Need an inexpensive PC laptop
Jul 17, 2011 | 02:24 PM
#11
Thread Starter
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Posts: 3,773
From: CA
It really depends on what you want to use it for and the features.
Brand means nothing. It all depends on what is inside.
Here are what I would consider to be the key features that you won't want to skimp on.
1. At least a second generation Intel Core i5 processor running at 2.3 GHz.
2. At least 8 GB of RAM (preferably 12GB if you are running Windows 7 64-bit OS).
3. At least 1 GB of dedicated video memory - preferably a brand name video card like Nvidia or ATI. Stay away from integrated video if possible.
4. A good optical drive that is Blu-Ray compatible.
5. Wireless N 1030 compatible Wi-Fi.
6. Most will try to sell you a 6-Cell battery but if you watch movies on it or travel, opt for a 12-cell - you won't regret it.
Screen size is the other big variable. Don't worry as much about size as you do resolution. I would not want a screen with a native resolution under 1920 x 1080 which is full HD. This is necessary to take advantage of the Blu-Ray capability.
The diagonal screen size really boils down to how portable you want the unit to be. Most people like bigger if they don't have to lug it around.
Hope that helps.
Brand means nothing. It all depends on what is inside.
Here are what I would consider to be the key features that you won't want to skimp on.
1. At least a second generation Intel Core i5 processor running at 2.3 GHz.
2. At least 8 GB of RAM (preferably 12GB if you are running Windows 7 64-bit OS).
3. At least 1 GB of dedicated video memory - preferably a brand name video card like Nvidia or ATI. Stay away from integrated video if possible.
4. A good optical drive that is Blu-Ray compatible.
5. Wireless N 1030 compatible Wi-Fi.
6. Most will try to sell you a 6-Cell battery but if you watch movies on it or travel, opt for a 12-cell - you won't regret it.
Screen size is the other big variable. Don't worry as much about size as you do resolution. I would not want a screen with a native resolution under 1920 x 1080 which is full HD. This is necessary to take advantage of the Blu-Ray capability.
The diagonal screen size really boils down to how portable you want the unit to be. Most people like bigger if they don't have to lug it around.
Hope that helps.
Jul 17, 2011 | 02:27 PM
#13
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,875
From: Orange County
^ It is a very small and minimalist computer that is basically just for surfing the Internet while on the go.
It does not have an optical drive, has a small HD and integrated video and sound. It is basically just a cheap tablet in the form of a laptop.
I have an Acer Aspire and love it for what it is intended for. But I could never use it as my main PC.
Here is the one I have.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...8PBZWB19CA8T9K
It does not have an optical drive, has a small HD and integrated video and sound. It is basically just a cheap tablet in the form of a laptop.
I have an Acer Aspire and love it for what it is intended for. But I could never use it as my main PC.
Here is the one I have.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...8PBZWB19CA8T9K
Last edited by Barrister; Jul 17, 2011 at 02:30 PM.
Jul 17, 2011 | 02:30 PM
#14
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Hmm..yeah, bit too stripped. Not running movie editing software or anything, but would prefer something with more capabilities.
Jul 17, 2011 | 02:40 PM
#15
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From: Orange County
I configured this unit for you at Dell.com.
You don't have to go with Dell, but try to get a similar mix of options for around $1,000. This unit from Dell would cost about $1,200.
You could save a bit by not getting any productivity software and dropping the Blu-Ray drive. The rest is pretty essential for what you want.
I configured a 500 GB HD. You might want to go up to 750 GB if you can spend the cash. The 500 GB is 7200 RPM while the 750 GB is 5200 RPM. You might not even notice the performance hit with the larger drive.
You don't have to go with Dell, but try to get a similar mix of options for around $1,000. This unit from Dell would cost about $1,200.
You could save a bit by not getting any productivity software and dropping the Blu-Ray drive. The rest is pretty essential for what you want.
I configured a 500 GB HD. You might want to go up to 750 GB if you can spend the cash. The 500 GB is 7200 RPM while the 750 GB is 5200 RPM. You might not even notice the performance hit with the larger drive.
