Wanting to buy a new laptop: What do I look for?

[Nyktipolos]

As the title says, I'm looking to purchase a new laptop, but I have no idea what to look for. I am starting my library and information course in the fall (eep!), and originally the college supplied laptops (for a fee) to course students because we'd be using them a lot in our classes. I guess they must have had a lot of issues with giving them out, because now this is no longer an issue. And well, the only laptop I own is no longer really useable, because it keeps burning out the inside of the power cords. XD



I realized I was pretty un-knowledgeable when it comes to laptops because when I go to the local tech stores here (Future Shop, etc.) I can't tell what's good or not. Laptops are definitely not my preferred medium when it comes to computers and the internet (I build my desktops, rather than purchase brands). :D

The only things I really want out of a laptop is:

• Non-Vista XP operating system
• Will last me 2 years (preferably more), which is the length of my course
• Doesn't need to be gaming compatible. While I'd love to play video games on it, I know that will drive up the price for sure.

I was also looking at netbooks, but I have no idea what they are like or how long they last. Does anyone have any experience with them?

[stephyjh]

As the title says, I'm looking to purchase a new laptop, but I have no idea what to look for. I am starting my library and information course in the fall (eep!), and originally the college supplied laptops (for a fee) to course students because we'd be using them a lot in our classes. I guess they must have had a lot of issues with giving them out, because now this is no longer an issue. And well, the only laptop I own is no longer really useable, because it keeps burning out the inside of the power cords. XD

I realized I was pretty un-knowledgeable when it comes to laptops because when I go to the local tech stores here (Future Shop, etc.) I can't tell what's good or not. Laptops are definitely not my preferred medium when it comes to computers and the internet (I build my desktops, rather than purchase brands). :D

The only things I really want out of a laptop is:

• Non-Vista XP operating system
• Will last me 2 years (preferably more), which is the length of my course
• Doesn't need to be gaming compatible. While I'd love to play video games on it, I know that will drive up the price for sure.

I was also looking at netbooks, but I have no idea what they are like or how long they last. Does anyone have any experience with them?

I've had an HP netbook for about a year, and had an Acer before that. I'd go for the HP again in a minute, but the Acer only lasted me about 6 months before completely frying. I still have the hard drive, which I've been meaning to put in an enclosure and (if salvageable) use as an external, but I haven't gotten around to it. The only things that have really held me back on it have been the processor speed (the Atom processor isn't much faster than the one in my Android, and hell, that's a phone!) and the lack of an optical drive.

Windows 7 is a huge improvement over Vista. I would go for one with 7 long before I'd go back to XP. That being said, my next computer is gonna be a Mac.

[Juni]

I'm with Stephy on Windows 7. I don't even like Windows, but 7 is a really nice, simple OS. I would absolutely go for 7 over XP.

I personally don't like netbooks all too much, but that's only because the keyboard feels really squashed to me and I have trouble typing. I've seen some that aren't so bad, though.

I have a Dell and I love it, it's a great machine, and the battery life is awesome.

[Nyktipolos]

I've had an HP netbook for about a year, and had an Acer before that. I'd go for the HP again in a minute, but the Acer only lasted me about 6 months before completely frying. I still have the hard drive, which I've been meaning to put in an enclosure and (if salvageable) use as an external, but I haven't gotten around to it. The only things that have really held me back on it have been the processor speed (the Atom processor isn't much faster than the one in my Android, and hell, that's a phone!) and the lack of an optical drive.

Windows 7 is a huge improvement over Vista. I would go for one with 7 long before I'd go back to XP. That being said, my next computer is gonna be a Mac.

Yeah, I was pretty positive I would not go for an Acer again. Acer is what my old laptop is, and it's just slowly died. :/ I'll definitely keep HP in mind.

Also.. I just realized what I wrote. I totally meant "Non-Vista WINDOWS operating system". Ugh, brain fart! Lol.

[Nyktipolos]

I'm with Stephy on Windows 7. I don't even like Windows, but 7 is a really nice, simple OS. I would absolutely go for 7 over XP.

The laptop (that I'm borrowing :D) here is Win 7 as well. I.. /think/ I like it? I certainly like it over Vista, because it was SUCH a graphics hog with all the *~*fancy*~* new graphics they put up. I guess that's what I'm worried about most: that it will be a huge resource hog and slow me down.

Why can't I just stay in the past with my XP? Lol!

I personally don't like netbooks all too much, but that's only because the keyboard feels really squashed to me and I have trouble typing. I've seen some that aren't so bad, though.

I've seen a couple that are large in netbook terms, but are still pretty small for laptops, and they seem okay. But I wouldn't go for a smaller-sized netbook, because I have the same issues that you do. Much prefer a larger keyboard.

I have a Dell and I love it, it's a great machine, and the battery life is awesome.

Can I ask how long you've had it for, and what kind it is?

[victoreia]

As the title says, I'm looking to purchase a new laptop, but I have no idea what to look for. (snip)
The only things I really want out of a laptop is:

• Non-Vista XP operating system
• Will last me 2 years (preferably more), which is the length of my course
• Doesn't need to be gaming compatible. While I'd love to play video games on it, I know that will drive up the price for sure.

I was also looking at netbooks, but I have no idea what they are like or how long they last. Does anyone have any experience with them?

I have an HP mini (netbook), with Windows XP. I got it two years ago, and am happy with it. It doesn't have a built-in CD-ROM, but I bought an external and that works well enough.

My mother recently replaced her Sony Vaio (running Vista). Completely unintentionally, she ended up getting a Macbook Pro. She (and I quote) loves it!

On my mother's advice, I will certainly skip Vista completely, and go straight to Windows 7 when I have to upgrade my OS. (Although I'm looking enviously at Mom's Macbook, since she brags about how quickly it boots up compared to Windows.)

[Juni]

Can I ask how long you've had it for, and what kind it is?

I've had it for about two years now? It's a Dell Inspiron 14 something or other...

[Wood Rose]

I've had it for about two years now? It's a Dell Inspiron 14 something or other...

I have a Dell Inspiron 6000 that I have had for 6+ years, and am just now starting to think about getting a new laptop.

[Finn]

(Although I'm looking enviously at Mom's Macbook, since she brags about how quickly it boots up compared to Windows.)

::waves Mac flag::

I have a MacBook Pro, one of the second generation ones with the screwed up battery. It's been five years, and the battery issue (though it's a pretty big one) has been my only problem with it. The current generation is far better.

I'm going to need a new laptop soon though: the glut of new software coming out is proving to be just a little too much for my processors. :/

[LyricFox]

The laptop (that I'm borrowing :D) here is Win 7 as well. I.. /think/ I like it? I certainly like it over Vista, because it was SUCH a graphics hog with all the *~*fancy*~* new graphics they put up. I guess that's what I'm worried about most: that it will be a huge resource hog and slow me down.

Man I HATE Win 7. Hate it. Hate it. Hate it. Never used Vista which I always thought was a joke, but the only Win OS I dislike more than 7 is Win ME.