NationStates Jolt Archive

1) I know nothing about computers. I need a laptop for my forthcoming trip abroad.

2) PC

3)cheep

My dad has suggested a Toshiba, since he thinks I should reward them for inventing the first laptop. This is easthetically pleasing to me, but what do you all suggest?

1) I know nothing about computers. I need a laptop for my forthcoming trip abroad.

2) PC

3)cheep

My dad has suggested a Toshiba, since he thinks I should reward them for inventing the first laptop. This is easthetically pleasing to me, but what do you all suggest?

4) Windows 98/Me/XP/Vista

5) (if you want computer games) SimCity 2000/3000/4

And I think you should either get a Presario or a Toshiba.

I love my Toshiba but mine is large and has difficulties cooling itself. But somehow, it makes up for all that by being nice to me (most days).

4) Windows 98/Me/XP/Vista

5) (if you want computer games) SimCity 2000/3000/4

And I think you should either get a Presario or a Toshiba.Why are there so many "Islands" around here?
Secluded Island, the South Island, Tropical Isles, and now The Remote Islands!


Yes, I like Windows, and I like SimCity. Anyone else have detailed pros and cons for particular models?

Feel free to bitch about anything I should stay away from.

You do realize that other currents of electricity can destroy your laptop if used for long periods of time, correct? If you realize this, and still wish to continue with the purchase, go ahead. You'll need equipment to adapt the power from the outlet to something compatable with your computer. Most adapters work for a short period of time but they are inefficient in the long run, which causes damage to the hardware. If this "trip abroad" is going to be for longer periods of time, I suggest that you do not purchase something in your home country if you feel that you need to have something.

What current do they have in Canada? Alternating or direct? What kind of plugs? *scratches head*
My dad has suggested a Toshiba ...
Get whatever, as long as it has warrenty, international support and is flexible with parts if repair is needed. Get something plain looking to avoid attention.

http://cnet.search.com/search?chkpt=astg.cnet.fd.search.cnet&q=laptops&tag=srch

Should help more than asking us about our favorite laptops (mine's a Gateway MX6450, btw.)

My Acer has done OK so far.

/the Mac user avoids so much as a comment but merely walks by whistling

Stay FAR FAR away from Toshiba laptops. I seriously think that Toshiba doesnt understand how heat works, as every Toshiba laptop I've owned has had heating issues to the point of the computer locking up every 10 seconds cause it gets too hot for the fan to handle. It isnt just me either. I looked online a while ago and found various message boards with tons of people complaining about their Toshibas overheating, and there have also been many suits against various Toshiba models overheating and people wanting their refunds. Just keep away.

I do suggest taking a look at this site: http://www.notebookreview.com It has VERY in depth reviews of tons of notebooks, complete with tons of pictures and comparisons.

/the Mac user avoids so much as a comment but merely walks by whistling
...incurring the wrath of all windows users present regardless...

You should go for ex-lease, or ex-government. They are cheap, and relatively recent. Unless your gaming (and that begs the question of "why a laptop?"), it will do everything you need.

I won't say whether or not you should look for one with a DVD-ROM, or burner for watching DVD's while you're away as I don't know if, or how many times you can change regional settings for playing DVD's.

we've had good luck with both compaqs and toshibas.

the biggest and most important advice about buying a laptop is

GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTY

they are prone to all sorts of little problems. ive had to take the son's in to best buy at least half a dozen times and ill probably be taking it in again soon since the school year as ended.

they are very hard to fix yourself. it involves removing 10,000 tiny screws half of which you lose immediately. removing ANY of them voids your warranty.

get the extended warranty and whatever addition you can get to regulate your power supply.

we've had good luck with both compaqs and toshibas.

they are prone to all sorts of little problems. ive had to take the son's in to best buy at least half a dozen times and ill probably be taking it in again soon since the school year as ended.

You call that good luck?

You call that good luck?
I was thinking the same thing. That soundsterribly unfortunate.

