Computer Science Canada Laptop Recommendations |
| Author: | saltpro15 [ Sat Mar 28, 2009 7:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Laptop Recommendations |
Well, like the title says, I'm looking at upgrading my 4 year old Toshiba Satellite laptop for something much faster. Now my Dad sells computers  , but I'd like to get the opinions of you guys also. Keep in mind I have a budget of around <$1800, I HATE MAC'S, and I'm probably going to end up running a linux distro on it. I'm looking at the Dell M series, but I'm totally open to other suggestions.
thanks, Drew |
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| Author: | rdrake [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 12:07 am ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
Linux? Thinkpad. There's even a handy wiki full of information needed to set up Linux on a Thinkpad. |
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| Author: | DemonWasp [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 2:53 am ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
Linux works just fine on my Dell laptop. Setting up wireless took a little reading and a little learning, but wasn't so hard. |
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| Author: | saltpro15 [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 7:59 am ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
hmm really DemonWasp? my wireless was fine the minute I first booted it |
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| Author: | Dan [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
What exactly do you want to do with it? There are alot of diffrent kinds of laptops so it's hard to recomend one with out more details. |
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| Author: | Insectoid [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:12 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: RE:Laptop Recommendations |
rdrake @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 12:07 am wrote: Linux? Thinkpad. There's even a handy wiki full of information needed to set up Linux on a Thinkpad.
Eww! Thinkpads are so ugly! IBM hasn't updated their case in ever beyond the placement of the peripherals. It looks like a box; it has square corners (not rounded like most new laptops) and crappy little clips to open it up and no wide screen and bleh! it's just so ugly! The store I work at sells a particular model of lenovo laptop that's really nice, don't remember the number/class/whatever but it's cool. Asus laptops have multi-touch trackpads, which is nice (even their smallest netbook has multitouch) but they aren't as big or featureful as Apple's. EDIT: Woot! Got my 1-year star today! Yay! |
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| Author: | zero-impact [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
Personally I really like the design of the lenovo Thinkpads. Nice and minimalistic and they are very sturdy, unlike some of the ones with flimsy plastic cases. |
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| Author: | rdrake [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:19 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: RE:Laptop Recommendations |
insectoid @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:12 pm wrote: rdrake @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 12:07 am wrote: Linux? Thinkpad. There's even a handy wiki full of information needed to set up Linux on a Thinkpad.
Eww! Thinkpads are so ugly! IBM hasn't updated their case in ever beyond the placement of the peripherals. It looks like a box; it has square corners (not rounded like most new laptops) and crappy little clips to open it up and no wide screen and bleh! it's just so ugly! The store I work at sells a particular model of lenovo laptop that's really nice, don't remember the number/class/whatever but it's cool. Asus laptops have multi-touch trackpads, which is nice (even their smallest netbook has multitouch) but they aren't as big or featureful as Apple's. EDIT: Woot! Got my 1-year star today! Yay! |
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| Author: | md [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
In fact... Lenovo owns the Thinkpad line now. Maybe that lenovo laptop you were looking at that's really nice is a Thinkpad? |
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| Author: | Insectoid [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
Keep in mind the location of the ports on it. I know the lenovos I mentioned have the power port placed so that the cable blocks the CD drive. And I don't see why you could hate macs beyond the OS, it's great hardware (the best I've seen). In fact, there are almost no cables inside the new macbook pro. Most laptops are a pain to work with inside, but macbooks are great. They are extremely stiff and Apple actually puts thought into where the ports will go. The trackpads are unsurpassed in quality by any other laptop (I mentioned once that I want an external macbook trackpad for my PC- and that still holds true). The fact that x86 OS's can now be installed on macs makes them even better in that they are Linux and Windows compatible. EDIT: MD, no. They do actually own the Thinkpad line now, I'm just to used to IBM ones. At any rate, the Thinkpads are gross. Also, I don't want to start a mac/pc war, so we'll ignore that last paragraph. |
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| Author: | CodeMonkey2000 [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Laptop Recommendations |
Since someone already made this thread; I need a new laptop too. It's for school, I want to run linux on it, I would prefer an nvidia card (since I will be doing a lot of openGl, and nvidia tends to have better support for openGL on linux), it's not for gaming, I want wifi, I need at least 40gb of hard drive space, at least 256mb of RAM, at least 1.2 ghz processor (preferably by intel), and my price range is $150 to $300. Any recommendations on what to buy and where to buy it? Or are my expectations too high for that price range? I don't know much about buying computers since we used the same one since 2003, and never bothered with a new one. It was good enough for me. |
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| Author: | andrew. [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 2:32 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: RE:Laptop Recommendations |
insectoid @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:23 pm wrote: The fact that x86 OS's can now be installed on macs makes them even better in that they are Linux and Windows compatible. It doesn't even have to be 32-bit, I've installed Vista x64 and Ubuntu x64 on my MBP.
