Re: New laptop ideas, answers, and recommendations

My thoughts inline ...

On 8/20/07, daparnin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx <daparnin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Background:
My budget is around $1000. I like cables that do not plug into the side
(RJ45, VGA, power, etc.). I would prefer not to get a docking station. I
like keyboards that have a scroll wheel/button of some sort.

I like the "eraser" mouse I have on my work ThinkPad. I do not like
the touchpad mouses; my hands and fingers are quite large and I
struggle with it. If you are going to work on it for extended periods
at a desk or table, I would buy a good portable wireless mouse.

As an aside -- I use wired keyboards and mice at home and work, and
discourage wireless for the office staff. Battery replacement is
becoming like password resets; and they want me to bring them the
batteries! I tell people now that if we have to visit their desk to
replace the batteries in their mouse, they get a wired one instead.

Processor speed:
Dual core vs. non-dual core--How do the speeds compare? How do these
contrast between Intel and AMD?

Core/Non-Core & AMD/Intel are effectively religious discussions. I
will bet there are hundreds of sites with rabid zealots debating the
differences an nauseum. I also bet that you will get good comments
from those on the list more informed than I am about it. Good luck
figuring it out!

Generally, I like to buy one level down from the max performance
offered at the time. I don't go too much lower in performance because
I want the device to last.

Screens:
It seems that everybody is selling reflective screens now instead of
anti-glare. I prefer not to be looking at my own reflection as I work.
I'm thinking that a screen size over 15" would be too big for use in the
car. ....

I don't like the shiny screens, but that is personal preference. My
wife's laptop has one, and I am getting used to it. I am not sure it
would be a deal breaker for me.

Are you going to use the laptop often enough in the car to make that a
consideration?

OS & memory:
I like XP but realize that Vista will probably outlive it. Vista Home
Premium appears to be the way to go from what I've read. True? If so,
then for memory 1GB minimum, 2GB average, the more the better?

I wouldn't get Vista, unless you want to be programming for it.

The memory decision is mostly about money. My preference is to get
the most I can afford, because upgrading later is frequently
troublesome.

Other stuff:
Built-in webcams seem to be hitting the mainstream. Are they just a toys?
They seem to be standard on Mac laptops.

Yes, webcams are toys, but I doubt they will be in a few years. Macs
are toys too, which explains why they have webcams. I wouldn't pay
extra for a built in one when USB ones can be had for very little $
when you want one.

Also, if the thing is going to be moving around, get a second power
brick. I hate climbing under my desk to plug it in when I get home.

Can anybody give me good/bad recommendations? I haven't really checked
into Dell because I had a motherboard failure on my work PC and it took
two replacements for them to get it working properly. From what I've
seen, Acer is looking the best so far. Thanks.

I wouldn't write off Dell. My 15 year old daughter has a 3+ year old
Dell that has worked great. She got the Accidental Damage warranty
upgrade and has used it twice, both times with relative ease. She is
now shopping for a replacement, because she has the money and it is
getting slow.
--> Note - she will get the accidental damage for that one as well.