Laptop Question

[princefielder28]

What is the best laptop for an incoming freshmen to buy for college????

Right now I'm looking at a Sony Vaio Notebook Computer with Intel Centrino Duo precessor technology

comes with:
-Intel Core Duo Processor T2450
-1024MB DDR2 memory
-120GB hard drive
-reads and writes DVDs & CDs via the Double Layer drive
- Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition
- Integrated 802.11b/g wireless LAN

[Shane P. Hallam]

Vaio's are solid, I'd honestly go with that if you're going PC.

[comahan]

Im honestly surprised njx hasnt posted 12 times in this thread already.

[AlexDown]

I would recommend a Macbook.

Not that you may need it but with student discounts you can get around 100 dollars off it (even though that still might be more then the one you listed) and a free iPod Nano.

[princefielder28]

Vaio's are solid, I'd honestly go with that if you're going PC.

thanks, I just went out and bought that

[thule]

Vaio's are solid computers however you pay for the name which is why they seem to run higher than the other laptops.

Dell is the best college laptop out there right now for the price.

Got to remember college equals budget.

For example a good deal out now...

Base version is no longer available for $569. Identical configuration, including 2.0 MP built-in webcam (usually $30 upgrade from base) is available with Windows XP Home or Windows Vista Home Basic for $599.
Specs:

* Intel Core 2 Duo T5470 (1.6GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
* Genuine Windows XP Home or Windows Vista Home Basic
* 15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA LCD Display with TrueLife
* 1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 DIMM
* 120G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
* 8X CD/DVD Burner w/ double-layer DVD+R write capability
* 128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
* Integrated 2.0 MP Webcam
* Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Wi-Fi Mini Card
* High Definition Audio 2.0
* 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
* 1 Year Limited Hardware Warranty with Mail-in Service
* 10GB for 1yr Online Backup by Dell Datasafe
* 1 Year Dell Automated PC Tuneup

Good upgrades/changes to consider

* 8X CD/DVD Burner w/ double-layer DVD+R write capability, w/ Roxio Creator [add $0]
* 15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA LCD Display [add $0] (not TrueLife)
* 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery [add $40]

[bantx]

i didnt know anywhere to ask but i just finally finish building my computer and i need xp or vista i need the cheapest xp or vista please link me i will rep in return cheapest windows xp or vista u can get!!!!!!

[Billingsley26]

I would recommend a Macbook.

Not that you may need it but with student discounts you can get around 100 dollars off it (even though that still might be more then the one you listed) and a free iPod Nano.

I agree. Thats what I got with mine. Although, I dont think the Mac is necessary if you arent going into something that has to do with video editing or photo editing or music or architecture or anything that involves things like that. Still, its a hell of a machine to have. I love it. And would recommend it.

[Addict]

I have a nice laptop... need it for school.

just wondering when (if) microsoft is gonna bring out the first Vista service pack.

[yodapoop]

I got the cheapest one cuz I am gonna be a poor ass college student living off of ramen noodles and tap water living in a dorm room in 3 days.

[Addict]

I got the cheapest one cuz I am gonna be a poor ass college student living off of ramen noodles and tap water living in a dorm room in 3 days.

You've always been one, now it's just official.

[BigDawg819]

I got the cheapest one cuz I am gonna be a poor ass college student living off of ramen noodles and tap water living in a dorm room in 3 days.

Quit bitching, moving into a dorm is a step up for you.

[yodapoop]

Quit bitching, moving into a dorm is a step up for you.

I didn't say the dorm room was bad, I was just saying, I am no longer gonna be in my canoe by the river.

[terribletowel39]

i didnt know anywhere to ask but i just finally finish building my computer and i need xp or vista i need the cheapest xp or vista please link me i will rep in return cheapest windows xp or vista u can get!!!!!!
coughFREEcoughVISTAcough is the cheapest. although I AM NOT telling you to go download it and find a key off the internet. ;)

[BigDawg819]

I didn't say the dorm room was bad, I was just saying, I am no longer gonna be in my canoe by the river.

