Buying a Laptop Before Landing in Beijing - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Randerolf · 06-04-2008, 12:21 PM

Hey Folks,

My last few computers were homebuilt, but I will (hopefully) be moving to China soon and want to just bring a laptop. I've seen people sipping coffee and typing away on these mysterious machines in libraries and coffeehouses, but have never owned one and would like your feedback.

The cost should be less than $1000 and it should be an adequate desktop replacement (AMD Athlon 2 GHz 1 Gig Ram). I've got . I may carry it around some since I will be teaching at a university, but the computer should stay mainly in my apartment.

Consumer Reports lists the Dell Inspiron 1721 as a best buy. I'm looking to buy one of these refurbished. It has a 17-inch screen and is a workhorse. I anticipate watching some shows off the web via a ADSL connection, so this screen size should be fine.

This setup only comes in Vista (Turion 64 X2 TL-60 with integrated graphics). I've only used XP and have heard mixed reviews about Vista. Is this a deal breaker? I don't want to fight my laptop while overseas. On that note, are laptops reliable? In other words, is an extended warranty recommended?
Is a fall-sensing hard drive important?

Thanks for your feedback. I'm looking forward to playing the Spore creature creator on the long trip to Beijing just before September.

Sticky · 06-04-2008, 12:58 PM

The best laptops I have ever worked with are IBMs. They are more expensive than Dells but they are solid and work well.
I have used Dells and Toshibas

Zweiblumen · 06-04-2008, 04:03 PM

I have good experiance with Dell's. The Lenovo's (former IBM) Thinkpads are probable the best laptops but the lower end models do not rise above the average. Brandname laptops tend to be more reliable than no name/general ones.
I would think twice before getting a 17" laptop, they are HUGE and heavy. I find my current 15.4" HP on the larger side for beeing on the move. A laptop with smaller screen and a external monitor might be feasible if you are going to take it with you to the uni at lot.
A fall-sensing hard drive is only important if you plan to be a lot on the move with it as most (laptop) hard drives park their heads when the drive is off so the fall-sensing feature will only safe a drive that falls while in use. (Either way BACKUP often).
If you are going to use Vista then a integrated graphics is almost a NO GO.

Hope this helps
ZB
PS: A 64 bit CPU needs a 64 bit OS and lot's of RAM to take advantage of the 64 bit features.

girldetective · 06-04-2008, 04:28 PM

I use a MacBook so cannot help you with your specific questions. However, in re your general questions about laptops i can offer my opinion. I have used both and I mucho prefer a laptop yessirree. When at work at my desktop, I often have to readjust my thinking and it is less comfortable and convenient. I did not opt for an extended warranty, thinking that by the time this machine runs its course there will be new tech out there that I will want. My biggest fear lies only in theft or forgetting it somewhere as it is one of my most valuable possessions. I predict you will really love one too.

O, and dont drop it.

Or spill coffee on it.

ShaniFaye · 06-04-2008, 05:05 PM

I think you're gonna find each person has their own preference. I've been using laptops since 2000, I've had two hp's and now my hubby and I each have a 17" acer...I could not be happier with it and neither could he (but he came off a gateway laptop so of course he's happy lol)

Mine has 1 gig ram and is 1.6 ghz and his has 2 gig ram. I've got 120 gig hard drive, cant remember what his is....I'm pretty sure its bigger

Mine runs XP (bought it before vista came out) his runs vista with no problems at all

both were under a grand. We didnt buy the warranty on mine but we did on his as he travels the world with it (and many times to bejing lol) His is total replacement...even with the warranty it was under a grand

Shauk · 06-04-2008, 05:32 PM

HP

mine was 600$

hp dv9720us

I just got it a few months ago so there you have it.

snowy · 06-04-2008, 05:47 PM

I have a sweet HP dv6000--15.4" with the 1.83ghz Centrino Duo set, 2 gigs of RAM, a 256MB nVidia GeForce Go 7400, 120GB HD and assorted bells and whistles. I paid less than 1k for it, and a better computer with similar specs now costs less than I paid (I bought it a year ago). I like the HP--my SO has a dv2700 series model with the 14.1" screen. It's much lighter than mine, and I think it would be better for traveling than mine.

One important note: make sure to choose a battery pack that is flush with the rest of the case if you're going to be traveling. Some larger battery packs are not flush (such as mine) and I find that sometimes sliding my laptop in and out of the sleeve on my backpack or laptop case is difficult.

spindles · 06-04-2008, 05:48 PM

I have a laptop that I use for work. Mine is an ASUS and runs XP.

I second the point that if you are using it mainly at home, you are better to buy a smaller screen notebook and an external monitor (I have my home office and work office that I go to once a week both setup with mouse/keyboard and 19" monitor). I occasionally use it without the keyboard and external monitor, but generally am plugged in somewhere.

I also agree to get a decent video card in it (especially for vista). Anything with an ATI or Nvidia graphics card should do the trick.

I think brands come down to your preference - basically the guts of most of the machines is pretty similar - make sure you can get repairs locally in China though (so best to go with a 'name' brand I expect).

