A request for help/information on buying a laptop.

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A request for help/information on buying a laptop.

(44 posts) (9 voices)

Started 15 years ago by ibwebb
Latest reply from Idunnobutiwastold

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ibwebb
Member

Hello and thank you in advance to any and all that are willing to help my with my 'new adventure'.

I know that many of you know and have heard the story of what is about to happen. For that reason I will keep it short and get on with the asking for help part. Not quite 7 months ago I purchased a laptop and warranty (a Toshiba Satellite TL-64, AMD Turion 64x2 Mobile, 2.19GHz, 3.0G RAM). I had some little quirks with it from the beginning, but after a few months they became horribly annoying. I contacted them and they sent me to a shop they used to have it looked at. As it happened, the mother board is dieing and the problems get worse as time goes buy. They ended up buying back the laptop (minus the cost of the warranty and a small fee that lets me keep the dieing one). Shortly after I found myself in a situation that I had to move. In a pinch I had to use some of the money to get a washer and drier that fits in the new apartment. So, I am about to have saved up what I have had to use and am searching for the replacement laptop.

I am not completely computer illiterate, but find that with all the technology out there and the different 'this and thats' that are out there now; I am unsure of what is better than what. Although I do enjoy playing games now and then; I am not one of those gamers on the edge and getting every new game with the greatest of graphics. Most of what I play is a few years (or older) and besides browsing the internet I do little past the usual (scan, crop, save a few pics/ type a few letters or stories).

My questions at this time (as I search through the laptops) are:

1) What is or is there a difference in quality/speed/other with VIA C7, Core 2 Dou/Core Dou, Turion 64x2, and Athlon 64 (I guess basically between Pentium, Turion, and Athlon)?

2) I have been told that there are only really a few makers of laptops and that the name stamped on it doesn't really mean that much, but have read a lot of mixed reviews about some (like Acer). So, is there a brand that seems to stand out above the rest for quality?

3) I know that I have been told (especially since I plan on staying with Windows) that I should be sure to have at least 2-3G of RAM. Is there anything else very important to make sure there is a sufficient amount of?

4) I hear a lot of back and forth about 64 bit and many say that all will be soon. Is there any truth to that and should I be looking exclusively for 64 bit machines? Also, will my older stuff still run on the 64 bit stuff or will there be difficulties there as well.

Thank you again to any of you that can help. Also, any other opinions/info you can offer is greatly appreciated. I am hoping that I can buy this one and stick with it for many, many years.

Best Regards
ibwebb

Posted 15 years ago #
Anonymous
Unregistered

Acer is a one off as only Acer parts will fit pay 10% plus,as for 64 bit it been hard to get some drivers some time like printer only 32 bit run ok 64 bit comes with IE 32 bit & 64 bit,As for Ram 2 to 3 GB ok for 32 bit,you can run more with 64 bit,the more ram it will just eat it,I run XP & Windows 7 on 2.4 GHz & 2 GB ram XP very fast as for Windows 7 only OK for speed,and good graphics,Windows 7 Minimum Requirements 1 GHz CPU 1 GB RAM it be no fun,as for Pentium, Turion, and Athlon) I go buy price some one will know more than me but this may help I will look back & see wait comes good luck.

Posted 15 years ago #
BentlyTCow
Member

Hi ibwebb, I can answer some of those questions right off the bat.

1) For what you'll be using it for there won't be a huge amount of difference, though Intel has the advantage in speed on the high end, the low end is kind of a tie with some exceptions. I would avoid any Celeron-based laptops and any Atom-based netbooks as neither is very powerful. I'm guessing you're looking in the $400-500 range?

2) According to Consumer Reports there isn't a huge difference in laptop brand reliability with a difference of 3% between 8 different brands. Even Apple fell right in the middle at 20% having had repairs or serious problems between 2004 and 2008.

