Laptop recommendations?

[HomerMcvie]

Geez, what a tech NIGHTMARE week.
Monday, my desktop PC dies. Getting it reformatted....still waiting to get it back.

Yesterday, my phone screen went dead. It's under warranty, but they're making me send it in for repair. Had to go buy a "pay as you go" phone today, or be without ANYTHING mobile, for a couple of weeks.

Get home from buying the phone, and my f*cking LAPTOP has died, too. WTFFFFFFFFF?

So, I see that Wallyhell has about 6 different models, ranging in the $350 neighborhood. Pretty much everything.
Dell
Compaq
Toshiba
Gateway
HP

Now, my two desktops are Dell, and I can't say that I'm crazy about them. And I think I've heard bad stuff about Gateway, too(right?). My laptop that has died was a Toshiba, and I did get 3 good years out of it. I was otherwise satisfied with it.....
So if you could pick from the above brands, which would you choose(or stay away from), and why/
THANKS.

[Macfanforever]

I guess I'm not the only one.Thats a good question.They are all good makes .but when they go kapoot .they do.Dell is ok .What I read. Today I just got my Dell Dimension 8100 back up and running after the Mobo bios died.Last monday I ordered a new refurb Mobo from Discount Electronics in Texas for $29.99 plus $10.00 shipping.I got it today.It took about about 3 hours to get it up and running.The later part of the 3hours about 90 minutes was spent on trying to get the router working with the new mobo.I got two Dells one HP and the no name first computer which I built in 1998 which I still use today.

I hope you backed up the harddrive before it got reformatted.


Cell phones .Mine lapse in time in renewing trac phone time .I will get a new one with more features

I've read people had problems with Compaq.

Ledgies with Imacs can anwser questions about Imacs.I'm thinking about getting a Imac for my video and audio work.All the pros love them.
.

[wetcamelfood]

Stay away from Gateway. I'd go for HP.

John

[ButterCookie]

Do NOT get a Dell.

I've had no end of problems with mine. Like, as I typed this, it cut out completely and I'm typing this on my phone because I can't be bothered fighting with my computer. I'm looking into getting an iMac soon.

[nailatixela]

Gateway was a nightmare. Out of all those, I like Toshiba and HP.

[HomerMcvie]

Thanks guys. Yeah, I don't think I've ever heard anyone say anything good about Gateway! I'm on my backup Dell right now, and it's the most lethargic piece of sh*t I've ever had(and I had it reformatted, less than a year ago, and it didn't even seem to help it much!).

I'll probably go with either HP(which I've never had), or another Toshiba.

Does anyone know any secret tricks for getting my laptop to fire up? It was getting halfway through startup, then freezing. Now, it won't do ANYTHING. The power button does make it attempt to start(the sound of the drive working) but that's it. Nothing on the screen now...nothing. Boat anchor???

[louielouie2000]

I'm looking into getting an iMac soon.

Go for it... going Mac was the best investment I ever made. I got so sick of replacing computers every few years because my PC's became unusable from all the bugs they acquired over time, or completely died altogether. My Mac is 4 years old now, and still runs like the day I bought it. It's taken so much stress out of my life to have a computer that simply works the way it is supposed to.

[HomerMcvie]

Oh, and I meant to say, I would LOVE an iMac, but really don't want to take out a second mortgage!

[Aussie W/Heart]

Thanks guys. Yeah, I don't think I've ever heard anyone say anything good about Gateway! I'm on my backup Dell right now, and it's the most lethargic piece of sh*t I've ever had(and I had it reformatted, less than a year ago, and it didn't even seem to help it much!).

I'll probably go with either HP(which I've never had), or another Toshiba.

Does anyone know any secret tricks for getting my laptop to fire up? It was getting halfway through startup, then freezing. Now, it won't do ANYTHING. The power button does make it attempt to start(the sound of the drive working) but that's it. Nothing on the screen now...nothing. Boat anchor???

