Laptop Buying Assistance Needed - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

al76slc · #1 07-08-2011, 09:10 AM

I have been a desktop buyer from beginning. I need to get a new laptop in the next few weeks, and don’t know anything about the landscape. Please help.

Parameters:

1) Windows not mac (sorry guys, see other parameters).

2) I have been buying Dells for years. Low – mid-pack small business models, since they don’t come clunked up with software I don’t want, and have been reliable for me. I am prejudiced towards getting another Dell.

3) I will keep my Windows XP desktop for most of my business stuff. It runs all my old software, so this laptop is an extra computer. It will be nice if it could run Windows XP as well as Windows 7 (if that is possible) to be compatible with my older software.

4) The laptop will be used for the web and some light business stuff, and watching some DVDs. My needs are real simple.

5) I do not travel, so lightness and portability are not a big deal, nor is battery life. This computer will mostly be kept plugged in.

6) My eyes are getting old, so a larger screen will be helpful.

7) Most of my computers were bought from the Dell Online Clearance Outlet, and they seem to have a lot of Vostros, but there are lots of different models and I don’t know what I need.

8) My 15yo will steal it periodically (or more), so it should be able to run games decently.

Thanks for everything. I really appreciate the help.
Al

PS. Unfortunately, I haven’t been coming around here much lately. The SLC is gone to a better home with MG Burg, but we have an ML430 and E500 so I check in here periodically.

I’ve had 5 operations in the last 4 years (2 hip replacements and 3 spine). I believe I will be going back for another spine op in a month.

I’d like to be able to use the laptop in the hospital and in bed when I am recovering. I’m currently spending a lot of time in bed (and probably will continue to do so), and the laptop will save me from having to get out of bed to check email and do routine stuff. Fortunately I work at home, or I would be unemployed a long time ago.

lutzTD · #2 07-08-2011, 10:07 AM

stick with Dell if you are not looking for anything special. they are very good at matching components to retain reliability. not sure what to do about dual operating systems, Ive tried it twice and both were resounding failures.

MTI · #3 07-08-2011, 11:21 AM

Since all Intel based Apple laptops can also run MS Windows, your first premise isn't a restriction.

You may want to consider a refurb'd PC or Apple laptop, since your requirements don't come anywhere needing the latest/greatest.

TheDon · #4 07-08-2011, 11:46 AM

I bought a refurb'd Dell 2-3 years ago and its running very well even after putting 7 on it.

Stretch · #5 07-08-2011, 01:11 PM

If I were you I'd go and try before you buy. See what you think of the keyboard layouts. I find the keyboards on HP laptops especially irritating but they seem to be a better deal than Dells at the moment. Dell seem to me to be expensive for what they are.

If you are sticking with Windows then you should either

1) Buy something with hardware that can be upgraded for future Windows fatware - you might think that 16GB of RAM is excessive. I bet in a few years it will become common.

2) Buy something that can just about manage at the moment and chuck it away after 18 months.

If you want to run Windows 7 and XP then you could do that in a virtual machine - virtual box for example.

spdrun · #6 07-08-2011, 01:13 PM

Get one with Windows 7 Professional so it comes with the XP compatibility mode software, which will allow you to run most XP/older programs. What exactly are you looking to run?

al76slc · #7 07-08-2011, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdrun

Get one with Windows 7 Professional so it comes with the XP compatibility mode software, which will allow you to run most XP/older programs. What exactly are you looking to run?

Nothing especially complicated, but old stuff that still works for me. Word, Excel 2003, Access 2003, Front Page 2000 (!!), Quickbooks 2000 (!!), Adobe Acrobat 6. In other words, as long as the programs continued to work, I didn't upgrade - I'm an old dog, and don't want to learn new tricks.

XP compatibility mode software, which will allow you to run most XP/older programs - that sounds like a plan.

All of the other comments were very helpful as well.

Anybody have any experience with the Dell small business laptops - Vostro and Latitude?

spdrun · #8 07-08-2011, 01:37 PM

Office 2003 will run on Windows 7 (even x64) without compatibility mode. Older versions of QB may also do so (I've done it), though they're not officially supported.

