i need a new laptop! suggestions?
It’s official: my computer/hdd is dead! Laptop went through many check-ups in the last 3 weeks, and while i’m writing this post from friends’ computer, i got phone call from my tech service support telling me that there’s nothing they can do – it is time for new laptop. No wonder, poor thing passed numerous airports, travelled many many miles, had five falls on the ground, exploitation in the past few years in its fullest – master research and thesis, presentations, movings, in between time pre-PhD period, 2 spilling of tea over the keyboard, etc. I had final warning signs few days ago when i announced that i am contemplating new laptop {and new mac books arrived <3}.
So, it is time for new laptop. I know what I don’t want as I’ve had not so nice experience in the past with: Toshiba’s, Fujitsu, HP, also I don’t want Acer, Asus (though I heard they are not that bad, but which model?). I need computer for everyday work, research (lot of data), good RAM, stable OS. Also, I’m known as great exploiter of FF (if i need 120 tabs open at once because I need them for my research, reading and analysis, I have to be sure it will tolerate my requests), good graphic support (i am here and there musing myself and others with photography / see Flickr, and use PhotoShop), and sometimes I watch a movie on DVD. All in all, a bit stronger than standard one, as I may need for some extra work. Important: I don’t play any kind of games/simply don’t have time, so I don’t need super ultra state-of-art graphics/speed/performance as well as I don’t use AUTO-CAD, as friend asked me recently if I am CAD person.
Beside above described, I need light one- did I mention it? My back and shoulders hurt when i have to move or travel and take all kind of gadgets with me. Smaller screen are welcomed too (13.3”). Hum, cannot remember anything else for now: ah yes, decent price would go, well proportion of quality, performance and warranty, I am not Rockefeller, and prices of hardware are dropping everyday {they say}.
All suggestions, experiences, comments are welcomed! And please if you suggest some manufacturer add a model that works for you, and have in mind that i live in South-East Europe. Thank you!
Sphere: Related Content
Subscribe to my feed
Subscribe by e-mail
You already know my opinion on this – Dell
. Also, I would recommend Lenovo.
Dell has smaller models too. A friend of mine bought 13.3″ and he is satisfied with it. It seemed nice, though I don’t know its specs.
Good luck with your new purchase
.
After removing your no-no brands from my fav list only 2 remain: Lenovo Thinkpad and Dell. Thinkpads are expensive and Dell have different priced models… I’m looking at Dell Studio 15 for myself but it’s 15,4″ which weighs above 2,5 kg and if you opt for longer lasting battery even more weight comes into the picture
Dell also has XPS models and 13,3 model in that series but it’s more expensive (above 1k euro line)…
I have been researching my next laptop for a while and agree with Jazzva and Marko on the Dell & Lenovo recommendations.
You may even find that the 12.1″ Levovo X200 are a good option. Lenovo’s build quality is certainly stronger than Dell’s but whatever you decide make sure you get the extended warranty to cover it for the next few years.
That being said, are you looking for a new PC or to improve the way that you experience technology and what it allows you to do.
If you haven’t already, have a look at why you’ll love a Mac http://www.apple.com/au/getamac/whymac/ and go pick yourself up a new macbook
I’m very happy with my 1.5 year old Lenovo Thinkpad X60s. It’s 12″, 1.something kg. Battery life is 2h (5.5h on extended battery).
… It also looks like to me that there is a significant difference in quality comparing Lenovo Thinkpad and other Lenovo series, but I don’t have personal experience to proof that.
To add to Goran’s observation… Thinkpad series is much better than “ordinary” Lenovo. Thinkpad is series invented by IBM and than sold to Lenovo couple of years ago, while N200 (which is the name of Lenovo notebook series) is Lenovo invention, much cheaper and at least a bit worse
If I had money for Lenovo I would go for Thinkpad X300 (13.3″) or T61 with 14.1″ screen 
Marko, i’m comparing features and prices on Lenovo Thinkpad’s. Everything looks nice (except I dont like VistA)but also there’s price factor: http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/lenovo-thinkpad-x300/4505-3121_7-32864938.html
Does it really worth $1,889? I think it’s too much, as well as for Dell XPS http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/dell-xps-m1330/4505-3121_7-32465545.html
Did you have some preference from ‘no-no’ brands/models?
Goran: Where did you buy Thinkpad X60s? I wouldn’t go below 13, 3″, and above mentioned warranty issue is to consider.
Matthew, thank you for re-reminding me on new macbooks <3. Local Apple store is a bitch – they add crazy taxes and
extra price (in euros) for macbooks that price is not only hideous, but I wouldnt’ on purpose buy in those local stores – robbing people. In US they are much much cheaper.
Dell 1525
Well you know, if it’s just the harddrive that’s borked, you could replace that.
All of the suggestions in this thread are solid, I will add one more for you to look at:
Lenovo Ideapad S10
It’s about $400 and it falls in the “netbook” size range. Extremely portable, take it with you everywhere, plenty of processing power for most everything I would use it for. Take a look!
Not being someone who knows what goes on inside technologies on which I depend I buy on the basis of who can look after it for me, keeping a small number of contacts – including the Apple shop in Birmingham (OK here) – who I can use to help if something goes wrong. Same with my video camera – contacts in the media. The other thing is to have two computers or at least a large external hard drive. Working them 24/7 I used to have a new laptop every year until I switched to Apple, since when I rely on a mother ship (the largest Mac) kept at home and two iBooks which I have used since 2001. One new hard drive needed in that time and that was paid for under guarantee. Trouble is that to get this level of laptop and larger machine support cost me over £2500. Since that first big expenditure I’ve just relied on spending about £2000 a year on keeping my machines working.
From personal experience, Dell XPS M1330:
- lightweight
- with 9h battery you can get 4h+ working time
- very decent processor & graphic power
- 13.3″ screen
simon: support cost of £2000 annualy is too much. maybe i foreseen the additional zero?!
looks like i have on menu lenovo and dell (13,3”).
though, i was searching on two .rs. web sites and couldn’t find dell xps m1330. anyone?
i am fine with used or refurbished laptops as long as they are in good condition.
Lenovo x300 http://is.gd/5kw4 best buy IMHO
[...] few days ago and I am using interwebs in Internet cafes, and temporarily friends’ laptop. I was contemplating to buy laptop that will help me in my research, while moving, travelling – light, functional, [...]
[...] The search for the perfect laptop for my needs, research, conferences, travels is still ”ON’, if you get to some updated information -leave a comment, I’ll get back to you after the Holidays. Also, I am amazed by ‘The power of Social Web’ action for new laptop as I’ve reached so far 35% of donations for such a short time.Thank all of you who have understanding for the science, research and academic life. There is still few days left till the cause is closed though. [...]