Buying a Laptop help please

[Winsor_Pilates]

Well I've done a ton of research and read a ton of reviews and I think the Dell that Photon has linked from RFD is the best PC deal I can find. After customization of a few features such as Bluetooth and a stronger battery I priced out a really nice machine at about $1150. This machine seems like a better choice then the gateway or anything else at Futureshop/Best Buy etc. The only think that I left crappy at that price was the intergrated video card, but that can be upgraded too for a little more.

However, I think I'm gonna go with the 12' ibook. I just keep reading great review after great review and the size (which is a big factor for me) and durablity can't be beat in that price range.

edit:$1150, not $1500

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

Well I've done a ton of research and read a ton of reviews and I think the Dell that Photon has linked from RFD is the best PC deal I can find. After customization of a few features such as Bluetooth and a stronger battery I priced out a really nice machine at about $1500. This machine seems like a better choice then the gateway or anything else at Futureshop/Best Buy etc. The only think that I left crappy at that price was the intergrated video card, but that can be upgraded too for a little more.

However, I think I'm gonna go with the 12' ibook. I just keep reading great review after great review and the size (which is a big factor for me) and durablity can't be beat in that price range.

Yeah, the laptop Photon just refereced looks pretty sweet, but its too heavy. I'm looking for at most 5.3 lbs since I'll be taking it back and forth to school every day.

I'm looking at 2 tablet's right now, but I'm wondering if I'm buying something advanced and cheap... might not be a good thing. As the electrical engineering saying goes, "if it ain't broke, it doesn't have enough features!"

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by Snakeeye

I might have oversimplified, but you are unnecessaraly complicating the issue. From an end user's perspective, the difference between an Apple PC using an Intel CPU rather than a Motorola CPU will be no different than a Windows user running on an Intel CPU rather than AMD.

That is so wrong I'm flabbergasted. Do you really expect PPC code to run on an x86 platform natively? Yikes. The reason Intel and AMD procs are virtually interchangable is because they are both x86 processors, right? Right?

Backwards compatibility is virtually a must-have in computing today, and it will be a good long time before applications that are written post-Intel will become incompatible with PCs running the Motorola chip.

What the hell are you talking about? They're totally different platforms, with totally different instruction sets. Emulation is what Apple will provide to allow pre-x86 OS X programs to run on x86 OS X. And Apple has never seriously cared about backward compatibility, and they're not going to care now. As a result, Rosetta will have a severe performance penalty and will not be compatible with many PPC OSX programs.

any maker of applications, drivers, etc would be amazingly foolish to cut their software off from users who bought pre-Intel.

See above. Learn new word - Emulation.

Just like you see with Windows PCs, most programs will be written with compatibility for any recent OS, and any widely used CPU.

Also, the kernel is the core of the OS, so a kernel-level application/driver is still going through the OS. The kernel itself will be different, depending on which CPU it is running on - ie when you install Windows, it will install the proper kernel and libraries to run on an Intel or AMD processor, depending on what you have.

Let's get this straight: Intel and AMD processors are based on the x86 platform. That's why they're compatible with each other (and actually, they're not 100% compatible with each other). The PowerPC is a different platform. That's why the PowerPC is not compatible with the x86 platform. Since most people write code in C and therefore are abstracted away from the hardware at least a little bit, a simple re-compile might be enough. But people need to still buy that software, or do you really think that that PPC OSX app is gonna run on the x86 OSX natively????

And Windows doesn't need to have different kernels for AMD and Intel processors. Windows could just use a x86 kernel. In reality, Windows does have different files for those processors, but that's because they each have different optimizations, and MS has decided on occasion to take advantage of those specific optimizations.

Someone who has actually compiled something in their life and actually understands what the hell compilation is would have understood all this already, but oh well.

[Trojan97]

Originally Posted by InTheSlot

Are you freaking kidding me? You claim you're poor but somehow you're able and/or willing to shell out $1300 on a laptop?

I too am a broke college student, and have been looking to purchase a laptop for about 6-12 months now. Latley I've been contemplating spending about $5-600 on one, but even that seemed a bit high. With a lot of the sales going on now as Christmas nears, I've seen a few nice ones for about $399 so I might swoop that up. I think it was 256MB of Ram, 1.3ghz processor, and 40 gig HD.

Granted that isn't anything super spectacular as far as the specs go, but I wouldn't need it for gaming or anything. Basically just some regular every day things like e-mail, surf the web, and do some school projects on. Besides, it's not like you can really play any games on any laptop anyway. The integrated graphics just suck balls. Period.

