adam209

what's the best laptop right now?i was thinking of buying this one simply because i have a gateway laptop & desktop now. i need it to be fast enough and have enough memory and crap to be my full-time desktop replacement. i'm not too computer savvy so please help me out. http://products.gateway.com/products...=m350xl&seg=hm


Gateway M350XL

PRODUCT DETAILS

Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional

Application Software: Microsoft® Works 7.0

AntiVirus Software: Norton AntiVirus 90 day Introductory Offer

Processor: Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 3.2GHz with Hyper-Threading Technology

Memory: 512MB DDR SDRAM

Hard Drive: 60GB 4200rpm ultra ATA hard drive

Floppy Drive: Integrated 6-in-1 memory card reader

Optical Drive: Integrated DVD-R/-RW/CD-RW Recorder

Extended Service Plan Including Limited Warranty: Value Service Plan-3Yr Parts/Labor/No Onsite/3 Yr Technical Support

Expansion Slots: (1) Type II PC card slot

External Ports: (2) USB 2.0, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), VGA and Parallel

Screen: 15" SXGA+ TFT active matrix

Video: Integrated Intel® graphics with dynamic video memory technology

Keyboard and Mouse: Full-Sized Keyboard and EZ Pad® Pointing Device

Multimedia Package: Integrated sound and stereo speakers, headphone/speaker jack, and mic jacks

Speakers: External speakers not selected

Battery: Primary high-capacity lithium ion battery with AC pack and 1 yr. limited battery warranty

Modem: Integrated V.92 56K modem

Network Adapter: Integrated Intel® 10/100 Ethernet Adapter

Internet Service Provider: Six months America Online® Internet access

Integrated Wireless Networking Adapter: Integrated 802.11g wireless networking card

Carrying Case: Gateway Carrying Case






ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Chipset:
Intel® 852GME System Chipset
PCI Bus V2.1
Phoenix NoteBIOS 6.0
512 KB flash ROM
SMBIOS (DMI) 2.3 Support
Full ACPI Support

Memory Slots:
Two 200-pin SO-DIMM Sockets on Motherboard
0MB On-Board Memory
User accessible memory

Display:
15" SXGA+ TFT Active Matrix Color Display
1400 x 1050 @ 18-Bit (262K) colors

Disk Controller:
Supports up to Ultra DMA 100 and up to PIO mode 4

Spindle Design:
3 spindle fixed design

Audio:
Sigmatel® STAC9752/53 Codec
SoundBlaster® Pro, MIDI and Windows® Sound System Compatible
3D Sound Support
64-channel Wavetable Synthesis
Integrated Speakers
Headphone and External Microphone Ports
Keyboard Volume and Mute Controls

Dimensions:
13.1"(W) x 10.75"(D) x 1.69"(H)

Weight:
7.5lbs.

Ports:
VGA Port
IEEE 1394
ECP Parallel Port
2 Version 2.0 USB ports
RJ-45 Port
RJ-11 Port
Power Input
Microphone Jack
Headphone Jack

Power Supply:
150W Output External AC Adapter
100-240V Input Voltage
50-60 Hz Frequency

03ABPON19's

How bout a Toshiba Satelitte or Sony Vaio. Those are very good brands. I can get you a great deal on those. I sell on ebay

ArN 2000 TL

I would recommend a Dell. I have used them for both business and personal use. I you have a little extra $$ you coulde go IBM because they are build solid. I would stay away from Sony though.....there laptops are prone to hardware problems (we used to use them where we were due to all the built in audio video features andsony proprietary conectors, but had serious problems with them).

03ABPON19's

Yes a Dell is good.. to me its a lil cheaper though. Like quality feels a bit low. It all boils down to what your going to do with notebook anyway. Dells are cool but like i was saying I sell on ebay and most people who come looking for notebooks look for Sony. Then maybe.... they look for Dells.Dell makes perfect desktops. Just my market analogy though. I cant tell you one thing though. If i had a choice I wouldnt go gateway

doopstr

I have liked the IBM T series since they came out (and the 600 series before that).

I didn't like that the T30 and T40 got thicker than the T2x series. However the T41 is now very thin. If you have see the IBM "player" commercial. The Thinkpad shown is a T41.

You can get IBM thinkpads direct from the IBM outlet on ebay. Be careful. While they are brand new, the reason they are cheaper is because they only have a 1 year warrenty and not the standard 3.

We have about 80 Thinkpads where I work. I have sent in about 15 of them for repair. Most of them for bad screens. I think people don't respect their equipment.

03ABPON19's

so would you recommend an IBM... sounds like thats not the way to go..IBM that is.. I think even a compac is more reliable than IBM notebook

RUF 993TTR

if you want a desktop replacement, i highly suggest you seek a laptop with an athlon64. that is the future of computing! it makes intels hyperthreading look silly.

AznBalla

If you can afford, go with Toshibas, I can vounch since I've gone through 3 with no problems! Toshiba Satellites arn't bad if you have around 1200 dollars.

