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General discussion

laptop confusion, too many choices

by gcincubus Nov 10, 2009 3:59AM PST

After talking to some computer people and doing some research, I'm just as confused as ever. One says either HP or Toshiba, the other says thinkpads, etc. I'm leaving the country in a few weeks and need to pick up a laptop, so time is of the essence. I haven't decided between PC or mac. I think macs are over priced, but I like the multi-media of macs, i.e. photo and video editor. I've tried to use windows moviemaker and wasn't able to easily figure it out. My main uses are internet (downloading, youtube, etc), photos, basic microsoft office and everyday use. I am Not a gamer.

What I'm looking for
- 4-5.5 lbs
- 13-14" screen
- at least 2 GB RAM
- decent battery life, 5-6 hours if possible
- at least 2.2GHz processor
- decent graphics
- no slippery keyboard
- if pc, windows 7 pre-installed if possiblee
- decent speackers

the Toshiba Satellite A505-S6960 seems like a good fit except for the keyboard.

any suggestions?

Discussion is locked

8 Posts
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Go shopping.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Nov 10, 2009 9:40PM PST

The keyboard on my hp dv6-1351sb is taking a little getting used to but it feels better after a few weeks. GO SHOPPING and look again at those Toshibas and a few have the not so slipper key tops. For me the Lenovo went back to the office for keyboard reasons. No hone or end key without tapping Fn.
Bob

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anything else?
by gcincubus Nov 11, 2009 12:13AM PST

besides the issues you've presented about the keyboard on the thinkpad in these forums, anything else I should know about them? I had a thinkpad 5 years ago and it wasn't an issue.

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Then the other negative on the idea pad.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Nov 11, 2009 12:32AM PST

Lenovo put a rubber bumper in the palm rest area. It found it irritating, annoying and just bad design. It could have been put on the display edges.

I like some of the Toshiba keyboards, the HP is getting better with use but the bottom line is to get out and try them.

Bob

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HP alternative?
by gcincubus Nov 15, 2009 9:56PM PST

I found another laptop that I like. It's the HP Pavilion dv6-1355dx.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavilion+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B2+Duo+Processor+-+Black/9556287.p?id=1218123846583&skuId=9556287

It's more expensive then the Toshiba A505-S6980 from bestbuy. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B2+Duo+Processor+-+Black+Onyx/9549054.p?id=1218122294915&skuId=9549054&st=A505-S6980&cp=1&lp=1

The Asus U50A-RBBML05 was also shown to me. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B2+Duo+Processor+-+Merlot/9556036.p?id=1218124204238&skuId=9556036&st=0a-rbblm05&cp=1&lp=1

I'm mainly looking at the HP and Toshiba. Both are still on the larger side. Does anyone have any insight between these or one of similar performance with under 15" screen?

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I have a dv6.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Nov 15, 2009 10:27PM PST

Not the exact model but its keyboard is my only quibble. Wish the key tops were a little less slick. Otherwise it's fine.

We even have a Toshiba in the house but another model. I think the choice will happen when you see each machine. All are similar specs and great values.
Bob

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It can get tricky...
by RonS [WINDOWS-TEAM] Nov 16, 2009 12:59AM PST

I know there are a ton of choices out there, but you've already done a good job of laying out what you're looking for. Those choices actually correspond really well to the sorting criteria in the new Laptop Scout from Windows - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pc-scout/laptop-set-criteria.aspx?mode=landing

You can sort by screen size, memory, etc. and it'll spit out the laptops that fit that category.

Cheers,
Ron

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classic computer conundrum (CCC)
by dlinux Nov 16, 2009 2:42AM PST

There are so many computers that match this description that you couldn't compare all of them if you had a hundred years to do so. Some people would buy a Mac just to simplify the choice!

My advice is, go to the store and a try few out. Compare the PCs to the Macs side by side. See what, exactly, you like. Also, buy the best possible processor, even if it comes at the cost of slightly less memory or hard drive space. The processor is not going to be upgradable later on.

If you really enjoy movie editing, then a Mac is a definite requirement, unless you have the money to shell out on expensive Adobe editing software for windows. iMovie is considerably easier to use than MovieMaker.

Lastly, remember that, when it comes to computers, you get what you pay for. The more expensive they are, the longer they last and the better they tend to perform. So, don't just buy something cheap and hope to get by with it!

Good luck!

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it depends on your need
by nickey2008 Nov 21, 2009 5:07PM PST

i think it all depends on your need if you have less money you can go for used ones

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