Your Advice on My Computer Purchase?

**Pirate!** · 07-30-2010, 09:32 AM

I'm preparing to start an MBA program, so I'll be using lots of business software and multi-tasking individually and as a group.

I don't do complex multi-media work.

I don't game, so graphics and sound doesn't need to be the best

I'm set on a 17" screen and don't care about battery life or portability.

I was looking at Core i7 processors, but now I might settle with an i5. I do bit torrent, and it really pisses me off when this slows other operations.

I've researched Asus and Dell Studio models the most. I'm inclined to go with the Dell model as described in the pic.

Any input is appreciated. My budget is < $1,250 pre tax. Should I opt for a better processor and cut the RAM from 6 to 4MB?

**DOMS** · 07-30-2010, 10:12 AM

Don't spend nearly $1250 on it. It's something that's likely to break or be stolen.

I've had good luck with Acer laptops. Try this one. It's $650 with free shipping. It doesn't have the 6GB of memory that they model you listed does, but it has 4GB. You could upgrade it if you want to.

Newegg has the best customer service I've ever seen. They replaced a power supply that broke 9 months after I purchased it without hassling me.

**KelJu** · 07-30-2010, 10:25 AM

Laptops have bottomed out in price. Last season's laptops weren't bought in stores, so you can get the exact same models online at damn near cost.

Newegg.com - lenovo G550(2958-9PU) NoteBook Intel Pentium dual-core T4500(2.30GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory DDR3 1066 250GB HDD 5400rpm DVD±R/RW Intel GMA 4500M

The link above is the best deal on the internet right now that I coudl find. I just bought one for my brother. At the price you are paying, you could buy another one in 3 years which will brign you up to date on specs. Don't pay twice the money for 15% more power. Your $1,300 laptop will be worth $600 in one year.

**Pirate!** · 07-30-2010, 10:26 AM

The price include a 2 year warranty that covers damage. I'd have to try the Gateway keyboards. I'll be spending 20 hours a week on it. I like how that model has a ten key. I do want a 17". I believe the i5 I chose is slightly faster than that one.

**Pirate!** · 07-30-2010, 10:39 AM

I'm all for getting a great deal on last year's model if it's fast, but I want something that won't be completely obsolete in three years. And the money/budget is from a third party.

**KelJu** · 07-30-2010, 10:48 AM

Did you say gateway? They have the worse customer service on the planet. Their laptops are over priced compared to vendors of the same product, plus they often don't honor their own warranties. I have made the mistake of purchasing from them. It was a bad experience.

I'm with DOMS, I wouldn't pay that much for a laptop. There is no reason to anymore.

**KelJu** · 07-30-2010, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Pirate!

I'm all for getting a great deal on last year's model if it's fast, but I want something that won't be completely obsolete in three years. And the money/budget is from a third party.

3rd party, as in you aren't fitting the bill and you want to get max specs for 1,200?

**Prince** · 07-30-2010, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by DOMS

Don't spend nearly $1250 on it. It's something that's likely to break or be stolen.

I've had good luck with Acer laptops. Try this one. It's $650 with free shipping. It doesn't have the 6GB of memory that they model you listed does, but it has 4GB. You could upgrade it if you want to.

Newegg has the best customer service I've ever seen. They replaced a power supply that broke 9 months after I purchased it without hassling me.

agreed, Acer makes quality products at great prices, my computer LCD is an Acer.

**TheGreatSatan** · 07-30-2010, 11:27 AM

I have an Alienware and yes it does cost $1300, but mine is for gaming. You can easily get a nice 17" lappy for $600-800. I'd go with Asus over the Studio, but I just love their customer service. When my Netbook screen broke I called them and they sent me a new one at no cost and no extended warranty.

**2tomlinson** · 07-30-2010, 12:22 PM

Get an Apple, they are umpteen times more intuitive, fun and dependable -- best of all, they don't get viruses. This from a guy who was vehemently anti-Apple until I bought one, now wouldn't even consider anything else.

**TheGreatSatan** · 07-30-2010, 12:25 PM

Yes, they do get viruses. If you are a virus designer why the hell would you only target a small percentage of computer users?

