Laptop Help Needed!

Discussion in 'Computers and Technology' started by Tally, Jul 21, 2010.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Tally

    Tally Level III

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2009
    Messages:
    641
    Likes Received:
    22
    Ok, since I'm starting Uni this September, I figure I better get myself a laptop. I figure since there are soo many smart members here on NFs :maha: I would like your opinion on what laptop to get :)

    I have a fairly low budget though :( $500-$600. If you guys can think of a nice laptop in that price range, please let me know :)
     
  2. Attempt

    Attempt Level II

    Joined:
    May 18, 2007
    Messages:
    336
    Likes Received:
    4
    [​IMG]
    $519.99


    http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Factor ... Id=9879697

    Blue = good
    Orange= OK
    Green = Awesome

    Warranty Terms - Parts90 days
    Warranty Terms - Labor90 days

    Product Height1.4"
    Product Width16.2"
    Product Weight6.7 lbs.
    Product Depth10.9"
    Processor BrandIntel®
    ProcessorIntel® Pentium®
    Processor Speed2.1GHz
    Battery Type6-cell lithium-ion
    Display TypeLED-backlit high-definition widescreen with BrightView technology (1600 x 900)
    Screen Size (Measured Diagonally)17.3"
    Cache Memory1MB on die Level 2
    System Memory (RAM)4GB
    Type of Memory (RAM)DDR2
    Hard Drive TypeSATA (7200 rpm)
    Computer Hard Drive Size320GB
    Optical DriveDouble-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW
    Optical Drive SpeedsDrive speeds not specified
    Direct-Disc LabelingYes
    Digital Media Reader or SlotsYes, digital media card reader
    GraphicsIntel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M
    Video MemoryUp to 1695MB shared
    TV TunerNo
    MPEGYes
    Built-in WebcamYes
    Modem56 Kbps*
    *Capable of receiving 56 Kbps downloads. However, current regulations limit download speed to 53 Kbps.
    NetworkingBuilt-in 10/100Base-T Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)
    Wireless NetworkingWireless-B+G+N
    Bluetooth-EnabledNo
    S-Video OutputsNone
    AudioAltec Lansing
    PCMCIA SlotsNone
    USB 2.0 Ports3
    IEEE 1394 FireWire PortsNone
    Parallel PortsNone
    Game PortsNone
    Laptop WeightStandard (more than 5.5 lbs.)
    Battery LifeNot available
    Pointing DeviceTouchpad with on/off button and vertical scroll up/down pad
    HDMI OutputYes
    Blu-ray PlayerNo
    Operating System PlatformWindows
    Operating SystemWindows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
    Included SoftwareAdobe Reader; Microsoft Works and more
    ENERGY STAR QualifiedYes
    BBY Software InstallerNo
    Drive Capacity320GB
    Graphics CardIntel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M[/size]
     
    Tally likes this.
  3. powerof0

    powerof0 Level III

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2010
    Messages:
    394
    Likes Received:
    15
  4. Attempt

    Attempt Level II

    Joined:
    May 18, 2007
    Messages:
    336
    Likes Received:
    4

    does it have an HDMI Port"?? what kind of battery, see the thing to look for in a laptop is charge time and what type of battery seeing how its the thing to go out first on a computer. and most people who use a laptop the "specs" such as amount of ram and processor speed come second because the most they do on it is watch a movie use the internet and the occasional game. most gammers use desktops as they are cheaper. Consider Screen Size and weight battery life, what kind of ports "usb, hdmi, SD" wifi capable and if so which is it "N" is best then comes G and then D
     
  5. Tally

    Tally Level III

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2009
    Messages:
    641
    Likes Received:
    22
    Wow, I appreciate the help guys, but unfortunately I don't know much about Laptops and all this info is kind of overwhelming.
     
  6. Phee

    Phee Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2007
    Messages:
    6,206
    Likes Received:
    101

    Was not expecting that from BestBuy, but it's pretty good! My own qualm is with the crap graphics card.
     
  7. newestretro

    newestretro Level I

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2009
    Messages:
    109
    Likes Received:
    4
    get a lousy laptop and upgrade everything inside =D

    it's best u build it the way u wanted or u could just get any acer laptops
     
  8. Attempt

    Attempt Level II

    Joined:
    May 18, 2007
    Messages:
    336
    Likes Received:
    4
    building a laptop is very difficult for someone who isnt familar with laptops to begin with.



