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What Laptop to Buy?

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theblackrod
Posts: 2162 - Karma: 575
I have a discontinued Dell I bought a couple years ago for school and its crashed again (hard drive failures, multiple times) and I'm in the market to actually buy a good computer. I'm curious to hear your opinions, I honestly don't need or care for a Mac, I've used them before and I just like PC's, but I am open to hear why I should choose a Mac other than the "OMG they are the bestest EVARRRR!!!!1!!!!1!1!". I consider myself to know a good deal about computers, but personal experience with other computers and companies is apprieciated. Right now I am looking at the IBM (Leveno) Thinkpad T series, but not sold on it quite yet. I would like to stay at or under $1000. So what would you recommend?

I don't do video editing or anything Mac people love them for.
Apr 29 2010 5:43PM
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Rajna
Posts: 3824 - Karma: 90
I think the Acer are some pretty good valued laptops, they are cheap and pretty powerful.  I have an HP but for what I paid I kinda wished it had a better graphics card. My friends Acer is dope tho. get that.
Apr 29 2010 5:48PM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
went through a few before i settled on my Asus. Something like 4gam/500ghard drive are around like $500 last i saw? Plays HD vids on here all day full screen. My 2cents! Have only had it 7 months but it gets used everyday/all day for my dog business(and stepped on/drooled on etc)...no problems yet.
Apr 29 2010 5:49PM
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killa_cam
Posts: 13143 - Karma: 15
new 15-inch core-i5 macbook pro
Apr 29 2010 5:58PM
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theblackrod
Posts: 2162 - Karma: 575
I was looking into Acer too, they seem to have a very affordable computer
Apr 29 2010 5:59PM
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theblackrod
Posts: 2162 - Karma: 575
care to explain why? I'm an economics major. what is changing to a mac as a junior in college going to do for me?
Apr 29 2010 6:00PM
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chapz
Posts: 10182 - Karma: 66
sont vaio fw series
Apr 29 2010 6:52PM
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easiestEC
Posts: 2471 - Karma: 489
.
Apr 29 2010 6:53PM
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ryano
Posts: 4465 - Karma: 1,535
ASUS.

got mine for 800 at best buy.
have been soooo happy with it. just as good as any mac and 1500 dollars cheaper.

500 gig hard drive.
has their new SOLO processor
NVIDIA display.

alround sick computers
and windows 7 is super nice also
Apr 29 2010 6:54PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,399
*i7
Apr 29 2010 6:57PM
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rickety_cricket
Posts: 909 - Karma: 34
I got myself a dell xps studio and so far its been awesome. Dualcore processor and 500 Gig of Hard drive, killer video and sound card all around a very dope set up I picked mine up for 1100 last summer and I think its well worth the investment.
Apr 29 2010 6:58PM
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icon1234
Posts: 3081 - Karma: 1,475
Lightweight, amazing battery supply, and extremely reliable. No more headaches caused by window operating system. The mac interface is truly amazing, when you get the hang of it it will greatly increase the speed your able to perform things. Having a PC for my desktop, and a mac as my laptop. I really do not think I could ever use a pc based laptop ever again.
Apr 29 2010 7:03PM
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HurricaneShane
Posts: 172 - Karma: -5
I think a Mac because thats what I have and there really good.
Apr 29 2010 7:09PM
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DaveM
Posts: 2936 - Karma: 1,558

This, but you dont even need 15 inch. My buddy got the 13inch its almost the same and youll save money

Apr 29 2010 7:20PM
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lahnabonny
Posts: 1260 - Karma: 35
this.
Apr 29 2010 7:25PM
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Squid.
Posts: 1904 - Karma: 23
I would suggest a mac just because I really like mine. I just got the new 13 inch with the 10 hour battery (main selling point for me). Of course the actual life is closer to like 9 hours, it's still better than anything on the market besides some netbooks.

Why I like it:
design (fits great in my backpack, isn't too heavy)
multitouch trackpad (actually useful)
the screen is nice (in the right light condition)
the battery life is unbelievable, and apparently it lasts 1000 cycles (we'll see)
osx is so easy to use (I used to have Ubuntu and it was such a pain to take time out of my studying to make it work the way I wanted)
no viruses (no real need for antivirus software)
BSOD never happens

I know it doesn't have the i5, but my old laptop had a 2 ghz core duo and half the RAM of this and I can't tell the difference for what I do, besides maybe handbrake ripping and converting videos for my ipod

oh and sure macs don't have gaming, but when I had windows, I never got any school work done because I would rather game, so no gaming is a plus for me

check the battery life at 90% while I'm typing this
Click for larger image

hope this helps
Apr 29 2010 7:26PM
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Squid.
Posts: 1904 - Karma: 23
yea, then you wouldn't need to buy a stove either! boil water right on your laptop!
Apr 29 2010 7:28PM
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Jordan
Posts: 4079 - Karma: 2,122
Yeah, I agree with the guy who said the mac is more of an investment.

