OT: In the market for a new laptop
- Thread starter mpoletti
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Nu2SW
New member
I dont know what fantasy land your living in, But can I come and join. LOL
XP is a strong OS, but its not perfect. Firefox doesnt stop you from getting viruses. Gotta have spyware and firewalls
My mac at home is on the net 24/7 with no firewall and no virus protection. Oh what a beauty.
My pc has virus scan, firewall, 3 spyware removers a HTTP port blocker..... oh the list can go on...
You get my point
HEHE
Nu2SW
New member
There are viruses for Macs, but you have to go find them.
Year after year Macs have been selling in the millions. They are out there. More people than you think have them.
There is just a crapload more PCs because there are 6 PC companies and ONE apple....
Id say you have windows firewall on, If you have SP2 for XP. It puts the firewall on unless you turned it off. But I could be wrong, just a bold statement. LOL
One thing I love is how long it takes a Mac to start up, especially the new ones. Its like 10 seconds. A pc, Looking at like 45 secs to a minute with all those startup programs that get installed by the OS and other software.
So whats the score
Apple 6- Pcs 1
The one score for PC is that it does a great job doing spreadsheets, tables,charts and other work related crap.....
LOL
I love the commercials
airinhere
New member
You all do realize that the new Mac OS is just a pretty version of Sun Solaris 10. Which is just a nice flavor of Open Source software. Just like Linux (any version since mandrake 10), but with a different name tag placed onto it.
And as I understand it, the new version of Windows XP went open source officially last February (or was it two years ago?) after the CIM destructor build 2.5 wiped out most everybodys systems during the SPII release. Odd that Mr. Gates woul;d release a major piece of news like making Windows Open Source software (in the interest of interoperability!) suddenly and with very little fanfare. Especially after fighting such a change for over a decade. (To help keep quality control up.)
My understanding is that the VISTA versions being released are also shelled versions of Open Source software.
Now my point.....
The viruses out there are going to affect everyones computers equally. Old Mac computers had proprietary software and are still immune. Everything 64 bit or dual core is just selling fancy labeling. (Anything not 64 bit is toast from the SPII fiasco.)
Look at the customer support being provided for your computer as one of the most important issues at hand. Tech support, online diagnosis and repairs, free telephone support, simple to perform system reinstallation.
Me, I buy my computers by the component and dont worry about it. Most people need the assistance that they get from the manufacturers.
And as I understand it, the new version of Windows XP went open source officially last February (or was it two years ago?) after the CIM destructor build 2.5 wiped out most everybodys systems during the SPII release. Odd that Mr. Gates woul;d release a major piece of news like making Windows Open Source software (in the interest of interoperability!) suddenly and with very little fanfare. Especially after fighting such a change for over a decade. (To help keep quality control up.)
My understanding is that the VISTA versions being released are also shelled versions of Open Source software.
Now my point.....
The viruses out there are going to affect everyones computers equally. Old Mac computers had proprietary software and are still immune. Everything 64 bit or dual core is just selling fancy labeling. (Anything not 64 bit is toast from the SPII fiasco.)
Look at the customer support being provided for your computer as one of the most important issues at hand. Tech support, online diagnosis and repairs, free telephone support, simple to perform system reinstallation.
Me, I buy my computers by the component and dont worry about it. Most people need the assistance that they get from the manufacturers.
Nu2SW
New member
Yeah we'll see with the new intels, but the code needs to be written for the Unix based OS
But the comment
"Look at the customer support being provided for your computer as one of the most important issues at hand. Tech support, online diagnosis and repairs, free telephone support, simple to perform system reinstallation.
Me, I buy my computers by the component and dont worry about it. Most people need the assistance that they get from the manufacturers."
Is very true and valid.
I didn't read all of the above because I am sure a lot of it is preaching and I don't want to get into that.
Vista has been banned by many major groups/country's/organizations and such. I know that there are some slight variances with the security between XP and Vista, but many have argued whether they are good or bad changes. Vista offers no real improvements in productivity over XP. (Thats why I banned Vista, IE7 and Office 2007 from my networks until a service pack is released) It does have some cool little interface tweaks. It does invoke a feeling that Microsoft just crossed from being the leader to the follower after using the interface. Vista has huge operating requirements, I personally don't like the interface (It has a few cool things but I don't like the XP, Mac or Vista interface either) I would go with XP but if its a new laptop and games aren't a big concern and you don't know either OS that well, I would just go with Vista because no matter how long you hold out it's the next step.