3 and 4) The reason 64bit will soon be the only option goes with the amount of ram you'll need. Windows 32bit can only use about 4gb of ram total. This includes video ram, system ram, Dodge Ram, etc. With ever growing system requirements more ram is needed. So, introduce 64 bit operating systems which have a higher limit. For instance, Windows 7 Ultimate tops out at 192gb. So I wouldn't suggest less than 2gb for you, and the more, the better. The good news is that most processors already support 64 bit software, even your faulty Toshiba. The limitation will be on the laptop. 32 bit software usually runs just fine on 64 bit Windows. Otherwise, a decent sized hard drive is also good - at least 160gb.

3 and 4 again) I wouldn't go with less than 2gb of ram and a 160gb hard drive. 64 bit just lets you upgrade to more than 4gb of ram; there shouldn't be any major compatibility issues :) Most systems are 64bit already. This won't be something you'll need to worry about, really, it's 'standard equipment' now.

So, I hope that gives you some answers! The only other things I would be interested in knowing is if you have preferences for color, screen size, battery life, weight, that type of stuff. Oh, and price range :)

-Duane.

Posted 15 years ago #
wizzard_of_ozz2004
Games Master

With the exceptions of the new quad core processors, amd is quicker for gaming. AMD CPU's were actually more intended for gaming computers, but it really is just a matter of price and taste. AMD is cheaper generally, and my own personal choice. I've used their Athlon 64x2's on my last two desktop builds. Honestly, you would be ok with a 32bit machine, but you would probably want to upgrade to 64 eventually. With the growing size of programs and the amount of juice to power them, I see 32 growing more and more obsolete. Definitely go with Duane's advice of at least 2gb, more if you can...definitely if getting a 64bit computer. Also, 160gb hard drive should be more than enough for your basic computing, but how much dragging and cropping are we talking about? You may want to up the space to 250 as we forget just how much room these windows updates take up. I can't give you any opinions on laptops except my fiance has a toshiba and it works rather nicely. It doesn't handle games very well, so I may advise you to upgrade a video card onto your laptop...any one would do, most are better than onboard graphics. So a breakdown:

Intel or Amd is a matter of choice and money;
Depends on the company policies and warranties;
A minimum of 2gb of ram;
64 bit is the near future, but 32 bit is the timeless "classic;"
A minimum of 160gb hard drive depending on exact usage.

Posted 15 years ago #
BentlyTCow
Member

I was toying with suggesting a video card as well and decided to see what the hardware requirements were like as video cards can bump the price up quite a bit.

Posted 15 years ago #
ibwebb
Member

@Hotdoge3:
Thank you. I am glad that you pointed that out. I have noticed that on several of the sites I am looking on (especially Newegg.com) there are numerous Acer laptops. Some of them seem like a really good deal, but knowing that about them is a negative on my part.

@BentlyTCow (Duane):
Your guess is right. I am trying to stay in the $400-$500 range, but for the right system I might be able to go slightly above that. No worries on me going Celeron. I have heard most my life that unless you are only using the word processor then you should avoid them like the plague. I don't know much about Atom, but I know that they seem to mostly put those in the netbooks, but I have seen a few desktop system with it (mostly 'all in ones' or ones running Lunix). I would have never thought of looking into consumer reports; so I am glad that you had the foresight to look at that.
So, if I am understanding what you and Wiz are saying that the 64 bit part doesn't really effect anything but the amount of RAM that the laptop can run. Is that correct? If it comes down to that then I will go with the 64 bit, but was worried that it might play some other part (like Hotdoge3 had metnions that it was hard to get drivers for some things). I didn't know if it would make some programs (or older games) not be able to run on it. The Toshiba I have has a 230 gig drive that I will be keeping (I have a case for it so that I can continue to use it plugged into my usb), but I had planned on keeping my drive no less than the 160 gigs. It seems that is the smallest that most of them I have looked at have anyway. As far as the RAM I plan on going NO LESS than 2 gb and if I save enough on the system maybe getting more to add; if not then later when I save for it. Vista was really a let down to me (as I know other have said too) but it seems that is what they all are offering. I know that I will need to save up and get a copy of Win 7 when it is out. I have looked at getting a new one that would offer the upgrade, but really when if comes down to adding it all up; it is more expensive from what I have seen. When I go to Dell (or one of the other sites) to look at a new one that has that offer the price to get the comparable system really goes up a lot. One of the Dells that I was looking at that was refurbished on the Dell site was almost double to get new, with the only bonus to doing that being the free upgrade.
192 Gb you say? I can't even imagine that. You know the first computer that I ever had (after the Vic 20, Commadore 64, my dad's Tandy I messed with) was a Laser 386 sx with Windows 3.1. The thought of a gig was unreal to me then. LOL! Anyway, you have given me a lot to think over and a lot of help thank you!

