looking for a laptop

blackriverstan · #1 10-09-2010, 03:44 PM

so i haven't been computer shopping since about '02 or so

i just got a new job and the laptop will be used primarily for work/small business use...will possibly be receiving many emails per day, need possible organization solutions, will be keeping a fair amount of records and files of government forms. there shouldn't be any necessity for spreadsheets, but that option is always nice. word and acrobat reader pretty necessary. wifi/wireless internet/mobile connectivity needed. webcam possibly needed for conferencing. would like to keep price between $500-$600.

go to best buy? order off dell.com? purchase from sam's club? any suggestions/help are appreciated

L-A · #2 10-09-2010, 03:48 PM

An entry-level laptop, or a pretty nice netbook will be in your range.

DigMe · #3 10-09-2010, 04:13 PM

Look at CULV laptops. You'll get mega battery life and a lot more horsepower in a size close to a netbook. They can be found in your price range.

Examples include the Acer Aspire 1810TZ (I have the previous generation of this and it's been awesome), ASUS UL30A and the Toshiba T235.

bc

blackriverstan · #4 10-09-2010, 04:24 PM

excuse my ignorance...CULV?

**jmattbassplaya** · #5 10-09-2010, 04:28 PM

Office Max (Depot? I can never remember which is which) usually has some pretty decent deals - especially during the summer.

DigMe · #6 10-09-2010, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackriverstan

excuse my ignorance...CULV?

Consumer Ultra Low Voltage. Good processing power but with LNG battery life.

bc

blackriverstan · #7 10-10-2010, 02:00 PM

looking at an hp and a dell

anyone with hp have any major problems?

James Hart · #8 10-10-2010, 02:13 PM

I've got a Dell D630 I bought off TB that is treating me right. Over the last 4 years I've had 2 work laptops (D810 and D820) and both took all my multitasking and abuse. I'm replying on the D820 right now. I have heard that MIS has killed it's Dell contract and replacements in the future will be HP machines.

Before my personal D630, I had a Compaq that died an early death... video chipset fried.

My wife is rocking a Fujitsu laptop a bit over your budget... but if I was looking for a replacement for my Dell, I would see what I could swing from Fujitsu.

tplyons · #9 10-10-2010, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Hart

I've got a Dell D630 I bought off TB that is treating me right. Over the last 4 years I've had 2 work laptops (D810 and D820) and both took all my multitasking and abuse. I'm replying on the D820 right now. I have heard that MIS has killed it's Dell contract and replacements in the future will be HP machines.

I use a D630 for work and it's a great machine... takes running 8-12 hours a day very well, using some crazy system resources at times.

Since they've replaced the D series with the E series, my company has started using them with no issues either. I see the E5400 is right in your price range on dell.com. Might consider checking it out.

**Vorago** · #10 10-10-2010, 04:39 PM

Lenovo

DigMe · #11 10-10-2010, 05:13 PM

HPmhas the highest rate of major repairs needed of all the major laptop makers.

ASUS and Toshiba are typically near the top.

bc

blendermassacre · #12 10-10-2010, 05:52 PM

I love my toshiba satellite. It's been great so far (almost a year) and the only thing it's needed was a battery, which toshiba sent me for free overnight after a short and sweet phone call

tk421 · #13 10-11-2010, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tplyons

I use a D630 for work and it's a great machine... takes running 8-12 hours a day very well, using some crazy system resources at times.

Since they've replaced the D series with the E series, my company has started using them with no issues either. I see the E5400 is right in your price range on dell.com. Might consider checking it out.

e5400's are junk. plastic. absolute bottom of the e-series line.
the 6400/6410's are quite nice though, but almost twice as expensive. i would take a used d630 over a brand new 5400.

we currently have 54 of the 5400's in production, and about ~250 of the 6400/6410's ... once our refresh is finished, there will be about 600 of the 64xx in production. we don't issue 5400's for replacements or new user machines - we hold them off to the side for loaners, testing, project work.

serious issues with docking / undocking ... seems like some machines hard lock every time they get docked. mine had wireless issues w/ N access points - a real pain when travelling to branches to prep for a conversion. i literally had to go to the closet and patch straight into the switch at these locations.

shackled · #14 10-11-2010, 05:28 AM

My Dell Vostro works great for work and play.
I purchased it in March, and paid a little bit more than your budget. Lots of options...