Mac and Windows wars will wage as long and just like holly wars. I learned on a Mac using OS 6 - 9. I could operate at a very advanced level, Programming, tweaking the finder.... Things that 99% of users can't do. OS X is not my strongest skill but I will say that adware, virus, worms and everything else can still infect it. Thing is If I try to create a large botnet and must use different techniques for infecting machines I am going to target the largest group...a.k.a. Windows. That does not mean that you are safe with a Mac.
In High school as a result of Windows popularity I started taking classes. I now manage a little under 200 windows computers over 4 networks. Mac OS 9 ( and BeOS) are my favorite systems. But you can't hold out forever. So I am primarily a windows user (XP or 2000) I am not to strong in OS X for the Mac. I bought a new MacBook Pro when they started using an Intel processor so that I could dual boot the machine and learn the MacOS again. After Months of heavy usage I have used the MacOS maybe 4 hours. (This is just me, I am used to windows and many components for work require windows.) Through habit, familiarity and some software requirments I boot my Macintosh into Windows 99% of the time. I am not a fan of the Mac, XP or Vista interfaces, 2000 was the best.
Macintosh has supported a 2 button mouse like Microsoft since OS 8.5 yet they never ship it. A 2 button external mouse is the best upgrade to a Mac there is.
My MacBook Pro laptop is incredibly fast. (Yes as are other newer laptops) I love the speed but the mouse is too big and when typing I hit it and the cursor bounces all over the screen. Plus its only 1 button so I lack 2 without an external mouse.
Requirements wise..
1GB Ram minimum (Best performance upgrade for a computer)
60GB Hard Drive Minimum (Depends on what you need)
2Ghz Processor
Vista has been banned by many major groups/country's/organizations and such. I know that there are some slight variances with the security between XP and Vista, but many have argued whether they are good or bad changes. Vista offers no real improvements in productivity over XP. (Thats why I banned Vista, IE7 and Office 2007 from my networks until a service pack is released) It does have some cool little interface tweaks. It does invoke a feeling that Microsoft just crossed from being the leader to the follower after using the interface. Vista has huge operating requirements, I personally don't like the interface (It has a few cool things but I don't like the XP, Mac or Vista interface either) I would go with XP but if its a new laptop and games aren't a big concern and you don't know either OS that well, I would just go with Vista because no matter how long you hold out it's the next step.
Mac and Windows wars will wage as long and just like holly wars. I learned on a Mac using OS 6 - 9. I could operate at a very advanced level, Programming, tweaking the finder.... Things that 99% of users can't do. OS X is not my strongest skill but I will say that adware, virus, worms and everything else can still infect it. Thing is If I try to create a large botnet and must use different techniques for infecting machines I am going to target the largest group...a.k.a. Windows. That does not mean that you are safe with a Mac.
In High school as a result of Windows popularity I started taking classes. I now manage a little under 200 windows computers over 4 networks. Mac OS 9 ( and BeOS) are my favorite systems. But you can't hold out forever. So I am primarily a windows user (XP or 2000) I am not to strong in OS X for the Mac. I bought a new MacBook Pro when they started using an Intel processor so that I could dual boot the machine and learn the MacOS again. After Months of heavy usage I have used the MacOS maybe 4 hours. (This is just me, I am used to windows and many components for work require windows.) Through habit, familiarity and some software requirments I boot my Macintosh into Windows 99% of the time. I am not a fan of the Mac, XP or Vista interfaces, 2000 was the best.
Macintosh has supported a 2 button mouse like Microsoft since OS 8.5 yet they never ship it. A 2 button external mouse is the best upgrade to a Mac there is.
My MacBook Pro laptop is incredibly fast. (Yes as are other newer laptops) I love the speed but the mouse is too big and when typing I hit it and the cursor bounces all over the screen. Plus its only 1 button so I lack 2 without an external mouse.
Requirements wise..
1GB Ram minimum (Best performance upgrade for a computer)
60GB Hard Drive Minimum (Depends on what you need)
2Ghz Processor
All of that computer algebra is way over my head as a lousy saleman. And if I ever did need computer help, I could always trade computer lessons for frags.
Nu2SW
New member
One thing, if you go with a PC be very careful with those really cheap acer, satellite wal-mart brands.