@Wiz:
I have had another person tell me that about AMD as well. That is one of the reasons that I went with the one I have now. I honestly have never had a problem out of anything Toshiba that I have ever owned and know many that have Toshiba laptops that are problem free and happy. Though lately I seem to know a lot of people that have recently purchased Toshiba and have had a lot of problem out of their laptop. It has made me a bit shy towards getting another to be honest. As for the cropping and such; really we are talking about the average amount at most. I know that I have a few old pics that I do want to scan onto a drive before they are gone for good, but by no means am I anyone that does all the detailed messing with them. Mostly, I am here on GOTD, check email, play older games (my newest is either Play Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars, Unreal Anthology, or Dungeon Siege 2.. not sure which came out last). So, nothing really taxing on a system. I use to be very active on several MUDs and even built on a few, but it has been years since I have been back on them (not that those have any graphics to speak of). I appreciate all the help that you have given me as well.

@ All:
I appreciate any and all help. If you come up with anything else or happen on something that you think might help please don't hesitate. I hope that when I get paid the middle of next week that I might be able to get this taken care of. I know that I will be very happy to be done with the quirks of this dieing motherboard for sure! I will also see (when this is all said and done) if the parts of this are worth anything. I have had a few of my more knowledgeable friends tell me that it should sell well for the screen if nothing else.

ibwebb

P.S To be honest with you all... I am lost on the graphics/video card thing. I end up always doing a google search on what is offered and reading reviews on them. If there is anything else that you need to know to help just ask. Not sure if i have given you enough or not.

Posted 15 years ago #
wizzard_of_ozz2004
Games Master

Honestly webb, if the laptop truly is just a dieing mobo, I'd sell it on eBay or something of the sort because there are a ton of people who LOVE working on computers that don't work and if it's an easy enough fix as just installing a new mobo, it should sell rather well. Also on graphics, I can't offer any input on laptop graphics, because I am strictly desktop but can tell you that you should get one installed from the factory/company because it is very hard to do so later if you are a novice. Hope you get it sorted soon. =)

Posted 15 years ago #
ibwebb
Member

@Wizz:
Yep, I have a friend that lives in Canada that really seems to know what he is talking about when it comes to computers. I was telling him about this one and he told me that I should be able to take out the harddrive and still probably get $200-$300 out of it. I was surprised to here that, but he was telling/showing me that with all the other good parts in it that a lot of the 'builders' would jump on it. He was also telling me that the screen is just like the motherboard in the way that it cost more most times to replace than to just get another computer. I figure if I am honest and tell them it is minus a hard drive and advanced notice that the motherboard is about gone then I won't feel bad about it and might be able to use the money to either upgrade memory or put away for anything else that might come up. As for the graphics card; I am making sure that it comes with one (of course) and doing searches for a review to see if there are problems or if they are good ones. I mentioned in another forum area that I would really like to go back to the desktop, but sitting at the desk for too long makes me really hurt and get stiff. So, sticking with the laptop that can move more with me. Oh well, thanks again and have a good night!

ibwebb

Posted 15 years ago #
AlexSJ
Member

We just recently purchased a Laptop and one of the main criterias was clearly price: as cheap as it gets with as much power as possible. It turned out to be an Acer(ACER AS5535 AMD QL-64 2.1/3GB320/DVDRW/VHP 15.6 NB) for just under $ 500. So far, my friend is quite happy it. The keyboard has a numerical pad, he likes it, I wouldn't.
About the 64-bit: a co-worker of mine has that and I tried to install some games like the ones given away here and it was devastating. Mostly they wouldn't work, only the Match 3 kind. He does have all the regular software working, but on the games, that was frustrating.
Pura vida, AlexSJ