What current do they have in Canada? Alternating or direct? What kind of plugs? *scratches head*
The same as they have in the US. It's outside North America that they use different plugs, like Europe. :p

Personally, I have a Dell, and I love it. But as has been stated before, GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN YOU ORDER IT! Mine cracked the corner of the screen, so I've now got it hooked up to a full-sized computer monitor, and the replacement screen is close to $400 CND, almost half of what the laptop cost in the first place (before financing increased the total price thanks to interest) and this could have been replaced promptly if I'd spent the $200 for the good warranty in the first place. I forget what the Dell best-warranty is called, but make sure to read the details to see if it covers accidents caused by you! Mine fell less than a foot and a half, landed on one side, and the OPPOSITE side of the screen cracked. ANYTHING can happen. The best warranty available is worth every penny. I learned that the hard way.

Anyway, my suggestion for you is a Lenovo IBM Thinkpad. They're practically invincible, and relatively cheap. Not to mention, if you're going on a trip abroad, the extra security features on them could come in handy, such as the fingerprint scanner that they come with.

http://www-131.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10000001&catalogId=-840&langId=-1&categoryId=2035724

Stay FAR FAR away from Toshiba laptops. I seriously think that Toshiba doesnt understand how heat works, as every Toshiba laptop I've owned has had heating issues to the point of the computer locking up every 10 seconds cause it gets too hot for the fan to handle. It isnt just me either. I looked online a while ago and found various message boards with tons of people complaining about their Toshibas overheating, and there have also been many suits against various Toshiba models overheating and people wanting their refunds. Just keep away.

I do suggest taking a look at this site: http://www.notebookreview.com It has VERY in depth reviews of tons of notebooks, complete with tons of pictures and comparisons.

The Toshiba I am using RIGHT NOW runs for 5 hours straight 7 days a week.

Then you're lucky.

Tons of people dont have your luck:
http://www.google.com/search?hs=7Sf&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&q=toshiba+overheat&btnG=Search

What's the price range?

These are all off of newegg.

$499
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834147147

$500-750
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?N=2030260032+4021&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=32

$750-1000
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?N=2030260032+4022&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=32

$1000-1250
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?N=2030260032+4023&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=32


Remember to read the reviews, the more the better.

This laptop I'm using right now is Toshiba. Yeah, it overheats a few times a week at least. You have to position it so that the heat isn't building up or keep the left side of the laptop above the ground. Remote under it always works for me. Also, I recommend a laptop that is a Pentium M.....

Then you're lucky.

Tons of people dont have your luck:
http://www.google.com/search?hs=7Sf&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&q=toshiba+overheat&btnG=Search


Oh, jess so ya know, I use Windows ME with Internet Explorer Version 6.0, along with Yahoo! Toolbar. On a Toshiba Laptop Pentium 1 connected to a medium LCD screen.

...incurring the wrath of all windows users present regardless...
/mutters something under his breath involving Windows that sounds a little bit like "idiots", "security", and/or "peanut butter" if you're not listening too closely/

/mutters something under his breath involving Windows that sounds a little bit like "idiots", "security", and/or "peanut butter" if you're not listening too closely/
Aren't hackers and virus-inventors starting to wise up to the existence of Macs?

Why are there so many "Islands" around here?
Secluded Island, the South Island, Tropical Isles, and now The Remote Islands!

I did not want borders with pesky neighbours. Islands are nifty! My parents are from one, and we have a cottage on another. They're super.


On the laptop subject, my personal preference is for the smallest/lightest available. I figure getting anything else is missing the point. Depending on what you want to do with your comp, an Alphasmart (http://www.alphasmart.com/products/dana-w.html) is a less expensive option. It uses AA batteries, which are standard across the world.

P.S.: To establish my position- I still use a desktop (I often regret it). I plan on switching to a laptop after I finish school and get a nice job (UNLESS I opt for a really, really good box attached to a massive screen, in which case I would get an Alphasmart as a satellite, since it can double as a keyboard).

