Good online sites for laptops?

austintx05 · May 30, 2007

I think I have finally settled in on a computer type - a laptop

I need the portability. The more I thought about it, I do not like being stuck in the same spot. If I am out and about I wanna take advantage of wifi, and eventually the use of a broadband card. Still the same need as an internet machine, but I want it to be fast enough to handle mutliple browsers with ease.

First a couple questions

1. Is Vista stable enough now or should I look for an XP machine?
2. I have been recommended the Toshiba line and I have noticed than unlike most laptops, they are expandable up to 4 gigs, which should increase the life of the computer? correct?

Onlooker pointed me to newegg/zipzoomfly for computer parts and I was wondering if anyone knew of some good online discount computer sites, or just an onine site that has a good rep for doing business.

Thank You

Dr.Pepper · May 31, 2007

Newegg for desktops = everything
Newegg for laptop = ram/hd

As for #1 - you have had that question answered several times. You can also find more info on the net. If you aren't writing down the answer to your original questions, at least go back and look.

Most laptops have expandable memory. Again for YOU - and what YOU are doing, a GIG is fine. 2 gigs is overkill. 4 gigs is downright useless.

Any new laptop can handle multiple browsers.

Good luck on your final decision. I think I have helped to the limit of my interest. I know this is a big decision for you - I just don't get the vibe you really have a good idea for what you need versus what you want.

Dr.Pepper · May 31, 2007

Stick to brand named sites unless you actually know what you are buying. Not because someone tells you to buy this or that - but because you know what you need, where to get it, and how much to pay. You need to become an expert on your own needs before someone else can tell you where to get it.

Buy a dell, buy a toshiba, etc. It really doesn't matter. Just get a brand name with a good warranty. You are not at the level of somoene who can start to add parts to something to "make your own". All laptops have add-ons - you can add ram and hard drives to laptops. Any laptops

austintx05 · May 31, 2007

DP - Thanks again for the help, I am getting a little tired myself with all the questions, but the good thing is I have learned a great deal. I have just heard so many good/bad things about ever maker that at one point my head was spinning as to which direction I should go.

My only reasoning for the 4 gig expansion, was that I wanted to get 4-5 years out of this laptop. Now do you think with 2 gigs of ram would hold up for 4-5 years?

austintx05 · May 31, 2007

Dr.Pepper said:
Newegg for desktops = everything
Newegg for laptop = ram/hd

As for #1 - you have had that question answered several times. You can also find more info on the net. If you aren't writing down the answer to your original questions, at least go back and look.

Most laptops have expandable memory. Again for YOU - and what YOU are doing, a GIG is fine. 2 gigs is overkill. 4 gigs is downright useless.

Any new laptop can handle multiple browsers.

Good luck on your final decision. I think I have helped to the limit of my interest. I know this is a big decision for you - I just don't get the vibe you really have a good idea for what you need versus what you want.

I might have a better grasp than you think. This is one reason whwy I strayed away from the MacBook. $1099 base model is overkill for just surfing the net.

Dr.Pepper · Jun 1, 2007

A 2 gig ram setup will last you just as long as 4 gig ram. Ram doesn't go away. It sits in your computer and does what you ask of it. It doesn't lose it's mojo, nor decrease in time. Over the last 4 years, the average ram has gone from 512 to 1 gig. I would say right now, on average people are running 1 gig. In another 4 years it will be two, etc.

Ram is one of those things that is not going to be changing - and in turn, going to force you to buy a new system. A computer lasts as long as its parts last. Having more of something, like a 300gig HD, won't extend the life of the system anymore than a 10 gig HD will.

The only way to ensure use over time is not breaking it and no overheating issues. Everything else falls under the category of luck. There will always be lemons.

austintx05 · Jun 1, 2007

DP - This is my last question and yo ucan considedr this topic closed.

As far as upgrading to the future, do you feel a Mac or a PC has an advantage?

Meaning - someone who is buying a machine and thinkiNg 5 years down the road, would it be a better investment for a Mac or a PC, as far as upgrades are concerned?

Dr.Pepper · Jun 1, 2007

PCs are more "upgradeable". Meaning you can search for more third party products and find things that are compatible. Mac still has a little bit of an dull edge on the industry in terms of the amount of third party products for their actual machines.

But regardless -- laptops would not fall under the upgradeable category. Treat this purchase more like an investment and maybe try not to worry about it's longevity so much. It's going to last you 3-5 years. Period. It could be less it could be more. Will you be the guy everyone makes fun of in 4 years because he has a top of the line system from 2007? No. I've had my laptop since 2004 and it's still doing really well and I have no intention on replacing it anytime soon.

Again - as far as upgrades are concerned -- there really is no true winner. A laptop is not something you go out and buy upgrades for. Outside of RAM and a HD. But those really wouldn't be considered big time upgrades.