06-04-2008, 12:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
Randerolf Fireball Location: ~	Buying a Laptop Before Landing in Beijing Hey Folks, My last few computers were homebuilt, but I will (hopefully) be moving to China soon and want to just bring a laptop. I've seen people sipping coffee and typing away on these mysterious machines in libraries and coffeehouses, but have never owned one and would like your feedback. The cost should be less than $1000 and it should be an adequate desktop replacement (AMD Athlon 2 GHz 1 Gig Ram). I've got . I may carry it around some since I will be teaching at a university, but the computer should stay mainly in my apartment. Consumer Reports lists the Dell Inspiron 1721 as a best buy. I'm looking to buy one of these refurbished. It has a 17-inch screen and is a workhorse. I anticipate watching some shows off the web via a ADSL connection, so this screen size should be fine. This setup only comes in Vista (Turion 64 X2 TL-60 with integrated graphics). I've only used XP and have heard mixed reviews about Vista. Is this a deal breaker? I don't want to fight my laptop while overseas. On that note, are laptops reliable? In other words, is an extended warranty recommended? Is a fall-sensing hard drive important? Thanks for your feedback. I'm looking forward to playing the Spore creature creator on the long trip to Beijing just before September.

06-04-2008, 04:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
Zweiblumen Insane Location: at home	I have good experiance with Dell's. The Lenovo's (former IBM) Thinkpads are probable the best laptops but the lower end models do not rise above the average. Brandname laptops tend to be more reliable than no name/general ones. I would think twice before getting a 17" laptop, they are HUGE and heavy. I find my current 15.4" HP on the larger side for beeing on the move. A laptop with smaller screen and a external monitor might be feasible if you are going to take it with you to the uni at lot. A fall-sensing hard drive is only important if you plan to be a lot on the move with it as most (laptop) hard drives park their heads when the drive is off so the fall-sensing feature will only safe a drive that falls while in use. (Either way BACKUP often). If you are going to use Vista then a integrated graphics is almost a NO GO. Hope this helps ZB PS: A 64 bit CPU needs a 64 bit OS and lot's of RAM to take advantage of the 64 bit features. __________________ Sodomy non sapiens. : I'm buggered if I know

06-04-2008, 04:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
girldetective sufferable	I use a MacBook so cannot help you with your specific questions. However, in re your general questions about laptops i can offer my opinion. I have used both and I mucho prefer a laptop yessirree. When at work at my desktop, I often have to readjust my thinking and it is less comfortable and convenient. I did not opt for an extended warranty, thinking that by the time this machine runs its course there will be new tech out there that I will want. My biggest fear lies only in theft or forgetting it somewhere as it is one of my most valuable possessions. I predict you will really love one too. O, and dont drop it. Or spill coffee on it. __________________ As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons...be cheerful; strive for happiness - Desiderata

06-04-2008, 05:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	I think you're gonna find each person has their own preference. I've been using laptops since 2000, I've had two hp's and now my hubby and I each have a 17" acer...I could not be happier with it and neither could he (but he came off a gateway laptop so of course he's happy lol) Mine has 1 gig ram and is 1.6 ghz and his has 2 gig ram. I've got 120 gig hard drive, cant remember what his is....I'm pretty sure its bigger Mine runs XP (bought it before vista came out) his runs vista with no problems at all both were under a grand. We didnt buy the warranty on mine but we did on his as he travels the world with it (and many times to bejing lol) His is total replacement...even with the warranty it was under a grand __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

06-04-2008, 05:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	I have a sweet HP dv6000--15.4" with the 1.83ghz Centrino Duo set, 2 gigs of RAM, a 256MB nVidia GeForce Go 7400, 120GB HD and assorted bells and whistles. I paid less than 1k for it, and a better computer with similar specs now costs less than I paid (I bought it a year ago). I like the HP--my SO has a dv2700 series model with the 14.1" screen. It's much lighter than mine, and I think it would be better for traveling than mine. One important note: make sure to choose a battery pack that is flush with the rest of the case if you're going to be traveling. Some larger battery packs are not flush (such as mine) and I find that sometimes sliding my laptop in and out of the sleeve on my backpack or laptop case is difficult. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

06-04-2008, 12:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
Sticky	The best laptops I have ever worked with are IBMs. They are more expensive than Dells but they are solid and work well. I have used Dells and Toshibas __________________ Sticky The Stickman

06-04-2008, 05:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
Shauk Confused Adult Location: Spokane, WA	HP mine was 600$ hp dv9720us I just got it a few months ago so there you have it.

06-04-2008, 05:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
spindles Mine is an evil laugh Location: Sydney, Australia	I have a laptop that I use for work. Mine is an ASUS and runs XP. I second the point that if you are using it mainly at home, you are better to buy a smaller screen notebook and an external monitor (I have my home office and work office that I go to once a week both setup with mouse/keyboard and 19" monitor). I occasionally use it without the keyboard and external monitor, but generally am plugged in somewhere. I also agree to get a decent video card in it (especially for vista). Anything with an ATI or Nvidia graphics card should do the trick. I think brands come down to your preference - basically the guts of most of the machines is pretty similar - make sure you can get repairs locally in China though (so best to go with a 'name' brand I expect). __________________ who hid my keyboard's PANIC button?