What's the best PC or Lap top... [Archive] - TTonline.org

deathwinger

01-14-2008, 10:10 AM

Buy a MAC

You can do absolutely nothing with it...BUT...

...nothing ever goes wrong with it. :lol:

In all seriousness though, if its a laptop you want, and you don't game or video edit, then get a Toshiba. Durable, reliable and sell for decent prices for casual users.

Furthermore, visit this web site http://www.notebookreview.com

You will get more in depth information on buying the right laptop for yourself as well as see a top 10 best selling laptops at the time.

KFCSpicy

01-14-2008, 10:26 AM

Thanks Deathwinger for the link.

Errr Vaio....no eh! I already have a Sony Vaio Laptop that ah paid a pound and a crown for ...literally and it already stressing meh out after just 3 years.

vaio

01-14-2008, 10:36 AM

seriously though....i think that Dell is the best...have one for 8years and had trouble with it only once....

Sumana

01-14-2008, 11:13 AM

I suspect after sales support should be excellent in England.
I swear by Dell's after sales support, we have 1 dell desktop and 5 dell laptops in this house...for four of us - so u can imagine how weor ll using Dell has been working out for us.
After using a laptop, I can't go back to desktops, I love the portability of the laptop, the size, etc.
Agreed vaio's are over-rated and too pricey when you can get the same/better specs for less with a company such as Dell, Toshiba, HP
If you're willing to spend some extra money, I'd say you can go the way of Apple..!

deathwinger

01-14-2008, 11:16 AM

Nah, DO NOT GET DELL FOR LAPTOPS. Too many horror stories. Every single person I know who got a dell laptop had to get one part or the other replaced during the 1st year. Even one person who does all their work on one and the hard drive failed, could only recover the information manually and that process costs between 10,000- 50,000 TT :shock: . The hard drive fail was a defect in the model, apparently you don't see these things until months and many consistent user reviews after.

Dell all the way for desktops, but stay away for your own good for laptops.

Sumana

01-14-2008, 11:18 AM

Am you did just read that i have 5 Dell Laptops? And if you buy the higher end i.e. the new XPS Line that just came out, you're pretty good to go.
I have the XPS m1210 now
My brother has an Inspiron 6400
I stil have my old Inspiron 8600 (WHICH I can't find :( I dunno where i put it in the house :()
daddy has an Inspiron 600m as well as mom
and we have an old 5150 lying around

KFCSpicy

01-14-2008, 11:49 AM

Hmmm well I like Mac but as I did Web Design for one year I know that is for people into serious design and creativity. Even though I love the apple macintosh laptops for design and specs and screen res but i eh loving de high high high prices of them.

Dell pc I eh mind buying will look at the website and see what they have or wait...i will just post the link so u all can see what I had my eye on.

KFCSpicy

01-14-2008, 12:01 PM

here is one website I guess you all can suggest what pc's or laptops u all think I should buy. Ideally I doh think ah want another laptop just a desk top as I have meh Vaio which the warranty still covering so they are sending a courier to my flat on Wednesday to collect it and take it away to fix it. Gotta remove all dem nude pics :? :D

Link 1

http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/c ... oid=-15473 (http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?0&category_oid=-15473&use_category=true&page=ProductList&category_oid=-15473)

Link 2

http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/store/d ... Cookie=Yes (http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/store/dix_page.jsp?page=ProductList&category_oid=-33346&fm=undefined&sm=undefined&tm=undefined&show_all=true&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes)

Sumana

01-14-2008, 12:05 PM

Right off the bat, stay away from Acer

KFCSpicy

01-14-2008, 12:05 PM

lol
ok :)

Sumana

01-14-2008, 12:07 PM

any preferences size wise? you want something small 'n compact?

Sumana

01-14-2008, 12:08 PM

http://www.dell.com/content/products/pr ... bundlestab (http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/xpsnb_m1330?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~tab=bundlestab)

KFCSpicy

01-14-2008, 12:10 PM

Actually I want the tower to not be a big obsokee looking thing but the screen must be easy to store and manage and I currently have a 15ft TFT screen so I could do with a little bigger. I demand good graphics in it too.