Posted 15 years ago #
BentlyTCow
Member

This seems a good all-arounder.. I've looked at a few others but this seems to be a good combination for the price. There's another great Gateway on the Best Buy website but it apparently isn't supported by Gateway any longer and isn't eligible for the Windows 7 upgrade, even though the site says it is, so I'd not recommend it. Also, the Intel graphics cards are terrible, so avoid any of those and go with an ATI or nVidia.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9370441&type=product&id=1218093004316

Posted 15 years ago #
wizzard_of_ozz2004
Games Master

Yes definitely ATI or nVidia and @alexsj I've not once had any problems with any game offerings from GOTD. The only problems I've had with a game I believe to have been faulted to Vista (though not many problems at all...I can count on one hand.)

Posted 15 years ago #
Buckleysmom
Member

I can't tell you what's good now, but the guys have all that covered anyway.....but I can tell you that I have an Acer Aspire 7720 that I got a year ago from Newegg. It's been working fine. Also, Newegg is a great company to deal with.

Posted 15 years ago #
GMMan, Hexadecimal Blacksmith
Blocked

@ibwebb: Can't really answer question 1 as I haven't really dug into that, but...
2) Alienware's probably the best if you can afford it. They've got excellent service, and doesn't install any junk out of the factory except their wallpapers. HP's also fine. I've got a dv5-1174ca and it hasn't given me any grief, except with BluRay playback as the bundled QuickPlay (based on Cyberlink PowerDVD, very common OEM stuff) which never seems to play BD movies anymore. I don't really recommend Dell, as I have had some problems with them. I've got a Sony CD-RW drive that died after a year, and now my monitor (3-4 years old) is starting to fritz out (looked on the Net, seems common). Acer, I don't know, but since all their stuff are cheap and retail only, I don't expect much from them.
3) Graphic memory, of course if you want to run Aero. Also, a fast processor is a must. Try to aim above 2.00 GHz.
4) Very true. Most computers ship these days have Intel Core 2 Duo. Core 2 is a 64-bit processor, which means most new computers now are 64-bit. There really isn't any problems with 64-bit systems; it's just how the operating system handles compatibility. Everything of mine except a few pieces of software and maybe some really old hardware will run on my 64-bit HP. However, it seems that Windows won't allow you to use drivers that aren't signed, so unless you tell Windows before boot to not check driver signatures, you won't be able to use devices that doesn't have signed drivers (my Xbox original controller, for example).

Extras: Be sure to get a graphic card with at least 256 MB RAM. I recommend nVidia cards. The GeForce 8800M GT is what most people use (It's also called GeForce 9800M GT, if you see it). However, on my laptop I've got a GeForce 9600M GT. It works pretty well, graphics are quite fast. There are also some GTX series chips, if you're willing to shell out some more money.

If you're into virtualization, be sure you get a CPU and mobo with hardware virtualization support. I can't remember what Intel and AMD calls them off the top of my head, but do look for them. However, they're pretty rare on laptops, so you might have to go to some lengths to find laptops with such CPUs.

Dump Vista, instantly. If you want speed, definitely get Windows 7. The RC version seems to run good in my VirtualBox VM, though I'm having some troubles with networking (not exactly the problem of Win7, though).

Posted 15 years ago #
ibwebb
Member

Thank you all for even more info. This is great; though, I do notice that (again) Acer seems to give me mixed reviews/opinions. It really seems that you either love it or have nothing but problems with little in between from what I have found. I didn't know about the intel graphics and glad that was brought up. That cut out 3 of the 5 that I have been watching closely. The two left are:
Acer Aspire
and
HP G60

Though, I have added the one that Duane suggested to the list to watch as well. I always make sure there is a warranty so I am trying to add that in with the opinions on Acer (if I get a problem one I would think it would all be covered), but still have to admit that the HP of those two are ahead (I like a keypad too AlexJS, but not a deal breaking if not there.). Anywho, thank you all again for any opinons/facts/help you have given or anymore that you have. I will keep checking back here until it is either decisions time or this one finally dies *crosses fingers for first* lol.

