Looking for a Laptop

[ZENGHOST]

Okay people, here's the deal. I'm looking for a solid laptop for approximately $2,000. Right now my best choice seems to be a Gateway notebook. On the Gateway website $2027 gets me a notebook with:

P4 2.0Ghz
15" XGA
256MB DDR SDRAM
40GB Hard Drive
Integrated Floppy
Integrated CDRW/DVD Combo drive
ATI Mobility Radeon w/16MB DDR Video
2 USB, 1 IEEE 1394, VGA, & Parallel
Integrated 56k modem
Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
1 Type II or one type III PC Card slot
XP Professional
3 year Parts, Labor, Onsite, Limited HW&SW Tech Support for as long as you own it.

That price is before a $100 rebate and they have free shipping right now. I'd like opinions on Gateway and also suggestions for anything comparable in price and specs to this system. This is going to be my first laptop so I'd appreciate any advice you have to offer. Thanks.

-ZENGHOST

edited to change PII to P4

 

[Honeywell]

Sounds like you getting a something in the 600 line right? Are you sure it's only a P2 or is that a typo? I've got a 600 XL and am overall very happy with it. My only gripe is the battery life isn't that great and it runs pretty hot.

I shopped around and really like the display on the Sony's but for the price of the Gateway you can't beat it. The display is great (for something other than a Sony), it's fast, and best of all cheap. Try getting a 2 ghz in a name brand like Sony, Compaq, or HP and your looking at well over 2 g's.

However, if I had to do it again I would get I believe the 400 series (same as 600 just doesn't have integrated floppy, it's either CD or floppy). Sometimes the 600 seems just too large to actually use as a laptop, but it is supposed to be a desktop replacement. And then of course there's the thought of whether I should have gotten the Mac but we won't go there....

What are you primarily going to be using this for?

 

[ZENGHOST]

Originally posted by Honeywell
Sounds like you getting a something in the 600 line right? Are you sure it's only a P2 or is that a typo? I've got a 600 XL and am overall very happy with it. My only gripe is the battery life isn't that great and it runs pretty hot.

I shopped around and really like the display on the Sony's but for the price of the Gateway you can't beat it. The display is great (for something other than a Sony), it's fast, and best of all cheap. Try getting a 2 ghz in a name brand like Sony, Compaq, or HP and your looking at well over 2 g's.

However, if I had to do it again I would get I believe the 400 series (same as 600 just doesn't have integrated floppy, it's either CD or floppy). Sometimes the 600 seems just too large to actually use as a laptop, but it is supposed to be a desktop replacement. And then of course there's the thought of whether I should have gotten the Mac but we won't go there....

What are you primarily going to be using this for?

You're right--it was a typo. It's a Pentium 4, not 2. That one is actually a 400XL. Here's a link to the one I'm looking at. Everything is default except that I upgraded to XP pro, and I went for the best warranty.

Thanks for the battery information, definitely something to consider (additional battery).

As for my uses...I'm not a gamer so we won't have a problem there. I run mainly office applications, but I'd like the computer to be able to do whatever I ask it to. I currently have a Dell Dimension desktop at home--1 GHz, 512MB RAM, etc.--so I won't be doing everything on the laptop. I conduct workshops on Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) at work so it'd definitely be used for demos there. I'd also like to try my hand at video editing someday so that may play a part in the decision.

You're right about not finding a 2.0Gig at that price so I'm inclined to go with the Gateway. Just wondering if maybe I missed a better deal and to find out more about Gateways since my last two computers have been Dell machines. How's their tech support? Helpful? Thanks.

 

[Honeywell]

Originally posted by ZENGHOST

You're right--it was a typo. It's a Pentium 4, not 2. That one is actually a 400XL. Here's a link to the one I'm looking at. Everything is default except that I upgraded to XP pro, and I went for the best warranty.

Thanks for the battery information, definitely something to consider (additional battery).