KFCSpicy

01-14-2008, 12:18 PM

I like this one for 899 me eh want nothing fancy. But ah wondering if it cheaper to buy in america? :? But then again the voltage and plugs will be different than what we use here.

http://www.dell.com/content/products/ca ... l=en&s=dhs (http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/xpsdt?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs)

KFCSpicy

01-14-2008, 12:23 PM

Sumana

01-14-2008, 01:52 PM

wait, so you're going desktop then?

neilrmp

01-14-2008, 03:14 PM

KFC, Dell is the best choice, they are very reliable and has excellent support, I have been using Dell for the past 10 yrs both at home and at work.
The only issue I have with any new computer, is windows vista, I loaded windows XP on my new computers until vista becomes more stable.
if you don’t have access to a dell XP disk, get the computer with vista premium.

KFCSpicy

01-14-2008, 03:19 PM

Thanks Neil!

Yes Sumana ah going Desktop...oh gorm yuh sound like yuh buffing meh dey :(

Sumana

01-14-2008, 04:16 PM

LOL sorry I'm anti desktop :P just like the idea of sittin in front the tv with my lappie, or lyin down in bed with my lappie
But if that's what makes u comfy!! I like the XPS desktops you're lookin @

Solachica

01-14-2008, 04:31 PM

I have an HP laptop with no probs but tht has specs for entertainment and gaming.
An uncle bought a vaio couple mths ago.
My desktop has always been Dell. My 1st one lasted abt 8yrs until motherboard was going....tht is still working though.
I like desktops. I does get fedup of the laptop :lol:

Sirius

01-14-2008, 07:49 PM

Dell is good. Forget about the failed components - all manufacturers are susceptible to that. They all use similar parts from similar plants. Dell's after sales service is top notch. HP is great as well. I saw someone said avoid Acer, but in my experience their laptops of the last couple years have been very good. Toshiba and Lenovo are good durable machines if you think you're going to beat it up, but Dell and HP have durable machines as well.

If you don't need the portability of a laptop, there are certain benefits of a desktop that will make me never, ever give up having a desktop unit at home: You can get a nice big screen and surround sound setup to enjoy your movies and games. You have a big, tactile keyboard that is a much greater pleasure to type on than a laptop. It's much more ergonomic and easy on your hands too. It's also easier to upgrade as time goes by if you're so inclined.

guyguy

01-14-2008, 08:09 PM

I need GuyGuy :(

What about this one all yuh?

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/produ ... l=en&s=dhs (http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/desktops_good?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs)
Get an MacBook. You don't need the MacBook Pro. The MacBook has everything built in, including a webcam that's unbeatable, and won't give you problems. In my house, there are about 8 Macs - desktops and laptops. My oldest son uses an older MacBook and the only limitation he has is the RAM. His can support only 2GB and he has about 4 programs opened simultaneously. He'd like to have about 4 gigs so he could have more programs open. When at home, he plugs it into an external 22" monitor which provides him with plenty real estate. The Operating System has never crashed since he bought it and he doesn't have to worry about viruses nor other malicious code infecting his 'Book.

My older daughter has a 17" MacBook Pro and that's way too much computer for her but she loves it. I use a Dell Latitude D630 with 4 gigs of RAM and it's a pain in the ass. Programs like MS Word, Outlook, Powerpoint and Photoshop crash regularly and it's so frustrating. Only because my company is PC-Centric and they issued the Dell to me and insists on PC that I use it. If I were able to choose my laptop, I throw the Dell in the nearest latrine.

Many people say that you cannot use Macs for programs written for PC but that just isn't true. As a matter of fact, you can run both Windows OS & Mac OS on the Mac so in effect, you now have two computers for the price of one. My advice, get a MacBook with the most amount of RAM you can afford - max it out if you can. If you can't presently, then it's very easy to add RAM later yourself. There isn't one peripheral that you'd want to add in the future that you wouldn't be able to do by simply plugging it in and within a few easy clicks, have it up and running.

Sumana

01-14-2008, 08:37 PM

^ One problem, MACS are freaking over priced.

guyguy

01-14-2008, 08:52 PM

01-14-2008, 08:59 PM

^ One problem, MACS are freaking over priced.
How so? Compare a MacBook with an indentically loaded Dell, then think about the headache problems with PCs and you'll find that the difference in cost is minimal at best.

eh, it varies.

Sometimes it's comparable, sometimes it's not. Depends on the model and the point in time along the release cycle.

TRVC

01-14-2008, 09:03 PM

I personally prefer having a desktop over a laptop. Reason is that I always have difficulty typing on cramped laptop keyboards, and I get a crick in my neck from looking down at a screen while I'm doing so. Not to mention that I don't like touchpads. I prefer a computer with a separate mouse, a solid and full-size keyboard, and a screen that is adjustable in height and viewing angle as well as rotatable. I often use my screen in portrait mode, which is much easier if you are working on a text document. Rotate it back to landscape if you are working on a PowerPoint presentation.