Raheel

I would never ever get a gateway, and never a emachines or Compaq.

Dell is at the top on my list, - Though IBM is the best out there no, BECAUSE it lasts longer and the materials are very good, but its just a lot more expensive, so just get a dell.

Toshibas arent that bad either, Sony's I kinda dont like, they have a reputation of having faulty Laptops, they just recently picked up in the computer world, if you knew them years back, every product of theres was POS

adam209

ummm...ok? well if all of you say i shouldn't get the gateway, which computer(make and model number) should i get? as far as how much i'm willing to spend, the gateway was going to be about $2100 so anything under that is fair game

SilverUA5

you can get a dell for about $800. click here

$1079
- $150 MIR
- $19 (changing to WordPerfect® and Money®)
- $119 (changing warranty)


if you can find a coupon code somewhere, it will bring it down to the $700 range.

Raheel

U said u need everything packed and good, and desktop replacement, I would get the NEW Dell Inspiron 9100, if U WANT THE BEST get the Inspiron XPS, but it costs a pretty penny.

cma2180

If your going for a desktop replacement then your on the right track with a P 4 3.0 or faster. That gateway has a mobile p 4. Its built more for poratablitly. Not as powerful as a desktop p 4 processor which you can get in a notebook.

Intel also makes a p 4 M which is called the centrino -- made for complete mobilty -- long battery life and very light.

The athon 64 is new and will probaly be the norm for all processors to switch to 64 bit. Not really sure if anyone makes notebooks with them yet.

Also that gateway has interagrated graffics which will not run graffic intense programs well(games). You can get 128MB cards in notebooks. One more thing to think is the size of the monitor, is 15" big enought? Also do you want a DVD-rw. And never buy any computer with less then 512MB memory nowadays.

Toshiba's get great reviews and I happen to like them a lot.
You'll pay more for a similar sony cause of the name.
Dell prices are not that bad and you can cutomize them which is awsome.
Hp owns compaq -- both not bad, but don't like the style/features.
Gateway now owns emachines -- don't know enough to coment

adam209

well, i would take it to class everyday. i take notes on the one i have now and would probably try and do the same with this one.

03ABPON19's

Tell me your thoughts about these to notebooks. First one is a Sony Vaio Grt360zg. Next one is a Toshiba Satellite p25-s509

1. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....oryId=cat01174

2. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....oryId=cat01174

I can pretty much get you great deal on either of those in your price range. PM me either on here or **********. User name smoothnycbro. Email me on Ebay under user name smoothnycbro.

03ABPON19's

wow can say that on here huh. Acworld it was though..o well sorry

fsttyms1

Dell and Toshiba are the highest rated notebooks

denmoses

I currently use the Dell inspiron series. (top of the line, a year and half ago) no problems what so ever. Also use a sony viao. IMO computers are getting so damn good and reliable...as long as u stick with a decent brand, u are good. The Sonys do look slicker. But if looks were all then Apple deserves a second look. I stick with dell cause they are a tad bit cheaper and hence a lot less painful when its time to upgrade.

RUF 993TTR

cma2180 there are a good amount of laptops out there with athlon64. even emachines make laptops with athlon64!

2001AudiS4

Stay far away from Dell. Don't believe the hype. They are as crappy a company as they come. They WILL not help you with any problems. If you want good service, go with IBM. If you want to save a little money and get a decent machine, go with a Compaq/HP. I have had a lot of luck with all three and service has been outstanding. Believe me though when I warn you about Dell. Not only are the machines themselves cheaper in quality, but the company is as worthless as a Acura TL at a drag strip

lovemyTL

now that we're on the topic...i need one too, but it has to be a LIGHT one. I'm talking about 4lbs with no need for a docking station. No IBM wanted (fingerball mouse thing pisses me off).

Are sony's that bad? That V505 vaio is slickkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk. I was thinkin about getting that best buy warrenty thing too. I heard it's really useful too...any suggestions?

96_2.5TL

ALIEN WARE!!!

cma2180

What are you kidding, They may look really cool, but thats what your gonna pay for.


The bestbuy service plan is very useful on notebooks cause within that time you can get free batteries.


Do you know if its a mobile version or is it the same one as in the desktop. Guess i'll check it out on amd website.

Raheel

I myself am waiting for Inspiron 600M with the new processor coming out. Why dont u guys wait for that, it will have 1 MB of cache, (DOUBLE THE CACHE :wow: )

Or u can get the 300M which is extra light, but I want the 600M because i need some graphics, but its a blend of thin and good technology.

BTW the IBM's currently arent all Trackpoint, most also come equipped with a Touchpad.

I HATE TOUCHPADS, I want a trackpoint, but looks like those are going extinct, Dell dont have them like I do on my inspiron 8000

Raheel

I would rather get teh Inspiron XPS over any alienware ITS NEW and awesome!