/the Mac user avoids so much as a comment but merely walks by whistling
joins you for a walk

Oh, jess so ya know, I use Windows ME with Internet Explorer Version 6.0, along with Yahoo! Toolbar. On a Toshiba Laptop Pentium 1 connected to a medium LCD screen.
:eek:

Aren't hackers and virus-inventors starting to wise up to the existence of Macs?

http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/comic.php?d=20060514

/mutters something under his breath involving Windows that sounds a little bit like "idiots", "security", and/or "peanut butter" if you're not listening too closely/
*hears mutterings*
Someone's jealous.;)

Anyway, OPer. If you manage to rob some girlscouts in the near future, by a Macbook Pro. Now before you shoot me, get bootcamp and dual-boot Windows. It has high-end hardware, and is very light. They also had someone who knows something about thermal paste, show them how much to apply on the knewer ones. however, it is expensive as hell.

Speaking of hell, avoid HP, integrated graphics, and shared because they will kill your father and rape your mother. Dell and ACER tend to be good choices.

Anything but a Viao. Sony's tech support sucks and thier laptops have some cooling issues.

Personally if you are looking at keeping the price cheep I have had great luck with the compaq presario V2000

I am not normaly a compaq fan but for 850 it was an awsome price ... good on heat and long battery life

Not a gaming machine but it is great for what I do with it ... and I am an above average user

Anything but a Viao. Sony's tech support sucks and thier laptops have some cooling issues.
My cousin-in-law used to work for their tech support, and he wouldn't buy one on a bet--that ought to tell you plenty.

if you are going to get a laptop i suggest spending some money on it or else it will be a paperwieght sooner then you think.

tech changes really fast and it just gets faster. laptops can be upgraded but it is more difficult then a desktop and not suggested for amatuers to do themself.

plus youll be much happier with the product

if you are going to get a laptop i suggest spending some money on it or else it will be a paperwieght sooner then you think.

tech changes really fast and it just gets faster. laptops can be upgraded but it is more difficult then a desktop and not suggested for amatuers to do themself.

plus youll be much happier with the product
Actually, it is getting slower. Moore's law had to be changed from one year to two years. Also computer no longer become obsolete the year they where made.

The Macbook Pro can run Windows XP now.

And the Wonderful Apple OSX, for 2 grand its a steal.

The Macbook Pro can run Windows XP now.
Beat ya to it.

And the Wonderful Apple OSX for 2 grand, its a steal.
And the GNU/Linux/BSD/Solaris OS for free, its a steal.

First of all i would sugest looking for a company that will sell you a a amd athlon 64 architecture. make sure it is about 3800+ or better. Then make sure about your video card. if you want to save money on that make sure that you will be able to switch it out easily on your own. alienware introduced this concept. plus they have some good semi cheep laptops like in the 2500 range which is what most toshibas or ibs that are any good would come in at. your video card and chip architecture set are the most important components to any computer. that is why mac sucks because they always had a horably inadiquit chip architecture. pluse they could never get a good video card in.

Piekrom']First of all i would sugest looking for a company that will sell you a a amd athlon 64 architecture. make sure it is about 3800+ or better. Then make sure about your video card. if you want to save money on that make sure that you will be able to switch it out easily on your own. alienware introduced this concept. plus they have some good semi cheep laptops like in the 2500 range which is what most toshibas or ibs that are any good would come in at. your video card and chip architecture set are the most important components to any computer. that is why mac sucks because they always had a horably inadiquit chip architecture. pluse they could never get a good video card in.
By all means avoid the standard desktop AMD64 desktop procs ... I have had nothing but bad experience out of their heat and size

But DO go amd ... like I mentioned before my compaq v2000, Runing AMD turion 32 in it

I would absolutly recomend the turion series

The Macbook Pro can run Windows XP now.

And the Wonderful Apple OSX, for 2 grand its a steal.
While it is a solid laptop ... 2 grand hardly fits the "Cheep" portion of the OP's requirements

People love to recomend cool hardware that compleatly does not fit the users actual use pattern

Stay FAR FAR away from Toshiba laptops. I seriously think that Toshiba doesnt understand how heat works, as every Toshiba laptop I've owned has had heating issues to the point of the computer locking up every 10 seconds cause it gets too hot for the fan to handle. It isnt just me either. I looked online a while ago and found various message boards with tons of people complaining about their Toshibas overheating, and there have also been many suits against various Toshiba models overheating and people wanting their refunds. Just keep away.

