Discussion Forums > Technology
Reliable Notebook Laptop...
SpeedKills:
I haven't bought a computer since the days of Alienware, and every desktop I've had since then were custom-built. But, you can't really do that with laptops, so...
I need a reliable, long-term writing / programming laptop, it doesn't have to be anything crazy, just fast and long-lasting. I don't need a crazy super-gaming machine or anything like that.
Anyone know some brands I should look at? I've been looking on NewEgg and OverStock, but nowadays I feel like an old man, and don't really know anything about all the new specs that are important for a computer, especially a laptop....
Mag-X:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/laptop-reliability-survey-asus-and-toshiba-win-hp-fails/
HiddenJumper:
Why does everyone think having more RAM means better?
Look at it this way even if you installed 3 or 4 gigs ram on a 32 bit OS you're only going to get about 2.5 gigs of it for use. Take my custom built for example, I only have a 32 bit OS with 4 gig ram (original purpose was for a 64 bit OS but I hate 64 bit now after using it for a while) but my 32 bit OS only allows me about 2.7 gigs of the 4 gig possible. Now more RAM for me is good (aside from 64 bit OS) because I do video editting and photoshopping at the same time so having that extra temp storage is good. However for a video watcher/gamer you don't need the extra ram. You can save yourself some money by only having 2 gigs.
Also it doesn't matter which manufacturer you get as far as processor goes. Intel or AMD, makes no difference these days because the line between a gamer's processor and number crunching processor is too blurred. So save yourself more money by going with a Core 2 Duo or an AMD equivelent.
A 500 gig hard drive is about 80 USD (not sure what it is in Euros) so you can get em cheaper these days. Shouldn't need anything bigger than that. Make sure the mobo you buy fits the case you use. Would be rather pointless to get a full ATX board only to find out you have a mid-size or smaller case.
I say the money you save from slimming down on cheaper parts you swing for a higher end graphics card. Lately I recommend an ATI card only because Nvidia drivers have been crap lately (my nvidia driver crashes at least once during any game I play and I play FPS and RTS games). These are my recommendations. When I built my computer I was in the same shoes as you with a fix budget so I sacrificed in areas only to upgrade at a later date when I got more money. Go piece at a time. Take your old computer and scour it for parts that work good so you don't have to spend money on new components.
Mag-X:
--- Quote from: HiddenJumper on February 02, 2010, 06:30:36 PM ---Why does everyone think having more RAM means better?
Look at it this way even if you installed 3 or 4 gigs ram on a 32 bit OS you're only going to get about 2.5 gigs of it for use. Take my custom built for example, I only have a 32 bit OS with 4 gig ram (original purpose was for a 64 bit OS but I hate 64 bit now after using it for a while) but my 32 bit OS only allows me about 2.7 gigs of the 4 gig possible. Now more RAM for me is good (aside from 64 bit OS) because I do video editting and photoshopping at the same time so having that extra temp storage is good. However for a video watcher/gamer you don't need the extra ram. You can save yourself some money by only having 2 gigs.
--- End quote ---
What problems are you having with a 64-bit OS? I've using 64-bit since XP x64, and I've never had any major issues. In fact, I've never had any issues what-so-ever with Vista or 7 that were caused by them being 64-bit.
Windows 32-bit can see 4GB or RAM. It's just that your video memory counts too.
Anyway, as far as gaming goes, I found the difference between 2GB and 4GB to be quite noticeable. I'd never go back to gaming with only 2GB.
mgz:
--- Quote from: HiddenJumper on February 02, 2010, 06:30:36 PM ---Why does everyone think having more RAM means better?
Look at it this way even if you installed 3 or 4 gigs ram on a 32 bit OS you're only going to get about 2.5 gigs of it for use. Take my custom built for example, I only have a 32 bit OS with 4 gig ram (original purpose was for a 64 bit OS but I hate 64 bit now after using it for a while) but my 32 bit OS only allows me about 2.7 gigs of the 4 gig possible. Now more RAM for me is good (aside from 64 bit OS) because I do video editting and photoshopping at the same time so having that extra temp storage is good. However for a video watcher/gamer you don't need the extra ram. You can save yourself some money by only having 2 gigs.
Also it doesn't matter which manufacturer you get as far as processor goes. Intel or AMD, makes no difference these days because the line between a gamer's processor and number crunching processor is too blurred. So save yourself more money by going with a Core 2 Duo or an AMD equivelent.
A 500 gig hard drive is about 80 USD (not sure what it is in Euros) so you can get em cheaper these days. Shouldn't need anything bigger than that. Make sure the mobo you buy fits the case you use. Would be rather pointless to get a full ATX board only to find out you have a mid-size or smaller case.
I say the money you save from slimming down on cheaper parts you swing for a higher end graphics card. Lately I recommend an ATI card only because Nvidia drivers have been crap lately (my nvidia driver crashes at least once during any game I play and I play FPS and RTS games). These are my recommendations. When I built my computer I was in the same shoes as you with a fix budget so I sacrificed in areas only to upgrade at a later date when I got more money. Go piece at a time. Take your old computer and scour it for parts that work good so you don't have to spend money on new components.
--- End quote ---
Yea as far as things go more functional memory = BETTER. Thats why i upgraded to 64 bit os from xp pro 32 bit.
Because the upgrade from 3 gigs of memory to 8 gigs is awesome.
As far as a laptop goes, you need to set a price range and then work around it. Since functionality and what its used for can go anywhere from a beefy netbook to a 5k sager laptop or falcon NW
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