Finally the wild life can live without the fear of being violated by you.

[yodapoop]

Finally the wild life can live without the fear of being violated by you.

Particularly, the fishes.

[thetedginnshow]

The macbook is AMAZING. I'm actually on it right now. Definitely recommend it if you have the extra cash. And don't listen to that guy about the nano. Get the printer instead because, you know, it's actually useful.

[BigDawg819]

Particularly, the fishes.

The game warden won't know what to do now that he doesn't have to cite you every hour on the hour.

[yodapoop]

Back on subject, a fat guy on the TV told us to go to Wal-Mart for cheapest laptops.

[Addict]

Back on subject, a fat guy on the TV told us to go to Wal-Mart for cheapest laptops.

in the fat guy on tv we trust.

[Freddy G]

Printer question!!!

I got this dell all-in-one photo 942 printer, but i don't have the disk to put into my computer to set it up. Is there anything i can do? Download? I have Dell computer, so it should be simple (i assume, i am not computer savy).

[terribletowel39]

it should automatically recognize it, if not just download the drivers off the internet. go to google and type the model of your printer and the word driver.

[Billingsley26]

The macbook is AMAZING. I'm actually on it right now. Definitely recommend it if you have the extra cash. And don't listen to that guy about the nano. Get the printer instead because, you know, it's actually useful.

Well, I got a printer from Staples for $40, its a 3 in 1, so its pretty good. I am happy with it so far. So i went with the Nano.Id pay 40 dollars any day for a printer to get a free Nano. I think its a great deal.

[Freddy G]

it should automatically recognize it, if not just download the drivers off the internet. go to google and type the model of your printer and the word driver.


It did recognize it, but it made me go through the configuration wizard where it asks for the hardware, and if you don't put the disk in, it says it cannot install it.

word driver? (i have xp if that is what you mean)

[terribletowel39]

It did recognize it, but it made me go through the configuration wizard where it asks for the hardware, and if you don't put the disk in, it says it cannot install it.

word driver? (i have xp if that is what you mean)
forget what i said earlier, if it took you through the configuration wizard, and then asks for the hardware or CD and you don't have it, you should be able to, somewhere, clink on a link that says choose from a list of printers or something to that nature. if that doesn't seem like an option, then try what i said earlier. and i meant like type the word "driver" into the google search. ex. HP XC-930 printer drive

[Freddy G]

I didn't want to start a new thread, so i dug this one up (thank you search option).

Ok, so i just got a macbook a couple weeks ago and i was trying to do some research on displays (stand alone) and speakers. Apple wants like $599 for a 20 inch display...i rekon that's a bit expensive.

*First though, i need to know if a display like that is similar to a docking station where you plug your laptop in and keyboard it works like a dektop (basically).*

Also, what are good speaker options? They will be mostly for music...and a little for movies, so i would like some good bass and clarity. From what i know Logitech seems to be the most popular, but i am not sure what exactly i need. Nothing real extreme is needed here.

Alright, so i am looking for a <25' display idealy <$400? (does it exist) and some solid speakers for <$150, remember starving college student here. Hopefully i don't have to go through apple to get comptable stuff....

Thanks for any info in advance....and incase you haven't noticed......yes, i agree that i may be the most computer illeterate person on this board.

[terribletowel39]

newegg.com freddy. sorry i don't feel like doing the research for ya.

[bantx]

go to newegg.com they got lots of nice speakers there for cheap and i prefer creative over logitech if u need help finding stuff ask me ill see if i can help

[Freddy G]

Thanks, that's all i need. Not trying to make anybody do any big research.

However, i still need to know how a stand alone display screen works.

[terribletowel39]

Thanks, that's all i need. Not trying to make anybody do any big research.

However, i still need to know how a stand alone display screen works.
depending on your laptop, i believe you said it was a mac. you will probably have to buy a connector to run from the laptop to the screen and then it should automatically recognize it. should....being a keyword. it has been a while since i have dealt with a mac.