I do suggest taking a look at this site: http://www.notebookreview.com It has VERY in depth reviews of tons of notebooks, complete with tons of pictures and comparisons.


You're right Toshiba lap tops do overheat,especially on your lap, it depends how you will be carrying really, I found toshiba was good as long as you didnt cover the vents at all. Acer's are cheaper and are of fairly good quality.

While it is a solid laptop ... 2 grand hardly fits the "Cheap" portion of the OP's requirements

People love to recomend cool hardware that compleatly does not fit the users actual use pattern
Well, why not? It's fun. :)

Well, why not? It's fun. :)
Fun but useless most of the time :)

Sorry I am just used to dealing with clients that will take their money esewhere if you are not at least reasonable lol

Fun but useless most of the time :)

Sorry I am just used to dealing with clients that will take their money esewhere if you are not at least reasonable lol
And I am used to clients that cannot read fucking signs properly. However, I don't work in the information technologies sector.

Anyways. To the OP, I suggest you buy a regular PC, tilt it on its side, then ducttape and LCD moniter to it.

And I am used to clients that cannot read fucking signs properly. However, I don't work in the information technologies sector.

Anyways. To the OP, I suggest you buy a regular PC, tilt it on its side, then ducttape and LCD moniter to it.
http://www.turkcadcam.net/teknomizah/images/siradisi/redneck_laptop.jpg

http://www.turkcadcam.net/teknomizah/images/siradisi/redneck_laptop.jpg
I said LCD.:D

I said LCD.:D
Lol but that wont work! will be to light in the front for the counterbalance!

Lol but that wont work! will be to light in the front for the counterbalance!
That is where the laws of levers come in. You place the moniter further away and it will apply more torque on the axis of rotation. Dell makes 30 inch moniters for a reason.

That is where the laws of levers come in. You place the moniter further away and it will apply more torque on the axis of rotation. Dell makes 30 inch moniters for a reason.
What the hell size generator do you have to strap to your ass for that to work?

What the hell size generator do you have to strap to your ass for that to work?
To be fair CRT's are not exactly power efficent lol

What the hell size generator do you have to strap to your ass for that to work?
You could easily tape a bunch of batteries together then connect them in serial. It'll be like xmas lights for the rig :). There is one important issue that we have been overlooking: Where are we going to find a nerd capable of carrying this?

You could easily tape a bunch of batteries together then connect them in serial. It'll be like xmas lights for the rig :). There is one important issue that we have been overlooking: Where are we going to find a nerd capable of carrying this?
Im 6 foot 4, bout 210 pounds and have lived/worked on a farm my whole life ... I voulenteer

Im 6 foot 4, bout 210 pounds and have lived/worked on a farm my whole life ... I voulenteer
Wow, I'm 6'2 ~190lbs, goon on my hockey team. I could support the damned thing too, I just didn't think there would ever be to strong nerds on one forum.

Wow, I'm 6'2 ~190lbs, goon on my hockey team. I could support the damned thing too, I just didn't think there would ever be to strong nerds on one forum.
I'm 5'10" and 240, and worked for a number of years both in a grocery warehouse and a brewery, slinging full beer kegs around. I could carry it, but fuck that. :D

I'm 5'10" and 240, and worked for a number of years both in a grocery warehouse and a brewery, slinging full beer kegs around. I could carry it, but fuck that. :D
Lemme guess, you got fired for stealing. :D

Lemme guess, you got fired for stealing. :D
Nah, quit to change coasts and get back into teaching. I'd had a fellowship at Stanford, but San Francisco was too expensive to live in without a second gig. That brewery job was one of the best ever--if I could have made it on just that salary, I'd sure have been tempted to try, even though I love teaching.

