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Old Mar 5th 2010 | 7:20 am
  #31  
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

Originally Posted by scottishcelts
Does the size/type of the screen matter?

Only asking because EEE netbooks are as cheap as chips with a screen up to 13 inches.
I have one and it's very good for general surfing, etc .
 
Old Mar 5th 2010 | 8:02 am
  #32  
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

Originally Posted by JackTheLad
Well on a serious note, I'm quite tempted by the Mac Book Pro. I haven't used the Mac OS since Uni, but everyone I know who buys one raves about it.

But maybe that is just me being a geek, I like to figure out new OS's

JTL
It's a great machine. Just works. I have one, as does my wife and I wouldn't swap mine for any Windows based machine period. Its a premium product and it shows.
 
Old Mar 5th 2010 | 8:19 am
  #33  
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

Originally Posted by JackTheLad
Well on a serious note, I'm quite tempted by the Mac Book Pro. I haven't used the Mac OS since Uni, but everyone I know who buys one raves about it.

But maybe that is just me being a geek, I like to figure out new OS's

JTL
I've just bought a macbook pro, based on recommendations from friends who would not consider buying anything else now. It's taking a bit of time to get used to, but I really like it so far. 7 hour battery life is useful too
 
Old Mar 5th 2010 | 8:24 am
  #34  
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

Originally Posted by Centurion
It's a great machine. Just works. I have one, as does my wife and I wouldn't swap mine for any Windows based machine period. Its a premium product and it shows.
I will be in the market soon. Can you do much the same as on a PC? I really fancy one, they look good too
 
Old Mar 5th 2010 | 8:38 am
  #35  
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

Originally Posted by kporte
I will be in the market soon. Can you do much the same as on a PC? I really fancy one, they look good too
Anything you can do on a PC you can do on a Mac. Be prepared for some initial frustration if you change over...but have met very few people(if any) who have made the switch that end up regretting it. Also, if you are currently running a machine on XP and buy a new PC machine you will need to learn Windows 7 anyway. The initial cost may be more but you will have a machine that will last a lot longer. Windows tends to clog up over time and slow down. My current MacBook is 3 years old and still runs as fast as it ever did. Viruses aren't an issue. Some people believe this is because Macs don't have a big enough user base but the OS is a lot more secure.
 
Old Mar 5th 2010 | 8:50 am
  #36  
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

Originally Posted by earlybird
Anything you can do on a PC you can do on a Mac. Be prepared for some initial frustration if you change over...but have met very few people(if any) who have made the switch that end up regretting it. Also, if you are currently running a machine on XP and buy a new PC machine you will need to learn Windows 7 anyway. The initial cost may be more but you will have a machine that will last a lot longer. Windows tends to clog up over time and slow down. My current MacBook is 3 years old and still runs as fast as it ever did. Viruses aren't an issue. Some people believe this is because Macs don't have a big enough user base but the OS is a lot more secure.
I always run maintenance on my machine regularly but it still seems to slow regardlesss. Vista is pants, I have switched it off totally and the machine runs a bit better. Yes, may look at a Mac. Which one though? lol!
 
Old Mar 5th 2010 | 10:19 am
  #37  
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

I have a 17" MacBook Pro and run Leopard and Windows XP simultaneously on a split screen, plus how ironic is it that how well Windows runs on a Mac...
 
Old Mar 5th 2010 | 10:26 am
  #38  
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

Ah bollocks - there's a certain snobbery about having a mac

So there.






































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Old Mar 5th 2010 | 10:34 am
  #39  
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

Our Compaq was the worst computer I've ever owned.

Samsung are doing well with their comps, runs very well and hasnt overheated once..... Our EEEPC is flawless except for the very small screen.... it does run linux though so thats probably half the battle..... recommend that just for the expierence of learning how to install basic linux programs.

Bought a Macbook Pro for my Daughter last week, so far so good, havent had to use any Windows programs on it so far, I'm going to try and avoid bootcamp. I'm personally having lots of trouble with the touchpad on it. 'twas ok once I plugged a mouse in.

To sum up, if its basic browsing and office applications I reckon a EEEPC running Linux is really a worthwhile alternative and saves you 1,000 bucks over a Macbook Pro..... get solidstate drives as well so far more robust for a much cheaper price. Linux is worth the bother IMO..... I'd suggest they are at least equal if not more robust than the Macbooks.