Posted 15 years ago #
GMMan, Hexadecimal Blacksmith
Blocked

Hmm.. to me, both the laptops in your list have average graphics. Remember that you need something quite decent if you want Aero and other graphics intensive programs such as full 3D games.

Posted 15 years ago #
BentlyTCow
Member

GMMan, can you suggest something like that for around $500?

Posted 15 years ago #
GMMan, Hexadecimal Blacksmith
Blocked

No, I can't. Of course, it's a trade off. Better graphics or lower price.

Posted 15 years ago #
BentlyTCow
Member

Ah, unfortunately that's our price point, so we must stick to it.

Posted 15 years ago #
AlexSJ
Member

Hello Iwebb:
I'm not so sure about the HP, it's open box. Having to mail it in when something is wrong could be a real pain. Here is a Dell I just saw, has a huge hard drive (Costco, Item # 428681)..http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11481247&cm_mmc=BCEmail_431-_-FOCUS-_-8-_-Dell1545, but it might be just above what you have available to spend.
The problems with the games I had on Vista 64 bit, Vista home 32 bit was always ok.
Greetings, AlexSJ

Posted 15 years ago #
ibwebb
Member

@GMMan:
Honestly, no.. I am not looking for those type of graphics. Most of my games are older and as much as I hate to admit it.. most of the newer games are too much for me. I get lost with all the controls, forget I'm playing and not watching a movie, or just get overloaded by it all. Remember I grew up when circles were a HUGE thing to happen (I still have my Atari and occasionally like to fire it up!) LOL Really, though if I could even afford it most of that would be wasted on me. Right now I have ATI Radeon HD 2400 that came with mine and it has been able to do anything I have wanted and more. Also, BentlyTCow is correct. I am looking to keep it between $400-$500 only going over a small bit if it is really a great deal I can't pass up.

@AlexSJ:
That one looks nice except that it has the Intel graphics card I have been warned to avoid and it is a bit above where I am hoping. I am not too worried about having a huge hard drive. I have an external 750Gb drive already and before I get rid of this laptop I will take the 260Gb drive out of this to keep either as another external or if available internal. I am not worried about the open box either. The warranties that I buy (through SquareTrade) replace anything/the whole thing if anything is wrong. Also, Geeks and NewEgg both are really good about there stuff being checked/good before letting it out. Though, usually I do get the refurbished, but can't imagine it is much different.

Posted 15 years ago #
GMMan, Hexadecimal Blacksmith
Blocked

Bit of an advice on Intel graphics: they're not so bad, though their performance isn't as good as a nVidia or AMD card. These days, it's passable for most tasks, though it won't perform well for Aero and might crash on some fancy 3D apps (system or app, if it runs then usually system). However, for your purposes, if you don't planning on using Aero or play any fancy 3D games, then an Intel card is not much of a problem and you can probably trim the price on your laptop. However, do think of the future...

On my old Dell (~2005), it's using one of those Intel graphics chip. Only supports DX6, no Pixel Shader. Can only get max 8MB dedicated VRAM through my BIOS. Newer games won't run, ~2002 games run slow (Half-Life 2), and with more sites using full Flash animations, this card can't keep up. Things have improved lately, and a lot of PC manufacturers are ditching cheap Intel for cheap ATI or nVidia. Those cards can manage basic graphics, but not more advanced ones. The reason that I push for great graphics is that I can't stand anything below 25 FPS, but I do acknowledge that everyone have different requirements and budgets.

Posted 15 years ago #
Quantum Dragon
Member

@ibwebb: When buying a laptop today, you have to realize that you will probably get stuck with some form of Vista! *

The sweet spot (where hardware and software work well together) in this case would be 3 GBs of RAM (but you also can get by with just 2 GBs if you are not a multitasker!)

* When you buy, check with the store if they will offer the (almost OR entirely) free upgrade to Windows 7 when it comes out, there are rumors that every NEW computer bought with Vista after the end of June will get this special.

