Need new laptop, any must have options?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Len, is there a reason you don't want XP? Dell is one of the few to offer it pre-loaded into their computers. Right now I think you'd be crazy to go with Vista, my own experience and everything I hear is not good. ESPECIALLY if you have older programs (CAD, etc) that you plan on using.

Otherwise, it's hard to fault the XPS. If you do plan on running CAD programs, go for the bigger screen. Otherwise, I'm sure you know the drill. More RAM, more power, dedicated video card, faster HD, etc = better.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Correction, I see that the XPS does not offer XP. Better question, why the XPS? It looks neat, but I built a Vostro 1510 that blows it out of the water. 2 GHz Core 2 Duo, XP, 15.4" display, 3 GB RAM, DVD-RW, NVIDIA video card with 256KB dedicated, 160 GB 7200 RPM HD. I was at $1,014. That's way better than what the XPS offers for $1,000.

[lendaddy]

Damn you people and your options

[MRM]

My old Dell crashed just a month or two ago and I just got a new laptop. I need mine for work, so I needed something that could handle lots of heavy PDF emails, a scanner, and lots of word processing. I asked my computer guy to get me something that did all that and was convenient to use.

He set me up with an IBM/Lenovo T60p with Windows XP. It has lots of memory, the extra graphics card that makes it navigate the web better, and Bluetooth.

I strongly suggest going with a bare bones system that it built for speed, unless you have specialized needs, getting one with XP only (make sure it wasn't loaded with Vista and just has XP added on) and the one add-on of Bluetooth. I upgraded keyboards and my mouse to new Blutooth connection ones and I love it. Well worth the extra few bucks.

Otherwise, just add on the most memory and fastest speed that makes economic sense. The idea is that if you get a higher end machine now, it will last longer and keep up with next year's technological improvements and demands, and you won't have to replace it as soon. The money you spend on having a fast system now saves you money in not needing to replace it later. Then you jump generations of technology and get that year's latest, greatest and start all over again.

Also consider buying through a real computer consultant who will sell you the machine optimized for you. If set up right, the machine will operate like a faster machine that wasn't optomized, and you save money by getting the same performance out of a lesser machine that has a few hours' labor into it. I get mine tuned up about once a year and it makes a great difference.

Finally, think about getting a docking station with a backup system attached. When mine went down it was a struggle to save all the information on it - all my billing information, lots of documents, etc. Now that I'm all set up I just have my guy check me out once a year and I fuhgetaboutit in the mean time.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Oh yeah, Dell shows that 6/18 is the last that they will be selling XP laptops. No pressure. It does look like they'll still be selling with XP Pro installed, but not for free.

[Mule]

I found the learning curve for Vista a little rocky. My machine is now rock solid. The only thing I cant answer from experience is about CAD but that is easy enough to find out. If it is business ONLY, XP is a fine choice. If it's dual purpose, I'd recommend Vista.

[lendaddy]

I am very close to just walking in and getting one off the shelf. Two weeks from now I won't care or sweat the details. It's not my main machine and I don't ask much of it.

FWIW, I don't "use" CAD, I do however get prints in CAD and need a viewer for that.

[kstar]

Good idea - just get a name-brand laptop and don't sweat the details. Load up the RAM for good measure and you should be fine.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Don't do it!!! Just kidding, it's probably not a big deal. The only thing is if you plan to use older programs that you already have. Vista isn't much on backwards-compatibility. Otherwise, just make sure you get a fast processor and lots of RAM if you get a Vista PC. I like simplicity, so I'll stick with XP as long as I can.

[MRM]

OK, another final thought. I strongly recommend finding an independent compuer shop that can sell you new, used and refurbished machines. This has many advantages over going to Super Huge Website/Store and buying one off the shelf, even if you can configure it any way you want.