Being a student myself and looking for a laptop in the $600-$700 range I'm glad I'm not the only one who was surprised by the $1300 range. Must be nice to be in Engineering

[Resolute 14]

Shazzam, you are missing the key point:

From an end users perspective.

No, I do not expect OSX apps written for the intel chip to work natively with a Mac running the PPC chip or vice versa.

If Apple chooses to simply drop any customer who bought pre-Intel, they are going to do a hell of a lot of damage to their buisness. As I said, users who own pre-Intel Macs are still going to have support, and newer programs will still run, even if it effectively means programmers have to write the programs twice. Apple would be foolish to do otherwise.

But then, you are right, Apple has consistantly made stupid decisions that have played a major role in the PC and Microsoft becomming ridiculously dominant, forcing Apple to reduce itself to selling MP3 players to make money.

[I_H8_Crawford]

http://caipsgws001.can.ibm.com/store...nkPad+T+Series

They cost a bit more, but you can't beat a T-Series laptop! (Especially with fingerprint reader!!!)

[Winsor_Pilates]

Well, I'm ordering the 12" ibook tommorow. Phanuthier, if you're still looking at getting that one, a Telus employee discount can get it at $1175 instead of $1250.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

Well, I'm ordering the 12" ibook tommorow. Phanuthier, if you're still looking at getting that one, a Telus employee discount can get it at $1175 instead of $1250.

Thanks WP, but I will likely buy it from the UofA bookstore (I'm a student here). They're $1200, but they give you a whole wack of software since many companies have deals with schools.

UofA also has a deal where they throw in an iPod sometimes, I'm probably gonna ask if they'll have it in the next month.

[browna]

Ibook is tempting for a few reasons (a buddy has one...love the size) but the switch of operating system/software to Apple, although just as intuitive, is an issue.

For sake of comparison, any other ideas for a thin and light Windows notebook...other then the Dell 700m (which looks not too bad).

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by browna

Ibook is tempting for a few reasons (a buddy has one...love the size) but the switch of operating system/software to Apple, although just as intuitive, is an issue.

For sake of comparison, any other ideas for a thin and light Windows notebook...other then the Dell 700m (which looks not too bad).

Well, I looked around alot and anything PC with a 12" screen is atleast $1600 (which is the Dell). Sony has a few in that size, but they're all over $2000 from what I could find. If you're willing to go with a 14" screen there are tons of options.

Hopefully, my ibook will be here in the next few days and I'll post my thoughts of it at that time.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by browna

Ibook is tempting for a few reasons (a buddy has one...love the size) but the switch of operating system/software to Apple, although just as intuitive, is an issue.

For sake of comparison, any other ideas for a thin and light Windows notebook...other then the Dell 700m (which looks not too bad).

As listed above, this would have been my 2nd choice:

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/prodde...99&catid=20354

I've heard good things about the Gateway, but I wanted something uber-durible for me to take back and forth from school.

Funny this thread got bumped today, I finally decided on getting the iBook - mostly because its such a high quality and durible computer that can withstand the rough nature of a students use. If you go the Apple listed above, plus reviews on sites across the web, you'll find dispite the less attractive power of the iBook, it actually can do more because of the efficientcy of the OS (or something like that).

I thought long and hard about the issue of switching CPU's, but really... this computer will get supported for probably 10-12 years, and the expectancy for the iBook will probably be 5 years before it becomes obsolete. Hardware-wise, I figuered that since Apple computers are quite reliable, I wouldn't have any (or many) problems.

One other thing to consider (which is why I got it) was it will probably take a couple months to get all the bugs out. To coincide with school ending/begining, the new processors will likely be released in June, and waiting for all the bugs to get worked out... that would probably take another year to year and a half?

Anyways, I'm trying to figure out how to use this Apple since I've used PC's all my life... there's also some software I need to get on this thing too. But I have to say, I'm impressed with how small and light this thing is. The graphics and sound are great as well. Very clean looking too.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Go for the Apple.

I switched to a PowerBook this summer, no regrets. So nice not to have to worry about spyware and crap like that. Only issue is that Microcrap doesn't bother to make their version of Mac Messenger as good as the PC one. @#*&ing Microsoft!

[Winsor_Pilates]

Just got my ibook 2day. So far it's great. I'm sure it will take some getting used to being a first time mac user, but I can't complain about anything in the first day.

