Laptop Opinions

[BigR1234]

Hi All,

I am heading into Comp Sci at carleton, and was wanting to get a laptop. How much value is there to have a laptop with you?

Has anyone heard good/bad reviews of http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10109644&CMP=BAC-FS_hbad_t1_s1-EN

Thanks

[jernst]

Hey, I can't speak for that exact model of Toshiba from Futureshop, but last year I bought a similar model that was an open box for pretty cheap and have no troubles with it at all. Very good value for the price in my opinion, I have vista and ubuntu on it and do all my school work on it.

In terms of value on having a laptop with you, I personally like to have it to look up stuff I don't quite understand while the teacher is talking. Just try not to let yourself get distracted from the lectures (I have had this happen as well and it caused me to have more trouble understanding some concepts).

[BigR1234]

thanks for the info.

i assume that this laptop will be able to handle everything that I will need in Comp Sci. (i am thinking yes, just double checking before I dump cash into it )

[wtd]

Toshiba Satellites are garbage. This message is brought to you by a Toshiba-certified technician.

If you want a decent laptop buy a MacBook or Thinkpad.

[apomb]

What are people's thoughts on HP laptops for non-technical/artistic computer use?

[Zeroth]

stay far far away from HP laptops for any use. HP has this odd belief that they control the computer not you.

[wtd]

Seconded.

[StealthArcher]

I got an earlier version of this thing for just under 1k:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8892825&type=product&id=1211587727985


Mine has a T9300 installed, as well as a second 160GB HDD for ubuntu, and another 2GB stick, seeing as the older 6831 came with only 3. Runs anything I can throw at it.

However, this coming from a person who can haul 30+ pounds without back problems, so, make your choice wisely.

[wtd]

That Gateway is too much computer for the price. They skimped somewhere. Somewhere important.

[StealthArcher]

Yeah:

-The default processor sucks balls, cold blue ones.

- The build is huge, very big, and the battery sticks out.

-It isn't the most flexless laptop, though it isn't half bad either.

- The bluetooth adapter is a POS from what I've heard.

-The fans are in the WEIRDEST place ever.

-Oh, and I doubt most here care, but 1440x 900 on a 17" does look just a little fuzzy.

Other than that, I've yet to find problems, and I have stressed this thing but good, both physically and electronically.

Just one review for those interested:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4208&review=Gateway+P%2D7811FX

[wtd]

Buy a Mac!

Or a Lenovo Thinkpad T400.

[chrisbrown]

Having slacked off all summer, I have no money for a new laptop so I'll be using a Thinkpad 390 for school. P2 233MHz, 96Mb RAM, 1 usb port, no ethernet, no battery. 800x600. How enjoyable.

[StealthArcher]

Heal: +1 votes to Thinkpad T400
Hurt: -1 votes to any and all (Cr)apple products.

[md]

A Thinkpad T400 looks like the best thing going right now, but I expect a new Apple to appear soon.

[PaulButler]

As md said just above, a new MacBook should be coming soon. Or if you buy one now from a Mac store you can get a free iPod or iPod Touch.

I find Toshibas are a bit clunky, but are solid computers. I abuse mine constantly and it takes it pretty well. They ship with a rather poor operating system, but that is easily fixed if you can use Linux.