notebook computer

[radman1]

Is Windows going to phase out XP and go Vista alone?
Put Windows operating system on a Mac computer? It's likes dogs living with cats. Hadn't considered that.

 

[greenedeere]

I to have an older millenium HP desktop and had no problems, Been thru 4 HP notebooks and agree with Soundguy and Gordon21, at work we use dozens of diffrent brands and each have their problems.For my personal use I stick with the box store brands also for support and help when needed.Wide screen would be the only way to go in my opinion.Go to a place such as Circuit City etc.,ask all the questions to the ones who know!!!!!! what they are taking about,not hard to find the ones that do. Ask at the customer service which ones have the most problems and which ones take longer to get back when the do.typically the price ranges in each brand have somewhat the same features needed or not. Some stores have a period of return if not satisfied with the purchase for replacement and/or refund. Good hunting,almost as hard as buying a tractor.

 

[texbaylea]

I currently have 2 Toshibas. The 4 year old one is used by my wife linked to her embroidery machine. Had 2 system board failures due to power jack problems but service was timely and no hassle. No screen problems what so ever.

A laptop computer is the only thing I buy an extended warranty/service policy for and it paid off for the older Toshiba. Coverage on the newer laptop through the fourth year was less than $200 with special pricing.

Vernon

 

[Catman1]

I have used HP laptops for the past 3 1/2 years. Good machines and HP now is ahead of Dell in the surveys. HP has good customer support.

I also agree that if you need broadband internet support on the laptop when you travel, the Verizion EVDO card and their coverage is outstanding. I travel all over the country and Verizon EVDO works everywhere.

 

[Soundguy]

Since toshiba was mentioned.. I'll throw in my hat on the screen problem. My older toshiba screen is shot.. have to use an external PC monitor to see anything..

Soundguy

 

[rback33]

My office is exclusively Dell. I love my notebook. It's and Inspiron 6400 w/ dual core processor. I made sure we got the Bluetooth connectivty also so I can take photos with my cell in a pinch and upload right away. Minimizes what I have to carry when I travel. My brother works for Alltel which is king out here in Kansas and I connect to the net at home through my E815 phone. Not as fast as the office, but way faster than dial-up. It will work anywhere I have cell service. I have had few connection issues, but that may be due to my house being in the sticks and I have to use booster setup to even have service. I love it. Partly because I am addicted to my email and want to check for messages as soon as I land in airports. I too am looking for a personal notebook for home and am enjoying this thread. Unfortunately money is tighter at the moment or I would buy one just like my work one here, but the Compaq have my attention....

one clarification.... I do not use an aircard... i connect my notebook to my phone with a data cable and it exchanges data over the network. $25 a month for unlimited data on Alltel. Better than anything else I could get for home...

 

[Timber]

I have a new HP Pavilion 9000 series wide screen and I love it. I have used HPs for years and love them. Although I just acquired a Dell 20 inch flat screen for my desk top at work and I am very impressed with that. When I went shopping for this Laptop I wanted a wide screen and I am particular about my Key pad arrangement. I need a numeric pad on on my keyboard. I use numbers all the time so keep that in mind if your use to a numeric pad. This lap top had incredible wireless range too. I can get out by the pool, in the garage and down to the barn and still have a great signal. I also want to note that I went through Best Buy and had them set up my wireless connection. I think I paid $100 dollars and I got my wireless router, and the Geek squad came out and set it up and installed all my virus programs. I think the router alone was $60 bucks. It was a great deal. I am still waiting for my Vista upgrade disks and I will have Best buy install that too because that was part of the deal. All and All I am very happy

 

[jwstewar]

I just bought my fourth Toshiba back in January. Only problem I've ever had was with the very first one. Hadn't had it too long and something happened to it. Took it in to Best Buy for service (it was something minor but I don't remember what it was) and they lost it. BB refunded all of my money including for the docking station and memory (that I didn't buy from them). Bought another Toshiba the same day. Used it for probably 4 years. Sold it to a company I did consutling for and bought another in '99. Last I knew (2004) they were still using it connected to their routers for configuration settings via serial port. I used the computer that I bought in '99 until January when I sold it and bought another Toshiba. Bought it at Circuit City. Wanted something w/ XP but w/ a Vista upgrade. (just got an e-mail that my Vista has shipped). It has a gig of RAM (exp to 4), 160 gig hd, 1.66 Core 2 Duo, Wi-fi, LAN, modem, a Dual-layer DVD+/-RW/RAM drive, and built in memory card reader. It also has a 15.4" Tru-brite screen. I really like the screen. (Hope what the others are saying misses me) After rebates I got the comptuer, a Canon printer, and anti-virus software for $799. I then sold the printer for $50. I really like it so far.

Just out of curiosity, I found screens for a lot of laptops on ebay for less than $125.

 

[Timber]

I am hoping Vista is everything they say it is. My Hp is a Media center because it is my personal computer. I was not interested in TV capability or the built in web cam although I would buy it if it had 1. I personally love Web Cams I prefer external devises and tripods. I tend to use 2 messenger programs at the same time. MSN has the best Video feature and AIM has the best audio feature. I usually let AOL run in the background. I can hang out with the wife at work while do all my computer entry's or anyone else I want to talk too. The video telephone is alive and well. I also recommend a portable laptop desk. They fold in 1/2 and let your computer breath not to mention keeping the heat off your legs. I do Like the fact that the new computer didn't come with a lot of garbage programs that my last one had. It was kind of nice be able to load what I want and not have to dump a bunch of crap that needs to be updated for a fee. I have actually seen that GPS program for your Laptop, its about $80. Hear is the trucker in me now. This system might be fine if you have mount for your computer but if it is just floating around on the seat forget about it and buy a Tom Tom that goes up in your wind screen. Eyes on the road not on the front seat not to mention it sliding off onto the floor

 

[riptides]

A number of posteers have noted travel abilities and EVDO cards or EVDO phones. Some HP notebooks are EVDO enabled, as are some phones. The ultimate in wireless connectivity would also be bluetooth enabled notebook and EVDO phone. This would allow for internet connectivity and sharing of address and contact data etween the platforms.

I use Verizon as my ISP on travel and for cell/data/bluetooth abilities. A lot of the EVDO cards and modems out right now are older models, so choose the REV A card which is next-gen EVDO. There are no EVDO REV A phones out yet.

Choose wisely in the laptop and you'll get rid of most all your cables.


-Mike Z.