 Confused Potential Laptop Buyer....need help/advice! |
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 Oct 10 2008, 08:30 PM
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Member  Group: Members Posts: 83 Joined: 6-September 04 From: Canada Member No.: 2,505  |
After enjoying my huge desktop computer for six years now, I'm seriously thinking about purchasing a new system -- specifically, a laptop. I used a laptop all through my college years, and got incredibly used to the portability and convenience. I always hated having to turn the laptop in at the end of every school year!  Anyway. There are three different options I'm looking at in terms of my laptop purchase. They're all different prices and they have differing specs. I'm confused as hell as to what would be the best buy financially; understandably, I want to get the most for my money! So...and I hope this is allowed here....I'm hoping to get some advice on my three choices. Any criticisms, personal opinions, etc., are greatly appreciated. Here are my three choices: 1) Acer (total cost: $507.35): ** Intel Celeron M 560 - 2.13 GHz ** 1 GB memory ** 160 GB hard drive ** Integrated 3D graphics, featuring Intel ** Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 ** 6 cell lithium-ion 2-hour battery ** 3 USB ports, Ext VGA Support, S-Video/TV-Out 2) Aspire (total cost: $563.80) ** Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core TK57 - 1.9 GHz ** 2 GB memory ** 160 GB hard drive ** 6 cell lithium-ion 2.5-hour battery ** Built-in wireless and Gigabit ethernet wired networking ** 5-in-1 card reader, 4 USB ports, Firewire port, S-video/TV-Out 3) Extensa (total cost: $631.65) ** Intel Pentium Dual Core T2390 - 1.86 GHz ** 3 GB memory ** 250 GB hard drive ** Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 ** Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam ** 6-cell lithium-ion 2.2-hour battery ** Built-in wireless and Gigabit ethernet wired networking ** 5-in-1 card reader , 4 USB ports, Firewire port ** S-Video port, headphone jack, speaker jack So. There are the three choices I have narrowed it down to. I've pretty much knocked out the first choice, because someone once told me that Celeron = not good (although they never said why). So, please, if anyone has any advice/thoughts, please feel free to share! -------------------- Snoofie : Computer Geek Wannabe
Dell D620 Latitude // Genuine Intel CPU // T2300 @1.66 GHz // 1 GB RAM // 80 GB HD // NVIDIA Quadro NVS 110M, 256 MB // |
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Oct 10 2008, 09:23 PM
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 Forum Addict Group: BC Advisor Posts: 1,206 Joined: 28-September 06 From: New York Member No.: 87,553 |
Well, the first one isn't really that great. I wouldn't even consider it, especially for the money. The celeron processor is single-core, unlike the other two you mentioned which are dual-core. It's also much older, and just plan and simple, not that great anymore.
Now for number two and three, the processor's are probably about the same in terms of performance. Number three has a bigger hard drive, and 1 more gb of ram though. It depends if you are willing to spend that extra money for those couple upgrades. If you're just going to be browsing the internet, then 2gb should be plenty. 3gb will help out though if you plan on using some newer applications, or running more thing's at once. Also, it will make your laptop more "future-proof". The bigger hard drive is also up to you, if you need all that extra space, go for it. --------------------  |
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Oct 11 2008, 12:38 AM
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 Distinguished Member Group: BC Advisor Posts: 929 Joined: 24-June 06 From: Pace University - New York City Campus Member No.: 73,266 |
I vote for number three, it is more future proof and more powerful.
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Oct 11 2008, 01:30 AM
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 437 Joined: 12-February 08 From: Illinois Member No.: 189,860 |
"It depends if you are willing to spend that extra money for those couple upgrades"
pretty much says it all. If it were me shopping I'd find a way to squeeze out that extra 70 bucks for the third option, but is it worth it to you thats the question. |
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Oct 12 2008, 09:22 AM
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 Member Group: Members Posts: 48 Joined: 7-January 06 From: Warwickshire, UK Member No.: 49,431 |
I agree with Sterling, I would not consider the 1st option.
I bought a new laptop recently. It has 3GB memory and 250GB hard drive like your 3rd choice. I'm really glad I decided to pay a bit more for the better spec. I often run a few applications at once and the 3GB memory keeps it running at a good speed. -------------------- I used to think I was indecisive.... but now I'm not too sure
Consciousness - that annoying time between naps Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult |
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