Acrobat - no idea. Beware of AutoCAD if you'll be using it!

lutzTD · #9 07-08-2011, 04:27 PM

Dells are a little more expensive, but you are looking for low end. I recommend them to people who are not computer geeks because they test, test, test and make sure everything they put in works and plays well together. this limits their offerings on high end stuff, but for what you want they will be more than adaquate. Didnt think of a refurb, but would agree it would be a great option for your needs

theref · #10 07-08-2011, 05:04 PM

And I do not think that you can still buy new Dells with XP. You could still flatten and reload with XP (assume that you still have the disk) if they give you W7 on an installable disk AND MS does not challenge your use of XP on a different machine with a different processor ID. If you go this route, be sure to check for and download ALL drivers for both OS versions for all hardware-especially the NIC. Keep those drivers on a different PC.

panZZer · #11 07-08-2011, 07:14 PM

A place in Carrolton Tx sells refurb Dells with a better warranty than a new one at the electronics stores.

kknudson · #12 07-08-2011, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

If I were you I'd go and try before you buy. See what you think of the keyboard layouts. I find the keyboards on HP laptops especially irritating but they seem to be a better deal than Dells at the moment. Dell seem to me to be expensive for what they are.

If you are sticking with Windows then you should either

1) Buy something with hardware that can be upgraded for future Windows fatware - you might think that 16GB of RAM is excessive. I bet in a few years it will become common.

2) Buy something that can just about manage at the moment and chuck it away after 18 months.

If you want to run Windows 7 and XP then you could do that in a virtual machine - virtual box for example.

I'd second this, a Laptop is a bit different than a desktop.

Screen size and type glossy or matte, keyboard layout, etc all things you need to touch and feel first.
You can use the learn to then buy on-line if you prefer.

I'd still recommend a case and consider an external mouse, I can use the touchpad but prefer a regular mouse.

mpolli · #13 07-08-2011, 07:49 PM

If you go with Dell make sure to get a Latitude form the business section, not the consumer ones they sell.

Stoney · #14 07-08-2011, 08:53 PM

Check out the Lenovo Outlet Store. $500 to $700 can go a long way!

or check their Back to School specials.

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087&current-category-id=3953A58CD7D4A13EFFADC201E185F886&action=init

$499

15.6" screen, 4 gigs of mmemory, runs anything, 750gb hdd, dvd burner, webcam, etc, etc

or try the Z560
15.6" screen, Intel i5 processor, dvd burner, bluetooth, webcam, etc.

$579
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087&current-category-id=BC627D49E90448EC9ED6DDD0C1594B9A&action=init

or check the outlet daily and see what pops up. If there are no machines you like or limited availability that tells you people are NOT returning the machines. Unlike Dell where the RMA runs 12% and up and they really don't refurb their mnachines.

http://outlet.lenovo.com/

My co-worker bought a Dell laptop from their outlet last year and it still had the previous owners data on the hdd. Credit card info, personal stuff, even Honeymoon Pics!

Quote:

Originally Posted by al76slc

I have been a desktop buyer from beginning. I need to get a new laptop in the next few weeks, and don’t know anything about the landscape. Please help.

Parameters:

1) Windows not mac (sorry guys, see other parameters).

2) I have been buying Dells for years. Low – mid-pack small business models, since they don’t come clunked up with software I don’t want, and have been reliable for me. I am prejudiced towards getting another Dell.

3) I will keep my Windows XP desktop for most of my business stuff. It runs all my old software, so this laptop is an extra computer. It will be nice if it could run Windows XP as well as Windows 7 (if that is possible) to be compatible with my older software.

4) The laptop will be used for the web and some light business stuff, and watching some DVDs. My needs are real simple.

5) I do not travel, so lightness and portability are not a big deal, nor is battery life. This computer will mostly be kept plugged in.

6) My eyes are getting old, so a larger screen will be helpful.

7) Most of my computers were bought from the Dell Online Clearance Outlet, and they seem to have a lot of Vostros, but there are lots of different models and I don’t know what I need.

8) My 15yo will steal it periodically (or more), so it should be able to run games decently.

Thanks for everything. I really appreciate the help.
Al

PS. Unfortunately, I haven’t been coming around here much lately. The SLC is gone to a better home with MG Burg, but we have an ML430 and E500 so I check in here periodically.

I’ve had 5 operations in the last 4 years (2 hip replacements and 3 spine). I believe I will be going back for another spine op in a month.

I’d like to be able to use the laptop in the hospital and in bed when I am recovering. I’m currently spending a lot of time in bed (and probably will continue to do so), and the laptop will save me from having to get out of bed to check email and do routine stuff. Fortunately I work at home, or I would be unemployed a long time ago.

raymr · #15 07-11-2011, 12:49 AM

My kid's Dell inspiron 14 somehow dropped on something hard (no ones fessing up). It needed a new display, but aside from a palm rest that needed a spot of glue, the chassis survived intact. Ebay had a new display panel for $70. I had it apart, disassembled the whole computer, and repaired good as new in 2 evenings. I can attest they are easier to work on than a Macbook. The only really flimsy piece is the bezel surrounding the display (the little tabs on the back snap off when you look at them). But its been away to college for 2 years and still looks good.