Last edited by Barrister; Jul 17, 2011 at 02:48 PM.
Jul 17, 2011 | 03:35 PM
#17
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,227
I have used this site for years when trying to decide what laptop to buy. Great info and make sure to check out their deal area, all users post the best deals they can find on any given day.
Laptop Forums and Notebook Computer Discussion
Laptop Forums and Notebook Computer Discussion
Aug 27, 2011 | 10:32 PM
#18
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Posts: 3,773
From: CA
Whatchayall think about this one?
Costco - Lenovo G770 Laptop Core i5-2410M 2.3GHz 2.0M Webcam Blu-Ray
Costco - Lenovo G770 Laptop Core i5-2410M 2.3GHz 2.0M Webcam Blu-Ray
Aug 27, 2011 | 10:40 PM
#19
Teamspeed Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,875
From: Orange County
There are some things to like about that unit and other things that are not so good.
I like the 17" screen and the 750 GB HD. The processor is solid too. I also like 6 GB of RAM - that is above average for a unit at this price point.
On the negative side, while the screen is a healthy 17", it only displays a max resolutions of 1600 x 900. That is weak and indicates a very soft graphics processing system. Why would they give you a Blu-Ray drive and then not give you 1080p capability. Seems odd.
Also, the unit seems very heavy at almost 7 lbs. At that weight, I would expect a true desktop replacement. This is not the most portable unit in the world but does not have the muscle you would expect from a heavy unit.
This is a good deal but you are giving up too much graphically to make it a great deal.
If you plan to do anything graphically - e.g., anything beyond world processing and spreadsheets - you will likely be frustrated with this unit.
I like the 17" screen and the 750 GB HD. The processor is solid too. I also like 6 GB of RAM - that is above average for a unit at this price point.
On the negative side, while the screen is a healthy 17", it only displays a max resolutions of 1600 x 900. That is weak and indicates a very soft graphics processing system. Why would they give you a Blu-Ray drive and then not give you 1080p capability. Seems odd.
Also, the unit seems very heavy at almost 7 lbs. At that weight, I would expect a true desktop replacement. This is not the most portable unit in the world but does not have the muscle you would expect from a heavy unit.
This is a good deal but you are giving up too much graphically to make it a great deal.
If you plan to do anything graphically - e.g., anything beyond world processing and spreadsheets - you will likely be frustrated with this unit.
Last edited by Barrister; Aug 27, 2011 at 10:41 PM.
Aug 27, 2011 | 10:43 PM
#20
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,773
From: CA
There are some things to like about that unit and other things that are not so good.
I like the 17" screen and the 750 GB HD. The processor is solid too. I also like 6 GB of RAM - that is above average for a unit at this price point.
On the negative side, while the screen is a healthy 17", it only displays a max resolutions of 1600 x 900. That is weak and indicates a very soft graphics processing system. Why would they give you a Blu-Ray drive and then not give you 1080p capability. Seems odd.
Also, the unit seems very heavy at almost 7 lbs. At that weight, I would expect a true desktop replacement. This is not the most portable unit in the world but does not have the muscle you would expect from a heavy unit.
This is a good deal but you are giving up too much graphically to make it a great deal.
If you plan to do anything graphically - e.g., anything beyond world processing and spreadsheets - you will likely be frustrated with this unit.
I like the 17" screen and the 750 GB HD. The processor is solid too. I also like 6 GB of RAM - that is above average for a unit at this price point.
On the negative side, while the screen is a healthy 17", it only displays a max resolutions of 1600 x 900. That is weak and indicates a very soft graphics processing system. Why would they give you a Blu-Ray drive and then not give you 1080p capability. Seems odd.
Also, the unit seems very heavy at almost 7 lbs. At that weight, I would expect a true desktop replacement. This is not the most portable unit in the world but does not have the muscle you would expect from a heavy unit.
This is a good deal but you are giving up too much graphically to make it a great deal.
If you plan to do anything graphically - e.g., anything beyond world processing and spreadsheets - you will likely be frustrated with this unit.