Buying a laptop. Need opinions.

[desertscorpion]

I'm buying a laptop to handle two different small businesses. I need one with maximum dependability. I have some friends with some killer rigs, but everyone's always getting virus's or having one crash. I had a friend tell me he has a Apple/Macintosh Powerbook or something. He said that they are way more dependable, and that he doesn't even know if there are virus's written for these computers. Do any of you have first-hand knowledge about the validity of that claim, and the dependability of the Apple PCs. Thanks, in advance.

Scorp

[virus692]

I have an thought in video...
http://www.wimp.com/macs/

VIrus 692- [img=left] http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/j/jedi.gif[/img=left]
Life Liberty and the prusuit of insainaity!

[xwingband]

There are viruses written for Macs... fairly recently actually. There aren't many written for them for the simple reason that Apple shares less than 10 pecent of the market.

It's a double edged sword with Apple's they are reliable because everything is tailored for them. You are limited to what programs have been written for them and hardware too, but you know they will work.

Bottom line is viruses and spyware, etc... are mostly operator problems.[;)] Buying a Mac to avoid that is avoiding the source of the problem. Crashes aren't something that can't be avoided, but in general Apple Hardware is very good, but every batch can have a bad apple. Ex. My Dell Laptop, the LCD cable failed... not normal but not something I can blame Dell for.

I really think in the end it's almost more of a use issue and getting a good service contract. If you need a powerful comp Apple is probably not the way to go, but they will be good if you need something that can do the basics with little issue.

BTW Apple's can boot Windows XP now. Helps with software compatibility but brings the same issues of security.

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[meiv4]

it depends on what your buisness needs are, chances are there will be a program out there to do what you want on apple or pc. you will probably be paying more for the apple. Dell laptops are very nice, cheep and good support.

hmmm hmmmm whooosh hmmmm whooosh crackel

[Devilstar2k2]

I got one of these like 2-3 years ago for $700 (after rebates)... It hasn't had a single problem yet.

http://www.fultonweb.com/cgi-bin/amazon.cgi?item_id=B00019POR4&search_type=AsinSearch&locale=us

Its not the greatest, but its not horrible either. I upgraded the ram so I could play some games and such, and everything is plenty smooth. I don't see it listed there, but it has built in wireless too.

[james3]

I am guessing you are comfortable with windows and office in which case a Dell D610 bought with the top level support and "everything covered" warranty would serve you wonderfully.

Everyone here will have a preference on brands but the truth is that every manufacturer has a success story as well as a horror story. My personal horror stories are with Acer and HP and that is just the way it is. All of the components come from the same place, the same resistors in a Dell are also in an E-Machines.

My wife is in IT, has been for years and she has worked with everything out there and will be the first one to say that you want to get a laptop with the best service plan. Everything breaks, that's just the way it is.

To further xwings comment since he is dead on, there is a perception that there are not many virus, bugs whatever because there are no where as many units as there are PC's. 1 million pcs with 10% bugged is going to appear like there is a bigger problem then 10 thousand apples with 20% bugged. You get the idea.

Now as far as op system, unix, or some of the linuex lines will drop your issues of bugs and stuff a whole bunches[:D]

"Only a Sith deals in absolutes. I will do what I must." - Obi-Wan Kenobi

[LAN-ED-TUL]

dell bites. i had one and it had cascade failures of the psu4 times, and 5 harddrives too. and the MB finally went too along with the hardrive the last time. i had the biggest one they had at that time. the 8250, then after multiple fries of drives, they made me send it back, i did and they sent me the newest they had, the 8300. it too after 2 months started the same old routine, fryin drives and the last time the MB went with it. i took it to a computer place and had them use what ever was still good in it, and had one built. never had a problem with it since. and ive had it now for 3 years.

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You dont know the POWER, of the dark side...

[james3]

Lan, I would say the same thing about HP. I make all of my own desktops like I said before, but between my HP laptop and my Dell laptops I would say that HP is total junk since mine is in for repair as we speak for the 4th time and it's only a year old. The only hitch with my Dell isn't their fault, my 2 year old closed the lid with a xbox connector laying on the keyboard and when it wouldn't go all the way she got brutal with it. Gold service and super warranty they overnighted me a new screen and I was back in business didn't cost a thing.

Like I said before they are all junk, it's all 'bout the coverage.

"Only a Sith deals in absolutes. I will do what I must." - Obi-Wan Kenobi

[LAN-ED-TUL]

i agree with hp aw well, i once had a packard bell, which was the precursor to the HP computers. it was junk too. well, in your case, i can see your point. i doubt they make a computer kid proof, LOL

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You dont know the POWER, of the dark side...

[xwingband]

James3 is right on too. There will be never fail computers and ones that fall apart on you, just like cars. Just get a good service plan and backup your stuff.

Also the linux comment is funny because that's even more of a crapshoot finding stuff that works.

