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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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pelle_munch
Posts: 4110 - Karma: 503
dude... aperature is SOOO much easier and just as or more effective that photoshop.

and if you try to argue against that, get/try aperature.
Apr 30 2010 12:37AM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
"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. "

Question: Why do many of the worlds largest business/entrepreneurs/small local businesses/education systems//government offices use PC's? Have they just not "seen the light " yet but they will catch on eventually..right? You just happen to discover this before them..right?

The places i just listed have to use facts/logic on there decisions(tax payers money for some!). Also, there are many of the worlds best photographers/videographers/musicians using PC's. But i dont need to bring that up because I have actually facts to back me.

Apr 30 2010 12:38AM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
own both....still dont agree....what are some examples of why aperture is easier/more effective?

Why is it so hard for mac users to explain themselves other then the "its just better" mentality?

Apr 30 2010 12:49AM
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pelle_munch
Posts: 4110 - Karma: 503
because it literally just IS better
Apr 30 2010 1:01AM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
keep digging that hole....care to fill me in with some informative mac info?
Apr 30 2010 1:04AM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
here I'll help ya out

Mac

- Macs work great with other Apple components such as the iPhone, iPod Classic, iPod Nano, iPod Touch, iPod Shuffle, etc...
- Purchasing a Mac gives you Apple Store support.
- Macs are trendsetting, designed well, and visually appealing.

PC

- PCs are generally cheaper in price. You can get the same processor, amount of RAM, and hard drive capacity for much cheaper with a PC.
-- PCs have better software compatibility. You can find practically any software for PC. Macs are more limited in selection.
-- PCs are better for gaming.
- PCs have more compatible accessories than Macs.
- PCs are more upgradable.
- PCs are open source(this is huge if you can understand what that means).


Apr 30 2010 1:27AM
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lahnabonny
Posts: 1260 - Karma: 35
macs dont get viruses either. score !
Apr 30 2010 1:34AM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
yes they do


Apr 30 2010 1:36AM
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triebby
Posts: 8670 - Karma: 2,190
Sorry, but I'm not a big fan of that argument. As long as you run a simple anti-virus program like AVG Free or something of the sort and use a little common sense regarding what files you download and what websites you visit, you shouldn't have much in the way of problems with a PC.
Apr 30 2010 1:36AM
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Shreddysaurus
Posts: 2120 - Karma: 59
PCs are more susceptible to viruses
PCs are less efficient in the use of there RAM
PCs are outdated every 1 and 1/2
PCs operating systems are constantly flawed

Macs are untouchably superior in video, audio and photo editing and playback.
Apr 30 2010 1:40AM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
#1 Logic says to me...since theres 10x more pcs in use then macs...there will/should be 10x more pc's reporting virus infections. ..and like stated before..numerous free great virus scans available.

#2 My 4g rig costs $300 less then a 2g macbook....think pc's use over 2g of wasted ram? Far from it

#3 Whats makes a mac not "outdated" at 1.5 years then? If anything...dollar for dollar...a pc would be spec'ed out higher....making your mac more "outdated" at 1.5 years then the PC.

#4. Flawed in the past yes..its always going to happen when your pretty much in a market of your own for years and years! But its 2010, windows 7 has dropped. I dont think the OP cares about problems with an operating system from 2001(Xp).

Any PC in that price range will edit/playback just as good/real time. Now lets think what makes a computer flawless while editing/playback.....hardware....and thats exactly what you "get more of" from a PC for the money.
Apr 30 2010 2:30AM
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Squid.
Posts: 1904 - Karma: 23
My school uses Macs in the Media department
The only reason they haven't switched over to OSX for everything is because their package deal to buy Office licenses would be more expensive, so the bean counters said no

Oh and:


I had to pay for my computer my self this time (my other one pooped out last week)
Sure I care about the guts of the machine, but one has to factor in other things:

-will a 3 ghz processor with an i in front of its name make a noticeable difference over a 2.4ghz?
for me the answer was mainly no, since I don't game anymore (upgrading from a 2ghz core duo and doubling the ram cut maybe 15mins of video encoding times... whoop de doo)

is the super battery life worth the money?
-for me the answer was yes. I can carry my laptop around and use it all day and just charge it overnight when I get back to my room