As for my uses...I'm not a gamer so we won't have a problem there. I run mainly office applications, but I'd like the computer to be able to do whatever I ask it to. I currently have a Dell Dimension desktop at home--1 GHz, 512MB RAM, etc.--so I won't be doing everything on the laptop. I conduct workshops on Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) at work so it'd definitely be used for demos there. I'd also like to try my hand at video editing someday so that may play a part in the decision.

You're right about not finding a 2.0Gig at that price so I'm inclined to go with the Gateway. Just wondering if maybe I missed a better deal and to find out more about Gateways since my last two computers have been Dell machines. How's their tech support? Helpful? Thanks.

Well the 400XL will definitely have the power to do video editing as well as basic Office applications. I'm in the same boat as you, I mainly use my laptop for internet and word processing stuff but I still want the ability and power to run larger more memory hogging applications. If I were you I'd definitely spring for the 15" screen.

As for Gateway tech. support, I'm not sure, I've never had to use it . However, I've heard some horror stories to some very good stories. It's like any company I guess, there's gonna be some people who have had horrible experiences and some that have had no problems. If you'd really like to do some research on tech. support and a company in general go to www.thecomplaintstation.com They mostly only have the negative reviews, but you'll see that Dell and Gateway as well as other major computer makers have thousands of complaints.

I bought mine from a Gateway Country store by my house and the guys there were very friendly and I'm sure would help me out if I ever encounter any problems. Overall I was very pleased with the whole ordering process and customer service.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[craigz]

When shopping for a laptop, you have to look at things that don't really matter so much in a desktop computer. For example, the layout of the keyboard and the type of mouse are very important because you can't just replace them as with a desktop. How does the keyboard feel? Does it seem like it will last? The machine you're looking at has a touch pad type pointing device. Have you ever used one? Do you like it? How is the location of the pad in relation to the mouse buttons? Think also about the case. What's it made of? How sturdy is it? How heavy a computer do you want? If you're going to be carrying it around with you every day, you might want to sacrifice some features for a lighter weight machine. I would strongly recommend that you not buy a particular brand of laptop without actually getting your hands on one.

In laptops, I personally am partial to IBM. I don't like anything else they make, but the Thinkpads are built tough and hold up to the heavy use I give them.

 

[Gospel Defender]

I have been using a Sony GRX550 for almost two months now,

The price is about the same as the gateway you are looking at, but the system is a bit slower. 1.6 GHz P4 30 gig drive cdrw/dvd, no floppy.

It runs great!! the only two complaints are the ones that are inherent to laptop use.

1. Battery life (we all want more)
2. Heat (it gets a little warm on the lap, but not too much)

I would absolutely do it again.

I am not sure you would notice the difference between the 1.6 and 2.0 GHz machines. I really could not tell

 

[ZENGHOST]

Originally posted by Honeywell
If I were you I'd definitely spring for the 15" screen.

I'm pretty sure I'm going that route unless I decide that I'm going to carry it around a lot.

Originally posted by craigz
When shopping for a laptop, you have to look at things that don't really matter so much in a desktop computer. For example, the layout of the keyboard and the type of mouse are very important because you can't just replace them as with a desktop. How does the keyboard feel? Does it seem like it will last? The machine you're looking at has a touch pad type pointing device. Have you ever used one? Do you like it? How is the location of the pad in relation to the mouse buttons? Think also about the case. What's it made of? How sturdy is it? How heavy a computer do you want? If you're going to be carrying it around with you every day, you might want to sacrifice some features for a lighter weight machine. I would strongly recommend that you not buy a particular brand of laptop without actually getting your hands on one.

In laptops, I personally am partial to IBM. I don't like anything else they make, but the Thinkpads are built tough and hold up to the heavy use I give them.

I definitely take those things into consideration. A full size keyboard is a must, but a flat laptop keyboard is always going to suck so if I'm using it at home or at work I will be plugging in an external keyboard (I already have the beginnings of carpal tunnel) . As for pointing devices, I will be using an external mouse as much as possible but am fine with any type. I've tried out a lot of different types of laptops over the years and while I prefer some to others I wouldn't have any trouble using any one of them. I do hate those joystick ones, though. My friend has a Dell Inspiron with a 15" display and bitches about the weight all the time, but I'm not the type to carry it everywhere so I knocked that down on the priority list a bit. Unfortunately I am not able to test one out before I buy (no Gateway stores around here), but I'm quite confident that I won't have any problems with the case. I am going to head out to all the computer stores tomorrow and take a good hard look at the other brands available--I don't like to jump into things without researching things a bit. Gotta load up on my computer magazines as well.