Having said all that, if portability is important you obviously need to go with a laptop.

Brand preferences are a free for all. You can surf many computer review sites. Dell and HP should be safe choices. Macs are fine too, but you'll pay extra for the aura of Steve Jobs. I like to place custom orders at a site such as Cheap Guys Computers (http://cheapguys.com/store/index.php) where you can basically design your own. For example, I like my computer to be quiet and ultra-reliable, which means you have to order higher quality components than mainstream brands will put in their regular models. At an extra cost, of course.

In short, there is no right answer to your question but you have to figure out what you want.

Sumana

01-14-2008, 09:22 PM

^ One problem, MACS are freaking over priced.
How so? Compare a MacBook with an indentically loaded Dell, then think about the headache problems with PCs and you'll find that the difference in cost is minimal at best.

I don't have problems with my dell taht's the point :lol: :lol: :lol:why u think i have so much of em?

Sirius

01-14-2008, 11:36 PM

In my experience Macs are not as trouble free as boasted. I have seen Macs with frequent application crashes and sluggish performance. The truth is, a well maintained Windows computer actually tends to run just as well for a cheaper price tag. And these days, with just as slick a GUI as Mac. Even though I use a Mac and a PC side by side at work, I can't for the life of me justify buying a Mac for home except to say that I have one.

KFCSpicy

01-15-2008, 05:48 AM

My thoughts exactly on the MAC thing Sirius. I have no need for the use of a MAC so I will stick with something simpler.

srl

01-15-2008, 03:36 PM

well the real question in my head is how big your budget is. that's the best thing to know right now before you go looking. there are good cheap solutions....but then again there are solutions you don't wanna pass up if you have the funds to support it.

KFCSpicy

01-15-2008, 06:55 PM

SRL I posted some links and in those links the pcs have their prices attached. I buy what I like but I also buy what is affordable in my estimation. Affordable doh mean £1200.00 as my VAio cost that and more after taxes. So now my budget (as there are sales galore now) is 500 quid only hopefully less.

guyguy

01-15-2008, 06:59 PM

Check out this new Mac that was released today by Apple ... simply amazing

http://www.apple.com/startpage/

...

01-15-2008, 07:07 PM

Check out this new Mac that was released today by Apple ... simply amazing

http://www.apple.com/startpage/

...

No ethernet port, no cd drive, only 1 usb plug.

Amazing. =\

p.s., it's missing optical out, firewire and speakers too.

p.s. also, it's $1800 for the one with an 80GB HDD (yes, only 80GB), and $3100 for the 64GB SSD drive.

The old Macbook costs $1100 and has way, way better specs. But hey, you can't put a price on that cool factor.

KFCSpicy

01-15-2008, 07:11 PM

01-15-2008, 07:21 PM

Errrrm all yuh reall lorse meh here.

Anyways all yuh could narrow it down for meh please...exactly what specs should I be looking for in a Desktop. If I can find all or most on any brand I buying it.

Meh, here in the order of priority.

PC.

Vista Home Premium
2GB of RAM or better (do not get less).
Intel Core 2 Duo/Quad (get a 45nm one, which should be releasing pretty soon. The E8500 is looking nice, but I haven't seen the whole lineup)
Large HDD (obviously, more is better. I'd aim for at least 500GB)
DVD drive/burner

That's about all that really matters if you are just doing email/webpages. Specs don't really make a difference unless you are doing gaming or intensive stuff (like video transcoding). I'd probably just get the cheapest/quietest desktop system available and use that.

KFCSpicy

01-15-2008, 07:25 PM

01-15-2008, 07:47 PM

But Breaddy,

What about the usb ports my laptop has 3 right now and I find is still not enuff. I also have a slot that I never used in the front for a memory stick and a small lil compartment that up to this day i eh know what it is for on the left side near the usb ports that looks like a drive but isnt.

So them things eh go be expensive? Are there any desktops out there right now that carry all of these at a reasonable price?

Shouldn't be expensive. I just did a quick search on bestbuy.com, and there's more than a few systems with pretty much all the specs I listed or arounds $700 (example (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8602407&type=product&id=1192232280889)). The sub-$500 models also hold up quite well (not that I would advise getting one). My main concern wouldn't be specs so much (as long as it's got a core2duo/quad and 2GB RAM or more), but instead things like quietness and warranty.