-is a better trackpad worth the money?
since I don't use mice, the answer for me was yes

is a nice screen worth the extra money?
-i like to watch movies, so the answer was yes

is the stability, speed, and lack of viruses worth the extra money? is the killer tech support worth it?
yes, I torrent everything, it's so nice not to worry about viruses like I did on windows. It's also nice just to bring my computer into the apple store whenever it gets fucked (even though I don't think it will)


Apr 30 2010 8:23AM
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WakaShocka
Posts: 640 - Karma: 111
check out fujitsu our highschool provides them 4 us and there perfect student laptops
Apr 30 2010 8:26AM
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Snowcase
Posts: 11456 - Karma: 634
I'm sorry but that statement is completely wrong. Windows 7 is the easiest operating system I've ever used, including OSX.


And I've used Final Cut, Aperature, and those. I prefer Adobe, Lightroom anyone?

I'm a photographer, website and graphic designer. Pleaseeeeeee, please say that all photographers and designers use macs. That's like saying all skiers wear Oakley. Just a ridiculous statement.
Apr 30 2010 10:44AM
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Benedetto.
Posts: 2526 - Karma: 64
Well I just bought a gateway, brand new for around 650, off circuitcity.com. It runs windows 7 and I love it.
Apr 30 2010 10:48AM
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802amplitude
Posts: 491 - Karma: 46
Get a nice levono like the t or w series computers, but get a refurbished one. They work just as good as a new one but much cheaper.
Apr 30 2010 10:57AM
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802amplitude
Posts: 491 - Karma: 46
Get a nice levono like the t or w series computers, but get a refurbished one. They work just as good as a new one but much cheaper.
Apr 30 2010 10:58AM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,399

windows 7 is a shithole compared to snow leopard

saying they are comparable is like saying all skiers wear oakley, just rediculous....

the only thing thats "better" on win7 is the jumplists, much nicer then the osX dock imo

Apr 30 2010 10:58AM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
So you spent around $1700 a laptop with 2.4ghz, 4gb ram, 250g hard drive, 13in screen.

Since your not to worried about the processor(although it can clock up and its built for it)... Here's an Asus that is around $1600 I'll use as an example...off best buy none the less...of course newegg and others can be cheaper. No shit they just smack on spec into this one...but its fun to compare.


$1600 - 1.6GHz, 8gb Ram, 1 TB HARDDRIVE, 17in screen.

Battery upgrades/options are part of buying new laptops now....and usually an option at check-out for like $50. They'll match Mac battery till the end and then some...

Better track pad? Yes they started it first years ago.....not sure how that makes them better in todays market? Everythings pretty much multi touch now.....

Many PC's in a macs price range and lower offer backlit led screens.....why did you get a 13" screen if your big on watching movies on it? Totally understand theres a time & place for 13" screen for portability issues

speed/stability/lack of virus's.......like others pointed out...do people not realize there is tons of free great sweepers(windows 7 includes there own even now...and it surprisingly gets great reviews)......simply schedule an auto run overnight at like 4am. Set it and forget it the life of the computer.....it built in to most programs...same goes with any pc "issues" that mac owners dont like(disc clean up/defrag etc).

You can walk right into any computer repair store (computer stores are everywhere....for some reason people only know to call Geek Squad i guess?) Sucks mac users only base there opinion on that. We have a couple smaller places around town here(local businesses) I can walk into any day i want. I can promise you my turn around time will be WAY faster then your apple store..and if your apple or pc warrenties are up.....which one do you think would be cheaper to go to? You bet your ass the local business will be. Give a couple a call in your area and ask for some general repair prices...then call your apple store....compare and get back to us on that!






Apr 30 2010 11:04AM
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Snowcase
Posts: 11456 - Karma: 634
Haha it's opinion, but look at what I quoted first. And that doesn't even make sense. I was making a point that not all photographers and designers use mac, just like not all skiers wear oakley. Your use of my argument doesn't work. Nice try though.
Apr 30 2010 11:17AM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
90% of the computer world chooses PC......10% Mac - fact...not an opinion.

Your entitled to your opinion of course though!


All the worlds best editors/artist/photographers use macs.

All hipsters shop at urban outfitters.

All Nascar fans drink budweiser.

All freestyle skiers are park rats.



See how ignorant it starts to sound when theres no truth behind you?



