Some laptop newb questions

Planterz

Planterz

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I used to be fairly knowledgeable about desktop computers (I built a few), but I'm a few years out of touch, and I never knew much about laptops. I'm in the market for one (just got my refund from the gubment), and I've got a few questions:

1. Bluetooth. I'd like this feature, mostly so I can use a wireless mouse without a receiver sticking 2" out the side. But none of the computers I've narrowed my list down to have Bluetooth. However, when toying around with various "build your own" sites, the Bluetooth option (when available) is always a rather cheap option (+$15-25), and that makes me wonder why it's not a standard feature. Anyway, can Bluetooth be added easily/inexpensively to a laptop that doesn't have it built in? Are there other advantages or disadvantages to a Bluetooth mouse compared to a wireless one?

2. Gaming. I used to be a hardcore gamer, but that was years ago, mostly since my old computer stopped working with them. I don't really plan to get back into it, but I might like to replay some of my old games again (GTA:VC, Deus Ex) and maybe some newer ones (Halflife 2, CoD, etc). Will a laptop without integrated video play these games if there's sufficient memory to share, or should I go with one with a dedicated card? I don't really plan on doing anything else graphically intense, except perhaps some simple photo editing.

3. Docking stations/LCD monitor. My plan is to set up my laptop as a desktop at home. The reason being is that I hate laptops. Small screen, goofy keyboards, etc. But they're portable, and my desktop isn't. My original idea was to plug a USB hub into the laptop and run everything off of it: mouse, full keyboard, etc. And then plug a LCD monitor into it. My current monitor is a 15 year old 19" CRT 50lb hunk of junk; I plan to get a 20-23" LCD. I'm assuming I can plug one into the laptop, but honestly, I don't know if it can be done. Are there different connections/cables that might be used? Can a laptop with 1366x768 resolution power a monitor with 1920x1080? Would a dedicated video card be better for doing this, or does it not matter?

I also see that there are "docking stations" that do exactly what I was planning to set up on my own. Some have video, some do not. Is there any advantage or disadvantage (other than the convenience of fewer plug-ins) of doing video through a docking station rather than plugging the monitor directly into the computer?

4. Anything else I should know/worry about/prepare for that comes to mind? I'm looking primarily at this laptop and similar ones.

Thanks.
 
they make laptops with 17 screen on them. you want to buy one with the amd chip on it and not the intel chip because if you look at the viedo cards that come with the amd chip they are gaming viedo cards and the intel ones are not. i live on my laptop and would not trade it in for a home system. you want the fastest one that you have the money for because there is no swaping out the chip for a faster one on laptops. and get the most ram that you can afford too.
 
Macbook Pro. Not the best for gaming, but it is the best OS. :D

If anyone wants to argue with me, go ahead, but I won't respond.
 
Planterz said:
I used to be fairly knowledgeable about desktop computers (I built a few), but I'm a few years out of touch, and I never knew much about laptops. I'm in the market for one (just got my refund from the gubment), and I've got a few questions:

1. Bluetooth. I'd like this feature, mostly so I can use a wireless mouse without a receiver sticking 2" out the side. But none of the computers I've narrowed my list down to have Bluetooth. However, when toying around with various "build your own" sites, the Bluetooth option (when available) is always a rather cheap option (+$15-25), and that makes me wonder why it's not a standard feature. Anyway, can Bluetooth be added easily/inexpensively to a laptop that doesn't have it built in? Are there other advantages or disadvantages to a Bluetooth mouse compared to a wireless one?

2. Gaming. I used to be a hardcore gamer, but that was years ago, mostly since my old computer stopped working with them. I don't really plan to get back into it, but I might like to replay some of my old games again (GTA:VC, Deus Ex) and maybe some newer ones (Halflife 2, CoD, etc). Will a laptop without integrated video play these games if there's sufficient memory to share, or should I go with one with a dedicated card? I don't really plan on doing anything else graphically intense, except perhaps some simple photo editing.

