Jan 24 2009
Advice on buying a new laptop
I’ve got a lot to write about since my last post, but first things first… Long story short, my laptop god damaged two months ago and before I can go back to posting regularly, I need a little help from you, hardware experts out there, choosing the right computer. (Right now, I am writing this from an old HP Pavilion, running surprisingly well on 256 RAM memory, but seriously… there’s only so much this old man can handle, correct?)
Anyway… With all the options available on the market I am a little bit confused. On top of that, hardware isn’t exactly my forte. (I already posted about this on Twitter, but the 140 char. limit doesn’t allow for all details I needed to share, hence this extended post.)
The obvious questions people are asking me are: what is your laptop usage profile/what will you be using the laptop for? Here’s the answer:
- This laptop will be my main computer, so a decent hard drive is probably a good idea.
- I will use it both for personal and professional activities.
- I need to have several programs running at once, so speed and performance are a priority.
- Mobility is relatively important. I am planning on buying a mini-notebook in the near future for traveling and going to events (in which case I wouldn’t take the main laptop with me) - however, I would still like to have the choice to carry my laptop with me should circumstances require, so its size and weight can’t be an impediment (the Sony Vaios seem good candidates in this department). 14-15 inch widescreens seem ideal to me.
- I often need to work with graphics/images (Photoshop)/videos (editing)/sound (mixing, recording and playback).
- This will be a PC, not a Mac.
I think this gives you an idea of what kind of computer I’m looking for. All my previous laptops have been HPs and I never had any problems with them, but I am open to looking into other brands. I’m somewhat inclined to buying a Sony Vaio, but nothing is set in stone.
My budget for this purchase is around US$ 1,000.00 (with some flexibility). The question is: what is the best computer I can buy, given my usage profile and my budget?
I am particularly looking for advice concerning processors/memory and what to avoid - older technology, etc. Advice on your experience with brands is also welcome.
Thank you in advance if you can share your expertise somehow in the comments. I really appreciate it.
11 responses so far
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Hi Patricia, Lenovo Thinkpad T61 http://tinyurl.com/2u35ak gets good reviews in most places, although it is likely very low on your requirement (GPU for example) side. Dell Studio laptops may be worth a look http://tinyurl.com/6h4834 as well
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Oi Patricia,
Uma boa opcao para voce seria um Dell Studio 15, pelo preco que voce quer pagar voce pode conseguir um computador descente.
Algumas recomendacoes na configuracao:
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9400 (2.530GHz/1066Mhz FSB/6MB cache)
- Hi Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1920×1200)
- Video Card: 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450
Com isso voce deve passar um pouco dos $1000 de budget, mas a Dell sempre tem cupoms que podem ajudar no preco final.
Espero que tenha ajudado.
Ate, Marcelo
Buenas Patricia.
Sou um leitor assíduo do teu blog “sinestesia”, mas estava preocupado, pois o último post que vejo no teu blog é de outubro do ano passado!
Sou eu que estou no endereço errado, ou tens algum problema?!
Se puderes, por favor retorne a escrever no sinestesia ou me passse o endereço correo (ou a soluçao, seja lá qual for o problema hehe).
Sei que talvez não tenha o direito de pedir-te algo parecido, mas se puderes dar um retorno, eu agradeço profundamente!
Abraço!
I found your blog from google and read your posts. It’s fun and I just add your blog to my Google Reader.
Patricia-
You might want to consider checking out this new Laptop Scout tool from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-laptop-scout/
The site lets you enter in the system requirements you’re looking for, match that up with your budget, and find the laptop that suits you best. There’s definitely a few HPs, as well as a few Vaios listed on the site, so you can easily directly compare them.
Let me know if it’s useful, or if you have any questions. I’ll be glad to help in any way I can!
Thanks,
Cody
Windows Outreach Team
Jefferson,
desculpa pela demora em responder. O endereço do Sinestesia continua o mesmo, devo voltar a escrever em breve. Agradeço o interesse.
Abçs.
Patricia.
Cody,
thank you very much for the link. I’ve already bought my new laptop, but I might use it in the future and I’m sure other visitors will also find it of value. Thanks.
Patricia.
Guess I was just a little late! Regardless, glad you found something that works for you!
Cheers,
Cody
I think this gives me an idea of what kind of computer I’m looking for. I really appreciate it.
Congratulations on your new laptop! Hope it fulfills the needs you have