Nah, quit to change coasts and get back into teaching. I'd had a fellowship at Stanford, but San Francisco was too expensive to live in without a second gig. That brewery job was one of the best ever--if I could have made it on just that salary, I'd sure have been tempted to try, even though I love teaching.
Did you get an employee discount?

Did you get an employee discount?
Discount? We got it free--all we wanted in the tap room after work, we could drink with our lunch as long as we didn't get shitty, and we got a free case to take home every Friday. God, I miss that job some days.

Make sure it has USB 2

Get the extended warranty

Dont flash the BIOS

Have fun.

Make sure it has USB 2

Get the extended warranty

Dont flash the BIOS

Have fun.What is the last laptop ... or desktop for that matter that you have seen come without USB2?

My dad has suggested a ToshibaI agree with him. I also suggest Acer, but problem is their warranty is not very good.

And I think you should either get a Presario or a Toshiba.Bad idea, I've seen so many Compaq, HP, and Dell PC's ended up in computer shops for repairs. Most of them were less then 2 years old.

What is the last laptop ... or desktop for that matter that you have seen come without USB2?


My cheap HP last year. I didnt check. I was an idiot.

Stay FAR FAR away from Toshiba laptops. I seriously think that Toshiba doesnt understand how heat works, as every Toshiba laptop I've owned has had heating issues to the point of the computer locking up every 10 seconds cause it gets too hot for the fan to handle. It isnt just me either. I looked online a while ago and found various message boards with tons of people complaining about their Toshibas overheating, and there have also been many suits against various Toshiba models overheating and people wanting their refunds. Just keep away.I think you're talking about those older "Pentium 4 M" models, they do have cpu fan problems. I had a newer "Pentium M" laptop and it runs just fine, even for more than 24 hours.

My cheap HP last year. I didnt check. I was an idiot.
Wow ... I have not run across one in quite a while even in the cheep versions

Usually it is more a problem with the Number of ports rather then the quality

Bad idea, I've seen so many Compaq, HP, and Dell PC's ended up in computer shops for repairs. Most of them were less then 2 years old.
Well working in a campus run computer shop we really dont see any more of them (by brand) then any other brand.

There are a few rogue models sometimes that have a bad history (for example the 1000 series from dell) but just about every model has one of thoes

Just don't buy one in PCWorld and you'll be fine. My mates and i stand behind the 'workers' and listen to them lying to their customers. Then we provide our own 'technical assistance'.

Anyway, look for a HD that spins no slower than 5400rpm and is bigger than 20Gs, as was previously said, a non-integrated graphics card, as much memory as you can afford (bitch to upgrade), things to check for are their procedures on dead pixels, (i've heard some fantastic ones), if the battery is included in the warranty (often it isn't) and how many ports you can jam things in (usb2.0).

Apart from that, color is the most important thing.

For a basic laptop for work ... not gaming (totally different matter)
* Pentium M (Centrino) processor
* Get Bluetooth, Wireless LAN built-in
* Gigabit Ethernet
* Do get a DVD-burner so you do not have to lug around an external USB one
* 5400rpm hard drive (4200 rpm are about 50% slower)
* Get one with decent amount of USB 2.0 ports
* Get a decent warranty - one year is not enough

If you're into AMD big time, get the 64-bit AMD mobile processors instead. High end laptops use the Intel Core Solo and Core Duo processors. If you want real cheap, Celerons are the go ... but they are badly crippled.

Screens - 14" or 15". Small laptops use the 12" ones and the mega laptops have 17".

Most laptops have video systems decent enough DVD viewing and other fun things - except gaming.

For gaming, nVidia 7300GS and ATI Radeon X1600 are standard in higher end gaming laptops. Integrated video like the Intel GMA 900 and 950 is useless for gaming.

For a basic laptop for work ... not gaming (totally different matter)
* Pentium M (Centrino) processor
* Get Bluetooth, Wireless LAN built-in
* Gigabit Ethernet
* Do get a DVD-burner so you do not have to lug around an external USB one
* 5400rpm hard drive (4200 rpm are about 50% slower)
* Get one with decent amount of USB 2.0 ports
* Get a decent warranty - one year is not enough

If you're into AMD big time, get the 64-bit AMD mobile processors instead.

