Buying a Laptop, but what should I get?
 

So finally, after years and years, I am getting a laptop. But I am not sure what I should be looking for.

Here are my needs:

*Internet (So I can take my addiction wherever I go, check email, etc)
*Plenty of storage space (i plan on using is as ANOTHER backup for my important files)
*High speed (because I need a lot of programs on it, like MS Office, Adobe Pagemaker, etc, and one of my pet peeves is slow ass computers that crash with multiple programs open!)

Also, although this is a personal computer, I've found that I need a laptop for my job -- we have to upload attendance and have quick access to our shared drives.

It seems like I don't need a lot, but I don't know what to look for. Do I want a Dell? Do I want a Sony Vaio (that's what my desktop is)? Is it better to get a cheap laptop and use an external hard drive for storage? (I already have one.)

Thoughts?

PS, I guess it goes without saying that I would need USB ports.... and one of those SD slots would be nice.

Ugh, that's the worst!

But I think I made a decision.....



Sony VAIO Notebook with Intel® Centrino® Duo Mobile Technology - White
Model: VGN-FE660G


15.4" WXGA LCD widescreen display with XBRITE-ECO technology and 1280 x 800 resolution


100GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)


Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with 128MB dynamically allocated shared video memory; VGA-out with Smart Display Sensor


i.LINK (IEEE 1394) port and 3 USB 2.0 ports for digital data transfer and mobile digital imaging capabilities; Memory Stick media slot


Multimedia card reader with support for Memory Stick Duo with MagicGate functionality; included 5-in-1 memory card adapter (VGP-MCA20) supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card


Built-in 10Base-T/100Base-TX Fast Ethernet LAN with RJ-45 connector; V.90/V.92 high-speed modem


Weighs 6.2 lbs. and measures 1.4" thin for portable power; lithium-ion battery and AC adapter


Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 with Update Rollup 2 operating system preinstalled; software package included with Sony Click to DVD, DVgate Plus, SonicStage and more




That should be good, right?

I DON'T KNOW DID YOU GET IT FROM NIGERIA?!!!!

LOL. I have no idea, but I really want to get a MacBook. My understanding is that you can run Windows on those with no problem.

Okay, cool beans.

Although you've already made your decision, the Washington Post recently published a couple of articles on this topic.

The Laptop-Buying Learning Curve
By Rob Pegoraro
Sunday, August 13, 2006; Page F01

and

Laptop Guide

hope it helps someone. :)

Those articles are helpful! Thanks for posting them.

An update....after the sale price on what I wanted went up, I conferred with my coworker/mentor/frat who suggested the Dell Inspiron 15somethingorother, which I ordered.

The next day, the exploding Dell battery issue came out....so I guess I am still waiting on my order, lol

I ended up going w/ a MacBook, and so far I LOVE it! :)

You should take a real good look at:
http://www.alienware.com/

One of the best out there.

Did anyone see the recall on Dell laptops? Certain battery types (made by Sony) catch fire.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14374302/

totally agree with this. i just got mine for my masters program and its awesome!

Another thing I should mention is don't forget to get an external harddrive so you can backup your files. They are super-cheap right now...I got a 250 gig iomega from buy.com for a little more than $100.

Got one! Got the Maxtor One Touch, 300 GB capacity. LOVE IT.

Yeah, Dell's not really the best choice.

I've bought HPs in the past, but when I needed a new laptop last month I chose an Acer. Exactly what I wanted/needed, for the best price.

i have a toshiba and i LOVE it... but i HATE HATE HATE dealing with their customer service. I've only had 2 "issues" with them in the 4 years i've owned the laptop, so it's a good brand - i just hate having to deal with customer service when ordering an additional part / replacement item.