3. Docking stations/LCD monitor. My plan is to set up my laptop as a desktop at home. The reason being is that I hate laptops. Small screen, goofy keyboards, etc. But they're portable, and my desktop isn't. My original idea was to plug a USB hub into the laptop and run everything off of it: mouse, full keyboard, etc. And then plug a LCD monitor into it. My current monitor is a 15 year old 19" CRT 50lb hunk of junk; I plan to get a 20-23" LCD. I'm assuming I can plug one into the laptop, but honestly, I don't know if it can be done. Are there different connections/cables that might be used? Can a laptop with 1366x768 resolution power a monitor with 1920x1080? Would a dedicated video card be better for doing this, or does it not matter?

I also see that there are "docking stations" that do exactly what I was planning to set up on my own. Some have video, some do not. Is there any advantage or disadvantage (other than the convenience of fewer plug-ins) of doing video through a docking station rather than plugging the monitor directly into the computer?

4. Anything else I should know/worry about/prepare for that comes to mind? I'm looking primarily at this laptop and similar ones.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

1.)http://www.google.com/products/cata...ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CDkQ8wIwBQ#ps-sellers
This device is almost flush and provides Bluetooth connectivity. Nice and compact, I use one at work.

2.)I'd get a beefed up videocard upgrade. The more RAM you have the better off you are, it's a rule of thumb. As a PC gaming enthusiast I can relate. I have been playing the newest CoD game Modern WEarfare 2, and I just bought the new Battlefield Bac Company 2 game yesterday. I realized my machine starts sh*tting the bed as soon as something intense happens on screen. Time for me up upgrade the rig.

3. & 4.) IMO, a docking station is a waste of cash. If you can set up things your way, it's always better to go with what you really want, rather than having someone force their options on you. I realyl do not think ACER is a quality brand, at work we use HPs and some Dell machines mostly. If I were you adn that is the price you want to spend, get this instead:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway...8150610770&skuId=9695393&st=gateway&cp=1&lp=6
I bought this machine for my wife and she loves it to death. Yes, it is a 17" screen and it is great on your eyes after extended periods of time, but it has a much better processor than your Acer model, a High Def screen, and better graphics, plus 4GB of Ram. You cannot go wrong.

4.)Mac is ok, but it is mostly for hardcore video & picture editing. The lack of mainstream sofgtware compatibility combined with all the iPhone/iPod touch crapping out has made me leary. I get calls to fix Macs about 3-4 times a week. They aren't that much better.

Hope this helps you in some way.

Wow Planterz, I just noticed you live in Tucson, so do I...Small world. Visit the BestBuy on Irvington for that laptop! lol
 
RevDevil said:
1.)http://www.google.com/products/cata...ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CDkQ8wIwBQ#ps-sellers
This device is almost flush and provides Bluetooth connectivity. Nice and compact, I use one at work.
Click to expand...
Very cool. Haven't seen these yet.

I realyl do not think ACER is a quality brand,
Click to expand...
What's wrong with them? I have almost zero personal experience with laptops, so I'm going mostly off of user ratings, and Acer seem to have pretty good ratings.

If I were you adn that is the price you want to spend, get this instead:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway...8150610770&skuId=9695393&st=gateway&cp=1&lp=6
I bought this machine for my wife and she loves it to death. Yes, it is a 17" screen and it is great on your eyes after extended periods of time, but it has a much better processor than your Acer model, a High Def screen, and better graphics, plus 4GB of Ram. You cannot go wrong.
Click to expand...
Definitely something to look at, but the 17" screen laptops are larger than I'd prefer. My preference is kind of a contradiction. I want the smallest, most portable laptop I can find that has a proper number pad. HP/Compac with a 15.6" or 16" screen with a full number pad, but the keypad is squished (narrow keys). Toshiba's have 16" ones with a proper number pad, but I can't find one with a dedicated video card within my price range. Acers and Asus' of this size are tricky, as they have models with number pads, but often keys are in the wrong place (like a 3 column pad with the . (del) button on the top row). Others have a full number pad, but sometimes the 0 (Ins) button is halved with the right arrow key nudging into its space (the Acer I'm looking at is this way). And yes, I know there are USB number pads I could use with a laptop without one, but that's not the route I want to go (another piece to fiddle with). I want maximum mobility with maximum usability, and a 15.6"-16" seems to be my honey hole. Compared to a 17", it's an inch narrower, an inch shallower, and a pound lighter.

