puchasing a new computer

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mustafa
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Mustafa

I am going to get my first Laptop (notebook) computer, and was wondering
what things should I look out for, especially which models are the best
(below $1,500). I have my eye set on a Toshiba Satellite SA60-332, but
am also considering the Satellite SA50-432 (I want toshiba cause of the
3 years int. warranty)

However I have some questions;

Which is better; Pentium 4, 2.8ghz processor or Centrino 1.5ghz?
What is the bus speed and which is best?
What is the difference between Level 2 cache and the standard one, I
know it's the temporary ram on the chip, but what else. And will a Level
2, 2mb cache really be that fast?

Also, I don't mind changing brands as long as I get a really tough
notebook, I don't care about the weight or the size, be it 15kgs, but I
want toughness more than anything, can anyone recomend a specifc model
(other than the panasonic toughbook)
 
Mustafa said:
I am going to get my first Laptop (notebook) computer, and was wondering
what things should I look out for,
Click to expand...


If you need a notebook, look for 15" TFT active-matrix display at 1024X768
or better, P4 (NOT celeron) or Athlon XP-M processor, 512MB RAM, 64MB or
more video ram (NOT shared), 60GB hard drive or better, CDR/W drive (or
DVDRW), built-in wireless lan, built-in NIC (for when you are not in a hot
spot) and several USB 2.0 ports built in. Anything that doesn't meet those
minimum requirements is not worth considering, unless they literally give it
to you for free. -Dave
 
Dave said:
If you need a notebook, look for 15" TFT active-matrix display at
1024X768 or better, P4 (NOT celeron) or Athlon XP-M processor,
512MB RAM, 64MB or more video ram (NOT shared), 60GB hard drive or
better, CDR/W drive (or DVDRW), built-in wireless lan, built-in NIC
(for when you are not in a hot spot) and several USB 2.0 ports
built in. Anything that doesn't meet those minimum requirements is
not worth considering, unless they literally give it to you for
free. -Dave
Click to expand...

I just picked up two of the following:

Toshiba S126, Celeron 2.8, 512 MB RAM, 64 MB Shared Video RAM, 60 Gig HDD,
DVD-CDRW, 15.4" TFT, built-in wireless (G), built-in LAN, plus case, plus
Lexmark Z715 printer, all from Best Buy at about $700 each (including sales
taxes) after rebates. I bought one on a Sunday, and went back the following
Thursday for a second. There are intended as "Internet appliances" for
various locations on my home network.

Based on your comments (and being aware of the drawbacks of certain aspects
of these particular machines, in particular Celeron processors), I still
think that the package price of $700 _almost_ qualifies as a give-away. Do
you agree?
 
Dave C. said:
If you need a notebook, look for 15" TFT active-matrix display at 1024X768
or better, P4 (NOT celeron) or Athlon XP-M processor
Click to expand...

In his price range, an Athlon 64 would be a great choice.
 
Armond said:
I just picked up two of the following:

Toshiba S126, Celeron 2.8, 512 MB RAM, 64 MB Shared Video RAM, 60 Gig HDD,
DVD-CDRW, 15.4" TFT, built-in wireless (G), built-in LAN, plus case, plus
Lexmark Z715 printer, all from Best Buy at about $700 each (including sales
taxes) after rebates. I bought one on a Sunday, and went back the following
Thursday for a second. There are intended as "Internet appliances" for
various locations on my home network.

Based on your comments (and being aware of the drawbacks of certain aspects
of these particular machines, in particular Celeron processors), I still
think that the package price of $700 _almost_ qualifies as a give-away. Do
you agree?
Click to expand...

I am afraid that you have made not one but two foolish purchases, since
they do not meet Dave C's mimimum requirements. It's too bad, but the
best you can do now is throw that junk in the trash and try again.
 
Matt said:
I am afraid that you have made not one but two foolish purchases,
since they do not meet Dave C's mimimum requirements. It's too
bad, but the best you can do now is throw that junk in the trash
and try again.
Click to expand...

Geez, I guess I didn't realize that meeting Dave's minimum requirements was
mandatory. Or did I just get trolled?

My point of course was that for $700 this smelled pretty good to my
non-professional nose.
 
Armond said:
Geez, I guess I didn't realize that meeting Dave's minimum requirements was
mandatory. Or did I just get trolled?

My point of course was that for $700 this smelled pretty good to my
non-professional nose.
Click to expand...

The Celeron is not too good, but overall you did pretty well I guess.
 
Armond said:
Geez, I guess I didn't realize that meeting Dave's minimum requirements was
mandatory. Or did I just get trolled?
Click to expand...

He was being sardonic of Dave C's 'absolutist' requirements that completely
ignore what purpose the notebook might be for.
My point of course was that for $700 this smelled pretty good to my
non-professional nose.
Click to expand...

It is, if it meets your needs.
 
Matt said:
The Celeron is not too good, but overall you did pretty well I guess.
Click to expand...

Geeze, let the guy enjoy his 'puter. You never want to know the 'profit'
that car salesman made off you with that 'GREAT' deal you 'think' you got.
But why spoil the enjoyment anyway. It's good we have money to burn on
these 'toys' anyway.
 
I just picked up two of the following:

Toshiba S126, Celeron 2.8, 512 MB RAM, 64 MB Shared Video RAM, 60 Gig HDD,
DVD-CDRW, 15.4" TFT, built-in wireless (G), built-in LAN, plus case, plus
Lexmark Z715 printer, all from Best Buy at about $700 each (including sales
taxes) after rebates. I bought one on a Sunday, and went back the following
Thursday for a second. There are intended as "Internet appliances" for
various locations on my home network.

Based on your comments (and being aware of the drawbacks of certain aspects
of these particular machines, in particular Celeron processors), I still
think that the package price of $700 _almost_ qualifies as a give-away. Do
you agree?
Click to expand...

For an Internet appliance only, YES, that's a great deal. If you want to do
any real work with a notebook, then no, those are not good deals, as they
are overpriced after rebates. -Dave
 
tooly said:
Geeze, let the guy enjoy his 'puter. You never want to know the 'profit'
that car salesman made off you with that 'GREAT' deal you 'think' you got.
But why spoil the enjoyment anyway. It's good we have money to burn on
these 'toys' anyway.
Click to expand...


Ya know, some people actually use these things you call 'toys' for
productive purposes.
 
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