger screen. 15+ inches preferably, since I will be using this to pretty much replace my desktop for everyday use. Is this helpful?

[Shire Le Buff]

For the record Carly, in general laptops are more expensive than desktops. They also are either very difficult or impossible to hardware-wise update so they get outdated much faster.

Also Mary, try reinstalling Dell's speaker driver or just buy some cheapo external speakers.

[FAGGOT WATCHIN TRON]

Whatever! The price isn't really the issue! From what I've looked at, the price range is about the same for what I would spend if I were to buy a new desktop (I wouldn't just be replacing my tower, I'd replace the monitor and everything). I just want a laptop! I don't want to have to sit in a room in front of a big old computer monitor isolated in my room to go on the computer, and I like the idea of being able to take my work with me if I need to. So get off my back about the price!

[Shire Le Buff]

Just trying to keep the facts straight.

And you know, help.

[Pube Truth]

Also Mary, try reinstalling Dell's speaker driver or just buy some cheapo external speakers.

See, I would, but I get great sound on about half of my music and most videos that aren't from youtube. Would that still be a driver problem? Also, the use of cheapo external speakers kind of take away the whole point of owning a laptop.....you know, mobility....

[Shire Le Buff]

If you are getting different sounds from different programs, that does suggest something on the soft side of the computer. Drivers are usually the first thing I try according to the rule of "Try the easy stuff first". Also, the whole process of finding it on the Dell site, downloading, and installing the booger should take about ten minutes.

[Pube Truth]

okie dokes, thanks.