Wow Planterz, I just noticed you live in Tucson, so do I...Small world. Visit the BestBuy on Irvington for that laptop! lol
Click to expand...

I'm in central Tucson, so it'd be either the Park Place or Tucson mall ones for me. I'd prefer to buy from an online vendor like newegg though to avoid sales tax; tax on $600 is nearly $50.
 
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Acer used to be quite a problem brand, I remember a point where I could sell one and there would be a good chance it would be returned as a defective unit. Fast-forward to the now, and they're probably one of the best values on the market.

The computer you linked would be adequate for light gaming, I used to run CoD4, HL2, etc. on a much less powerful laptop. You can also get Logitech/Microsoft wireless mice with a nano receiver, which are the exact same size as those micro bluetooth adapters.
 
I have an Acer, spec'd about the same as the one you're looking at, except its an Intel processor. I use it for work, and run streaming data thru it 23 hours a day. I've beat the snot out of it, and it has performed flawlessly for over a year now.
 
Here are a couple links to reliability surveys at PC World and PC Mag:

PC World Link

PC Mag Link

Make sure to look at the survey results for the both articles.

We've owned Dells, HPs, and now an ASUS on the Windows side. The LCDs eventually gave out on the Dells and HPs. I'd rate the Dell above the HP overall.

Both my kids have Macbooks and love them, but they are more expensive to begin with.
 
Planterz said:
That's a bit odd. When it comes to Acers, the results somewhat contradict each other.
Click to expand...

I'm not saying Acers are not good, I'm only saying there are much better brands than that out there for better money. My job invovles desktop support for a company with over 150 desktops and about 25-30 laptops.

From experience, I've gone through HP/Compaq, Acer, Dell, eMachines, etc. The worst of the bunch as far as desktops and laptops were the Acers. The best were the Toshiba Tecras and Satellites. One surprising result was that an HP probook has recently been converted for data capture using Solarwinds Orion and it's been on 24/7 for over a year with no issues at all.

Asus makes some decent laptops as well. Bottomline for me, Acer would be my last choice for a laptop. I would go with either Gateway/Toshiba for the media abilities. I dont want to start an Intel vs AMD thread here, but a majority of benchmark testing shows Intel has better performance and less power consumption than the equivalent AMD processors. That gateway I linked to has the 2nd best processor on the market, Core i3.
 
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Vege-Taco said:
Macbook Pro. Not the best for gaming, but it is the best OS. :D

If anyone wants to argue with me, go ahead, but I won't respond.
Click to expand...

Argue with ya? I couldnt agree more:thumbup::thumbup:

If you really want to hardcore, you can get upgrade your graphics card and what not...
 
Planterz said:
That's a bit odd. When it comes to Acers, the results somewhat contradict each other.
Click to expand...

The PC World survey gives them an average overall rating. On the PC Mag survey, go to the less than a year old section on the results link. They seem to fall in to the average range there.
 
acer builds in-house as it were, so better than the buys who get stuff built for them.
any decently equipped machine (windows 7 level) should run most of the older games.
rev is right, no point in a docking station, they are just left-overs from older days.
as far as intel v AMD, right now AMD are behind a bit, and really shine in PC-over clock setups, so I'd go for an intel (and I've only run AMDs for the past long time)
Basically, spend all the cash on the internals, and go for a smaller one, a cheap 17 or 19 inch LCD desk monitor will be miles ahead of a heavy laptop IMHO, besides, if you are sitting on a desk, a real keyboard and monitor are way better for the egros.

My comp advice as usual, find a brick and mortar store that you like, with good staff, good service. your odds of a dud computer are just as good, but at least you'll get decent service.
 
richard thurman said:
they make laptops with 17 screen on them. you want to buy one with the amd chip on it and not the intel chip because if you look at the viedo cards that come with the amd chip they are gaming viedo cards and the intel ones are not. i live on my laptop and would not trade it in for a home system. you want the fastest one that you have the money for because there is no swaping out the chip for a faster one on laptops. and get the most ram that you can afford too.
Click to expand...

What are you smoking? Show me an AMD laptop that will beat this intel?
http://www.xoticpc.com/asus-g73jha1-order-p-2731.html
 
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