BTW I stream to our now "spare" EEEPC and run media from my computer to my TV through it.... works great, although I havent downloaded a decent interface program for it.... damn versatile machine for the price.

Last edited by ozzieeagle; Mar 5th 2010 at 10:39 am.
 
Old Mar 5th 2010 | 10:42 am
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

Originally Posted by ozzieeagle
Our Compaq was the worst computer I've ever owned.

Samsung are doing well with their comps, runs very well and hasnt overheated once..... Our EEEPC is flawless except for the very small screen.... it does run linux though so thats probably half the battle..... recommend that just for the expierence of learning how to install basic linux programs.

Bought a Macbook Pro for my Daughter last week, so far so good, havent had to use any Windows programs on it so far, I'm going to try and avoid bootcamp. I'm personally having lots of trouble with the touchpad on it. 'twas ok once I plugged a mouse in.

To sum up, if its basic browsing and office applications I reckon a EEEPC running Linux is really a worthwhile alternative and saves you 1,000 bucks over a Macbook Pro..... get solidstate drives as well so far more robust for a much cheaper price. Linux is worth the bother IMO..... I'd suggest they are at least equal if not more robust than the Macbooks.

BTW I stream to our now "spare" EEEPC and run media from my computer to my TV through it.... works great, although I havent downloaded a decent interface program for it.... damn versatile machine for the price.
My compaq is a pile of junk. I hate it. Bad choice there, but it was cheap!
 
Old Mar 5th 2010 | 10:43 am
  #41  
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

Originally Posted by ozzieeagle
I'm going to try and avoid bootcamp. I'm personally having lots of trouble with the touchpad on it. 'twas ok once I plugged a mouse in.
I use Parallels to run both OSX & XP at the same time, but bootcamp is excellent for a pure windows installation it runs so fast.

I used to have trouble with the mouse pad myself and used to use a wireless mouse... then I just go used to the mouse pad and it is excellent... I love the Enlarging/Shrinking of page size with that 2 finger pinching action.. how cool is that.
 
Old Mar 5th 2010 | 10:49 am
  #42  
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

Dont overlook the Samsungs.... out of the cheap Windows brands they are right up there for realiability.... check out the feedback on them on Cnet. I'm very happy with ours..... only replaced because my daughters school now requires Apple comps..... It's now the wifes Laptop.


Probably the equal at least of Toshiba and Fujitsus
 
Old Mar 5th 2010 | 10:58 am
  #43  
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

Originally Posted by ozzieeagle
Dont overlook the Samsungs.... out of the cheap Windows brands they are right up there for realiability.... check out the feedback on them on Cnet. I'm very happy with ours..... only replaced because my daughters school now requires Apple comps..... It's now the wifes Laptop.


Probably the equal at least of Toshiba and Fujitsus
Yes, the netbooks look good too, "up to" 12 hrs on battery
 
Old Mar 5th 2010 | 11:18 am
  #44  
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

Originally Posted by iamthecreaturefromuranus
The better halves Compaq has died and it its off to the shops tomorrow to buy a new laptop. I'm more interested in brand reliability (the Compaq has been shite to be honest) than anything else, as I can sort out the specs myself.

Any horror stories to tell... or laptops that have been working flawlessly since Noah was a lad?


I was thinking HP?
I wouldn't go HP. While they are a well known brand they have a tendency to fall apart. My brother had a couple of HP ones and both within the space of a month had the keys falling off the keyboard. Needed to have keyboard replaced twice and also his HD paked up on him. Overpriced for what they are.

The brand I would go for is Toshiba. My current Toshiba laptop is getting on for 5 years old a not a single problem with it whatsoever. Due to upgrade soon and would get another Tosh.
 
Old Mar 5th 2010 | 11:22 am
  #45  
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Default Re: Laptop recommendations

Originally Posted by Deancm
I wouldn't go HP. While they are a well known brand they have a tendency to fall apart. My brother had a couple of HP ones and both within the space of a month had the keys falling off the keyboard. Needed to have keyboard replaced twice and also his HD paked up on him. Overpriced for what they are.

The brand I would go for is Toshiba. My current Toshiba laptop is getting on for 5 years old a not a single problem with it whatsoever. Due to upgrade soon and would get another Tosh.
They definitely seem durable. You see a lot of old Tosh's about. I loved mine until I got burgled last year.
 


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