Anyway, he doesn't have a fortune to spend. He mentioned $1200-ish, but for that he would only get an under spec'd computer with an Apple logo on it.

**2tomlinson** · 07-30-2010, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by TheGreatSatan

Yes, they do get viruses. If you are a virus designer why the hell would you only target a small percentage of computer users?

Anyway, he doesn't have a fortune to spend. He mentioned $1200-ish, but for that he would only get an under spec'd computer with an Apple logo on it.

You're wrong. Three weeks ago, I attended a workshop that included about a dozen high level Apple techs. In their collective years of experience, they had heard of only one instance of an Apple virus, and very minor at that. Why? Apple owns only about 11% of the world market share, and the assholes who create viruses are 100% PC driven.

**Jodi** · 07-30-2010, 01:25 PM

I actually DESPISE Acer. I've had a desktop and 2 laptops from them in the past and each of them have been pieces of shit!

Newegg is by far the best to buy a laptop from. Gateway isn't the best company out there but I recently purchased this laptop for someone who doesn't game and just uses it to download and surf the web and it's great for the cost with an i5. Amazon.com: Gateway NV5929u Notebook (i5-430m, 4GB DDR3 memory, n-wifi, 6-cell battery, 15.6" screen, Windows 7 64-bit): Electronics

As far as CPU's, i5 is just fine. To be honest with what you are using it for, you won't see a difference. Trust me I work for them and even I wouldn't upsell you on something so minor considering your usage

**ROID** · 07-30-2010, 01:49 PM

all you need is a texas instruments T-89

**KelJu** · 07-30-2010, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by 2tomlinson

Get an Apple, they are umpteen times more intuitive, fun and dependable -- best of all, they don't get viruses. This from a guy who was vehemently anti-Apple until I bought one, now wouldn't even consider anything else.

Wrong on all accounts.

**2tomlinson** · 07-30-2010, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by KelJu

Wrong on all accounts.

No, I'm right -- and man enough to admit it. Seriously, though (sort of) Isn't it curious how emotionally devoted we have become to our computers? Same with political parties, and college football teams, for some. Maybe it used to be that way with religions and trucks -- Ford guys, Chevy guys. Maybe a form of tribalism; some atavistic instinct that converts a rational (or irrational) conclusion into an emotional certainty. Anyway, back to irrational arguments: my Apple can kick your PC's ass any day of the week. Plus, it's cooler.

**DOMS** · 07-30-2010, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by 2tomlinson

No, I'm right -- and man enough to admit it. Seriously, though (sort of) Isn't it curious how emotionally devoted we have become to our computers? Same with political parties, and college football teams, for some. Maybe it used to be that way with religions and trucks -- Ford guys, Chevy guys. Maybe a form of tribalism; some atavistic instinct that converts a rational (or irrational) conclusion into an emotional certainty. Anyway, back to irrational arguments: my Apple can kick your PC's ass any day of the week. Plus, it's cooler.

I don't much care for Apple computers, either. If nothing else, I absolutely despise the fact that the menu bar stays pinned to the top of the screen. So if you have a big screen, say a 24", and you have a little window at the bottom right, you need to go all the way up and to the left to access that window's menu.

A very bad design choice.

I use Ubuntu where I can make the OS fit me perfectly.

Oh, and since Apple came up, I have to post this...

**maniclion** · 07-30-2010, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by DOMS

Don't spend nearly $1250 on it. It's something that's likely to break or be stolen.

I've had good luck with Acer laptops. Try this one. It's $650 with free shipping. It doesn't have the 6GB of memory that they model you listed does, but it has 4GB. You could upgrade it if you want to.

Newegg has the best customer service I've ever seen. They replaced a power supply that broke 9 months after I purchased it without hassling me.

I second Acer, my big laptop is from 2006 and still runs all the usual programs fast, I bought a triple sized battery for about $100 and it runs for 4 hours just typing or 2.5 watching a movie. My Acer Netbook I got year and a half ago works very well, and with the LED backlit screen everything looks clear, I usually just type on it. Make sure your battery is big enough to last more than an hour, I made that mistake buying my first laptop, I thought I'll always use it near an outlet and then one day I wanted to use it unplugged and it died after 45 minutes.....

