Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

I need help finding a laptop thats right for me

Mar 15, 2005 6:21AM PST

I want to buy a laptop that is good for gaming, can watch movies, burn dvds, play/download mp3's, and since i am entering college in the fall, i will need it for school also. I need a reliable laptop that will last for a while, around a price in the $1500-$1700 range.

I never bought a laptop before, and i need help deciding on who to buy from (Dell, HP, Powerbook...etc..) and what specs i should look for.

i need a strong, long lasting reliable laptop, with a decent battery life.

With all that being said, is there any kind of deal i can find with all those "wants" and "needs" ?

-thanks

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
What is that "strong" criteria?
Mar 15, 2005 6:43AM PST

Is this something that will take abuse like the ToughBooks?

Frankly, those ToughBooks cost triple the price and are reserved to users we have to give a laptop to and they won't treat the unit with much respect.

Bob

- Collapse -
Re: "Strong"
Mar 15, 2005 8:34AM PST

its not something that will take a beating...i just need a relaible computer that will last long...i dont want any tech problems, ya know...like right after i buy it and have to send it back and fourth..i need to find one with good customer service and such, i hear mixed stories about dell/hp/ibm, im not sure weather to just go apple or what.

thanks

- Collapse -
In this order...
Mar 15, 2005 9:06AM PST

Tougbooks, IBMs (most models), Apple.

But with the 64-bit wave approaching I'd delay such a purchase to the very last moment.

Bob

- Collapse -
(NT) (NT) Gotta love a typo.
Mar 15, 2005 9:07AM PST
- Collapse -
HP ZD8000
Mar 15, 2005 10:04AM PST

first of all you ARE NOT going to get both multimedia and great battery life. You just can't. The more multimedia the less batter. The more battery life the less multimedia. Reason being that multimeda is what requires the most from your computer which means its consuming the most power.

I'm going to college in the fall as well, but in a foreign country.
I'm going to buy an HPzd8000 (17in, 3.2ghz, dvd burner 1gb ram) for about 2,000. You can customize it if that is over. HP has a 15inch model for cheaper. For class and stuff I'm going to buy a Dell Axim X-30. The laptop will stay in my room because a pocket PC can do everything I need for class (typing, internet, email ect).
Hope this helps, let me know what you decide.
Reid

- Collapse -
off shore support
Mar 16, 2005 12:25AM PST

Be sure to check on warranty limitations when off shore. I'm going to Jamaica for 3+ months next winter so I talked with Dell and I learned that they would provide off shore support/warranty work ONLY those with 3 or 4 year warranties... I've not yet asked HP this question.