Originally posted by Gospel Defender
I am not sure you would notice the difference between the 1.6 and 2.0 GHz machines. I really could not tell

I couldn't tell either, but I plan to buy the fastest processor that I can afford. I am a proponent of foregoing processor speed for RAM, so I'll have to look into the best possible combination of the two that I can afford.

Thanks for the input, guys--I really appreciate it. I'd hate to spend 2 grand on something without thoroughly investigating and weighing my options.

 

[Honeywell]

Originally posted by craigz
In laptops, I personally am partial to IBM. I don't like anything else they make, but the Thinkpads are built tough and hold up to the heavy use I give them.

I agree about the IBM's but they cost a lot. Out of all the brands I looked at IBM was the most expensive and in most cases you got the least. However, my mom has an IBM for work and she loves it. I've used it and it is really nice but again, you get what you pay for and I just feel that you don't get a lot for the price of the IBM. Although the build quality and materials are excellent.

 

[TheBadGuy]

This is mostly job experience here, So take it for what its worth. I personally do not own a gateway or even a PERSONAL laptop. Only a Dell 8200 Desktop and a dozen or so PDA's. BUT I install cable modems for a living so I deal with allot of computers and people who own multiple computers. I wish I had a dollar for every time I have heard a complaint about a Gateway. This was a suprise to me B/C I thought the 2 best Comp. Manufacters in the business were Gateway and Dell. 2nd, My company supplies use with IBM thinkpads, I have beaten the hell out of this thing, Literally. The one I have even has been dropped from a 28 foot extension ladder onto the sreet.(Extreme Conditon, Not advised as test) Remarkably all I had to do was reinstall the battery that was located about 10ft from computer and it was up and running again. So I have nothing but good things to say about them. No matter what you decide to get I just echo what others here have said here. Battery time and Keyboard are the most important. Check out PC Magazine's site for reviews. And enjoy your new toy.



*By the way, After that computer fell. There was external damage, It wasn't made by superman. But it still booted right up and preformance wise was fine.

 

[Abel]

At the very least, I can personally speak for Dell's tech support, as I am part of it. Now, I have no idea what Gateway's support is like, but I do know what Dell's warranty covers, to the letter. One thing that Dell offers is a Complete Care svc contract. Complete Care covers all accidental damage to the system, excluding fire, theft, loss, or intentional damage. Complete Care costs a bit more. Trust me when I say it's well worth it! After 9/11, there have been a number of incidents where airline security has damaged a customer's system while "inspecting" it. Without Complete Care coverage, you're hosed, and have to pay for all repairs out of your own pocket! There's nothing I hate more than having to tell a very nice customer that I'm unable to replace parts that were accidentaly damaged.

As far as price comparison, Dell systems are more expensive, I admit. The Gateway deal you mentioned earlier is smokin'! The main thing I would check on would be the tech support. Onsite service is awesome, but verify how long it typically takes for the onsite tech to actually get there with the part. Also, see if Gateway offers anything similar to Complete Care.


Just my two cents...if you have any questions about Dell's tech support, just ask.

-Stephen

 

[Honeywell]

Originally posted by Abel
Also, see if Gateway offers anything similar to Complete Care.

They do have something similar, they refer to it as an accidental damage warranty or something along those lines. However, it's not available in every state (I wonder why?), Washington being one of them.

 

[ZENGHOST]

Originally posted by Honeywell


They do have something similar, they refer to it as an accidental damage warranty or something along those lines. However, it's not available in every state (I wonder why?), Washington being one of them.

Just saw that--now I know why Dell's warranty is so much higher than Gateway's.