[Freddy G]

Yeah, i don't really want to have to buy a docking station thing, but i am not sure if i can do a display, speakers, printer, camera etc...with out one.

[terribletowel39]

Yeah, i don't really want to have to buy a docking station thing, but i am not sure if i can do a display, speakers, printer, camera etc...with out one.
well what are you worried about?? the display, the speakers, and then the print and camera are three different plug ins. the speakers of course would go in your audio jack and then depending on what kind of display you get, DVI and what not. and the printer and camera are more than likely USB, i think pros come with 3-4 USB ports so you should be good there and if not you can just get a USB hub.

[Freddy G]

Alright, so i just realized how dumb i am, i went a talked to a guy at a computer store and he set me straight. Thanks a lot to those who helped, i am sure i will probably be asking more questions in the future lol, i will hand out the rep when i am able.

[Razor]

OK, not sure if this is the right place to post this but it was the best thread I could find.

I own a MacBook Pro that runs Mac OS 10.5.8. Whenever I go to the threads on this forum where there are videoclips as avatars or sigs (or any other site with those things for that matter) Safari just chokes and loads, sometimes for almost two minutes. Any other Mac users here who has experienced this problem, and if yes, how did you fix it?

[descendency]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Lenovo+-+ThinkPad+Edge+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174;+Core%26 %23153;+i3+Processor+-+Midnight+Black/9846226.p?id=1218183109339&skuId=9846226

Trust me. Lenovo makes the best keyboards. Great battery life. Solid build. You will not regret it.

[nepg]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Lenovo+-+ThinkPad+Edge+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174;+Core%26 %23153;+i3+Processor+-+Midnight+Black/9846226.p?id=1218183109339&skuId=9846226

Trust me. Lenovo makes the best keyboards. Great battery life. Solid build. You will not regret it.
Check the dates on the posts previous to the one above yours.

But, ya, Lenovo's (IBM) are solid, if untrendy. Dell and HP make really good, cheaper laptops. The one problem I've noticed with my HP (purchased last February) is overheating issues due to a poorly placed vent. Dell has a much better design for heat dispersion.

I wouldn't buy a Mac. For a college student, it's a waste of money. A laptop's lifespan is ~3-4 years, then it pretty much goes in the trash. Why spend $1000-1400 or more when you can get the same usefulness out of a $500 machine? It's stupid.

[vikes_28]

OK, not sure if this is the right place to post this but it was the best thread I could find.

I own a MacBook Pro that runs Mac OS 10.5.8. Whenever I go to the threads on this forum where there are videoclips as avatars or sigs (or any other site with those things for that matter) Safari just chokes and loads, sometimes for almost two minutes. Any other Mac users here who has experienced this problem, and if yes, how did you fix it?

Try a different browser. Firefox or Chrome should do the trick. If that doesn't work, check to see if flash player is completely updated. I have no idea if that's what it is, but whatever.

[Brent]

I have a nice laptop... need it for school.

just wondering when (if) microsoft is gonna bring out the first Vista service pack.
it's been released before. hell, I think there have been two.


MacBooks... lulz

[wogitalia]

Ancient thread is... ancient.

What vikes_28 said... Try a different browser and make sure flash is up to date.

Also, check the internet security settings as you may have restrictions on pictures and external links that make it take a long time.

[Razor]

Ancient thread is... ancient.

What vikes_28 said... Try a different browser and make sure flash is up to date.

Also, check the internet security settings as you may have restrictions on pictures and external links that make it take a long time.

Yeah, I've done all that... I really can't figure this out. But I'd rather live with it than changing my browser. Safari is excellent! :) Thanks for the responses though..

[thule]

I have that problem on my macbook however it is only in chrome beta....so I'm not sure what causes this because it's fine in safari and firefox for me.

[vikes_28]

holy necro batman... next time, just start a new thread. no reason to resurrect a 3 year old thread. then again, my 'user posted something about a mac or apple - delete&ban' filter is apparently non-functional...

