Laptop sugestions.... - DPChallenge Forums

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

10/20/2006 08:28:55 AM · #1

I know there's been threads on this before, but I'm to lazy to look. I'm thinking of upgrading and doing some research by seeing what's available on EBay. Afer seeing what model and how much they want, I check reviews and prices at CNet and NotebookReview. But, I am a bit limited on cash, so I'm trying to keep it under $1500.
My criteria is:
1. 17" screen (obviously a good one)
2. 1GB RAM or more
3. 80GB or more
4. Lighter the better, but not a priority.
Though I'm tempted to buy a used one, I really don't want some else's headache (which is USUALLY why their selling it)
If anyone has any experience with the following, I'd like to hear it. Thanks. HP DVS8309us, Dell 9400 e1705 (there seems to be a TON of these on EBay for <$1000), Sony VAIO AX570g, Toshiba P35-S609 yes, I know...it's a P4), Dell XPS (this one is used)

P.S. Yes, I know the precautions to take using EBay, I'm mainly using those links as reference. I'm off to work....later.

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

10/20/2006 01:23:35 PM · #2

Bump

justamistere

Nikon D3s

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

10/20/2006 01:58:01 PM · #3

I bought a Toshiba widescreen laptop, Win-XP, 512MB, 100GB HD, DVD Burner at CompUSA las April, for 1500. Now you probably can get a dual-core cpu, too, for that price. Widescreen is great. I also like the Sony Vaio or HP, but this Toshiba has been reliable.

fotomann_forever

10/20/2006 02:04:36 PM · #4

I don't have experience with any of those models, but the Sony Vaio IMO is a very good notebook. I have an older model that does quite well.

Also, my sis-in-law has a Dell notebook that also is a great machine.

Hope that helps. :-)

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

10/20/2006 02:13:55 PM · #5

Thanks for your inputs. After looking at those links again, I noticed most are older CPU's. Such as AMD Turion 64, P4, etc. (doesn't mean it's a bad thing). The way technology is, 'state of the art' today is tomorrow's dinasaur. That DELL doesn't look bad at all. The NY'er side of me is skeptical though. I can't figure out why there are SO many of that model listed on EBay.

joshua

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

10/20/2006 02:16:22 PM · #6

look at going for an acer...usually incredible value compared to dell or hp

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

10/20/2006 02:38:20 PM · #7

I have an older Toshiba that shuts down when it feels like shutting down. When we took it in to be repaired under warranty and Toshiba refused to fix it saying it was user abuse, although they could not explain how I abused it to make it shut down randomly. After a lot of arguing and escalating they finally fixed it, replacing the motherboard. Today it still shuts down when it wants to.

We have no problems with our Dell laptop.

robshookphoto

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM

10/20/2006 02:54:44 PM · #8

i bought my dell e 1505 off of ebay for 1080 shipped. It has an intel core duo 1.8 ghz processor (3.6 ghz total), and 2 gb of RAM. I love it, and havent had any problems. i would, though, recommend a mac if you can afford it. They are just so much better.

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

10/20/2006 02:57:00 PM · #9

Originally posted by achiral:

look at going for an acer...usually incredible value compared to dell or hp

I currently have an Acer Apsire 3610. It's not bad, but I want a bigger screen, DVD burner, more RAM, etc. Newegg has some good stuff (incl. Acer). I guess I'll just have to see.
I might just go with the DELL. But, it bugs the CRAP out of me there's so many for sale on EBay. It's like when you look for a house to buy. You drive down a street and there's 10 homes for sale. You say 'something MUST be wrong'.