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[cyberjedi]

I think we all have had a computer crash no matter what maker made it. I had a gateway Laptop that took a crap on me, I had to replace the keyboard on it twice, a hard drive once, the motherboard and the lcd cover. Before the power supply finialy went so I got this Dell laptop a C610 no promblems at all exept a viruis that I got looking at adult sites lets just say no more going on those sites.[:I]So know matter what computer you buy you can have promblems. Just buy from a reputable dealer with a warrent and you'll be fine.

May The Force Be With You. http://x402.putfile.com/2/5822324040.gif

[Do-Clo]

Linux is not for the faint at heart, there is really not much software available for it. I have a friend that swears by it and sometimes at it. I remember not to long ago he was invaded by a hacker and they erased his entire hard drive, fun stuff. I keep reminding him that my Windows 2000 pro just keeps going never fails. As for the laptop I would go for the one with the best service and support. I am still running a 10 year old Toshiba laptop and it never misses a beat.

Do-Clo

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Don't make me destroy you...

[xwingband]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Do-Clo

Linux is not for the faint at heart, there is really not much software available for it. I have a friend that swears by it and sometimes at it. I remember not to long ago he was invaded by a hacker and they erased his entire hard drive, fun stuff. I keep reminding him that my Windows 2000 pro just keeps going never fails. As for the laptop I would go for the one with the best service and support. I am still running a 10 year old Toshiba laptop and it never misses a beat.

Do-Clo

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Don't make me destroy you...

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

That's because it's assumed when you get linux that you already know a fair share about computers (since you even know what linux is) and if not you learn how to protect it. Linux is an operating system so it doesn't help the OP much at all.

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[Do-Clo]

[/quote]

That's because it's assumed when you get linux that you already know a fair share about computers (since you even know what linux is) and if not you learn how to protect it. Linux is an operating system so it doesn't help the OP much at all.

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[/quote]

Well in that case just go buy a Toshiba they hardly ever fail.


Do-Clo

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Don't make me destroy you...

[LAN-ED-TUL]

toshiba is a good brand of laptop. i know a few friends who have one and never had any issues.

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You dont know the POWER, of the dark side...

[Nightwing]

My dad's been in IT for years, and this is his viewpoint:

PC (Windows):
PCs with Windows are nice because you can mod them, but bad because... they're running Windows.
Windows is designed off a very basic plan:
(1)Take hundreds of little programs and weave them together into a ridiculously complicated and inefficient system.
(2)Charge hundreds of dollars for it.
(3)Ensure that all software developers must use this system, so that the consumer is forced to use it, with virtually no alternative.
(4)Make sure to put lots of bugs and security holes in the system, so that you're forced to update at least every week.

Go watch this flash cartoon to get a clearer idea:
http://www.fredthemonkey.com/mailbag15.html


Mac:
Macs are good, easy to use, and generally work a lot better than Windows. They're also unmatched at video and image editing.
The big drawback, of course, is that most programs in general are designed for Windows.


PC (Linux):
Linux is free. That's right, free. It's a free software that anyone is free to edit and do whatever they please with it. Naturally, there are now hundreds of different versions of it.
The nice thing about Linux is that (1) the people who make it actually put lot of quality into it (I'm talking Windows XP-quality), and (2) it runs super-smooth. While Windows is at this moment wasting 320.7MB of my RAM, Linux will often be below 50MB.
It's also really fun to play around with. For instance, it's fun to pull out the command prompt window and just play around with it, just to see what kind of random code the developers put in. At times I've even found Lord of the Rings trivia hidden in there...
Once again, the drawback is that many Windows programs will not work on it.
But it's free, so there's no point not trying it. One version, called Knoppix, is designed to run off a CD. You just download it, burn it to a CD, and restart your computer with it in the drive. That way there's no hassle with dual-booting and such.


Anyway, that's my opinion.

[xwingband]

There's a few issues I have with that, but I won't bother... I'll just say it again. If you want power it's not going to be in a Apple comp (i.e. wanting a workstation computer). Otherwise it really doesn't matter what brand as long as you get a service plan were they're willing to wipe your nose if you sneeze on it.

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[NooB1Kenobi]

I have a Sager Laptop that I absolutely love..
Flaws are it's heavy and the 2 batteries last about 2.5 hours..
It's a Intel P4 64 Bit 3400
2 gigs of ram
pci express video card
uxga 15.4 inch screen 1920 x 1200 or something like that
DVD RW with lighscribe
webcam
6 speaker sound
tv tuner
4 or 5 year warrenty
who knows what else I forget right now..
It's under my desk running as a gaming server or used to download music to my external drive..
All for about $3500.00

I even named her lappy

Female Twi'leks are so Hot! I want one. =0)~

[james3]

Scorp, you want to use this thing from a business standpoint right?
Stick with what businesses use as far as HW and SW. I did throw that line in about linux as a little humor and xing caught it. I have played a little here and there but my brother is a freak about it and I always here about how it will take over blah, blah, blah. Long story split sideways is when he has to use his 'puter for work purposes he boots up to XP Pro and I just grin.