Our annoying Dell computer acted exactly the same way:distress:, we payed to have it fixed after that in was only "good not great" for another 3 months.. Then it froze again:distress: We ended up buying a compaq & HP no problems so far:thumbsup:

[HomerMcvie]

Our annoying Dell computer acted exactly the same way:distress:, we payed to have it fixed after that in was only "good not great" for another 3 months.. Then it froze again:distress: We ended up buying a compaq & HP no problems so far:thumbsup:

Thank you. I feel the same way. I think Dells are buggy. BOTH of my Dell keep having problem after problem. And they're noisy! This hard drive makes more noise than a Kentuckian in heat!:sorry::p

[tilthefirefades]

I have a Sony Vaio and I absolutely love it. I have yet to see a better laptop. I've had it for about a year and have had no problems with it.

[1sttimelongtime]

What you are describing is a problem common to Toshiba laptops. Supposedly the video card is loose. I slap my laptop sharply on bottom side when it does this and it starts right up every time. I've gotten another year of use out of it with this high tech solution.

[HomerMcvie]

What you are describing is a problem common to Toshiba laptops. Supposedly the video card is loose. I slap my laptop sharply on bottom side when it does this and it starts right up every time. I've gotten another year of use out of it with this high tech solution.

Thanks. I'll try this tomorrow! I wonder if it's something I could disassemble, and properly seat?

[NoFear♥OnlyLove]

Whatever you do, DO NOT get a Dell laptop...those are nothing but a headache. We got one about a year and a half ago...within the first year, the battery would no longer charge and the mouse pad stopped working.

I started out with a Compaq, and loved it, but that was 15 years ago and I've no idea what kind of product it is now.

Next, I had an HP and it worked perfectly for 6 years. I was forced to get a new one only when the screen finally died. Otherwise, not a single complaint.

Now, I have a Toshiba, which I only got this past February...and so far, so good.

My overall recommendation, though, is an HP. :nod:

[Aussie W/Heart]

Thank you. I feel the same way. I think Dells are buggy. BOTH of my Dell keep having problem after problem. And they're noisy! This hard drive makes more noise than a Kentuckian in heat!:sorry::p

haha No worries!!, We must of had the same problems going on, noisy your not wrong.. The computer expert said the cooling system or fan had seized, causing it to overheat.. It would take forever to start up, then 1 min later it would freeze:distress: I love my HP Laptop, and the Compaq desk top gets a good work out with out any problems so far..

[vivfox]

I have a Dell desktop that has been my only ever computer which I've had for 6 years now and I have no problems. It's been to the doctor a few times over the years but I've never lost any data. Don't ever buy me another stuffed animal. I have enough for everyone.

[HomerMcvie]

I checked Best Buy online today, and they have a Toshiba Satellite(same thing that I bought 3 years ago, which just died....except it's smaller now, which is good), for only $279, so I bought it, and paid for expedited shipping(because I leave for vacation on Saturday). That's $100 less than I paid 3 years ago.

Thank god work has been strong this year, to be able to pay for all my failing electronics!!:rolleyes:

[CADreaming]

Go for it... going Mac was the best investment I ever made. I got so sick of replacing computers every few years because my PC's became unusable from all the bugs they acquired over time, or completely died altogether. My Mac is 4 years old now, and still runs like the day I bought it. It's taken so much stress out of my life to have a computer that simply works the way it is supposed to.

Ditto!!!

Once you go Mac you never go back! :thumbsup:

[darkcat]

I have to chime in here, I love my iMac too. When my last computer died, I bought a nice Dell XPS to replace it. It worked for 2 days. That was it. I spent hours upon hours on the phone to India, at one point I was crying in frustration. I returned the stupid thing, got my money back and got an iMac. best thing I could have bought. The few times I had to call tech support with questions they were helpful and easy to deal with. yes, it was more expensive, but I expect it to last much longer and be much more trouble free.