The slot on your laptop is probably just an expansion slot. You could plausibly put a WiFi adapter there (if your computer didn't come with it built in), or even something like an EVDO modem (I know TSTT uses it for their 'wireless broadband' service). Some manufacturers have also use the slot as being a convenient holder for remotes and stuff (Toshiba(?) was showing off one model like that at CES this year). IIRC, the slots are called PCMCIA, with the new version being called ExpressCard.

KFCSpicy

01-15-2008, 08:11 PM

ohhhhhhhhhhhh :?

Well this is the laptop I have at the moment. doh laff eh :x I bought it 3 years ago form Dixons.

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Sony-Vai ... ersion.asp (http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Sony-Vaio-K315B-PCG-K315B/version.asp)

strombo23

01-25-2008, 10:18 AM

my moms got a toshiba satalite. its pretty nice. i find HP has some really sturdy ones out also. don't know if those are avaliable in the uk.

Intel has the best energy effiecient/ to performance ratio. go for Core 2 Duo chipset. If money is a big factor, AMD's X2 5000+ chips are pretty good too. not as fast as the intel. but it all depends on what ur using (or might use) the laptop for.
get atleast 2GB memory for Vista.

stay away from Centrino and Dual Core chipsets.

wireless internet connect is a huge plus.

KFCSpicy

01-26-2008, 04:46 AM

Well I got my laptop back in working pristine condition...happy for that! I will get a desktop but I am tryna get the old bf to cough up some of the cash eh either dat or meh flat screen for meh bedroom he gots to purchase.

The IT guys at work keep saying Dell or another one I have never heard of called Mesh. They only sell online tho he said. So I will consider Dell as they are affordable and efficient and I can also knick parts for my computer from those at work (the IT guys words eh :o not even mine..plus it sounds like a good idea too :D )

Thanks everyone!

So now is just to decide on which Dell is best for me.

I am going to buy a router from Belkin but I read on a forum on Belkin that one person had to use an ethernet cable to connect his router to his laptop and then another one to connect it to something else. I find that defys the logic of using the word wireless. So I was wondering if all yuh cud explatiate to meh what ethernet cable is and if it is what I already think it is them coloured wire/pluggy thingees why de hell would I need one if my laptop is wireless ready? And with this router would I need an adapter too? I confused on all aspect of this as I thought they sold them in packages of router and adapter thingee? :shock: :roll: :?: :|

Sirius

01-26-2008, 11:23 AM

Not heard of Mesh before but a quick search seemed to turn up several unsavory reviews. My advice is stick with Dell.

I'm not sure why you'd want to have your machine repaired with "nicked" parts from work when you can have it replaced with brand new components under warranty. Regardless, that is not the kind of talk we want or encourage here.

Belkin routers; I have no personal experience with them as the brands I have used for wireless routers are Linksys, Netgear and Proximity. Belkin is however a reputable brand, just haven't heard of them doing routers before. Regardless of the brand, you will need to connect with an ethernet cable to configure your router before you can use it as wireless...the cable usually comes packaged with routers and modems and looks like a thick telephone cord with a larger jack. If it is not packaged for some reason it is inexpensive to purchase and easily located. You will also need the cable to connect your router to your dsl/cable modem if you use one as that will not connect to the router via wireless. You only need an "adapter" - I assume by this you mean a wireless card for the laptop - if your laptop does not already come with wireless. Setup is actually very simple, just follow the instructions.

Basically, you connect your modem to your router's WAN port (it will be labeled) with one ethernet cable, then use another ethernet cable to connect your laptop to one of the router's LAN ports (again it will be labeled). Run the setup as per the instructions, unplug your laptop from the router, connect via wireless, and that's it. Good to go.

KFCSpicy

01-26-2008, 05:07 PM

Great advice and succinct info Sirius as usual. I was kidding about the Dell parts at work what he meant was if anything went wrong they would be able to fix it. My warranty will cover the desk top if I do decide to buy one and I always get extra cover as it seems that as soon as the initial warranty runs out your equipment suspiciously starts getting problems.

However. Dell it will be and I shall buy my router on Monday from Belkin already picked it out too for £30.00 as I know the person from the store. Sorry if getting stuff for free is abhorent on here but such is life outside of the forum.

Cheers all and thanks for the multitude of helpful advice!

Mods can you close my thread now please? Thanks a bunch!