I have had two so far, one black macbook and now i have a 15"mbp unibody

My first computer lasted 4 years without a hic-up, nothing went wrong, in that time I had friends get three computers because theirs crashed etc...

The mbp is bamf, I use it for photo editing, schoolwork and business.

I have windows 7 on it as well w/ bootcamp so I can do anything really. I run microsoft office on windows 7 because it is much better than the mac version.


Apr 29 2010 7:29PM
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h_bar
Posts: 1611 - Karma: 506
Not true. The 13 inch MBP does not come with the new processors.
Apr 29 2010 7:31PM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
I dont kno too much about computers but macs are much less likely to get viruses
Apr 29 2010 7:41PM
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Squid.
Posts: 1904 - Karma: 23
The i5s don't make that huge of a difference, especially for what the OP is doing
Apr 29 2010 7:43PM
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pelle_munch
Posts: 4110 - Karma: 503
I have the aluminum Macbook from fall 2008 (the first unibody ones) and i got almost the lowest specs, and it is still faster, stronger, more stable, and easier to use than any PC i've ever had. It has never crashed, or had a hiccup. Yeah it costs a couple hundred dollars more, but in the long run, TRUST ME it is sooooooooooo worth it. It still runs the same as the day i got it. Just get a mac, you'll be glad you did a couple years down the road.
Apr 29 2010 7:45PM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
pretty much...if you dont want to learn computer operating system basics and take care of your windows machine...then spend the extra cash for a mac and be happy. I dont hate macs

For me, between editing/college/traveling/work/entertainment use on the daily(what i picture alot of NS'ers do with there laptops), I am lucky to get 4 years outta one(Mac or PC)...and by then, that laptop will have dirt specs compared to whats coming out. So will I really care that my shitty spec computer still somehow works? Nope, I'll be out buying a new one that can hang with current speed/technology thats out at that time.

So its $600 or $1200 on a 2-3 year cycle for me. IF mac could get there prices into my range..i would surely give it a try again. Doesnt matter the brand to me. Big thing to remember is 4 years from now...your $2000 laptop will be outdated..regardless Mac/PC. Technology is moving to fast to view a laptop as an "investment purchase" that you'll use a long time.





Apr 29 2010 7:59PM
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Rez4frederick
Posts: 4740 - Karma: 40
I've got a Mac desktop and a PC laptop.
Its actually a Lenovo T series, it cost me about 1700 though to get everything I wanted and I got the $300 warranty. I like it, its a solid computer. I had a hard drive go out and they sent me a new one, next day air for free. They practice good customer service, and now that vista is gone(my laptop had vista originally) and windows 7 is so fast and good.

The problem is you can't really get a good laptop with 3 year warranty for under 1000 bucks.

If i was gonna get a mac, you should get a macbook pro.
Apr 29 2010 8:03PM
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Snowcase
Posts: 11456 - Karma: 634
Just went through the same thing. I ended up with an HP Pavilion DV7-6305 for $600 through newegg. I mean it's been said time and time again but a mac is not worth the price. It's a fashion statement and like all trends, it will die. And I hate people who say shit about how hard windows is or how easily they get viruses. Just stop being a complete retard and it's pretty damn easy to use.
Apr 29 2010 8:12PM
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Six.0.Tree-ski
Posts: 4059 - Karma: 67
Only thing I dont like about PC's nowadays is how they come with so much extra shit on them. No i dont want webcam log ons and data-safe online shit. All the trial games, napster, macafee, and pointless other shit. I just want my computer to come fairly basic and if i want an extra, then i will download it. Reformatting sucks too. I could see this being one advantage for a mac, coming clean and simple.
Apr 29 2010 8:17PM
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Snowcase
Posts: 11456 - Karma: 634
You can buy a laptop without an operating system installed. Plus windows 7 takes less than 20 minutes from when you put the cd in to a fully functioning computer. It's incredibly simple.
Apr 29 2010 8:21PM
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bigwhite.steeze
Posts: 8227 - Karma: 1,030
These two are some pretty good deals and most def compare up to just about any mac out there, for a decent amound let.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834127093

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834157114

this is the way to go.
Apr 29 2010 8:25PM
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amo
Posts: 6709 - Karma: 1,248
I got my PowerBook G4 in 2004 and it worked flawlessly until about three months ago. Now I've got a new 15 inch MBP and I anticipate using it for the next 6 years. Who doesn't want a computer that will last you SIX YEARS!
Apr 29 2010 8:30PM
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Snowcase
Posts: 11456 - Karma: 634
I'm not getting worked up at all...? I'm making my own points. People say it's difficult to use windows, it's not. It's incredibly easy. The price just doesn't justify it.