[HomerMcvie]

Oh, I KNOW imacs are FAR superior, but aren't they like 2K!?!?!? I know my friend said that he paid 2K for his.

Look at my last Toshiba. I paid $378 for it, and got 3 SOLID years out of it, with no problems. Just this instant death(and honestly, I probably caused the death. A couple of nights before it died, I fell asleep on the couch, with it on my lap, and it hit the floor[ceramic tile]. The lid hinge was "creaking" after that, even though it seemed to still be working fine...so the death was probably my fault). But look at this one I just ordered. $279. Hell, if I get 2 years out of it, I'll be okay with that.

Yes, I'm terminally cheap. It's a gift. Or curse.:D

[Macfanforever]

My first computer that I had built was about $2500 "1998 figures" by the time I finished adding the bells and whistles to it.A few upgrades including a new MOBO its still humming along.

Those Laptops are so fragile and cheaply made .In a result of me going through a truck load of MP3 players and digital cameras .Cell phones .A laptop wont last in my hands over here .

I got to add soft rubber bumpers on it if i get one.

Good luck with you new laptop Homer.

[HomerMcvie]

My first computer that I had built was about $2500 "1998 figures" by the time I finished adding the bells and whistles to it.A few upgrades including a new MOBO its still humming along.

Those Laptops are so fragile and cheaply made .In a result of me going through a truck load of MP3 players and digital cameras .Cell phones .A laptop wont last in my hands over here .

I got to add soft rubber bumpers on it if i get one.

Good luck with you new laptop Homer.

I got my first computer sometime around 1995. My friend helped me pick a used Mac Performa, since I had no experience, and he said it would be easier to learn on. I still have it, although it hasn't been able to fire up for several years(the internal battery is shot). I don't know why I still have it, other than I have a bunch of love letters, etc, that I saved to floppies. But back then, I remember being very frustrated with so many apps being PC only. Yes, this was before Apple conquered the world....

I "try" to be careful with mine, but I'm such an internet addict, that I usually fall asleep, while still perusing Facebook. At home though, I'm usually on my desktop PC, but it's being reformatted now, thus why my laptop crashed to the floor. Oh well, sh*t happens. 3 years was a pretty good run for it!

You know, talk about tying things together. On that old Apple, I found the Fleetwood Mac "newsgroup", and met several future Ledgies on there. David Oberman invited me to come join The Ledge, and I've been here ever since.

Thanks for the well wishes!:xoxo:

[Macfanforever]

I got my first computer sometime around 1995. My friend helped me pick a used Mac Performa, since I had no experience, and he said it would be easier to learn on. I still have it, although it hasn't been able to fire up for several years(the internal battery is shot). I don't know why I still have it, other than I have a bunch of love letters, etc, that I saved to floppies. But back then, I remember being very frustrated with so many apps being PC only. Yes, this was before Apple conquered the world....

I "try" to be careful with mine, but I'm such an internet addict, that I usually fall asleep, while still perusing Facebook. At home though, I'm usually on my desktop PC, but it's being reformatted now, thus why my laptop crashed to the floor. Oh well, sh*t happens. 3 years was a pretty good run for it!

You know, talk about tying things together. On that old Apple, I found the Fleetwood Mac "newsgroup", and met several future Ledgies on there. David Oberman invited me to come join The Ledge, and I've been here ever since.

Thanks for the well wishes!:xoxo:

Speaking of the old computer.My parents got their Gateway2000 in 1997 or 1996.I have used computers since they hit the market .but never want to connect to the BB before the internet came to full speed in the 1997.I was Introduced to the internet in 1997 on my parents computer.They were getting pissed off because I was loading up the hard drive which was only 4gb in size with concert audio and photos of guess who"Stevie".LOL and country artists tunes.A year later I got mine and introduce the whole new world of information at my fingertips.

As you mentioned the internet links in your old computer.I still have those Stevie/FM links in mine old computer from 1998.I got to get them transfered to this computer and run them through the Internet Archives "Wayback Machine' to go back in time.