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by oilers_fan

I am actually sort of surprised to hear people praising memory express. I guess my experience of the sales assistant trying to be funny by threatening to pick a fight with my friend to steal his credit card so that he could rack up insane charges left a bad taste in my mouth. The arrogance that came from his mouth was disgusting, and running the risk of looking like a hypocrite, I wanted to jump the counter and pound the **** out of him myself.

My buddy is an Assitant Manager with the store in Edmonton, I have been in there and there is always a manager on shift and I highly doubt that someone working behind the counter would threaten you or your friend.

I dont know who you are but frankly your post smells like BCOM BS. If any store did that, you could easily sue the company for harrasment. While MEM Ex is not as cheap for somethings as say an NCIX, they are the best thing to hit comptuer parts buyers in Alberta since, well ever. Dangeo in SE Calgary is ok, seems a bit dodgy but on the plus side, they are close to Coco Brooks.

MYK

[Agamemnon]

Haven't read the thread, so I'm sure this may have been mentioned, but I bought a laptop recently at Memory Express. Best laptop for the cheapest price that I could find ($1200), and I am _very_ happy with it's performance (except in won't run Civ 4... anyone want a new copy of Civ 4 )

[mykalberta]

As per the notebook situation, here is my experience with the aforemention companies.

Acer notebooks - stay away from them.

Dell, have had multiple experiences - 9 good, 1 bad. The one bad was from a buddy who mistakenly purchased the extra warranty thinking it would cover everything, it doesnt cover batteries - and as such he is now stuck with an averaged powered desktop with a small screen

Mac - really depends on what you want from it. Remember that alot of websites will require WMP or the like. Macs are Macs, they kick a$$ on the design of any IBM compatible comptuers, but it does take a while to get used to the OS if you were brought up in the Windows era.

I guess as always, the old saying "you get what you paid for" is true in every facet of life. If you pay 699 for a notebook, dont expect the same reliability as a 699 desktop.

My personal preference would be for either a Dell/Toshiba/Sony/Mac.

MYK

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by Agamemnon

Haven't read the thread, so I'm sure this may have been mentioned, but I bought a laptop recently at Memory Express. Best laptop for the cheapest price that I could find ($1200), and I am _very_ happy with it's performance (except in won't run Civ 4... anyone want a new copy of Civ 4 )

Look on the Civ 4 forums, if you purchased the notebook within the last year it will most likely run it, but there are some tweaks you have to do. I just built a custom system with ATI Radeon X800 XL, and I had to tweak it to get it to work.

The game is very buggy - almost disgustingly buggy for a brand new game with the CIV brand name. PM me if you cant find anything and I will send you a link.

MYK

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Go for the Apple.

I switched to a PowerBook this summer, no regrets. So nice not to have to worry about spyware and crap like that. Only issue is that Microcrap doesn't bother to make their version of Mac Messenger as good as the PC one. @#*&ing Microsoft!

Um, the reason MAC doesnt have as much spyware or viruses is simple, less distribution. M$ is widely distributed so if you are a scrupt writer, that has youe best chance of affecting someone.

Dont believe everything you hear form MAC supporters. Yes, MAC is built on a more stable OS platform, and the fact that its completely closed lessens the risk of attack. With the new software, if you are an experienced surfer, there is no reason why you should get spyware or viruses anymore.

MYK

[Agamemnon]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

Look on the Civ 4 forums, if you purchased the notebook within the last year it will most likely run it, but there are some tweaks you have to do. I just built a custom system with ATI Radeon X800 XL, and I had to tweak it to get it to work.

The game is very buggy - almost disgustingly buggy for a brand new game with the CIV brand name. PM me if you cant find anything and I will send you a link.

MYK

Well.. it runs... but it runs _badly_, and you're right, it seems totally buggy (crashes after 10 minutes of play).

I have shared ddr ram, a geek-friend told me that this hurts graphics capabilities. But I'll do as you suggest, I'd really like to play it,and I bought the laptop in Sept!!

[BlackEleven]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

Look on the Civ 4 forums, if you purchased the notebook within the last year it will most likely run it, but there are some tweaks you have to do. I just built a custom system with ATI Radeon X800 XL, and I had to tweak it to get it to work.

The game is very buggy - almost disgustingly buggy for a brand new game with the CIV brand name. PM me if you cant find anything and I will send you a link.

MYK

Good God, yes. I had to mess around with the comptuer for about a hour before I could get civ 4 to run. They released a patch lately that made it much better. But there's still a big memory leak ... pretty unprofessional to release software with a massive memory leak, imo. I have to quit and restart about every hour when I'm in the later stages of the game.