Notebook Computers... which one?

[1105]

Dont really know where to ask this question but I got my graduation money, about $2500 and I'm looking to spend about $1500 on a decent notebook computer. I was thinking of getting a Dell 9100, but Circuit City or Best Buy dont carry Dell. Anyone have any recomendations on a good reliable notebook that I can buy? I was considering either a Soni Vaio or an eMachine.... I was leaning more towards the eMachine. Just need some imput if theres any better ones out there for the price I'm looking for. To make this somewhat tech... I'm gonna be getting a TwEECer R/T to tune my car, or should I just get the normal TwEECer?

 

[VIPERn94Five-0]

not that this is the place...but im not a fan of laptops period....id take a nice desktop over a laptop ANYDAY....and boy could you piece together a SWEET desktop for $1500....oh man.....im drooling already....



Anthony

 

[1105]

Allready got a nice desktop The laptop is for college and tuning my car

 

[GTJake]

I have a Dell 5100....works good I used it for school and will be using the twEECer with it this summer.

Jake

 

[urban96]

HP makes some pretty nice notebooks, the monitors on them are amazing you can look at it from almost any angle and still see the picture with good quality. the sonys are nice too but the screen isnt as good as the HP's

 

[cgoebbel]

I have heard that although Emachine has good prices, their computers are terrible. From Best Buy I would suggest getting an HP; mine works great.

 

[Car Nut]

I oversee an IT Department and at my work, we have over 30 laptops. We only use HP laptops now. Currently, the nx9010 series is our choice: 3.06GHz P4, 80GB HD, Wi-Fi, DVD/CD-RW, 512MB RAM, Gigabit NIC, etc. Windows XP Pro. We used to use Compaq brands, but now that HP took over, their laptops are just as good. HP's are priced better than many others last I checked.

Not sure if the nx9010 is available in retail stores, because we do use business specific equipment. If so, I'd take a strong look at them. I've seen a couple of the 17" screen models and they look nice, but of course they are bigger and heavier.

Like I said above, I spend a lot of time fixing and troubleshooting computers. When it comes to laptops, the number one cause for concern is the "lack of quality" with the laptop case. Laptops will last a long time, BUT if you do travel with them often, get a strong case to protect it! That's my advice no matter what brand you choose.

Good luck.

 

[1105]

Thanks, I heard that the eMachines were good computers but guess not. I'll check out the HP's and see what they have.

 

[94GTLaserRC]

I dont think we should be talking about computer sales on here.

BUT:
As far as needing it for mainly a TwEECer,
I bought a used Dell Lattitude P2-360 from Javi for $300. I have some MP3's on it, and Microsoft Office and the TwEECer stuff...that's it!

No Modem, but an A drive and CD drive. It's got a 5 GB HD and 128Ram.

It's a little slow for the "typical" stuff, but for the Cal programs, it's fine.

I would definitely go used if you want it for the car...and with the stuff youre doing, you MUST get the R/T

Go to Dell's website and look at some of their used stuff up on auctions!
RC

 

[OinkAodeOink]

Zach, whatever you do DO NOT get an Emachines. Ive heard from several computer builders, they ARE JUNK!!

HP, Dell, they both make nice computers/notebooks at a resonable price.
Wow, $2500, ide be tempted to buy a used notebook and spend alittle of the money to get my the running ( injectors, intercooler, ect)

 

[1105]

Just need injectors and time to get my car running with boost. I might use the left over money, plus some that I have to buy that TwEECer R/T to go with my notebook and car

 

[VIPERn94Five-0]

if your gonna use it just for tunning ig grab a POS used laptop.....it should work fine with the tweecer program....



Anthony

 

[1105]

using it for college mostly.... tuning is just a bonus with it

 

[jims2321]

Zach,

If you are looking for a dual use laptop but primarily for college, I would check with the college computer store, and see what they are using first. Most colleges get a pretty decent discount on computers from manufacturers. By the way which college are you heading to this fall? Next, realize that any laptop you buy today, is probably not going to hold any value in a year So this brings you to a used model. There are two ways get a fairly reliable unit. One is to buy a manufacturer refurbed unit. Second, is the want ads, work a deal with the seller where you get a chance to check the unit out before you put the cash down. Also check with the college you are attending regarding their AUP and access to their networks (both wired and wireless). If you have any more questions, drop me an email...

Jim

 

[Car Nut]

Check with your college bookstore for software, too. Student discounts are very significant for software, like 60-70% off.

 

[1105]

I'm going to be heading to daytona beach community college for my first 2 years... doubt they'll have anything there for me to check out. I'm going to try and find a referb dell... The one I wanted wasnt that bad of a price for what it was new, so hopefully I can find a refurbished one. The HP's I checked out were a little too much for what they were.

 

[andystang]

definately go with a dell man. they are the best out there for the money. hp is okay but i would still go with the dell.

 

[BlackVert]

i just bought a dell inspiron 9100. $1500 direct from dell. great computer, wide screen the kids can watch dvds on it in the car on trips. but the battery doesn't last very long. get a car adapter for it.

 

[1105]

Did you get it upgraded cause the base 9100 is $1300. Dells referbs for the 9100 are more than a new one!

 

[HDS]

You should get a Dell Dude!!
$700 bucks for a new laptop is a great deal.