TheBadGuy--what kind of complaints are they? Complaints about tech support, or complaints about the hardware? Also, did these people seem to be computer literate? I know it sounds harsh, but computer illiterate people always complain to me about their computers because they do stupid things and mess them up. I manage the computer lab at school and do tech support for faculty and constantly get complaints from people only to find out that the cause was something incompetent on their part.

 

[TheBadGuy]

Most of the complaints have been about tech support and customer service. But Truthfully if you are having a problem with tech support and customer service, There must be a problem with the hardware or possibly software. As far as computer literate, Well lets just say it has been a mix between idiots to program designers. Truth is though over 80% of people behind a computer thinks they are a computer guru. Go with what you like the best. Personally I would go with a dell. About 2 months ago my wife spilled a beer on the keyboard. I tryed tearing it downa nd cleaning it but it was dead. I wanted another black keyboard to go with the system so I called Dell. They had one on the way that day for free and I even told them the truth why it didn't work. If you know enough about computers, You don't have to worry that much about tech support. Then again, Laptops are a diffrent ballpark. Not as much home repair and maintnence can be done on one compared to a desktop.

 

[ZENGHOST]

Originally posted by TheBadGuy
Most of the complaints have been about tech support and customer service. But Truthfully if you are having a problem with tech support and customer service, There must be a problem with the hardware or possibly software. As far as computer literate, Well lets just say it has been a mix between idiots to program designers. Truth is though over 80% of people behind a computer thinks they are a computer guru. Go with what you like the best. Personally I would go with a dell. About 2 months ago my wife spilled a beer on the keyboard. I tryed tearing it downa nd cleaning it but it was dead. I wanted another black keyboard to go with the system so I called Dell. They had one on the way that day for free and I even told them the truth why it didn't work. If you know enough about computers, You don't have to worry that much about tech support. Then again, Laptops are a diffrent ballpark. Not as much home repair and maintnence can be done on one compared to a desktop.

Yeah, one thing I've learned over the years is that I'll never know everything. And pretty much everyone I've met that thinks they do almost always turns out to be an idiot. And laptops are completely different than a desktop--I wouldn't worry about any desktop I bought, but this whole laptop thing is new to me. Dell tech support has always been pretty good to me even though we often misunderstand each other a bit, but that's to be expected (a communication problem, not really a tech support problem). I rarely deal with them (only once or twice in the last five years or so), but it's nice to know that they are there. Also, laptops are much more prone to problems because of the movement/mobility (ironically the very thing that makes it more desirable). I am more worried about hardware failure than software problems--it's not like Gateway makes the software that I'll be using.

I am a little more confused now, since I skimmed over a PC World mag and the Gateway wasn't in the top five, but the Dell was on top as a best buy. Don't get me wrong, I love Dell, but that Gateway deal is really tempting. But, in the end--you usually get what you pay for. I'm definitely going to have to put more thought and research into this.

 

[craigz]

I don't know what these manufacturers charge for their extended warrantys, but you can get third party computer insurance as well. I have a separate insurance policy for my laptop that covers it for any kind of loss or damage up to $4,000 (including fire, theft, acts of God, and terrorist attack) at any location for $100 per year. I also have a regular computer policy to cover my equipment at home ($120/yr for $14,000 coverage), which would also cover the laptop, but only if it's in the home.

 

[Gon]

Zenghost, I'm surprised no one has mentioned this option, as it seems so obvious for your needs. Have you considered...

Apple iBook or Powerbook?

If you are getting a laptop then you should have a really portable one, right? After all, that's why you pay double the comparable desktop's price.

The Apples have great portability for three reasons
- Both are very lightweight
- Both have better battery performance than their PC counterparts. This latter thing is something that you should really consider if you use the computer "on-the-go".
- They will cease hibernating ("turn on") in the time it takes you to fully open the display. This totally amazed me when I saw it the first time - I thought only PDA's can do it.

You mentioned video editing, well, you cannot really have a better laptop for that than an Apple. The biggest Apple pro market consists of video and music people.