AS for CPUs (Central Processing Unit or Heart of the computer I.E. VIA C7, Intel Core Duo/Core 2 Duo, Turion 64x2 and Athlon 64), as long as you stay away from Via, Intel Atom, Celeron and Pentium (they are older and less able to run the newer Operating Systems (OS) efficiently), you will not feel that much difference at your price range.

Of course, Core 2 Duo is a evolution of core Duo from Intel and Turion is a better laptop chip than Athlon but all this makes a rather limited impact in affordable laptops.

What really makes a difference is the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) put inside (or should we say alongside) the CPU, this piece of hardware commonly called a Graphics Card (or rather in this case, a Graphics Chip hardwired (soldered or etched) on the Motherboard) can make the laptop work splendidly (or dreadfully) depending on the type of Graphics chip and subsystem used.

For an explanation on the different kinds, check here: Comparison of GPUs (Graphic Processing Unit)

Concerning 64-bit computing, it is the coming future but you have to understand that it will probably play just some 32-bit games really well and most of them will not gain anything (and might even in fact lose something in the trade) and if you have older 16-bit games, they won't play at all in 64-bit (unless you install a virtual system like Virtualbox or the likes).

Regarding cores (the number of hearts) in the CPU, you presently have four flavors ( Solo, Duo, Trio and Quad I.E. 1, 2, 3 or 4 cores ), most games will only use one core, certain newer games will be optimized for two cores and optimization is very rare in three and four cores at the moment.

This will probably change in the coming years but it is not exactly around the corner.

Let me finish this by giving you a few more sites to check out for help and by showing you actual laptops you can buy (including one you mentioned) with my commentaries on the GPU.

For reviews and help deciding, look at these two sites:

CNET Reviews and advice on notebook and laptop computers

PC World Reviews and advice on notebook and laptop computers

The first machine you mention: Acer Aspire AS4530-6823 NoteBook has a 14.1" screen and a Class 3 GPU (or Low-Midrange Graphics - Lower end of Graphics for users who want to play games. New games should run on these cards, but only with decreased details and mediocre resolution.)

For info on this GPU, look here: NVIDIA GeForce 9100M G

You should consider this one instead: Acer Aspire AS5536-5883 NoteBook which has a 15.6" screen and a Class 3 GPU that is a little teenie weenie bit better and all that for the SAME price.

For info on this GPU, look here: ATI Radeon HD 3200

The newer Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500MHD (sometimes also called GMA X4500 HD or other combinations) is also a Class 3 GPU which is DirectX 10 capable onboard adapter in the GM45, GE45 and GS45 chipset of the Centrino 2 platform (Montevina). The chip has no dedicated graphics memory, but takes dynamically an amount from the main memory (up to 384 MB).

Compared to the predecessor GMA X3100, the GMA 4500MHD has two more shaders and a 33 MHz higher core clock speed. Therefore, the chip is noticable faster than the older one (especially in 3DMark06). Still, the performance is just on par with the entry level dedicated graphics cards and therefore not suited for demanding games. Some older games like Fear can be played in low details and low resolutions.

Compared to other modern integrated graphic cards like the AMD ATI Radeon HD 3200, the GMA 4500M HD noticably slower and provides less optimized drivers for games so it is NOT one I recommend.

I hope this helps

Quantum Dragon AKA Paul

@BentlyTCow: This might be good for you too!

Posted 15 years ago #
BentlyTCow
Member

Hi Paul, thanks for all the info. The notebookcheck.net website is the one I've been referring to as well. The Acer you've posted is nice, but is identical to the Gateway I posted earlier, except the Gateway has 4gb of ram and is $100 cheaper ($499). It's also $150 more than the one ibwebb posted ($449 vs $599).. was it the correct one?

ibwebb, if you're going to get your own warranty take a look at this Gateway:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9415019&type=product&id=1218101172646

quick specs: Core2Duo T6400 2ghz, 4gb ram, 320gb hard drive, ATI Mobility HD 2600 with 512mb dedicated video ram, dvd-rw, etc. for $549.