Mac owners done with the "all the worlds best editors/artist/photographers use macs" argument yet ? Wonder where you got that idea from(coughmaccommercialscough)....
Apr 30 2010 12:49PM
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WikiWiki
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 426
haha- so wrong

the computer your talking about is 1200- you are referring to a 15 inch mb pro with a 320 gig hd, 4 g of ram- nice try but no-



i know where your coming from- i had been pc's forever, for gaming, video, even dyno use for cars

having worked at best buy for 3 years(just quit a few months ago- horrible pay for the amount of work) I will say this- the geek squad work on macs compared to pcs was huge- y work im not talking about grandma comes in cause she cant figure out how to turn it on- im talking about fixing crashed shit, problems with software, viruses etc- now thats based on percentage- obviously there were fewer macs solf than pcs from us but for every 10pcs sold 2 would come back for major work in the next 3 years- for macs it woudl be .8 macs would come back in the next 3 years

which is why best buy loves selling pcs compared to macs- you make a shitload more money on a pc over the life of it then a mac-

like i said0 i now own the 13 inch pro- and honestly- i can say it is worth every penny of 1200- its kind of like buying a car- you can tell when a car is actually wellbuilt by the small stuff- the door thuds, button acutaly feel good etc.- and thats how the mac is - i would pay another 300 for this thing just based on the fact that everything works- i know it doesnt make sense and it didnt for me until i bought one

word
Apr 30 2010 1:00PM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
my bad on the pricing! Bought my cheaper asus 4gb ram, 500gb, duo core, 15in blah blah blah.....around $600 at launch w/7. Romps up on my buddies mac book pro(same as you) in all aspects(makes sense....its spec'ed higher and I do basic maintenance...common sense in the computer world) side by side. Feels just as good( keyboard flex, lightweight,keys, design).

I have alot of other ski gear i would want to buy with that $700. Maybe some new Bents!!!
Apr 30 2010 1:16PM
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WikiWiki
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 426
no need to hate- just saying you need to learn how to read thats all
Apr 30 2010 2:04PM
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ECB
Posts: 6991 - Karma: 622
When I bought my mac, at that point the ratio of viruses in pcs vs macs was 971 to 1.....not 10 to 1

(this was last summer, so it might have changed since then)

My friend got a virus on his mac, and it was due to the fact that he was running illegally windows xp on his mac......
Apr 30 2010 2:12PM
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Squid.
Posts: 1904 - Karma: 23
yes of course you could use some antivirus software and be fine on windows, but on macs you barely even have to worry!

I just stated all the reasons I love macs. If I gamed or was even more limited by funds, I would buy a different laptop, but I would probably get one that I could partition and hackintosh.
oliver's operating system ranking (my opinions just based on using them):
1. OSX
2. Ubuntu/ Windows 7 (tied, they each have their individual strengths)
3. XP
4. Vista

Apr 30 2010 3:19PM
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styley.
Posts: 393 - Karma: 20
honestly, just give up.

these kids will buy whatever is "cool" and macs are "cool".

if it was a box that had shit inside it and it was the cool thing, they would all be saying how much better it is.




have fun overpaying for outdated, overpriced software. the only reason macs last so long is because apple can't keep up with other hardware manufacturers. have fun on your shitty linux based OS too.
Apr 30 2010 3:20PM
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WikiWiki
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 426
haha- yea they dont innovate or have countless imitators or anything- arguments against mac suck except for price- but then again- you pay more for better shit- and i am not some macbook fanboy- but it is incomprehensibly better than any other pc or laptop i have ever owned- and i would pay even more to have a laptop like this- so in the end my conclusion is- pcs suck dick- and so do your arguments
Apr 30 2010 4:04PM
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bootleg_BEN
Posts: 2499 - Karma: 44
Well i got my mac for 400 and it was only half a year old, and i got bents. =)
Apr 30 2010 4:08PM
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WikiWiki
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 426
yea in all honesty i traded a camera and 200 for this thing brand new- greatest deal of the century
Apr 30 2010 4:14PM
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Shreddysaurus
Posts: 2120 - Karma: 59
haha bitch got owned
Apr 30 2010 5:33PM
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StevenR
Posts: 1372 - Karma: 33
The whole argument is incredibly stupid. It isnt about which system has BETTER programs and shit like that. Its all opinion. For example, one person might prefer Final Cut to Adobe Premier, and another just the opposite. Neither person is wrong. I dont understand why PC users often feel the need to point out the "flawed logic" of mac users. Its just what they like to use, end of story. And perhaps they have decided that they like Macs enough compared to PCs that they are willing to pay a premium. Perhaps they place a greater value on simplicity than on power, or just prefer OSX, and thus dont mind the fact that they are paying more for less power. Same with mac users, some people just prefer PCs and dont feel the need to pay extra for a mac, an would in fact prefer not to. end of sto