The stuff is great from a computer persons stand point but here's the problem. The OVERWHELMING majority of computer users in this day in age don't give a two cents of crap about how a computer works, and they want the work and home stuff to look the same work the same and that's it. Part of my degree is on UNIX but the 54,000 employees that would be supported by anything that cool just want to know where excel, word and solitare are. Anywho, That's my ramble for the night



"Only a Sith deals in absolutes. I will do what I must." - Obi-Wan Kenobi

[desertscorpion]

Thanks, to all. This gives me a lot to think about. I have a brother in law nearby who is the regional HP on call dude. He told me that buying an Apple is like buying a Mercedes or Jag. He said that many computers eventually crap out, even Apples, and that it will be that much more expensive and trouble to find support if I buy an Apple. The overwhelming concensus, it seems, is to get a superwhammodyne service plan. Thanks, again.

[LAN-ED-TUL]

how much software is really out there for a apple tho? in the past there wasnt much at all, dont know now, but most all i see anywhere is pc software, thats not compatible with apple. unless they have changed the way it works to accept just about any software that is for regular pc computers. i dont know, thats why i am asking this.

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You dont know the POWER, of the dark side...

[steel_darkblade]

Don't know if it's too late, but one suggestion I would give is to get something with (I'm not too sure about this) Speed Step technology? Basically it makes it so your computer doesn't run at the same processing speed all the time. Saves a significant amount of batter power.

"All men die, but not all men live... which are you?"

[xwingband]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by steel_darkblade

Don't know if it's too late, but one suggestion I would give is to get something with (I'm not too sure about this) Speed Step technology? Basically it makes it so your computer doesn't run at the same processing speed all the time. Saves a significant amount of batter power.

"All men die, but not all men live... which are you?"
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

That is usually a setting for all mobile laptops... I don't even know of one built now that doesn't have it especially with the mobile Intel Core Duo processors now.

It saves in battery but it is sometimes useful to turn off because it produces lag in heavy applications.

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[desertscorpion]

Guys, I bought my laptop last night. I don't have a model #, but it's a Toshiba. It has a dual processor (dual core Centrino or something...I can't remember), 100 GB hardrive, about 1 ghz ram, cd/dvd+/- RW, blah, blah, blah. After the 3 yr. service plan, the virus/spyware, and sales tax, I spent about $1600...I think. I could be a hundred or so off, since I don't have the receipt and I'm not a detail person. I think it'll be pretty cool. I was trying to avoid it, but I got it from Best Buy. I found many on the net for cheaper, but after I added all the necessities, I was ending up at about the same prices as the ones in stores. Plus, I like to complain to someone face-to-face if something goes wrong. The store was actually out of the model I bought, so I'm picking it up Friday. I hope it's cool. What do you guys think? And please don't brow beat me. My Best Buy card is still screaming from the abuse.

[Do-Clo]

I have always liked Toshiba laptops as I have a old one that is about 10 years old and still works great. They are my favorite brand in laptop but not everyone agrees. I say if your happy then enjoy, if it is as good as mine then you will get a lot of use out of it.

Do-Clo

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Don't make me destroy you...

[xwingband]

You should be fine. Toshiba is a fine brand and it sounds like it will be able to handle what you throw at it for a while.

Should this turn into a suggestions on what to do next thread?[:D] Like get rid of some of the crap they install and security. Especially if it's for a bussiness you should make sure the data is safe from being stolen and/or failure.

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[desertscorpion]

Thanks, xwing.

[desertscorpion]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Do-Clo

I have always liked Toshiba laptops as I have a old one that is about 10 years old and still works great. They are my favorite brand in laptop but not everyone agrees. I say if your happy then enjoy, if it is as good as mine then you will get a lot of use out of it.

Do-Clo

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Don't make me destroy you...

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

Yeah, I had a laptop all picked out (Gateway) and then I asked the computer dude if it was the brand that he would buy. He said he'd get a Toshiba. He told me that Toshiba has been making laptops specifically for about 15 years or more and that they had more laptop experience than most company's that jumped on the bandwagon later. That's what sold me.

[james3]

Toshiba's a fine product and it sounds like you have the most important thing but read through all of your warrenty stuff right away in full lawyer style detail because sales folks may not totally know what they are selling. They will say it is a coverall warrenty but then when you go to use it you find out that it is not and it is through company that has nothing to do with the manufacturer or the retail store. I am in the middle of a case like this as we speak, it is very frustrating because the evrey place will tell you something different because they are not affiliated with each other.

With Toshiba though it is possible you will never need to use the service, I have only heard one person badmouth them and he is such a brandname snob that you just want to ralf on him.

"Only a Sith deals in absolutes. I will do what I must." - Obi-Wan Kenobi