Raheel

Dell offers replacement batteries for first year. and a lot more, I love there Complete Care, I dropped tea on my laptop, Dropped it and everything, in past 3 years and they covered everything, got overnight parts shipped, and got a service tech to my houes the next day.

lovemyTL

I'm not looking for a desktop replacement, just something thats light and can handle some stuff. Is that Insp 600M light or not?

adam209

hey 03ABPON19's,

i like #2, but that thing is kinda on the heavy side. anything similar that's a couple ounds lighter? and what kind of price could you get on that?

Raheel

yup light with all the things u need without a dock..

the 300M is VERY LIGHT with a dock but low on the features

03ABPON19's

the reatil on #2 is about $2100 plus taxes. I can bring that down to 1850 shipped with insurance

Raheel

Dells support is great, I dont knwo what your talking about, did u have a bad experience?

lovemyTL

how comprehensive is that best buy warrenty? Is it basically a warrenty to extend the manuf warrenty or does it cover "when sh!t happens"?

03ABPON19's

covers when **** happens but you cant tell them that **** happened

cma2180

Covers everything but the software and drop/accidental damage.
Does cover normal wear and tear/ powers surges and **** like that.

2001AudiS4

Dell support techs are on par knowledge wise with third world country electrical engineers. In other words, THEY ARE DUMB. Support told me that my hard drive was working within spec. How did she know? Cause she had me hold the phone up to the computer so she could hear it. Next, she told me the fix for my heating problem in which the paint melted off the bottom of the computer because the fan broke, was to not put it on my lap anymore. You see, we call them notebooks now, so don't put it on your lap and you will be fine. Was on hold for 9 hours in a 3 day period. NEVER got any resolution. Asked to speak to a supervisor, line went dead for over an hour. Oh, I forgot. The tech claimed she was going to send me a hard drive after I TOLD her that I ran diagnostics and the hard drive failed. She said that it is the last time they will do this for me and I will not be able to receive any hardware under warranty anymore. This was 8 months after I bought it, still in the original warranty period. I also had a 3 year extended warranty that I was being told I cannot use. Well the hard drive never came. Had to call up and wait on hold AGAIN just to find out that it was never ordered. Customer Support would not transfer me to tech support to order it and said they could not order it. I had to call the tech support line myself and wait on hold. So, I wrote a letter to the better business bureau, the state attorney general in my state and the state Dell is in, and sent a copy to the office of Michael Dell and Dell's legal department. AFTER I spoke to the attorney general, he told me that he was going to talk to someone at Dell. The next day a woman called from Dell. This is the first contact we had with them. Dell would not call or talk to us. They just took my money and ran until the attorney general called. This is what they said. "We will buy back the machine at 70% of what you paid. That is our only offer and it stands for 15 days, then you are on your own".

So, you be the judge. Stay as FAAAAAAAAAAAR away from Dell as you possibly can. They are the sh1ttiest company I have EVER dealt with. This was not just one tech support person but it started there and escalated all the way to the office of Michael Dell himself. I have heard many many stories from others as well. To top it off, they use generic parts in their machines that carp out WAY faster than on most other manufacturers. SCREW DELL!!!!!

MQMH_03

I agree with 2001audis4. I thought a vaio would be sweet cause their design is cutting edge and their labtops are very light, but my dad is the IT network guy at his work and he swears by IBM. He says that they are the best built and the service plan from IBM is great. So for college, I got a T40 and its been a great labtop. Just my .02 cents.

MQMH_03

My roomate has a 2500 $ dell inspiron 8500 and that thing seems to overheat all the time. IT also seems to run slower than my t40 even though it has a 2.4 ghz processor. I think it has something to do with the design of the cache and motherboard of the labtop. I'm not a completely computer savvy user, but I dont think ill will ever buy a dell computer. IMO, I would have definitley gotten a sony vaio v505 or a z series vaio which is a little more expensive, but my dad would have none of that since all he uses are thinkpads. p.s. LOVEMYTL, my cuz has the vaio v505 and that thing is tiny as hell. He can fit it in his messenger bag. lol People can't believe that he can tote his labtop around in such a small bag. I also like that it has a memory stick slot. Good luck to everyone who is looking for a computer. As for myself, Im hoping to upgrade the t41 possibly if my dad decides to be a nice guy and get me that corporate discount.

lovemyTL

Thanks man...that's why i LOVEEE the vaio v505. plus I use memory stick anyways. The size and style of it is just AMAZING. But the problem is the warrenty...the only comprehensive warrnety i can get is from best buy, but then I cant customize the laptop.

Jaydef

isnt gateway going out of business????

im also looking for a new laptop, very dissatisifed with HP and compaq. my friends have dells and have never had a prob with them.

but i wont settle for less thana 17" monitor, and dells with 17 monitors are CRAZY $.

need this for AutoCad, FormZ, and 3D modeling.... ne1 have ne ideas???