They may be cheap, but you get what you pay for. Probably lousy technical support or hard to get a hold of.
IF you get a Dell, they like to put spyware on their computers.
And HP and Compaq (same company now) put so much other crap on the computer it slows it down.
They may be cheap, but you get what you pay for. Probably lousy technical support or hard to get a hold of.
IF you get a Dell, they like to put spyware on their computers.
And HP and Compaq (same company now) put so much other crap on the computer it slows it down.
Pretty much all major manufacturers pre-load stuff onto the machines. Not really any way around it, but if he's willing to trade frags for tech work, I'm sure he wont have any problem getting one of us to clean it up for him.
Marko, check my 1st post (before the Mac vs. Windows derailment)....
I just got onto Dell.com and priced one out.... Intel Dual-Core, 2 GB RAM, 80 GB HD, DVD burner, and Vista Premium,... $1120. Definately not a bad price for what you get.
Let us know what you end up with.
Nu2SW
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10891323#post10891323 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jfred90
Pretty much all major manufacturers pre-load stuff onto the machines. Not really any way around it, but if he's willing to trade frags for tech work, I'm sure he wont have any problem getting one of us to clean it up for him.
Marko, check my 1st post (before the Mac vs. Windows derailment)....
I just got onto Dell.com and priced one out.... Intel Dual-Core, 2 GB RAM, 80 GB HD, DVD burner, and Vista Premium,... $1120. Definately not a bad price for what you get.
Let us know what you end up with.
It wasn't a derailment... LOL
It was information for a prospective purchase.... LOL
If you get a computer with windows XP, you can get away with one gig.
I have 1.5 gigs in my gaming machine and its plenty.
If you do go with vista, ya totally 2 gigs atleast.
If you are doing just internet word processing email then 1 gig is just fine.
So the Vital question has not been answered yet. What are you going to use the computer for mainly.
Hard drive space more is good, but more leads to more clutter and more crap to clean at the end.
airinhere
New member
If I were to recommend something, I would say:
AMD processor. (Dual core or not. 64 bit is all you need.) Intel chips are decent, but I am partial to AMD for reliability issues.
1 GB RAM minimum.
And make sure the RAM is not a pair of 512 MB sticks. if you decide to upgrade your RAM later on, you only get 2 slots to put memory into. if both are full, you have to pull one out and then you lose that 512 mb of RAM. (half your RAM) before you can then add the new RAM.
512MB +512MB = 1 GB
Total RAM initially in your computer
1 GB - 512MB = 512MB
Removing one RAM stick to make space in your computer.
512mb + 1 GB =1.5 GB RAM
Ading a new 1 GB RAM stick.
And a 512 MB stick leftover that you can't use....
Cheaper and easier to just go for the most RAM you can get right from the start.
Hard drive size is only important if you end up storing video later on. 20 GB hard disk drives hold more information than you would believe. Anything larger is just bonus.
Built in Wi-Fi N or MIMO. Pick one and go with it. These are the two major wireless networking methods nowadays. My recommendation is go for Wireless N. (Wireless G is almost as good.)
Bluetooth is a great addition for a laptop in my opinion.
Get a laptop with a fingerprint reader for security reasons. I have one for the computer in my car and I love it. No more remembering all my passwords, the fingerprint reader does it for me!
Windows Vista is available pretty much on all the decent models of laptops. It is a decent OS, but has its flaws. Computer geeks like to point out them all. Reality is, it is very simple for the untrained user to enjoy. (Self correcting software rocks!)
Mac is a good option to go with. I would recommend them to anyone, but with a single caveat. They are quite expensive.
Decide on your own requirements, find the laptop that fill your needs and that doesn't have any superflous extras and buy that one.
AMD processor. (Dual core or not. 64 bit is all you need.) Intel chips are decent, but I am partial to AMD for reliability issues.
1 GB RAM minimum.
And make sure the RAM is not a pair of 512 MB sticks. if you decide to upgrade your RAM later on, you only get 2 slots to put memory into. if both are full, you have to pull one out and then you lose that 512 mb of RAM. (half your RAM) before you can then add the new RAM.
512MB +512MB = 1 GB
Total RAM initially in your computer
1 GB - 512MB = 512MB
Removing one RAM stick to make space in your computer.
512mb + 1 GB =1.5 GB RAM
Ading a new 1 GB RAM stick.
And a 512 MB stick leftover that you can't use....