One downside, though - neither laptop is near your budget. You'll get the most reasonable (12.1", combo drive) iBook plus extra memory for 1650$, and the "low-end" Powerbook sells for 2500$. Your 2000$ limit falls uncomfortably in the center

FYI, my next computer will probably be an Apple Powerbook. Currently I use a desktop PC much like yours.

- Gon

...and the links are, obviously...
http://www.apple.com/ibook/
http://www.apple.com/powerbook/

 

[ZENGHOST]

Originally posted by Gon
Zenghost, I'm surprised no one has mentioned this option, as it seems so obvious for your needs. Have you considered...

Apple iBook or Powerbook?

If you are getting a laptop then you should have a really portable one, right? After all, that's why you pay double the comparable desktop's price.

The Apples have great portability for three reasons
- Both are very lightweight
- Both have better battery performance than their PC counterparts. This latter thing is something that you should really consider if you use the computer "on-the-go".
- They will cease hibernating ("turn on") in the time it takes you to fully open the display. This totally amazed me when I saw it the first time - I thought only PDA's can do it.

You mentioned video editing, well, you cannot really have a better laptop for that than an Apple. The biggest Apple pro market consists of video and music people.

One downside, though - neither laptop is near your budget. You'll get the most reasonable (12.1", combo drive) iBook plus extra memory for 1650$, and the "low-end" Powerbook sells for 2500$. Your 2000$ limit falls uncomfortably in the center

FYI, my next computer will probably be an Apple Powerbook. Currently I use a desktop PC much like yours.

- Gon

...and the links are, obviously...
http://www.apple.com/ibook/
http://www.apple.com/powerbook/

I'm actually surprised that it has taken this long to come up as well, but a Mac is definitely not in my future (for the moment anyway). I work in a total PC environment at work and at home and buying a Mac would defeat the purpose of me even getting a laptop since I want to use it with both my home computer(s) and work computer(s). I'm not disputing the fact that Macs kick ass in at least the video and graphics fields, but it just isn't right for my purposes. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

 

[Gon]

Originally posted by ZENGHOST

I'm actually surprised that it has taken this long to come up as well, but a Mac is definitely not in my future (for the moment anyway). I work in a total PC environment at work and at home and buying a Mac would defeat the purpose of me even getting a laptop since I want to use it with both my home computer(s) and work computer(s).

They might work together better than you think. What do you consider the major problem in the equation? The new Macs can run MS Office, can connect to a MS Exchange server in case your workplace has one, and can show up as just another computer on the Windows fileshare (Samba) network. A while ago Microsoft released Terminal Services Client for Mac OS X, included with Office, which lets you run Windows software from a XP Server.

What other connectivity do you need?

- Gon

 

[ZENGHOST]

Originally posted by Gon
They might work together better than you think. What do you consider the major problem in the equation? The new Macs can run MS Office, can connect to a MS Exchange server in case your workplace has one, and can show up as just another computer on the Windows fileshare (Samba) network. A while ago Microsoft released Terminal Services Client for Mac OS X, included with Office, which lets you run Windows software from a XP Server.

What other connectivity do you need?

- Gon

Actually it's less of a hardware/connectivity problem than an "I'm set in my ways" kind of problem. I have on occasion had to help some of the faculty members who have decided to go Mac with their computers and I'm just so used to a PC that I just have trouble adjusting to the albeit little differences between the two. I'm just a stubborn bastid.

 

[Gon]

Originally posted by ZENGHOST

Actually it's less of a hardware/connectivity problem than an "I'm set in my ways" kind of problem. I have on occasion had to help some of the faculty members who have decided to go Mac with their computers and I'm just so used to a PC that I just have trouble adjusting to the albeit little differences between the two. I'm just a stubborn bastid.

If it weren't for Apple's new operating system, I'd feel the same way. But.. I've only played around with OS X Apples for a few hours, and I felt I could just start doing stuff right away. Everything was really manageable. I'd like to ask, did your faculty members' Macs have OS 9 or OS X installed? Because if you haven't seen the newer OS yet, I think you really should before making the laptop decision.

- Gon