New computer

[Symp4thy]

So I've had my computer for about 7 years now, and I think it's time to upgrade. I currently have a desktop computer but would like to switch to a laptop. My income isn't very much, so I will not be getting a top of the line model, just something modest. Does anybody have any recommendations?

 

[Archereus]

well if your just going to use the laptop for the basics, word porcessing internet and such you cant do wrong with any good priced laptop but if your expecting to do some gaming then a laptop wouldnt be your best choice, especialy if its going to get internet wirelessly

 

[Symp4thy]

Well the most advanced game I would be playing is Diablo II. Is a laptop still not good enough for that or should I reconsider getting a desktop?

 

[sorry user name taken.]

depends on what you would use the laptop for..desktops are easy to upgrade

 

[jamesworkshop]

Diablo 2 is an easy game to run I played it just fine on a laptop with only 512mb of ram and no hardware acceleration and even the cheapest laptops nowadays come with 2GB of RAM.
Lots of good old games exist Biowares Infinity Engine RPG's are fun and not hardware taxing, Emulators work well, Worms Armageddon, Duke Nukem 3D, Age of empires 2 are good choices.

I suggest an Asus X50GL

http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=5BTW&CategorySelectedId=11105&PageMode=1&NavigationKey=11105,403550000,46400000,4294953475,379190000,49350000,46140000,46460000,49340000

Not expensive £423 and has a 2Ghz Core 2 duo, 2GB ram, Downgrade to XP, Wireless, 250GB Hard drive
Now the GeForce 8200M G isn't extremly powerfull but serves its purpose if gaming is only a distraction while easily handling basic operations like Internet and any word processing while using less power and taking up less space than a conventional desktop while being usable from anywhere in the house.

 

[Symp4thy]

I suggest an Asus X50GL

http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=5BTW&CategorySelectedId=11105&PageMode=1&NavigationKey=11105,403550000,46400000,4294953475,379190000,49350000,46140000,46460000,49340000

Not expensive £423 and has a 2Ghz Core 2 duo, 2GB ram, Downgrade to XP, Wireless, 250GB Hard drive
Now the GeForce 8200M G isn't extremly powerfull but serves its purpose if gaming is only a distraction while easily handling basic operations like Internet and any word processing while using less power and taking up less space than a conventional desktop while being usable from anywhere in the house.

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll definitely keep that in mind and is exactly the sort of information I was hoping to get in this thread. I don't know a ton about computers, so the only places I know to look are Dell and Gateway and the likes.

 

[jamesworkshop]

I found that pretty quickly but you might be able to find one similar but cheaper however it is best not to try for less than 2Gb of RAM or a non Core 2 Duo processor even if it is cheaper.
Also avoid anything with Vista it has no business on a cheap laptop they dont have the hardware to make it worthwhile also its much harder to get older games like worms and Diablo 2 to run than it is on XP.

 

[Virgil]

So I've had my computer for about 7 years now, and I think it's time to upgrade. I currently have a desktop computer but would like to switch to a laptop. My income isn't very much, so I will not be getting a top of the line model, just something modest. Does anybody have any recommendations?

A lot of it depends on your budget and your anticipated use.

For a laptop, I generally suggest Dell - we've had nothing but good luck with them here. Others, not so much. I also suggest ordering it and configuring it online instead of getting one at the store - you can never be sure what you get at retail since they're all pre-configured.

For a good middle ground between price/performance, I'd suggest something like a Dell M1530 [http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/xpsnb_m1530?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&~oid=us~en~29~xpsnb_m1530_anav4~~]. It has nice specs and a dedicated graphics card, so it will handle any of the normal stuff plus relatively recent games as well, and under $1000.

Other than that, there's actually not that much difference between laptops. As suggested by others, a Core 2 Duo and 2gb+ of memory is really the most important thing to hit if possible.

You might also want to check the Dell Outlet [http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/inspnnb?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh].

 

[gamshobny]

To not get a laptop. Laptops are roughly two years behind PC's with thesame price tag. And for the love of GPU, don't buy a laptop with a Radeon Card. I made that mistake. Now I want to kill myself when I try to game on it. Especialy since I have a nice rig at home. (remember, nice, not epic).

 

[superbleeder12]

I'd recommend getting something at least 600+ for future-proofing. Also, (not tooting my own horn or anything) but the service plans that you can get from best buy are really good. especially for laptops, being portable and all.