Oh yeah, I think the reason he doesn't want a Mac is because he, like many others, believe that it is overpriced and just overrated in general. |
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| Author: | saltpro15 [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 3:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: RE:Laptop Recommendations |
Dan @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 wrote: What exactly do you want to do with it? There are alot of diffrent kinds of laptops so it's hard to recomend one with out more details.
probably just program, surf the internet, and bitTorrent 
Something with a hardrive 100GB< would be helpful and 4gb of RAM |
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| Author: | saltpro15 [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 3:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
Mac's are awful. period. I'm not discussing this, just recommend me a laptop and go away  lol:D |
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| Author: | md [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 4:02 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Laptop Recommendations |
CodeMonkey2000 @ 2009-03-29, 1:43 pm wrote: Since someone already made this thread; I need a new laptop too. It's for school, I want to run linux on it, I would prefer an nvidia card (since I will be doing a lot of openGl, and nvidia tends to have better support for openGL on linux), it's not for gaming, I want wifi, I need at least 40gb of hard drive space, at least 256mb of RAM, at least 1.2 ghz processor (preferably by intel), and my price range is $150 to $300. Any recommendations on what to buy and where to buy it? Or are my expectations too high for that price range? I don't know much about buying computers since we used the same one since 2003, and never bothered with a new one. It was good enough for me.
Since you seem to be the only person asking who isn't a complete idiot... you're price range is basically impossible  If you spend between $300 and $600 you can probably get a good netbook though. Should get you everything you are looking for. |
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| Author: | Dan [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 4:37 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: RE:Laptop Recommendations |
saltpro15 @ 29th March 2009, 3:42 pm wrote: Dan @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 wrote: What exactly do you want to do with it? There are alot of diffrent kinds of laptops so it's hard to recomend one with out more details.
probably just program, surf the internet, and bitTorrent
Something with a hardrive 100GB< would be helpful and 4gb of RAM The 4GB RAM does not make much secne if those are your requerments and would push up the cost alot. It also means you need a 64bit cpu witch will push up the price more and i don't think it would help with programing, surfing the net or torrenting. Other then the 4GB RAM, there are netbooks that fullfill those requerments in the $400-$500 dollar range, but are noramly slow and have intergrated graphics cards (but some come with a 120GB hard drive and support linux). For netbooks i would check out the Acer Aspire One line. Dell does make some laptops perinstalled with linux, witch might be worth while looking into. Edit: I have seen some netbooks with at least thoses specs going for $250 to $350 at walmart. I got my netbook for about $400 with tax and it is a Acer Aspire One ZG5, so i think the lesser models might just be in his range or just out of it. |
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| Author: | saltpro15 [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 4:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
uhh, I'm not really looking for a netbook Dan, just something basically like what I have now, except faster. and walmart? I'm offended  |
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| Author: | Dan [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 5:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: RE:Laptop Recommendations |
saltpro15 @ 29th March 2009, 4:48 pm wrote: uhh, I'm not really looking for a netbook Dan, just something basically like what I have now, except faster. and walmart? I'm offended
Walmart does not make the netbooks, and a netbook you buy at walmart would be the same as the any where else if it is the same model. Just that it would be cheaper (witch one would think you would care about being on a budget). Maybe don't ask for advice if you don't want it or get offended so easy? From the description of what you need it for a netbook would work well other then the 4GB RAM as they commanly come with linux and fit all the other requierments. I also side to look in to the dell's that are perloaded with linux. It might also be a good idea to check in to all the hard of the laptop you plan on getting to make sure it is linux compatbale once you decied on a laptop but before you buy it. |
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| Author: | saltpro15 [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 6:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
lol I was just kidding about the offended thing, I just hate Walmart. and thanks for the advice, I think I'm going with a Dell |
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| Author: | SNIPERDUDE [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 6:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
I am going through the same stage here looking for a new laptop, maybe some of you can help me out. I need basically something to browse the net, and programme 3D (no HD or anything, but I will need some form of hardware accelerated graphics). I use my external hard drive for memory. My current box of a unit has about 510mb of RAM, P4 2,4 GHz, no significant graphics card, and I'm finally fed up with it. Plus when I get rid of it (or at least move it from my room), I'll finally be able to move my electric drum kit to my room (I'd also be getting rid of my computer desk). |
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| Author: | andrew. [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 6:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: RE:Laptop Recommendations |
SNIPERDUDE @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 6:28 pm wrote: I am going through the same stage here looking for a new laptop, maybe some of you can help me out.
