What is a great laptop to purchase?

Question

'm new to Yahoo answers but here goes,

$500-$700

I know some computer terms but it isn't my big thing so please use english! :)

I've been looking around to see what's to offer, but I'd like to hear a few recommendations from some experienced consumers.

What I would do---

Primarily for school work, I'm looking at something with some sort of multitasking power.

I also do light video editing and a rare 3D game, I'm looking to play guild wars 2 occasionally to be specific, so somewhere along its specifications what ever that may be.

Because of the video editing I may need a hard drive with a greater capacity, not too high because I plan on an external in the future.

lastly I did say $700 or less but I am aware that is a bit cheap, so I am a bit flexible if there are some great deals out there.

Answer 1

Well, for what you do you really dont need that great of a computer. Since you arent doing any really crazy 3d stuff you really dont need anything insanely powerful.

I think you should take a look at some of the lenovo laptops, mainly because they have amazing battery life, which is one of the most important requirements for school and business. They have one, the T400, which for just under $1000 has a 5-7 hours battery life, and the best thing about it is that it has a ATI 4650, which only turns on when you need it. Otherwise it uses an Intel x4500, which can actually play guild wars pretty well. it would be about $1100 if you upgraded to one with 3gb of ram, 250gb hard drive, and the highest resolution screen (they dont list the resolutions for some reason, but the wxga+ are 1680x1080, the wxga are only 1280x800).

I would spend the extra money, its obviously worth it.  

Answer 2

Sonys are AWSOME BRANDS, but they also have the tendancy to pick of viruses quick...

gateway has certain things you gotta go through to get what you'd like

dell also picks up viruses although their face

but personally..of all laptops

get a toshiba....

thats why they never sell it or call it out highly,

because they want you to get something thats high and pricey

and that you'll be coming back over and over for a new computer

get what I mean??

Answer 3

I think that you can get something decent for around $700.  The things that you need to look for when buying a new laptop are:

Size and weight -When shopping for a laptop, make sure to pick up the systems and verify its something you are willing to carry. Don't forget to also consider the weight of accessories such as AC adapter when carrying around the notebook.

Processors -About the only thing that value system processors will not be able to do well is gaming and high-end graphics applications. Here are some of the processors to look for in this range:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 TK-53 and Higher

AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-55 and Higher

Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 and Lower

Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 and Lower

Memory (RAM) -One Gigabyte should really be the minimum amount of memory to consider with at 2GB for improved performance.

Hard drive -How much storage space will you need?  I would go for a minimum of 80 gig.  

Networking -For the minimum amount of wireless connectivity, look at getting a notebook with 802.11b/g. Systems with an 802.11a/b/g will give you the most amount of connectivity.  You utilize this to utilize wireless internet.

Battery life -Look to get a system with at least 2 hours of battery life under normal conditions.

Now here are some specific recomendations for units that are onsale:

This is brand new to the market, but Lenovo is arguably the best manufacturer in the world.  It is ultralight, but is lacking in RAM and hard drive space.

Lenovo has the new Lenovo IdeaPad S10 10.2" Notebook with Intel ATOM Processor N270 Single Core ( 1.60GHz 533MHz 512KB ) for $429 - 15% off with coupon code USPIDEAPAD15 = $365 with free shipping.

**2.65 lbs and about one inch thin, 1.60GHz ATOM Processor, 80GB HDD

**Intel High Definition Audio, Integrated web cam and microphone

**Bluetooth, X4500 Video, 512 MB PC2-5300 DDR2, Windows XP Home

http://tinyurl.com/5bryfr

Here's a great deal on something that should work well for you:

Sony VAIO VGN-NR360E/S 15.4" 1.73GHz Laptop $549

JR.com has the Sony VAIO VGN-NR360E/S 15.4" Widescreen Laptop on sale this week for $549 with free shipping.

**Intel Pentium Dual Core T2370 1.73GHz, 2GB DDR2, 200GB Hard Drive

**10/100 + 56k + 802.11g, 15.4" 1280x800 LCD, Vista Home Premium

http://tinyurl.com/6l5rrw

Good luck!!

Answer 4

HP Pavilion DV5Z

for $549.99 (plus tax)

You get:

AMD Turion 1.9GHz Dual core CPU

2GB RAM

160GB Hard drive

15.4 inch screen

ATI Radeon HD3200 Graphics.

