Help Me Choose, But Help Me Choose Wisely

• by GeekMan • In Breaking News •   12

I think I just might hang myself with a USB cable.

I’m looking to buy myself a new notebook computer and being the UberGeek that I am, I feel compelled to do due diligence up the wazoo and research the Snausages out of all the currently available laptops before I make my purchase. So, after spending fleeting moments picking the mounds of silly putty that pass for brains amongst the tech departments of the major computer stores within thirty steps of my front door, and after spending minute after minute sifting through the Google search results for “awesomest most ‘leet laptop computer in the frickin world” and after spending the barest minimum amount of time compiling a list of suitable computer manufacturers from whom I would even consider buying from without demanding my sales reps first born as collateral, I think I’m almost ready to make my decision.

So far, I’ve narrowed down my choices to these select few manufacturers;

  • Acer
  • Alienware
  • Dell
  • Fujitsu
  • Gateway
  • IBM
  • Sager
  • Sony
  • Toshiba
  • Winbook

Well… perhaps ‘narrowed down’ is a little misleading.

At least I’ve managed to cross HP/Compaq off the list so far. Of course, they were never on the list to begin with since I hate their computers with a passion usually reserved for people who talk on their cell phones while breast feeding a their baby in a crowded movie theater.

Or Celine Dion. Whichever.

Anywaste, since I’m a lazy bastard and I actually believe that my visitors are a smart and tech savvy bunch of people, I’m looking for your help with making my decision. What? You’d be happy to offer your advice? Great! I knew you would be! Let me tell you a little more about what I’m looking for in my new laptop;

  • 512 MB RAM
  • 20GB or greater hard drive
  • 14” or larger screen
  • Minimum 1024x768x32bit resolution
  • Minimum 32 MB DEDICATED video RAM
  • ATI or nVidia graphics card
  • CDRW/DVD combo drive or equivalent
  • Built in 10/100Mbps LAN and 56K modem
  • Preferably built in 802.11b wireless or optional add-in card at time of purchase
  • At least 2 USB ports
  • Preferably at least 1 Firewire port
  • At least one year of on-site service and support
  • Win XP Pro
  • Under $2,100 including shipping and tax

See? It’s not like I’m asking for the impossible or anything, right?

You might have noticed a few things that are missing from that list, most noticeably there’s no processor mentioned. That’s because any of the newest processors would be more than enough for my needs. For arguments sake though, we could say that anything above a P4 2Ghz and an AMD 18000+ would be fine.

The new Intel Centrino’s would be even better. *drool*

Sound doesn’t matter to me; I like my VEHTS better anyway. I also don’t care about floppy drives or battery life. I can’t remember the last time I used a floppy drive and if I ever use the damn thing for more than 10 minutes unplugged I think I might fall down dead in shock. I might go into convulsions first and foam at the mouth, but trust me; I’d be on the ground and dead in less than a minute. Pushing up the daisy’s before you could even think of pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del.

So smart guy, what laptop computer would you suggest?

12 Comments

  2. I love it when you joke.

    At least that’s what I’m assuming you’re doing when you suggest that I would have suggestions on any topic that is computer related. My requirements are much simpler: The thing should work when I hit the on button.

  3. That sounds pretty good. The only concerns I have are the video card (ATI Mobility RADEON 7500, which is a generation behind the newest ATI Mobile 9000) and the price. $2100 is right at the top end of my budget and that doesn’t include and on-site (or free shipping) warrenty, taxes or shipping.

    The R series is still a good choice though, and I’m also looking at the A series, too.

    Thanks Solonor.

  4. JadedJu – Did I forget to include ‘ComPEWtur-thingee must work when necessary’ in my list?

    Dagnabbit!

  5. I just got a Dell about a week ago with the new centrino chip. Its fucking awesome. If you get a computer definently get this chip. If your lucky like me you might get free access in your house.

  6. Last July I was faced with a similar dilemma. I’d never owned a nice machine, had just come into about $2000 to spend on ME, and decided I wanted a laptop.

    Though I’m not sure my choice will help you. I got an iBook. Doesn’t help your WinXP requirement, though XP does run swimmingly under Virtual PC.

    I have a Dell Latitude for work, I’ve used Gateways, Sonys, IBMs and others, and nothing comes even close to this iBook.

    And lest you think I’m a rabid Mac zealot spewing propoganda, before the iBook I was the loudest Mac critic of all. The iBook replaced a Linux box.

  7. Brad – Which model did you get? How much was it? One concern I have with Dell laptops (and something that’s happened to me personally in the past) is that some of the newer models have had keyboard interaction problems. Meaning that if you hold down the shift key, alt key or the control key the computer starts selecting things on screen at random and opening and closing menues like a demon-possessed librarian with ADHD. Of course, that was with Win NT and Win 2000, so things may have changed with Win XP Pro. Have you noticed anything strange like that?

    Chris – Unfortunately, this computer will be for business purposes which means I must have a Windows machine. Thanks anyway though, I hear those new Macs are fun!

  8. I just got a Toshiba Satellite 1955-S805 and I loooooove it! I bought it on the advice of some tech guru friends of mine….and they were right!! It’s pretty huge though…16 inch screen…big!! You could save some dough by going with a smaller screen.
    But I’m extremely happy with this machine (In the past I’ve had an HP *yuck* and an IBM *icky*).
    Good luck!

  9. A friend of mine recently splurged on an Alienware. From what he says, it is the best machine he’s ever played on. he loves it. Honestly, I think he just likes the cool colour. *giggles* I think it is a bit over your price range, though. Sorry I was no help at all.

    (as if I thought I would be) :P

  11. Firstly, I’d like to express my feelings of utmost rabid joy when I read that you don’t ‘like’ HP/Compaq.

    Shit… No, I don’t know how to express those feelings.

    Ah well. I, being a Geek myself, would highly suggest a Dell (ignore their annoying “DUDE!” guy, they make good laptops). Or -maybe- a Toshiba.

    I think I’ve seen more Dell/Toshiba laptops come across my ex-desk needing reformatting because their owners are idiots, rather then needing some peice of equipment needing replacement because it’s crappy. So yeah.

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