Hey, at least he used the search feature like it says in your rules :p

[Razor]

Hey, at least he used the search feature like it says in your rules :p

Well.. You're damned if you don't and you're damned if you do I guess... *sigh*

[Paranoidmoonduck]

With the latest Macbook Pro update to the Intel i processors, there's a very good chance my next computer will be my first Mac. Then again, I have some pretty specific needs for my computers that very few people share. The purchase makes little sense for most people who don't have plenty of expendable cash.

As for PC's, I always recommend Lenovo Thinkpads. They're the toughest suckers out there and they've only gotten thinner and lighter over time. They won't win any beauty contests (although there's a few models that buck the classic Thinkpad look and do so successfully), but I think they're awesome computers overall.

[Job]

Try a different browser. Firefox or Chrome should do the trick. If that doesn't work, check to see if flash player is completely updated. I have no idea if that's what it is, but whatever.

You should know that this guy can't print screen without an internet page telling him what to do before you consider his help.

[RAVENS/WIZARDS/ORIOLES]

I don't want to start a thread for my laptop problem but anyone ever accidently formatted thier recovery partition and wasn't able to install an operating system on it? If so how did you fix it????

[RAVENS/WIZARDS/ORIOLES]

wait, what? why are you installing an OS on your recovery partition? it should just be there to hold the OS backups.

Yea I understand why that would confuse you. Let me explain in more detail.

I got a crazy virus and I wanted to format my harddrive and reinstall the operating system. Well I accedently formatted the wrong partition and it happened to be the recovery partition. Afterwards I formated the partition I wanted ths OS to be on. When I went to install the OS it says no bootmgr and won't install. I have formatted my harddrive before and reinstalled an OS and it worked fine. I am thinking whatever was on that recovery partition got deleted and now won't let me install the OS

[RAVENS/WIZARDS/ORIOLES]

that's pretty hot... um, sounds like vista? in which case you should really just go to 7. it's like using ME instead of XP. but that's neither here nor there. is it a dell laptop or something similar? in any case, the first thing i would do is kill the additional partition and re-format with just one all the way across. backup partitions are silly anyways.

if your windows directory is still somehow there, you might boot to command prompt, then use:

bootrec /fixboot

really, it sounds like the reformat failed completely. i'd download something like freedos, boot to CD, then fdisk the hell out of your hard drives. if you have more than one, i'd even disconnect the others just to be sure i didn't accidentally hit them in the process. there's something on your disk still that's breaking the install process, imo.

I can get to the bios and to the boot menu so I can get to the comand prompt. I will try that and I appreciate your advice

[BaLLiN]

off subject i know, but useful info to anyone considering a wireless printer:

1. create a wireless password (people can access your printer if you don't)
2. the instructions absolutely suck nads
3. its great after you set everything up.

[iowatreat54]

So the resurgence of this thread seems appropriately timed with my growing interest in wanting a new laptop.

Does anyone have/have experience with an ASUS? More specifically, any of their newer models. Just wanted to hear actual experience from some one.

Rep will be provided for your trouble. :)

[vikes_28]

So the resurgence of this thread seems appropriately timed with my growing interest in wanting a new laptop.

Does anyone have/have experience with an ASUS? More specifically, any of their newer models. Just wanted to hear actual experience from some one.

Rep will be provided for your trouble. :)

I have heard that they are awesome computers. The processor speed isn't the fastest, but I have heard that they have great battery life, and they run great.

[El Peefs?????]

Ive got an Asus motherboard, its not a laptop, but I still like it !

[iowatreat54]

I have heard that they are awesome computers. The processor speed isn't the fastest, but I have heard that they have great battery life, and they run great.

Yea, the newer ones supposedly have 10 hours of battery life. That's 10 hours tested, while being listed/marketed at like 12 hours.

Really, my main concerns are battery life, durability, and how comfortable they are to use. The biggest thing I've read is that some people don't like how the keyboard and mouse are set up on new models. Like, I guess the mouse is one button on a rocker, where you can click left or right and is just really awkward.