Don't take things so personally and you won't have a problem with what I say. That simple.

And mentioning their profits only proves my point of it being a trend. If in 10 years they're still making record sales, then I'll be impressed. I highly commend the marketing genius. Take advantage of how people negatively see Windows is a brilliant plan. I just don't see it continuing.
Apr 29 2010 8:46PM
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pelle_munch
Posts: 4110 - Karma: 503
The only reason there are more people that have PC's are because they cost less and the price of mac's intimidate them, and they don't want to lay out the money in the beginning when really they are cheaper in the long run because you don't have to pay for all that virus crap, repairs, and eventually a new computer.
Apr 29 2010 8:51PM
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rach
Posts: 917 - Karma: 507
honestly, most tech companies are complete scams.
support is lame, and most computers are sooo unreliable.
two years ago, my fairly new windows comp. crashed
destroying 4 years of photography and video,
that we're still struggling (and paying) to get back.
then we bought our mac osx, which is not problem-less,
but in general much simpler and has far fewer problems than any windows
computer i've ever used. i just bought a mac book pro
and its been really handy and reliable. mac just lets you do things that
windows can't,
Apr 29 2010 9:08PM
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Squid.
Posts: 1904 - Karma: 23
amd in a laptop... not so great
Apr 29 2010 9:09PM
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ECB
Posts: 6991 - Karma: 622
without reading the other comments, by getting a mac, you will have two major upgrades
1) The mac will last you at least 5 more years of a good computer
2) You can look at all the porn you want without getting a virus
Apr 29 2010 9:17PM
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LARd.
Posts: 117 - Karma: 281
dont buy a GAYway they are fing peices of crap
Apr 29 2010 9:22PM
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Six.0.Tree-ski
Posts: 4059 - Karma: 67
Dunno if OP is still reading comments but i just remembered a tip. Stay away from the cheaper end sony vaio's. they feel super plasticy, the trackpad and and click buttons feel/work like shit and just feel really cheap overall. my bro got a brand new one, first a key broke off and it had to get sent back and then the HD failed and we gave up on it. He have a Dell xps studio 15 now and loves it. ive messed around with it and its a solid comp.
Apr 29 2010 10:20PM
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styley.
Posts: 393 - Karma: 20
Click for larger image

if you use your computer for anything more than internet or itunes, dont get one
Apr 29 2010 10:39PM
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amo
Posts: 6709 - Karma: 1,248
I'd say the opposite. If you use your computer for anything other than internet and music, get a Mac.
Apr 29 2010 10:43PM
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Squid.
Posts: 1904 - Karma: 23
I'd take it a step further

if you use a computer, get a mac

mwahaha
Apr 29 2010 10:46PM
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MADDECENT
Posts: 5579 - Karma: 951
haha how the fuck....
Apr 29 2010 11:04PM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
"My computer(Mac) is powerful, fast, and nearly indestructible." - Any laptop over $1000 will be powerful and fast...and a PC with spec higher..indestructible and the word laptop dont belong in the same sentence except field models.

"Only thing I dont like about PC's nowadays is how they come with so much extra shit on them. No i dont want webcam log ons and data-safe online shit." - Add/Remove Program or Enable/Disable...run through your settings on initial setup.

"The only reason there are more people that have PC's are because they cost less and the price of mac's intimidate them" - Follows into the same generalization as "Mac users are hipster wanna be trendsters". Try not to stereotype so much and use logic/reasoning.

"mac just lets you do things that windows can't," -elaborate please..if anything...there are many more applications/software that allows PCs to do far more then Macs.

"1) The mac will last you at least 5 more years of a good computer" - hmm...seems like this statement is out of the blue with no facts behind it what so ever. Link?