**Dark Geared God** · 07-30-2010, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by KelJu

3rd party, as in you aren't fitting the bill and you want to get max specs for 1,200?

**2tomlinson** · 07-30-2010, 03:07 PM

Hey Doms, KelJu, Dylan Thomas, Situation, did you read my recent post headed Blood Test Question for Mods Experts? I really do need some opinions on recent blood test, but maybe fucked up by mentioning Mexgear (which I've always liked). But maybe made it a taboo subject for the mods to comment on. Anyway, would appreciate your help . . . even if you do reply on your shitty PCs

**DOMS** · 07-30-2010, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by 2tomlinson

Hey Doms, KelJu, Dylan Thomas, Situation, did you read my recent post headed Blood Test Question for Mods Experts? I really do need some opinions on recent blood test, but maybe fucked up by mentioning Mexgear (which I've always liked). But maybe made it a taboo subject for the mods to comment on. Anyway, would appreciate your help . . . even if you do reply on your shitty PCs

It's your Mac, it's infected your blood with unhealthy amounts of ghey.

Compiz, the eye candy for Ubuntu:

**Pirate!** · 07-31-2010, 07:10 AM

DOMS post recommending ACER had a link to a Gateway, which is why is mentioned it.

Maybe I will consider getting a more affordable model. I'll look into ACER more.

**dave 236** · 07-31-2010, 07:26 AM

Vision computers.Fantastic servie and warranty.

**DOMS** · 07-31-2010, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by Pirate!

DOMS post recommending ACER had a link to a Gateway, which is why is mentioned it.

Maybe I will consider getting a more affordable model. I'll look into ACER more.

Sorry about that, I grabbed the URL from the wrong tab. But yeah, go with Acer.

**ROID** · 07-31-2010, 08:20 AM

no reason to spend more than 700.

I bought a compaq about 6 months ago for around 400

250gb HD, AMD 2.0ghz dual core, 3 gb RAM. windows 7 64 bit

I was gonna go with a mac but windows 7 OS has worked really well for me. one crash since i've bought it

if you end up having to choose between more RAM or a faster processor. Go with more RAM.

first computer I owned has 32mb ram and 133mhz processor w/ turbo haha

MAC IS WHACK

**OfficerFarva** · 07-31-2010, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by 2tomlinson

Get an Apple, they are umpteen times more intuitive, fun and dependable -- best of all, they don't get viruses. This from a guy who was vehemently anti-Apple until I bought one, now wouldn't even consider anything else.

Whatever you do don't buy an apple. They charge so damn much more for the logo it's sickening. Also they advertise to idiots, one of their selling points is that all you have to do is plug it in when you buy it, like its hard to set up windows or something. I highly doubt Pirate's an idiot. For 800 bucks you can easily buy a good laptop with a 500gb drive, 4gb of ram, and a decent processor. I got mine with those specs over a year ago for that price but I also payed an extra 150 for a three year warranty which I've used twice so far.

**Pirate!** · 07-31-2010, 09:14 AM

Considering this one: Amazon.com: Acer Aspire AS7745G-6572 17.3-Inch Laptop (Black): Computer & Accessories

HD is a bit slow, though.

**OfficerFarva** · 07-31-2010, 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by ROID

if you end up having to choose between more RAM or a faster processor. Go with more RAM.

MAC IS WHACK

I have to say that's some bad advice. Go with the best processor you can than if you need down the road you can add RAM, its super cheap.

**DOMS** · 07-31-2010, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by Pirate!

Considering this one: Amazon.com: Acer Aspire AS7745G-6572 17.3-Inch Laptop (Black): Computer & Accessories

HD is a bit slow, though.

I don't like that one. 5400RPM? Way too slow. Also, reading up on it at NewEgg I found, "Screen doesn't have teeth to lock in to the body when closed."

I'd look for another model.

**danzik17** · 07-31-2010, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by DOMS

I don't like that one. 5400RPM? Way too slow. Also, reading up on it at NewEgg I found, "Screen doesn't have teeth to lock in to the body when closed."

I'd look for another model.

Find a good laptop with a cheap 5400 RPM hard drive. Replace said hard drive with an OCZ Vertex SSD or Intel G2. Win.

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