I have had a Dell for the last 5 years, and while it gets the job done, just way too much crap goes wrong with it. I mean, yea the first 3 years were under warranty, but it was just a huge hassle all the time.

[vikes_28]

Yea, the newer ones supposedly have 10 hours of battery life. That's 10 hours tested, while being listed/marketed at like 12 hours.

Really, my main concerns are battery life, durability, and how comfortable they are to use. The biggest thing I've read is that some people don't like how the keyboard and mouse are set up on new models. Like, I guess the mouse is one button on a rocker, where you can click left or right and is just really awkward.

I have had a Dell for the last 5 years, and while it gets the job done, just way too much crap goes wrong with it. I mean, yea the first 3 years were under warranty, but it was just a huge hassle all the time.

The other thing I have heard about them is that they are extremely portable. I think on best buy's website one of them (it's not a netbook) is like 2 lbs. So they are extremely light.

[djp]

So the resurgence of this thread seems appropriately timed with my growing interest in wanting a new laptop.

Does anyone have/have experience with an ASUS? More specifically, any of their newer models. Just wanted to hear actual experience from some one.

Rep will be provided for your trouble. :)

I have an asus g50vt.. it's very nice, they make it very easily customizable to swap out parts as they get outdated as well, so that's good. Really just a solid laptop all around. They are kinda clunky though and I am not a huge fan of most of their designs, but other than that, it's a pretty good bargain.

[iowatreat54]

Thanks to everyone with input so far. It seems that what everyone says seems to be positive. I'm glad I haven't really heard someone say they hate using it, but I really wanna try one out to see what it's like.

The other plus is that they aren't really expensive at all.

[nepg]

ASUS makes solid machines. The cases don't seem to be overly complicated, so it's easy for the tech-inclined to tune, troubleshoot, and fix the machine.

[wogitalia]

When I went to install the OS it says no bootmgr and won't install. I have formatted my harddrive before and reinstalled an OS and it worked fine. I am thinking whatever was on that recovery partition got deleted and now won't let me install the OS

Bootmgr is a specific error, I've had it before but honestly can't remember what causes/fixes it but if you google it you will get a few 100 fixes.

[Verloren]

Yea, the newer ones supposedly have 10 hours of battery life. That's 10 hours tested, while being listed/marketed at like 12 hours.

Did they try running commonly used programs like Firefox, Word and using the WiFi card at the same time?

That's my biggest beef with 'battery life' specs from the manufacturer.

[iowatreat54]

asus is excellent on reliability and portability (assuming you don't buy a silly 17" or something, in which case nothing is portable). if the mouse is really that obnoxious to you, id willingly spend an extra 5$ on a usb mouse.

Oh, trust me, I already have my USB mouse. I love it.

I don't think it would be something that makes me absolutely hate the computer, but I just want to get a feel for it myself. Hopefully I can find somewhere around here that carries them so I can test it out.

Plus, I feel like it's something that takes getting used to, and most people just bitched after 5 minutes because it was different.

Did they try running commonly used programs like Firefox, Word and using the WiFi card at the same time?

That's my biggest beef with 'battery life' specs from the manufacturer.

From what I've read, they ran some games, music, movies, as well as probably some default programs. The reviews never said specifically what programs, other than the games, so I'd be kind of skeptical as well.

The only good thing is that out of 3-4 reviews, all had the battery life at around 10 hours. Even if that's without running those programs, I still would feel confident the battery life wasn't like 3 hours. Especially considering it compared to other laptops like Dells where I know their "tested" battery life was pretty close to true.

[descendency]

If you are just looking for a laptop for college:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Lenovo+-+ThinkPad+Edge+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174;+Core%26 %23153;+i3+Processor+-+Midnight+Black/9846226.p?id=1218183109339&skuId=9846226

That laptop at that price is insane.

edit: Don't think about gaming on it as it has an integrated graphics card (ie it's trash). Other than that, it's an A++ laptop.