Originally posted by Mo:

Yeah, I looked at Apple. A little out of my price range

Message edited by author 2006-10-20 14:58:24.

colyla

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM II

10/20/2006 03:07:14 PM · #10

Originally posted by MrEd:

I know there's been threads on this before, but I'm to lazy to look.

dell

10/20/2006 03:14:15 PM · #11

Get an Ibook if you are using it for photos. :)

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

10/20/2006 07:50:47 PM · #12

Originally posted by boomtap:

Get an Ibook if you are using it for photos. :)

If I went with Apple, it would most likely be MacBook Pro, which is out of my price range. I'll probably go with the DELL unless someone has a better suggestion.

k4ffy

10/20/2006 08:47:11 PM · #13

i generally stick with acers. they have good offerings for good prices, but i'd suggest going with a 15.4" widescreen, you'll get a lot of computer for under $1500 with a screen one size smaller than a 17"

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

10/20/2006 08:52:57 PM · #14

Originally posted by MrEd:

Originally posted by boomtap:
Get an Ibook if you are using it for photos. :)

If I went with Apple, it would most likely be MacBook Pro, which is out of my price range. I'll probably go with the DELL unless someone has a better suggestion.

Save your money until you can afford the Apple.

You won't regret it.

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

10/20/2006 08:58:58 PM · #15

Originally posted by MrEd:

Originally posted by achiral:
look at going for an acer...usually incredible value compared to dell or hp

I currently have an Acer Apsire 3610. It's not bad, but I want a bigger screen, DVD burner, more RAM, etc.

Originally posted by k4ffy:

Yeah....

terje

Apple iPhone

10/20/2006 09:43:01 PM · #16

Checkout Alienware, they got some sweet laptops.

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

10/20/2006 10:43:47 PM · #17

Originally posted by terje:

Checkout Alienware, they got some sweet laptops.

Yeah, their stuff is kick***. But, new 9700's go for as much as Mac's with the same options. I bid on 1 on EBay........we'll see tomorrow night.

Added:Well, oubid already, that lasted a whole 30 minutes. NEXT!!!!

Message edited by author 2006-10-20 23:08:24.

deapee

Kodak V803

10/21/2006 12:34:15 AM · #18

man I just sold my perfectly good laptop for cheap. It was only 15.4" but it had everything else. I even had the ram upgraded to 1GB...you can get it to 2 easy though. It wasn't a headache...I just didn't use it.

Sony SAL-50F14 Normal 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens for the Sony

10/21/2006 01:35:35 AM · #19

Originally posted by MrEd:

I would get a toshiba over a dell anyday. My dells have been crap, while my toshibas have been rocks. I usually get them, strip them and re-install basic XP however to get them running strong. I have had nothing but heartache with dell anything.

ladyhawk22

Sony DSLR-A700

10/21/2006 02:19:51 AM · #20

Don't know if it would be enough of a discount to help or not, but Apple offers a "student discount" on their products.

"But I'm not a student!" you say.

Well, for the price of a non-credit community college course, you could be! They don't really do a check-up on the student thing if you order online...so you'd eek by just fine in that regard.

PS to say that I have the larger screen version iBook and I like it really well. 17" would certainly be nice, but I feel that the size I have is plenty big for a laptop and works well with my Wacom tablet for editing.

Message edited by author 2006-10-21 02:22:05.

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

10/21/2006 03:19:07 PM · #21

Originally posted by boomtap:

Originally posted by MrEd:

Originally posted by boomtap:
Get an Ibook if you are using it for photos. :)

If I went with Apple, it would most likely be MacBook Pro, which is out of my price range. I'll probably go with the DELL unless someone has a better suggestion.

I would get a toshiba over a dell anyday. My dells have been crap, while my toshibas have been rocks. I usually get them, strip them and re-install basic XP however to get them running strong. I have had nothing but heartache with dell anything.

Which model?

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

10/21/2006 07:00:17 PM · #22

If you want it priced like the dell's I would go for the satalite series. They usually come with very little ram, but you can pick up something like I did around 3 ghz for $900. Then you just add the ram off pricewatch.com, and you have yourself a great pc for under $1000.

Mine last one was a bit heavy though... I would like a lighter thinner model.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

10/21/2006 08:20:14 PM · #23

Originally posted by boomtap:

Hmm....My experience has been exactly the opposite. The Dells have been very solid and Toshibas not so much.

Whatever you do, avoid HP/Compuke like the plague.

My vote is still for the Apple though.

10/21/2006 11:19:35 PM · #24

I second the HP/Compaq decision. Those are horrible.