Looking at Futureshop.ca, this is the best I could find after a quick glance at the laptops.
I need basically something to browse the net, and programme 3D (no HD or anything, but I will need some form of hardware accelerated graphics). I use my external hard drive for memory. My current box of a unit has about 510mb of RAM, P4 2,4 GHz, no significant graphics card, and I'm finally fed up with it. Plus when I get rid of it (or at least move it from my room), I'll finally be able to move my electric drum kit to my room (I'd also be getting rid of my computer desk). Laptop Basic Specs: 15.4" Sony Vaio Intel Dual Core T2390 1.86GHz 160 GB HDD Dual Layer DVD Burner 2 GB RAM Mobile Intel GL960 Express (1280x800) 358 MB VRAM (probably shared) Wireless a/b/g/n Card Readers |
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| Author: | saltpro15 [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 7:56 pm ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
so I've been shopping around, I like this one http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=752569&affixedcode=WW basic specs: # 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8400 # 3GB DDR2 System Memory # 250 GB 5400 rpm SATA HDD # DVD+/?RW SuperMulti DL LightScribe drive # 15.4" diagonal WXGA BrightView (1280 x 800) display # ATI Mobility RadeonTM HD 3430, with 256 MB of video memory # Intel 802.11a/b/g/draft-n, Bluetooth? 2.0 # Ethernet (10/100/1000 NIC), 56K v.92 modem # 1 ExpressCard/54 slot # Media card reader # Ports and connectors 4 USB 2.0 ports, VGA, stereo microphone in, stereo headphone/line out, power connector, RJ-11/modem, RJ-45/ethernet my last laptop couldn't support advanced graphics mode in Ubuntu, do you think this one can handle it? |
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| Author: | CodeMonkey2000 [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 8:31 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Laptop Recommendations |
md @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 4:02 pm wrote: CodeMonkey2000 @ 2009-03-29, 1:43 pm wrote: Since someone already made this thread; I need a new laptop too. It's for school, I want to run linux on it, I would prefer an nvidia card (since I will be doing a lot of openGl, and nvidia tends to have better support for openGL on linux), it's not for gaming, I want wifi, I need at least 40gb of hard drive space, at least 256mb of RAM, at least 1.2 ghz processor (preferably by intel), and my price range is $150 to $300. Any recommendations on what to buy and where to buy it? Or are my expectations too high for that price range? I don't know much about buying computers since we used the same one since 2003, and never bothered with a new one. It was good enough for me.
Since you seem to be the only person asking who isn't a complete idiot... you're price range is basically impossible If you spend between $300 and $600 you can probably get a good netbook though. Should get you everything you are looking for.Could I get anything good if it was used/refurbished within my price range? If so then where would be a good reliable place? |
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| Author: | zero-impact [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 9:33 pm ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
# 250 GB 5400 rpm SATA HDD I would be weary of that saltpro 5400 rpm is a big bottleneck usually IF you want the Dell I would recomend going directly to there site and using the laptop builder. |
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| Author: | platky [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 10:52 pm ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
i found a new dell on sale for $620 that was actually quite good. All you have to do is wait for a sale and you can get some good deals... its 3gb ram 160 hard drive 2.1ghz processor |
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| Author: | md [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 11:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Laptop Recommendations |
CodeMonkey2000 @ 2009-03-29, 8:31 pm wrote: md @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 4:02 pm wrote: CodeMonkey2000 @ 2009-03-29, 1:43 pm wrote: Since someone already made this thread; I need a new laptop too. It's for school, I want to run linux on it, I would prefer an nvidia card (since I will be doing a lot of openGl, and nvidia tends to have better support for openGL on linux), it's not for gaming, I want wifi, I need at least 40gb of hard drive space, at least 256mb of RAM, at least 1.2 ghz processor (preferably by intel), and my price range is $150 to $300. Any recommendations on what to buy and where to buy it? Or are my expectations too high for that price range? I don't know much about buying computers since we used the same one since 2003, and never bothered with a new one. It was good enough for me.