 

[Grenbyron]

If you can, try to go for top or high end processor and/or video card. Those are the hardest components on a laptop to upgrade. Skimp on the HDD and RAM as you can upgrade and for cheaper later. Dell has a really nice replacement plan, a bit steep but you can basically pour soda into your laptop, throw it off a bridge into oncoming traffic, and use it as a pooper scooper and they will still replace it. As long as you can get the S/N and Service Code off of it.

 

[cleverlymadeup]

For a laptop, I generally suggest Dell - we've had nothing but good luck with them here. Others, not so much. I also suggest ordering it and configuring it online instead of getting one at the store - you can never be sure what you get at retail since they're all pre-configured.

Dell makes a good laptop and their support can be good but it can have it's issues, especially if it's a "send the tech to your house" type resolution. my last job it was easy to get parts replaced but having a 10k seat company mostly using Dell pcs and laptops helps get service faster

i will say if you don't go with Dell get another big name brand Lenovo or HP/Compaq tho both kinda have issues but really all laptops can have issues. the biggest thing you want to have with a laptop is warranty and the support for the warranty and parts

 

[Vivvav]

Personally, I use a MacBook. It's a very good computer, unless you want to play games. But the new ones come with Bootcamp installed, so if you want to get a Windows OS, you can. But first you'd need a reason to own 2 OSs.
Otherwise, just get something that runs on Windows XP. My school's computers use it, and it's pretty reliable.

 

[Lord Krunk]

I will say if you don't go with Dell get another big name brand Lenovo or HP/Compaq tho both kinda have issues but really all laptops can have issues. the biggest thing you want to have with a laptop is warranty and the support for the warranty and parts

I don't know about Lenovo, but HP/Compaq laptops are just asking for trouble. Believe me, they are brittle.

 

[cleverlymadeup]

I will say if you don't go with Dell get another big name brand Lenovo or HP/Compaq tho both kinda have issues but really all laptops can have issues. the biggest thing you want to have with a laptop is warranty and the support for the warranty and parts

I don't know about Lenovo, but HP/Compaq laptops are just asking for trouble. Believe me, they are brittle.

i've got a compaq and it's not bad, Lenovo is the old IBM laptop division and i really cried when they got out of the business. IBM seriously had the best support for laptops and desktops and dealing with them was a dream come true, so much so that it was not an issue to pay a bit more.

 

[Bored Tomatoe]

If you will be running diablo 2: DO NOT GET VISTA! I REPEAT DO NOT GET VISTA! Vista has severe compatibility issues with D2, Leaving it laggy and almost unplayable. Use xp.

 

[kdragon1010]

My Toshiba laptop has gotten extremely heavy use for about three years now and it survived 15 months in Iraq, and the only problems I ever have had was self inflicted (dropped a 360 controller and cracked the screen).

 

[Lord Krunk]

i've got a compaq and it's not bad

Both me and my friend owned one, but neither of them surpassed the 2 year mark.

 

[Symp4thy]

You might also want to check the Dell Outlet [http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/inspnnb?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh].

Dell Outlet?! Outstanding. Thank you, sir.

If you will be running diablo 2: DO NOT GET VISTA! I REPEAT DO NOT GET VISTA! Vista has severe compatibility issues with D2, Leaving it laggy and almost unplayable. Use xp.

Good to know.

For a laptop, I generally suggest Dell - we've had nothing but good luck with them here. Others, not so much. I also suggest ordering it and configuring it online instead of getting one at the store - you can never be sure what you get at retail since they're all pre-configured.

i will say if you don't go with Dell get another big name brand Lenovo or HP/Compaq tho both kinda have issues but really all laptops can have issues. the biggest thing you want to have with a laptop is warranty and the support for the warranty and parts

I had never heard of Lenovo before, but last night I went to Circuit City (if you haven't heard, they are going out of business) and saw Lenovos there, but just assumed they were some no name brand. I'll have to check them out.

Thanks again everyone, for the advice.

 

[elmaxx]

British Rock Brand is extremely good. the Pegasus line is rather wallet friendly and with really decent performance.

http://rockdirect.com/

and of course, XPS line of Dell laptops, i have a M1730 with all the fixins' and i do have to say that it is an impressive piece of equipment