    I highlighted the things you should look for and gave you a link to a laptop that is a great all around computer. this laptop would be alot of fun due to it being fast and having plenty of room as well as the best possible wifi capability "N" and having a webcam makes life alot easier if you like to social network. I suggest when buying a laptop to get a Can of Air to clean your vents and keyboard, keep your screen clean, get a wireless mouse , and avoid dropping it.

    there isnt much more i can help you with other than going to the store with you and pointing out what sucks and what doesnt

    if this makes you feel any better im microsoft certified and use to work at best buy. I like long walks in the park and +rep hahahahah
     
  9. Rundownandy

    Rundownandy Level IV

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2007
    Messages:
    785
    Likes Received:
    33
    Definitely go with an HP. Had two of them for almost a year. Love them both. :D
    The $519 one looks really good for the price.
     
  10. Lightning

    Lightning Administrator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2008
    Messages:
    3,021
    Likes Received:
    195
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Florida, USA
    Dells have the same specs as HP and Sony and everything, but they sell cheaper :) -- that is except for Alienware. I have 2 Dells sitting right next to me, both work perfectly fine...except, I think I might have an HP that you will like.
     
  11. Grimwolf08

    Grimwolf08 Level I

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2010
    Messages:
    67
    Likes Received:
    0
    Acer Aspire 5313. Decent laptop, good all around. I got one a couple of years ago and it still works great.
     
  12. Tally

    Tally Level III

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2009
    Messages:
    641
    Likes Received:
    22
    What's the laptop called? Cause the link won't work for me so I can't check it out myself :/
     
  13. Attempt

    Attempt Level II

    Joined:
    May 18, 2007
    Messages:
    336
    Likes Received:
    4
    Model: G71-347CL | SKU: 9879697
     
  14. powerof0

    powerof0 Level III

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2010
    Messages:
    394
    Likes Received:
    15
    Tally, I strongly suggest that you buy a lighter laptop. The one recommended by Attempt is kind of heavy (6.7 lbs). I lugged a similar-sized laptop to college and it really was not the most convenient.

    You should really look at the one I recommended. It's a bit lighter (5.4 lbs) and its specs are the same as (in some areas, such as the processor speed and warranty, better than) the one recommended by Attempt. It's not that much more expensive either ($40 more expensive). I suggest that you click the link and check the specifications and read a few reviews.

    Here's the one I recommended:
    http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavili ... Id=9705406

    If you can't find the laptop recommended by Attempt, it's here:
    http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Factor ... Id=9879697

    And Attempt, thanks for writing post 2! It's a very informative post. And do you know what a factory-refurbished laptop is? Is it reliable?
     
  15. Tally

    Tally Level III

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2009
    Messages:
    641
    Likes Received:
    22
    Power- thanks, but Lightning build me a custom one online, he says it has everything attempt's laptop had but he said is a bit faster. As for the weight, do you really think a pound or so will make much of a difference?
     
  16. powerof0

    powerof0 Level III

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2010
    Messages:
    394
    Likes Received:
    15
    Maybe I just need to exercise more :p , but slightly lighter laptops do feel significantly easier to carry around, especially on a large campus. Also, you might not be able to fit larger laptops into your backpack. It might also take up too much of your desk...
     
  17. Phee

    Phee Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2007
    Messages:
    6,206
    Likes Received:
    101
    Yes. My laptop right now weighs like, dunno, maybe 8 pounds, and I didn't think it'd be that big of a deal. I love the laptop but really really hate the weight, it matters more than you'd think.

    My own qualms about those two:
    Graphics cards are crap
    Processor is kind of mehh
    Second one has only two usb ports
     
  18. Zer0

    Zer0 Level IV

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2008
    Messages:
    3,037
    Likes Received:
    180
    Location:
    Home sweet home
  19. powerof0

    powerof0 Level III

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2010
    Messages:
    394
    Likes Received:
    15
    When I was buying my laptop for college, I actually chose a laptop with a bad graphics card on purpose so that I won't be able to play computer games XD ... I guess it kind of worked, since my grades last year were not bad.
     
  20. Phee

    Phee Moderator
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2007
    Messages:
    6,206
    Likes Received:
    101
    Ahaha that made me lol! That's smart, I probably should've done the same -_-
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.