Buy me a laptop

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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 4:32 pm

The old one (HP pavilion zv5000) is making noises, the keys are almost worn through, and the power jack just gave out.

SO- given the fact I do heavy amounts of photo and video editing AND I'm a poor graduate student. What are the suggestions? I don't even know how to look anymore it's been so long since I was in the market for a laptop.

I'm considering buying the exact same model. Is that wise? Surely things have changed since 2004. :P

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 4:45 pm

Call Dell, get the biggest laptop they make, if you want to stay with laptops, tell them you want XP not Vista, 2048ram at least, with additional slots for more, 140 + of gig hard drive,

hiding in the corner behind the desk till the XP/Vista argument stops

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 4:59 pm

Ha, yes let's leave the OS debate out of it. I'll just say I'm finally to the point where I am indifferent between them.

As for dell, the best one they make that I've been staring at is $5,000 Sad

I'm more in the 500 - 800 range unfortunately.

Are there after-Christmas sales on laptops?

Western Union · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:24 pm

Do you really need a laptop? You'll get a lot more bang for your buck (and a lot more screen real estate for editing) with a desktop.

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:43 pm

I know, but I do a lot of traveling unfortunately.

Though- I suppose there ARE those new half-pint sized desktop towers. Those look rather portable...

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:44 pm

^^business related traveling, could always try talking boss into getting you a laptop or if own company it can be a write off business expense.

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:51 pm

Nope, just a graduate student with two (soon to be three) homes. Rolling Eyes

Again, hence the cheap part. Wink

Not quite a Newb Joined: 11 Dec 2007 Posts: 24

Why don't you check you those nice Macbooks and MBP?
As a student you get a decent discount and a 'free' ipod. Since most of the software you use for image and video editting was probably develloped by apple anyway that shouldn't be a problem..

I'm currently the owner of a MBP 2,4Ghz version and I couldn't be more happy about it Smile

.

Baiting Guru Joined: 08 Jul 2004 Posts: 11857 Location: UK

@ JXD, just out of interest, how long did your old heavy usage laptop last from new, until it gave up the ghost?

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 6:49 pm

2.5-3 years, I don't remember exactly when I bought it. I could have it fixed, though of course the repair is as much as buying a new one. Rolling Eyes

And to Daniel, sorry but Macs would have to be free before I'd use them. Please no offense though. Wink

Baiting Guru Joined: 08 Jul 2004 Posts: 11857 Location: UK

@ JXD, something you could try if funds are short, go to this site:

http://www.freecycle.org

There have been quite a few laptops and desktops offered on my local Freecycle group, once you join a group, you can also send a "wanted, laptop" email to any group you join, someone might have one they want to get rid of, everything given away on Freecycle is free.

Or you could ask if anyone has a broken laptop the same make/model as yours, that you can have for repairs.

[edit]

Juss had a look at the site main page, and saw:

Quote:

The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4195 groups with 4196624 members across the globe

Not quite a Newb Joined: 11 Dec 2007 Posts: 24

No offense taken Smile

but tell me why exactly then? Because I can understand that people find them expensive but it seems you've as if you've got a problem with their OS? (Which is rather weird because you can boot windows on them too) I only made the switch begin october myself and besides the fact it's harder to find illegal software I have yet to meet any problems :p
(Just asking as I'm intrigued by your answer Very Happy

)

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 8:24 pm

I could get the exact same model on ebay for ~250 but I'm not sure if it works to just 'swap the harddrives' or what that will do.

And I don't want to make this into a mac debate, so I'll just say I don't like glowing white plastic curves? Also: can't stand iPods or their whole iMarketing system. Basically, I like windows, it's always done what I wanted, (and that's a lot) and everything's compatible with it.

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 9:30 pm

Here is what I did this summer.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/ then got the best notebook I could for under $500.00.

turned out to be a decent gateway, Dual core & 80 gig & 1 gig ram, Of course it came with Vista basic which I dumped but if it works for you ( Pause for Ha ha moment) then stick with it. If not get the install CD's from HP and try to install XP on it. Sometimes you can install from a different manufactures disk just use the COA from the old Laptop.

I feel your pain. My DV9005 just died and I have to send it off for repair. I actually purchased and put in a new MB which lasted for about 40 seconds before frying so it's off to the shop for that laptop. Sad

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 10:53 am

Not sure where in this world you live but if your in the UK, you can get a free Dell laptop when you buy AOL broadband at the Carphone Warehouse... Maybe an option?

http://shop.carphonewarehouse.com/aol_eligibility.php?NODE_ID=11466

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 11:10 am

Better to pay for a laptop then spend 2 years stuck with AOL. Freecycle's probably the best way to go, or try and find out about local computer user groups and give them a call to see if they have any laptops for sale, often they will.

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 12:26 pm

XP or Linux over Vista any day. I've never known such a slow operating system.

If you want years of risky free use. Get yourself one of these:

Heat is the number one killer for all pc's but especially laptops. Dust and blocked ports the main culprit.
Remember to vacuum around the ports using a brush attachment every six months or so.
Prop up the back of your laptop so the ports are clear of the surface it's on.
A book is better than nothing.

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 3:41 pm

Rodus wrote:

Better to pay for a laptop then spend 2 years stuck with AOL.

aaamen

And good point windy, I was definitely not diligent enough in keeping the thing dust-free.

Going to a few stores today to get a better feel for whats out there. Strange how you can spend hours with online shopping but still learn more with a half-hour in a store. As long as you can dodge the 'can I help you' monsters. Shocked

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 9:42 pm

windypops wrote:

... If you want years of risky free use. Get yourself one of these: ...

Yeah, but if you *really* want years of risky free use. Get yourself one of these:

Not even Bill Gates could screw that one up.

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 10:03 pm

Quote:

Not even Bill Gates could screw that one up.

You sure about that?

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 11:18 pm

^^Exactly, Clippy the bastard paperclip gets an upgrade:

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 11:49 pm

If you are in the US, I would suggest that you try Pricewatch. It's a price bot.

http://www.pricewatch.com/notebooks/

If you are in the US but not in California, I would suggest Newegg as you will not have to pay sales tax.
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=32&page=2

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 5:01 am

Ah. Had forgotten pricewatch thanks!

@kleindoofy
the REAL questions is, how can I bait that guy trying to scam me on my abacus. Wink

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 5:05 am

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Posts: 5

You could always get a laptop like mine.