Need help to buy a laptop

Guest · Post by **Guest** » July 13th, 2004, 11:55 pm

Hi everyone,

I have never bought a computer before but I am about to start law school and it is required that we have a laptop. The school does not endorse any specific model or make but gives general minimum requirements but as I have found out through research, all new laptops far exceed these specs already. As such, I am overwhelmed by my list of options and I am writing to see if anyone on here can help. I dont want to spend more than 1600-1700 plus the required cost of MS Office. The only things I need to do are word processing, internet, and to connect to my schools wireless network (802 b/g or something like that) but I do have to lug it around so anything over 7 lbs or so might be a bit too heavy. Any help you can offer would be great!! Right now I am thinking about an IBM thinkpad r50 or r51...because they came recommended by a friend. Thanks for any help you can provide me...I am lost.

Smartweb · Post by **Smartweb** » July 14th, 2004, 1:45 am

If you'd like to save the money, you could use OpenOffice (which is free) instead of MS Office. OpenOffice is completely compatable with Office and has one or two extra features, though it's spreadsheet lacks a few of Excel's advanced features (which I still have yet to find, but that's what I hear) If your school strictly requires Office and not something that can just read and write Office files, then I would recommend you get an older version as it saves money.

XP Professional would offer the best integration with your school's network, so get that.

Of course use Firefox for web browsing whether they tell you to use IE or not. (or maybe you like Opera or Mozilla better)

Get a centrino-enabled laptop because it offers best mobile performance and best wireless network connectivity.

Look around at Dell, HP, etc. websites. For web browsing and word processing, you won't need anything special.

The following are links to dell and hp models that would do what you want:
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/product ... l=en&s=dhs
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopp ... catLevel=2

Sumpin_Wong · Post by **Sumpin_Wong** » July 14th, 2004, 2:18 am

If that's all ya need the laptop for is word-processiing and an occasional spreadsheet kinda stuff.. Go to eBay and buy a used one, or check local computer stores (mom&pop kinda places).

Tebow2000 · Post by **Tebow2000** » July 14th, 2004, 2:55 am

are you a gammer

Guest · Post by **Guest** » July 14th, 2004, 3:04 am

I dont really game that much...occassional Team Fortress/counterstrike...but my aim for this computer is 99% for educational functions not MP3/video or gaming....if it is possible to get a system that is great all around...that would be the best.

Thanks.

About the MS Office alternative, I will look into that...I would like that better than giving MS the $300 for Office. Thanks

I am a little wary of buying a used laptop because of no warranty and problems my friends have had with Ebay products. Thanks though for the suggestion.

Sumpin_Wong · Post by **Sumpin_Wong** » July 14th, 2004, 4:20 am

Gamer.. yeah, that's me

All I do on my computer(s) is send email, browse the web occasionally and play games.. lots and lots of games

I don't blame ya a bit for not wanting to buy someone elses headache. Unfortunately I don't do laptops. I did own one for a couple months, but it was a used PoS and I sold it to a deserving soul.. lol

Post by **ccb056** » July 14th, 2004, 11:25 pm

IBM laptops are your best bet.

Tebow2000 · Post by **Tebow2000** » July 15th, 2004, 1:49 am

I like Alienware

monte84 · Post by **monte84** » July 15th, 2004, 6:19 am

For what you need it for, just find something with a centrino processor(well pentium-M centrino is more like a package deal, wireless networking etc etc.), its actually a good designed core and has great battery life.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » July 16th, 2004, 1:59 am

Ok..any opinions about which of these systems is better?

IBM 23746VU

Product Description IBM ThinkPad T42 2374 - Pentium M 1.7 GHz - 14.1" TFT
Processor1 Intel Pentium M 1.7 GHz
RAM 512 MB
Hard Drive 1 x 40G HD 5400RPM
Optical Device DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
Display 14.1" TFT (1024x768) - 24-bit (16.7M colors)
Networking Gigabit Ethernet
Modem
Centrino b/g
Battery Li-Ion 6 cell battery
Average Run Time 7 hours
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Manufacturer Warranty 3 Year Onsite NBD

$1,755.00

OR

IBM 1831AHU

Product Description IBM ThinkPad R51 1831 - Pentium M 1.5 GHz - 14.1" TFT
Dimensions (WxDxH) 3 12.4 in x 10.2 in x 1.5 in
Weight 2 6 lbs
Localization English / United States
Mobile Technology Intel Centrino
System Type Notebook
Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, wireless LAN antenna, ThinkLight
Processor 1 Intel Pentium M 1.5 GHz
Cache Memory 1 MB - L2 cache
RAM 512 MB (installed) / 2 GB (max) - DDR SDRAM - PC2700 - 333 MHz
Hard Drive 1 x 40 GB - 4200 rpm
Optical Storage CD-RW / DVD-ROM combo - plug-in module
Display 14.1" TFT active matrix - 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
Graphics Controller ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9000 - 32 MB
Audio Output Sound card
Telecom 4 Fax / modem - CDC - 56 Kbps
Networking Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Wireless NIC Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG
Input Device Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav
Battery Lithium ion
Average Run Time 4.7 hour(s)
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Manufacturer Warranty 3 years warranty

$1,549

Let me know what you think Thanks

Post by **ccb056** » July 16th, 2004, 4:37 pm

for only 200 dollars more, I would get the top one.

Aggressor Prime · Post by **Aggressor Prime** » July 16th, 2004, 11:27 pm

You can get some very cheap Athlon 64 laptops at NewEgg.com.
They feature the same power as a Pentium Prescotts for a lot less money and less heat.
For less than $1500, look at this one from HP.

Smartweb · Post by **Smartweb** » July 16th, 2004, 11:42 pm

Aggressor Prime wrote:You can get some very cheap Athlon 64 laptops at NewEgg.com.
They feature the same power as a Pentium Prescotts for a lot less money and less heat.
For less than $1500, look at this one from HP.

Centrino's a lot better for laptops.

Aggressor Prime · Post by **Aggressor Prime** » July 17th, 2004, 2:57 am

You get the same networking capabilities as the Centrino.
It is just on a card; thus, you don't have to break two things at once.

As for power, you can always upgrade to a low voltage.