"2) You can look at all the porn you want without getting a virus" - Whelp lets look at this logically....a hacker puts tons of time/work/effort/ and risks huge criminal charges/prison time when launching a virus. So, they pretty much want to cause as much harm as possible because the risk is huge. Now macs only make up around 10% of computers currently. Why would they waste their time with Mac users when they can try to target 90% of computer users? Its common sense...not rocket science. Do you think Apple is somehow the only company in the world to figure the magic anti-virus formula?! Nope...there just not worth the hackers time. And it is starting to become popular to target macs...because of the current trending. Take a look


"I'd say the opposite. If you use your computer for anything other than internet and music, get a Mac." Reason, links, programs...what exactly makes you think this? Details would be good. Or even better...list some tasks you can do on a mac that I cant do on a PC.

All I am asking for if that people stop posting hollow opinions without facts/links etc. The Mac vs PC debates is so fucking old now....atleast back up your shit with some truth/proof.

You think those billion dollar corps are worried about the price difference between PC/Mac..or more worried about performance and getting shit done to make more money? So why havent these companies already switched to Mac if it is better? Good question...makes you think a little.

Can you play Jibbin on a Mac? Honest question
Apr 29 2010 11:07PM
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pelle_munch
Posts: 4110 - Karma: 503
Lol, someone's really into PC's.

Anyways this isn't a Mac vs. PC thread.

on a side note, it's not whether a mac can do it or not, it's how well it does it. Which is really well.
Apr 29 2010 11:15PM
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Snowcase
Posts: 11456 - Karma: 634
Haha and still nothing to back it up. Just had to go there. Wouldn't have if you didn't first.
Apr 29 2010 11:17PM
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amo
Posts: 6709 - Karma: 1,248
Yes. And I hope that post, which no doubt took a good 5 minutes to make, makes you feel good.
Apr 29 2010 11:20PM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
what do you expect from mac users....a good logical discussion on why which system is better? Of course not.....and what do people when they cant do that...resort to childish posts.

theres 7 "topics" i listed asking for proof/links/truth/logic to get this kid some information on current laptops out there. Something wrong with calling out others for potentially misguiding users that need actual real world advice? Back up your statements with hard facts and you wont be called out. Touch base on just one of those "topics" with an intelligent post. I mean...shouldn't be too hard to provide reasoning/facts to one of those statements..right?
Apr 29 2010 11:32PM
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amo
Posts: 6709 - Karma: 1,248
programs... final cut, final cut express, final cut studio, logic, logic studio, logic express, aperture, the list goes on.

Question: Why do many of the world's best photographers, videographers, and musicians use Macs? Because they're easy to use and extremely effective machines.


...oh i need proof, i dont believe you blah blah blah. go watch the joss videos
Apr 29 2010 11:49PM
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klayer_9
Posts: 2037 - Karma: 188
I really preferred PC until last week, when my parents got me a macbook pro for my birthday, and with in a week I am sold on Macs. If you are going for a laptop Macs really are the most powerful, long lasting, reliable computers. I got the Microsoft office package so I have the best of both worlds.
And lets consider your options, I am guessing you are familiar with Windows XP, if you get a new laptop odds are it will run windows 7, which lets be honest really looks like a pain in the ass. So if your are upgrading operating systems any way you might as well just make the conversion over the Mac, which seems to be much more user friendly.

If the mac book pro is in the price range you are looking for, I really do recommend it, not just because of the programs, but the overall integration compared to PC really seals the deal.
Apr 29 2010 11:49PM
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lahnabonny
Posts: 1260 - Karma: 35
this is a legit post.

PC users are so used to the complexity of them and therefore don't realize how easy and simple a mac is to use. I would never go back
Apr 29 2010 11:57PM
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theblackrod
Posts: 2162 - Karma: 575
i absolutely am reading through comments still.



anyone have any personal experience with T or X Series Thinkpads?
Apr 30 2010 12:18AM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
its Final Cut/Logic/Aperture........your really digging at the bottom of the barrel on the others hahaha. Both "studios" you listed are just program packs which include final cut & logic...not sure why you even listed those

Adobe Premier Pro/Pro Tools/Adobe Photoshop......not to hard to match those mac programs.


what else is on this list?
Apr 30 2010 12:18AM
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WikiWiki
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 426
have had pcs forever- bought a mb pro a few months ago- i will never ever go back to pcs unless forced to for work-
simplest way for me to explain it is that everything just fucking works- it runs faster, processes info better, and just generally all around kills my pcs of years past- the graphics are amazing, battery life is just epic

its what everyone wants in a computer- simple,easy to use, and doesnt break
Apr 30 2010 12:23AM
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