[darkcat]

I think I payed like 1200 for my iMac. Which I know is a lot, but when you are not so computer savvy and just want a good machine that doesnt need much maintenance it was worth it to me.

[HomerMcvie]

I wonder if newsgroups still exist? My ISP still carried them, until a couple of years ago. Pre Ledge, I loved going to the Fleetwood Mac one, even though there were only 10-20 posts a day there. God, what did we do before the internets?:p

[vivfox]

God, what did we do before the internets?:p

We met fellow fans through their ads in Goldmine Magazine and we wrote countless letters to each other and talked on the phone of our fandom and traded cassette's and videotapes. Yup, that's what we did.:thumbsup:

[wheart]

We met fellow fans through their ads in Goldmine Magazine and we wrote countless letters to each other and talked on the phone of our fandom and traded cassette's and videotapes. Yup, that's what we did.:thumbsup:

and life was good, right? The young folk can't fathom a world without cell phones, twitter and facebook but it did exist once and it was quite lovely...If I do say so myself.

So this thread has come in very handy as I'm finally replacing my *gasp* 2005 PC with a laptop. I'm almost thinking the extra $$ spent on a Mac may be well worth it, as I am not tech saavy and basically want something that's going to work well and last long.

[Macfanforever]

I just read that Apple is the leader of laptops.

[HomerMcvie]

I just read that Apple is the leader of laptops.
Yeah, they are....but know what? About a week after I bought the Toshiba(from BB), BB offered it as their "deal of the day", for $249. I called and asked about 30 day price matching, and they refunded the difference. Come on, $249!!!! Apple won't(I didn't say "can't") touch that price. If I get 3 years out of this Toshiba(what I got out of my last one - and it had a rough life, going to work with me, and vacations....), I'll be more than happy!
$249 is almost a joke, it's so cheap!:]:]:]

[Macfanforever]

Yeah, they are....but know what? About a week after I bought the Toshiba(from BB), BB offered it as their "deal of the day", for $249. I called and asked about 30 day price matching, and they refunded the difference. Come on, $249!!!! Apple won't(I didn't say "can't") touch that price. If I get 3 years out of this Toshiba(what I got out of my last one - and it had a rough life, going to work with me, and vacations....), I'll be more than happy!
$249 is almost a joke, it's so cheap!:]:]:]

Yes they make electronics cheap now.If you are lucky to got a couple of years out of the product.I just went through my second Nikon Coolpix.They have those cheap doors as a lens cap broke on this one.As for Sony camcorders. I repaired the LCD viewfinder flex wire 3 times.Now its acting up again.

$249 for a laptop is a great price.I should get one for the road.I could of done wifi updates on here of my Stevie travels last july with it.plus edit photos and vids I takin' at the shows.

[HomerMcvie]

Yes they make electronics cheap now.If you are lucky to got a couple of years out of the product.I just went through my second Nikon Coolpix.They have those cheap doors as a lens cap broke on this one.As for Sony camcorders. I repaired the LCD viewfinder flex wire 3 times.Now its acting up again.

$249 for a laptop is a great price.I should get one for the road.I could of done wifi updates on here of my Stevie travels last july with it.plus edit photos and vids I takin' at the shows.

Yeah, a couple of years is about all you can expect out of cheap electronics(smartphones included). I'm convinced what actually killed my last laptop was my desktop PC. Haha. My PC died, and while it was being repaired, I was using my laptop on the couch(I always use a desktop on my coffee table[mission control! lol]), while accidentally falling asleep. The laptop crashed to my ceramic tile floor. The hinge was creaking the next day, and it died the death less than 24 hours later.
But yeah, the mouse had broken about a year into having it, and I had to carry an external USB mouse, because the left clicker wouldn't work.
I'm glad it died, though. The new one is smaller and lighter(last one had a 17" screen. While that may be great for porn, it's too big to carry around!).

It's amazing how cheap they are now, if you look back 10 years ago!