Screens - 14" or 15". Small laptops use the 12" ones and the mega laptops have 17".

Most laptops have video systems decent enough DVD viewing and other fun things - except gaming.

For gaming, nVidia 7300GS and ATI Radeon X1600 are standard in higher end gaming laptops. Integrated video like the Intel GMA 900 and 950 is useless for gaming.
On that note, I have an ATI Radeon X600, and it runs Rome, Total War no problems.

get this one! only 21 mm thick ... yummy

http://www.lge.com/products/model/detail/t1%20express%20dual.jhtml

On that note, I have an ATI Radeon X600, and it runs Rome, Total War no problems.

Anything faster than a X600 on laptop is fine, but the X1600 is top end I guess. SUPER TOP end is the one in the Dell XPS series ... anyone for a nVidia 7900?

Oh, I'm waiting for the Intel Core 2 - 64 bit version of Core Duo for the laptops. :)

Putting up with Pentium 4 Mobile 1.7Ghz and 32Mb Radeon 7500 at the moment.

I would sugest you go to alienware they have a great machien for about 1000-1500 depending on how you want to spec it out. look for the area-51_m5500. do remember to call in when ordering to doble check if you can swap out the graphics card easily.

The same as they have in the US. It's outside North America that they use different plugs, like Europe. :p
Thought it would be the same but since there are bags of milk in Ontario, one never knows.

/the Mac user avoids so much as a comment but merely walks by whistling

Augh, thank God, another Mac user. Macintosh is the best.

Well working in a campus run computer shop we really dont see any more of them (by brand) then any other brand.

There are a few rogue models sometimes that have a bad history (for example the 1000 series from dell) but just about every model has one of thoesWell, I worked in a local computer shop myself. Probably most of the people in my town owned HP's and Compaqs, thank you Radio Shack for making our business thriving from your shitty computers you sold. Other than brand name PC's, the rest are white boxes that are more than 5 years old, nearing the end of their useful life span. Most have problems ranging from bad sticks to blown caps to dead Maxtor drives, the rest are virus and spyware problem. And yes, the Dell 1000 series are a pain in the ass.

Macintosh is the best.Macs are for little kids. :D

Oh, I'm waiting for the Intel Core 2 - 64 bit version of Core Duo for the laptops. :)

Core 2 are redesigned next-gen chip, I heard these chips can outperform AMD chips. Let's wait and see.

Core 2 are redesigned next-gen chip, I heard these chips can outperform AMD chips. Let's wait and see.
For a bit ... then AMD will probably nail something new down the line

Kind of like ATI and NVidia ... they are always battling it out (and consumers are reaping the benifit)

Augh, thank God, another Mac user. Macintosh is the best.
You mispelt Linux.

You mispelt Linux.
Well *Nix anyways

You mispelt Linux.

you misspelled misspelled :p

toshiba, or at least a mac.

you misspelled misspelled :p
on porpoise

on porpoise

now its just getting ridikulis

now its just getting ridikulis

At least it's yet to reach redonkulous.

On a related computer note

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzbOoJNC_TU

On the laptop subject, my personal preference is for the smallest/lightest available. I figure getting anything else is missing the point.Well, it really depends on what you want to do with it. If you are planning to replace your desktop and switch entirely to a notebook, I would recommend spending a little more and not worrying too much about the size and weight. Most of the time you will wind up using it on a desk, and you'll want it to be the best replacement for your desktop possible. It's real advantage is that you can pick it up and take it with you.

Of course, if you're going to be carrying it with you all the time, and/or you have no intention of permanently replacing your desktop, then you probably want something as light as possible.

But remember, the smaller they make them, the more prone they are to overheating. (This should make sense... cramming hot components into a smaller space definitely hurts ventilation.)