First, a real computer guy can fit you with what you want so you get the performance you need without paying for stuff you don't need. Second, he can get you the best deals because he'll have the connections and knows what is out there in terms of price and performance. Third, any independent authorized Microsoft vendor can still sell new XP-only machines. Fourth, he will configure your machine to maximize its performance, probably included in the price he charges you for the machine. My guy can work with anyone anywhere in the country and can have stuff drop shipped to you or delivered to him, configured and express mailed to you. I basically got all the extra service for free by buying through my guy. He made his money on the markup on the machine, which didn't cost me any more than I would have paid retain anywhere else. I'd be happy to give you his contact information.

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by kstarnes

Good idea - just get a name-brand laptop and don't sweat the details. Load up the RAM for good measure and you should be fine.

Exactly. BestBuy has a nice little XPS 13.3" for about $1k. It is probably more than I need already.

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by MRM

OK, another final thought. I strongly recommend finding an independent compuer shop that can sell you new, used and refurbished machines. This has many advantages over going to Super Huge Website/Store and buying one off the shelf, even if you can configure it any way you want.

First, a real computer guy can fit you with what you want so you get the performance you need without paying for stuff you don't need. Second, he can get you the best deals because he'll have the connections and knows what is out there in terms of price and performance. Third, any independent authorized Microsoft vendor can still sell new XP-only machines. Fourth, he will configure your machine to maximize its performance, probably included in the price he charges you for the machine. My guy can work with anyone anywhere in the country and can have stuff drop shipped to you or delivered to him, configured and express mailed to you. I basically got all the extra service for free by buying through my guy. He made his money on the markup on the machine, which didn't cost me any more than I would have paid retain anywhere else. I'd be happy to give you his contact information.

Thanks, I'll give it some thought when my mood settles. I'm just tired of looking already. In the grand scope it's not a big deal...again because it's not my main machine and I don't ask much of it.

[onewhippedpuppy]

You like the small ones? Maybe I'm just old at 28, but those little screens and little keyboards drive me nuts. My sister in law has a small Dell she takes to class with her, I can't hardly type on it.

[Halm]

Originally Posted by lendaddy

I am very close to just walking in and getting one off the shelf. Two weeks from now I won't care or sweat the details. It's not my main machine and I don't ask much of it.

FWIW, I don't "use" CAD, I do however get prints in CAD and need a viewer for that.

I read in another thread something to the affect "friends don't let friends buy computers from big box stores." Lot of truth in that. Please consider it.

As for Dell and XP, it is NOT exactly correct that they will stop "selling" it in June. We spoke with our Dell rep yesterday on this. Info World, PC mag, PC World or someplace published an article recently that all 3 major vendors had a work around on MS's edict to stop selling XP. Essentially, they will simply start shipping product with the completely legal "down level OS. For business customers (can't address consumers) Dell is going to start shipping with XP / Vista as a dual boot. You choose the one you want.

[lendaddy]

OK, I'll hold off and give it more thought later today. But to be honest ordering a custome build and going two-three weeks without is a tough pill.

[MRM]

I think. XP/Vista duality defeats the purpose of having XP. I think the efficiencies come from having XP only and not have Vista gumming up the works at all. Authorized Microsoft vendors can still sell XP-only machines for another 5 years. You just need to know where to look.

[Halm]

Originally Posted by MRM

. . . I think the efficiencies come from having XP only and not have Vista gumming up the works at all.

In a word: wrong.

With a dual boot configuration neither OS knows anything about the other.

[MRM]

Cool. I did not know that. See why I hire a computer guy to get me the best system/deal for my needs?

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

You like the small ones? Maybe I'm just old at 28, but those little screens and little keyboards drive me nuts. My sister in law has a small Dell she takes to class with her, I can't hardly type on it.

I like the convenience, but I wouldn't mine a 15.4" either. I was told your best value is always the 15.4" since it's the most common (efficiencies of scale) and you pay more for smaller and more for bigger.

[Mule]

Len, I have always custom configured computers (since the mid '80s). I went to Best Buy in Nov & got a Gateway w/ 4400 AMD dual core, 320gb drive, 2 gb mem & I am perfectly happy. I'ts pretty much like buying a radio now. It took me a while to get happy with Vista. I have an XP Pro machine on the other desk. If I had to pick one, Vista.