On topic, i consider my self to know a pretty good amount about computers. One thing i would say is it would probably be good to stay away from dells, although they are cheap, they can sometimes prove fairly unreliable and will tend to have a lot of that crap on it that you dont need (yes you can remove it your self, but it can be a pain). Other than that it really depends on how much you want to spend. There are a lot of less well known companies out there that make super high quality stuff, but it will cost a bit more. Velocity Micro is an example.

I getting a laptop soon and i will be getting a Core i7 Macbook Pro. Im doing so because i prefer a lot of the programs that Mac has to offer to those on PC for things related to music especially, but also photo/video editing, and other such things. I just feel it has more to offer that is up my ally so to speak. Sorry for the long post/rant. hope it helped.
Apr 30 2010 6:07PM
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steezmoe*
Posts: 357 - Karma: 13
netbook FTW
Apr 30 2010 6:10PM
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theblackrod
Posts: 2162 - Karma: 575
As I expected this turned into the PC v Mac debate. Its inevitable, i thank everyone for their input, especially those who didn't just say buy this or that, they actually used stats and personal experience. I am still undecided but i've always been leaning the PC way, i've had them my whole life, i have used macs and nothing really jumps out at me. i'm not the ignorant kid who has never touched one, and i do not video edit or photoshop anything, which at least 15 people said macs are better for video editing, awesome, go edit on your mac, i don't plan on it so why get rapped price wise for something i don't need?



and whoever said PC's are out dated in 1.5 years and macs aren't is straight ignant.
Apr 30 2010 6:26PM
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Wes-Side
Posts: 200 - Karma: 10
Not quite, check out HP's envy series. Hp claims with the extended life battery the Envy 13 can last for up to 18 hours... I don't have one so I can't promise that it's true but I would think Hp wouldn't be able to lie that much.
Apr 30 2010 8:58PM
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Shreddysaurus
Posts: 2120 - Karma: 59
your rite thinking back that was an ignorant statement.

If your not going to use your computer for any sort of editing there is really no reason to get a mac. i personally think the operating system is much much easier to use but is that worth the extra money?

if you do end up getting a pc download safari as you internet browser. works sooo much better than the others even on a shitty pc
May 1 2010 3:37AM
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AlexF
Posts: 271 - Karma: 206
You might want to think about your needs for technical computing. Are you doing any Econometric type stuff with your computer, i.e. Monte Carlo Simulations, time series analysis etc... If so... PC wins.

If you are just doing word, ppt or spreadsheets then Macs are great. I use PC laptops and desktops at work and have a Macbook Pro (with dual boot to Windows) for myself. If I can, I use my Mac as it is much more stable and faster than when it is running as a PC. Its particularly good at Excel. But I have Snow Leopard and when I had Leopard installed Excel on Mac was completely useless for any real data sets. So if you hear someone say Macs aren't good at office tell them to get Snow Leopard.

But there is a downside to Office on Mac. Mac office doesn't support VBA which can be a pain in the arse if you need to write Macros. i can get by without it but it is annoying. This might change with Microsoft's .NET platform but at the moment doing anything technical in Office on a Mac is a pain but they're great at basic spreadsheets and such.

I use a lot of specialist software that is only available on PC so I have a dual boot function. The downside is that my Mac blazes through its battery on Windows but I can run it all day without a charge when its running OS X.

One of the great things about Macs is their build quality, its unsurpassed. IBMs seem pretty much the most solid PCs around but they're still not Macs. The stiffness of the keyboards support is so nice if your typing all day. The screen are also incredible. My work laptop is a Dell XPS 16, supposedly one of their top of the line laptops. The keyboard flexes, the chassis flexes, the fan is constantly on, its constantly hot etc...all annoying and all not a problem with the Mac. But you definitely pay a price for this. But then again you'll pay a premium for a really well built PC like a Lenovo or Sony too.