Even so, I think you'll be happier going with something bigger and more powerful. I'm using an Alienware notebook right now that probably weighs ten lbs... but it has a nice widescreen monitor, tv tuner, excellent graphics: the whole package.

One final piece of advice: invest $30 or so in a cooling pad of some sort. I'm using a Targus cooling pad with two fans right now... It's not at all awkward on my lap, and it's powered through one of my USB ports. It's so quiet I sometimes check to see if it's really working, and it keeps the computer so cool that a) the internal fan almost never turns on at all; and b) after several hours of casual use, the bottom of the machine is literally cool to the touch. Well worth it.

Last note on laptops, don't put one on your lap. They get really warm underneath due to the heat from the motherboard and CPU generated.

Last note on laptops, don't put one on your lap. They get really warm underneath due to the heat from the motherboard and CPU generated.
Most of them are actualy designed to exhaust heat through the user ...

Its really not a problem for the computer unless you have thick cloths or blankets on blocking contact or airflow

is it too late to suggest a Dell XPS2? cos they pwn?

edit:

Most of them are actualy designed to exhaust heat through the user ...

i actually worry about my balls/spermcount when the laptop gets so hot like that...

...but you really didn't need to know that :p

Alienware laptops are better than Dell XPS laptops, and they cost about the same.

With Alienware, you don't get *any* proprietary parts. Dells are full of proprietary stuff, even their XPS systems. You can fully upgrade Alienware laptops. You can only upgrade some parts on XPS laptops.

Well thank-you to everone. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the response, and I don't understand all of it. However, ya'll have given me some ideas. I guess the other thing I forgot to mention is that I need to get it this week.
So I decided on a IBM/lenovo thinkpad T60 - I like the idea that is won't fall appart since I'll becarting it around a bit, and it seems to be very popular and fairly well-recieved. Also, I found one at the university bookstore I can get on the spot. If anyone has further recomendations regarding this, I'd be happy to hear them.

is it too late to suggest a Dell XPS2? cos they pwn?

I think he's on a budget. A Dell XPS 1710 would cost $AUS 5000 for me ...

Looking at specs for Thinkpad T60 ... great!

Oh avoid the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950. The ATI Mobility Radeons are much better video cards.

I think he's on a budget. A Dell XPS 1710 would cost $AUS 5000 for me ...
oh yeah... good point :p

and i understand that Dell in america is allowed to lock their machines to only work with Dell-manafactured or proprietary parts, yes... which is a load of complete wank. i also understand, here in the UK, they're not allowed to do that :D (ergo: woo upgradability!)

oh yeah... good point :p

and i understand that Dell in america is allowed to lock their machines to only work with Dell-manafactured or proprietary parts, yes... which is a load of complete wank. i also understand, here in the UK, they're not allowed to do that :D (ergo: woo upgradability!)

No wonder you can't upgrade those Dells without issues.

For example, my Compaq Evo N1000C - I can buy memory which works on it from Kingston, Corsair, HP/Compaq, Geil, OCZ, etc. If it was a Dell, tricky ...

oh yeah... good point :p

and i understand that Dell in america is allowed to lock their machines to only work with Dell-manafactured or proprietary parts, yes... which is a load of complete wank. i also understand, here in the UK, they're not allowed to do that :D (ergo: woo upgradability!)
Not usualy really an issue honestly ... except for case power switches (BTW Gateway and compaq do the same) are propriatary

The only other sometimes propritary parts are the power supplies ... you can convert them

(that is in desktops that is)

No wonder you can't upgrade those Dells without issues.

For example, my Compaq Evo N1000C - I can buy memory which works on it from Kingston, Corsair, HP/Compaq, Geil, OCZ, etc. If it was a Dell, tricky ...
I have never had a problem upgrading ram on a dell laptop or desktop (in fact my desktop came with crucial ram back in the day before I built them)

So I have my new toy here at home. I decided to name him Darcy, since he is slim, dark, handsome, and altogether ravishing. The other options - Knightly, Tilney, Edmund, and Wentworth, just didn't seem right.

What names do your computers have?