Since you seem to be the only person asking who isn't a complete idiot... you're price range is basically impossible If you spend between $300 and $600 you can probably get a good netbook though. Should get you everything you are looking for.Could I get anything good if it was used/refurbished within my price range? If so then where would be a good reliable place? Check out lenovo's refurbished deals - you might find something but I doubt it. There isn't really a used or refurbished laptop market; their they hold their value pretty well until the end or they simply drop off the market. |
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| Author: | saltpro15 [ Mon Mar 30, 2009 9:41 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: RE:Laptop Recommendations |
zero-impact @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 wrote: # 250 GB 5400 rpm SATA HDD
I would be weary of that saltpro 5400 rpm is a big bottleneck usually IF you want the Dell I would recomend going directly to there site and using the laptop builder. alright, thanks for the advice lawson |
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| Author: | DemonWasp [ Mon Mar 30, 2009 10:00 am ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
I haven't found 5400RPM to be a big slowdown - my laptop starts up faster on a 5400RPM disk than my desktop (7200RPM). I imagine you might notice apps loading a little slower, but I haven't had any problems. Worth noting is that a 5400RPM drive is a lot nicer on your battery life than the 7200RPM drive; I don't know if battery life is a concern for you, but if it is, consider going for slightly-slower components, particularly HDD. Within the next 5 years we should see some nice advances in SSD technology. I'm currently considering whether or not to swap out my current laptop drive in favour of one - the only thing that's deterring me is the cost of the drive. |
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| Author: | Vermette [ Mon Mar 30, 2009 10:57 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: RE:Laptop Recommendations |
DemonWasp wrote: I haven't found 5400RPM to be a big slowdown - my laptop starts up faster on a 5400RPM disk than my desktop (7200RPM).
There are numerous other factors involved that would cause your laptop to boot up faster: startup applications in the OS, how much RAM you have installed, CPU speed, and so on. On the drive itself, the filesystem used, degree of file fragmentation, and the amount of cache on the disk can all affect the access times. All else being equal the faster RPM generally means faster transfer of large pieces of data like dvd rips. For lots of repetitive lookups, bigger cache is preferred to knock down the average access time. I.E. 5400rpm with 8MB cache may be preferable to 7200RPM with only 2MB. Assuming you have similar setups (and your PC doesn't have a lot of prepherial devices being loaded), I'm guessing the drive on your laptop has a larger cache. |
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| Author: | DemonWasp [ Mon Mar 30, 2009 12:25 pm ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
Oh, I recognise it's not a fair trial. It wasn't supposed to be - my point was that other factors seem to weigh more heavily on load performance than the hard disk rotation speed. The laptop is running Western Digital 5400RPM 120GB drive with (I think) 16MB cache. I'm using it to boot Ubuntu 8.10 (fairly vanilla, I don't think I've added much startup nonsense), with compiz disabled; the partition is resierfs. The machine has 2GB RAM. The desktop drive is a Western Digital 7200RPM 500GB drive with (I think) 16MB cache. I'm using it to boot Windows Vista Ultimate x64 on NTFS. The machine has 6GB RAM. The time required to get to the operating system seems to be monopolised not by the OS itself, but by the BIOS in my case - my desktop often hasn't even started on the OS by the time the laptop is displaying a login screen. |
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| Author: | Insectoid [ Mon Mar 30, 2009 5:12 pm ] |
| Post subject: | RE:Laptop Recommendations |
Got it! It's the Lenovo N500 lapper. A very nice machine, smooth, rugged design (although it's still plastic). the side of the trackpad is reserved for scrolling, though it can be turned off. |
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