If you can stretch to it then I'd get a Mac and install windows and office too in case. IN the Uk there is a deal on where you can get Windows 7 and Office Ultimate (has everything) for thirty nine pounds 9around $45)! And its legit, its direct from Microsoft. I know they do this in the US too but only at certain times of the year so it shouldn't be expensive (everything in the UK is more expensive than the US). All you need is a University email address. Here's the UK website:

http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-uk/default.aspx

I'm guessing if you go here you'll be redirected to the US equivalent
May 1 2010 5:32AM
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AlexF
Posts: 271 - Karma: 206
US Link:

May 1 2010 5:38AM
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Benjo
Posts: 709 - Karma: 23
if you have money buy an alienware
May 1 2010 6:44AM
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Greg_o
Posts: 316 - Karma: 82
Laptop reliability study:

http://lifehacker.com/5524704/laptop+reliability-study-highlights-the-most-sturdy-laptop-makers
May 1 2010 7:55AM
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a_pla5tic_bag
Posts: 9215 - Karma: 5,398
If you ever use programs like excel, the mac equivalent called numbers is better. I also like keynote better. Never used the word processing program though.  don't have a mac, but I use some in school. I can run photoshop, firefox, and illustrator at the same time on the macs, whereas if I tired to do that on my windows (which is more technically more powerful in all aspects) it would explode. Thats not to say you can't get a good windows, cause you can.

Alienware i mostly for gaming I think, but they're super powerful last I checked.
May 1 2010 8:47AM
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a_pla5tic_bag
Posts: 9215 - Karma: 5,398
I just checked, there's a new alienware laptop that's got a small screen, but it's still really powerful. Then there's one thats equivalent in price to a macbook pro that is also similar in performance, but more focused on gaming. It would still be really powerful though, and it's bigger than the 13 in macbook pro. Probably heavier though.
May 1 2010 9:10AM
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AlexF
Posts: 271 - Karma: 206
Alienware will definitely spank any Mac for computer games. But I'd bet the Alienware's battery life is terrible and that it runs super hot. Fine if you're into gaming but not worth it if your not.
May 1 2010 9:38AM
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
http://www.falcon-nw.com/
May 1 2010 9:54AM
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StevenR
Posts: 1372 - Karma: 33
Falcon Northwest is another one of the companies i was talking about before. Super high quality and powerful, but also pricey. If your budget is somewhat high though and you decide to go the PC rout falcon nw would definitely be a good option.
May 1 2010 3:38PM
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caucasian_chad
Posts: 4078 - Karma: 3,625
If you want to stay under a grand and dont use your computer for editing or anything, stick with a PC. You don't need a mac, it wouldnt be worth the extra money. Check out newegg for sure, they usually have great deals on Acers and Sonys. Take a look around HP's website too, they've got some pretty good deals on there. The dv6t and dv7t are good base models to upgrade from. If all you do is internet and music type of stuff, then I probably wouldn't go i7, theres no need for it and it will kill your battery life. i5 is the way to go for the average user, it won't be obsolete technology for a while.
May 1 2010 3:56PM
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notadoctor
Posts: 404 - Karma: 640
I got a new netbook for $200 and I installed the ubuntu netbook remix OS on it (ubuntu netbook remix a must). it runs good for a netbook and was very affordable and portable. I also have a desktop (windows 7) that I use for video editing, gaming, etc. This combination works great for me, I can have my netbook with me all the time if I need it since it's small and portable and if I need to do any intensive tasks I can use my desktop at home, also, If one computer fails I have a backup till I can fix the other. Probably not for everyone but it works great for me.
May 1 2010 4:39PM
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AlexF
Posts: 271 - Karma: 206
I didn't really think about this but if value for money is your thing then Linux spanks everything else. It does require a bit of time to adapt too but it is super stable and fast. The Linux PC I use is never connected to a open network so I don't know what its like for the web and email.

Linux uses hardly any hardware so even a low spec computer can run quickly. A $200 Linux PC is probably just as fast as a windows one and will be more stable and have beter abttery life

If you need to create long academic or commercial quality documents hastle free the LaTex is great once you get the hang of it.

Openoffice looks like its getting pretty good too (still not MS office though)

If you're reasonably tech savvy then it might be worth considering. But if you want hastle free operation (at a price) then Mac wins. In between is the PC. If it wasn't for software availability issues I'd run home and light work stuff on Mac and then have Linux for any heavy duty computing.


May 1 2010 5:29PM
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