Cheaper and easier to just go for the most RAM you can get right from the start.
Hard drive size is only important if you end up storing video later on. 20 GB hard disk drives hold more information than you would believe. Anything larger is just bonus.
Built in Wi-Fi N or MIMO. Pick one and go with it. These are the two major wireless networking methods nowadays. My recommendation is go for Wireless N. (Wireless G is almost as good.)
Bluetooth is a great addition for a laptop in my opinion.
Get a laptop with a fingerprint reader for security reasons. I have one for the computer in my car and I love it. No more remembering all my passwords, the fingerprint reader does it for me!
Windows Vista is available pretty much on all the decent models of laptops. It is a decent OS, but has its flaws. Computer geeks like to point out them all. Reality is, it is very simple for the untrained user to enjoy. (Self correcting software rocks!)
Mac is a good option to go with. I would recommend them to anyone, but with a single caveat. They are quite expensive.
Decide on your own requirements, find the laptop that fill your needs and that doesn't have any superflous extras and buy that one.
Jim_S
Timo Boll
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10891836#post10891836 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Marko9
Thank you to all who contributed. My order has been placed.
Cheers and congrats bro! I'm sure whichever computer you decided on will be great.
I know I always stoked when I have a new toy coming though
Jim
It never ceases to amaze me that people can give computer advice before assessing the needs of the user. When people come to my office to ask for advice on a purchase of a personal computer, I don't automatically tell them to buy a particular system (brand, model, etc) without assess their needs. I usually try to get some information before recommending a system:
1. What system do you use at work? Does the new system have to be compatible with it?
2. What will you be using your computer for?
3. Do you want a laptop or a desktop? Explain the pros and cons of each system.
4. What size screen do you need? I try to show them various screens and explain to them why they usually want to run a CRT in native resolution.
5. Memory size, harddisk size, CPU speed are largely dependant on what the user does and what OS they pick. My systems range anywhere from 512MB to 8GB. My hard disk range from 80GB to 1TB.
and the list goes on.
To tell someone to "buy a Mac" may or may not be the correct answer. But to assume someone should buy a Macintosh without assessing the person's needs is a disservice to the person.
It's funny, I once thought the open source community was the most "religious" of all computer people. They used to recommend that I use open source software (OOS) before knowing my needs. Sometimes the OSS would meet my needs, but there are times when I pick a commercial software because OSS could not meet my needs. Now I find that Macintosh users are probably one of the most "religiously blind" group. No thanks - I don't need to be converted to xyz because you were converted.
FYI: I own 3 laptops, one tablet PC and two desktops (these are computers I personally use on a daily basis, not machines that I manage at work). They are a combination of both Macs and Windows (2000, XP, Vista) machines. I have dealt with numerous vendors (Dell, Apple, Gateway, Sony, HP, Lenovo, etc) and can tell you which vendors are good and which vendor to generally stay away from. Even within the same vendor - there are certain divisions that are good, and ones that are bad.
Minh
1. What system do you use at work? Does the new system have to be compatible with it?
2. What will you be using your computer for?
3. Do you want a laptop or a desktop? Explain the pros and cons of each system.
4. What size screen do you need? I try to show them various screens and explain to them why they usually want to run a CRT in native resolution.
5. Memory size, harddisk size, CPU speed are largely dependant on what the user does and what OS they pick. My systems range anywhere from 512MB to 8GB. My hard disk range from 80GB to 1TB.
and the list goes on.
To tell someone to "buy a Mac" may or may not be the correct answer. But to assume someone should buy a Macintosh without assessing the person's needs is a disservice to the person.
It's funny, I once thought the open source community was the most "religious" of all computer people. They used to recommend that I use open source software (OOS) before knowing my needs. Sometimes the OSS would meet my needs, but there are times when I pick a commercial software because OSS could not meet my needs. Now I find that Macintosh users are probably one of the most "religiously blind" group. No thanks - I don't need to be converted to xyz because you were converted.
FYI: I own 3 laptops, one tablet PC and two desktops (these are computers I personally use on a daily basis, not machines that I manage at work). They are a combination of both Macs and Windows (2000, XP, Vista) machines. I have dealt with numerous vendors (Dell, Apple, Gateway, Sony, HP, Lenovo, etc) and can tell you which vendors are good and which vendor to generally stay away from. Even within the same vendor - there are certain divisions that are good, and ones that are bad.
Minh
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