A few people seem to have had trouble getting support from Gateway, I'm guessing because it's an outlet laptop. Everyone else says it's great. Also, it doesn't *appear* to be eligible for the Windows 7 upgrade, but other than those two things it's a great spec'd laptop, miles better than the other ones. It even has a dedicated class 2 video card ;)

"Class 2 - Midrange Graphics Cards - These cards should be able to display all current games with fluent framerates but not all with high detail settings. Especially demanding games like Crysis, Age of Conan, or Mass Effect are only playable with lower settings. Less demanding (and older) games, like Fifa 08, Command & Conquer 3, or Battlefield 2142 can be played with higher detail levels."

http://www.notebookcheck.net/ATI-Mobility-Radeon-HD-2600.3771.0.html

Posted 15 years ago #
Quantum Dragon
Member

Thanks for the info, BentlyTCow

Darn, that Acer I talked about was on special until today @ $449.99 and would have made a great deal but now it's back @ $599.99 (Not so great).

Yes, that Gateway is even better in the GPU and RAM department, just a bit less on screen size than the Acer I proposed and all around good.

Did you know that Gateway is now part of the Acer Group ?

Along with Packard-Bell (and E-Machines that was bought out by Gateway before they were swallowed by Acer), they form the new Acer Worldwide.

Ciao

Quantum Dragon AKA Paul

Posted 15 years ago #
BentlyTCow
Member

Ah, that stinks about the sale. Yeah, I had heard that about Gateway, but I doubt it affects their reliability any. Especially if you have a third party warranty. Dell owns Alienware, now, too. Eventually everything will be owned by Microsoft, Apple, TimeWarner, and Disney. Oh, and Google.

Posted 15 years ago #
Quantum Dragon
Member

@ ibwebb and BentlyTCow, I found another Gateway for less ($499.99) on the Best Buy site.

Compared to the $549.99 priced one that BentlyTCow links to, this one is less stellar in the GPU arena as it uses the ATI Radeon HD 3200 (Class 3) but it offers a few extras in other departments.

Like the newer Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 45WXGA high-definition LED-backlit display with Ultrabright technology (with a pixel resolution of 1366 x 768) compared to the other one's WXGA widescreen with Ultrabright technology (with 1280 x 800 resolution).

It also has the Wireless-N Networking protocol on top of the B+G offered in the other.

This means your signal can reach a longer distance around your home, office and in Wi-Fi spots.

Finally, it is ENERGY STAR Qualified making for less possible power consumption.

Here is the link: Gateway Laptop with AMD Athlon X2 Dual-Core Processor

Have a good afternoon

Quantum Dragon AKA Paul

Posted 15 years ago #
BentlyTCow
Member

Hi Paul, that was the first one I posted, further up above.

Posted 15 years ago #
Quantum Dragon
Member

Sorry about that BentlyTCow, I must be getting old or my prescription glasses need an update!

Posted 15 years ago #
Anonymous
Unregistered

http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/07/microsoft-windows-7-is-done-on-its-way-to-manufacturers.ars

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-core_(computing)

See Advantages & Disadvantages

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/04/22/amd_dual-core_games/

AMD: dual-core not for gamers... yet

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/22/windows_7_aug_rtm_family_pack/

Windows 7 prepped for August 6 release, The next big date will be October 1, when non English-language versions of Windows 7 will be made available.

The official launch is scheduled for October 22.

http://what-is-what.com/what_is/dual_core_processor.html

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-versus-Windows-or-32-bit-versus-64bit-1349.shtml

Posted 15 years ago #
ibwebb
Member

Just wanted to let you all know that I will be checking this as often as I can to see what is posted. I REALLY appreciate everything all of you have done. It is really great to see all the help I have received here. Unfortunately, the motherboard has finally given up I think. I am using my daughter's right now, but it is like trying to take a gun from a police officer. So, not sure how much I will be able to get on or answer, but it is all appreciated; for the help and all the knowledge I have gained as well. I have marked down 3 or four of the above laptops to look into and hope to be ordering either Monday or Tuesday. So, until them everyone have a great time and see you all soon!

ibwebb

Posted 15 years ago #

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