Answer 5

gateways all the way, in your price range they could set you up with a good computer although when you mean multitasking you are looking for around 3 to 4 gigs of RAM which is not easy to find in a computer within that price range. You would have to sacrifice th CPU and other key components. I think you could get a good laptop in $850 if you're willing to spend that much.

Answer 6

Alrighty then, lol.

If you’re buying a laptop, there are a few things to consider.

1.     The processor. Most, if not every decent laptop in today's market has dual-core technology. This means that it has two processors working as one to compute information. Now, what's the difference between speeds? In all reality, for a common user (that is not a hard-core computer geek like some of us), the difference between 1.8GHz and 2.0GHz is negligible. The only areas you will be able to notice will be in gaming, and video encoding.

2.     The memory. If the OS (Operating System) is a "32-bit" then it can only read approximately 3 GB of RAM. Only the "64-bit" processors can understand 4+ GB of RAM. RAM is what the computer uses to store temporary information, like open programs (internet, word processing, music players, etc...). A general rule of thumb is that the more RAM, the faster the computer will load programs/files to a point (as with everything). An industry standard nowadays is around 3 GB. The faster the "clock speed" of the ram (the higher the PC xxxx), the higher quality the RAM.

3.     Hard Drive space is what you store the more permanent information on - word files, music, videos, programs, etc....If you have an extensive music library (5000+ songs (legal songs)), then you should be looking at a computer with at least 250GB (1 GB = 1 Billion Bytes). If you don't really need all that space, then a laptop with 160+ GB of Hard Drive space would suffice.

4.     Graphics Processor!!! If you will not be watching many DVD's or playing any games, then you can settle for an integrated video processor such as the INTEL X3100. If you want the security of being able to play the occasional 3D game, then I would recommend a dedicated graphics card with dedicated memory (256MB or 512MB). You can check whether or not the card is integrated by going to "http://www.notebookcheck.net"

5.     Most laptops now feature DVD/CD Burners. Some offer a built in feature known as "Lableflash or Lightscribe." This will allow you to "etch" images on special CD/DVD's. It makes the finished CD/DVD look more professional.

6.     Price Comparison. Expect to spend $550+ for a decent laptop nowadays. You can sometimes (or during really good sales) find ones cheaper around $450.

       The first laptop I would recommend is the Toshiba M305D-S4829 from Circuit City this week. I just purchased it last Wednesday, and am typing on it right now. It has a ton of power, like seriously. I was playing BF2142 last night with no problems. It costs $699, but It'll be running strong for a few years before anything begins to become too demanding for it. The sound quality on this laptop is phenomenal. It has Harman/Kardon speakers that are Bose quality. It has 4GB of RAM, an ATI Radeon 3100 processor, which is nearly equal to most mid-range dedicated graphics processors. It support 802.11b/g/n networks. It has a standard webcam (not to mention facial recognition software for extra secured log-ons) and all the other features you need lol. The style on this laptop is phenomenal.

       If that is slightly out of your price range though, I would say go to Best Buy and pick up the HP DV5-1002NR. It costs $679, but it is nearly as good as the above laptop with only a few exceptions (it is actually better in some areas as well, lol). The touchpad on it has a glossy feel which is fine for cooler weather, but if its humid out or your fingers are the least bit sweaty, it becomes quite difficult to move the pointer. It has a slightly better video processor - the ATI Radeon 3200 (the main difference is that it has a HDMI output). It has a slightly larger screen at 15.4" WS. Its half a pound heavier, which isn't really a big deal to me at all. It also runs the 32-bit OS of Vista which will only support 3 GB of RAM, which is fine for nearly everything. I hope this helps you in your quest!

       The next two are right about tied for abilities if the above prices are a bit out of your budget. I would recommend testing each one, and then deciding which one you prefer better.

       The first one is the Toshiba L305D-S5868 from BestBuy this week at $549. It features the ATI Radeon 3100 which is capable of handling many 3D games, and in fact - it is the same video processor as the laptop that I am using. It features a built-in webcam, as well as standard DVD/CD re-write ability. It has a 250GB hard drive running at 5400RPM. One feature that it could improve upon is its stock RAM. From the store, it only comes with 2GB. This can be easily upgraded to 3GB from any computer retailer (including www.newegg.com). It also comes with a user-friendly touchpad as well as a nice blue form factor. Although it doesn’t necessarily have all of the extra-goodies, this laptop is perfect for the common pc user, and comes at a great price!

       The second one is the Toshiba L305D-S5881 from Circuit City. This laptop is nearly identical to the last l