Wastin Time Posted May 28, 2007 Posted May 28, 2007 All right ppl's, Heres one for all you who have an idea on the subject. We are considering getting a laptop/notebook for home, as we have lost our computer room, can i get some advise on what to look for/how much I should pay. It will be for basic home useage, that means i can finally read FR at home , some basic MYOB work, games, email etc. I dont want to spend a fortune either say no more than $1500.00 I am also looking at getting unwired broadband, any comments would help on this too. Thx in advance
stylo Posted May 28, 2007 Posted May 28, 2007 (edited) NOTEBOOK Mac or PC ? Personally I would get a Dell Notebook mate. I'd suggest the following: Inspiron 6400 15.4" widescreen Windows XP (not Vista, but you can if you are willing to risk it .. quite new operating system software) 80-100GB hard drive upgrade to 2.0 ghz motherboard 1 gig RAM standard video card (for viewing FR DVD dual layer drive (should be standard I think) Bluetooth (standard) Internal wireless card (standard) Wireless router (THIS YOU MAY NEED TO BUY SEPARATE) Standard 12 month warranty (should do) Laptop bag + other accessories as you need .. Note 15.4 is not that light but good if you intend to use it on a desk and not really carry it around. Otherwise 14" may suit your needs better. This will last you for years. Approx $2k - not all upgrades necessary if you want to stay under $1,500 BUT will be worth the $2k. INTERNET Internet I would go the route of any of the larger companies .. I have Telstra broadband and it is good. Unwired I assume you mean "wireless" so you can read FR in the loo - you will need to get the "wireless router" in addition to a modem which should be supplied on connection to the broadband carrier. To purchase separately, the cost is about $100 or so. If you already have (braodband) internet at home - you only need the wireless router. Get started here.. http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/products/f...;l=en&s=dhs and here ! http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/ "Whirlpool forums" may complicate you more than do you any good but you can have fun searching through that. Edited May 28, 2007 by stylo
arpie Posted May 28, 2007 Posted May 28, 2007 As I understand it, if you want to go 'wireless broadband' you have to have a telstra account!? This seems stupid to me, as I am with aapt, so why would I want to pay 'telstra' as well!?? Anyone put me right on that?? Cheers
stylo Posted May 28, 2007 Posted May 28, 2007 No need for a "telstra" internet account - just a "broadband account" in general. If you have an "AAPT braodband account" all you will need to go wireless is a laptop, wireless network card (that goes in the laptop, if it does not already have one) and a wireless router. Then you are good to go !
henryinnis Posted May 28, 2007 Posted May 28, 2007 Dell are very good on price and specs. They will find you a good deal - try the Inspiron range..... Henry
reel_success Posted May 28, 2007 Posted May 28, 2007 (edited) my sister just bought a HP DV 2000 with Vista. very nice machine, 1GB Ram, very good screen, and 80 GB hard drive She got it for $1500 with 3 yr warrenty, bag (cheapy) any questions feel free to ask!!! Cam Edited May 28, 2007 by cam
inhlanzi Posted May 28, 2007 Posted May 28, 2007 Hi I'm a Mac ... Think different! Buy a computer that makes the operating system. Been using Macs for 20 odd years and they just keep getting better so in my humble opinion get a Mac cheers inhlanzi
tafc010 Posted May 28, 2007 Posted May 28, 2007 For what it's worth. I own a publishing company (not desktop but full on Colour glossy magazines) and we produce 2 x 56 page mags every 2 weeks, MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC, I think you get the drift. And don't be fooled by clock speed, the Mac equivelant is heaps faster than a PC CYA Geoff
stylo Posted May 28, 2007 Posted May 28, 2007 Agree with the Macs ! Stable operating system and looks great. Take a pick mate. However if you are used to using a PC, there may be a slight learning curve.
arif Posted May 29, 2007 Posted May 29, 2007 Hi MACs are great but are a little more expensive than comparable PC machines, also if you have experience with PC's you may find a MAC takes some getting used to. They are however much more stable than windows based machines and you will not have the same issues with virus, phishing etc. If you opt for a PC you may find that ACER make very high spec machines at a good price, I have found that in spite of their low cost they are as reliable as any other PC based notebook. Arif
kane Posted June 4, 2007 Posted June 4, 2007 I went through this same process about 5 months ago and in the end bought a sony Vaio and have never had one problem with it compared with the 5 guys i sit next to at work 3 have dell and all have been sent back and the 2 with macs one guy sent his back twice finally got it working and the other guy is trying to get his money back after going through 3 machines and it still not working Apple have had it longer then he has out of the last 4 months i know sony are a bit pricey but a problem free computer is worth the money in my mind Cheers Kane
zen801 Posted June 4, 2007 Posted June 4, 2007 Gotta say i agree with stylo. I bought two Dell Inspirons and they have been great. Spent 2k each and did get a few glitchs with Vista but Dell were fantastic in sorting it out ASAP. They are both high tech with the lot. You can get less stuff and pay less. One of them had a screen problem and they came out next day onsite and replaced. I run 7 Dells and love them all. Best thing about Dell is they look after you. Not all companies do that. Go the Dell and buy it over the internet from their site and you will get all sorts of upgrades for free. Zenman
marus8504 Posted June 4, 2007 Posted June 4, 2007 in the PC world it does not matter what brand you buy because they all use roughly the same chips, ie. intel... some times you find that you are paying more for a name brand rather than a no name but they have the same chips. i use a PC but if i had to choose and money was not an issue i would choose one of the new MAC s that run both windows and Apple. great computer worth the money
Wastin Time Posted June 4, 2007 Author Posted June 4, 2007 Thanks for all the input guys!!! I am tossing up between a Dell & a Toshiba (as a few IT guys have recommended them too) Its a real head .........
Nel Posted June 6, 2007 Posted June 6, 2007 Wastin' time, let me know when you've made a decision. If it's a non-Dell you decide on, I'll see if I can get you a competitive price from my work. Nel
Guest MRS WATTO Posted June 6, 2007 Posted June 6, 2007 Thanks for all the input guys!!! I am tossing up between a Dell & a Toshiba (as a few IT guys have recommended them too) Its a real head ......... Roy Panasonic Toughbook is the go
IkanBilis Posted June 7, 2007 Posted June 7, 2007 I've got a Toshiba. It's not bad. Prefer it over a Dell. Honestly, I'd get a Mac (Got my toshiba for free so can't complain) As Mark said, it runs on Core 2 Duo which means you can install Windows on it. Sent you a pm too.....
Wastin Time Posted June 7, 2007 Author Posted June 7, 2007 Wastin' time, let me know when you've made a decision. If it's a non-Dell you decide on, I'll see if I can get you a competitive price from my work. Nel Nel - thanks for that, will talk to you soon Panasonic Toughbook is the go Claudia - i believe they only work on a part time basis Ikanbilis - PM sent Thanks again everyone
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