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A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and New La... - 5/26/2007 3:15:11 AM   
gothicdiva


Posts: 111
Joined: 2/16/2005
Status: offline 		I am currently in the process of looking at purchasing a new laptop. I'm a general computer user and not really sure what I need as far as RAM, GB, etc. However, in the near future I may be administering a website/s from home as well. So, if you can take that into consideration when figuring out what I might need, please let me know. Can anyone recommend some nice laptops that are reasonably priced....less than $2000, let's say and tell me what I should look for as far as amount of memory, etc.? I had an HP and it only lasted me for two years, so I am not really interested in purchasing another one of those. I've had two IT people recommend Acer laptops, but I am not familiar with that brand name. I currently have an older Compaq, which I bought used, but it doesn't have alot of memory. I don't download songs or watch DVDs, but I would like to have a laptop that I have that option on.

I've been reading "mixed" reviews regarding the new OS, Vista. I would like to take everything off my current laptop and install it on my new one when I get it. I am using Opera as my browser, but I also like Firefox as well. I'm not really keen on using IE, but I will when a site I am perusing does not support the other browsers. I am wondering if I try to transfer my data from this OS, which is Windows XP Home Version to Vista, if I am going to have a problem? I have a TON of websites "bookmarked" and I don't want to lose those or any other files that I may need. I've also read that people have tried to uninstall Vista and install Windows XP and have had some difficulty as well. Of course, that would require me purchasing the XP software as well. Are there ANY laptops still available with XP on them and should I just go ahead and upgrade or stick with XP, which I truly like?

Sorry for such a long post, however, any advise would be greatly appreciated!

Be well,
M. Diva

< Message edited by gothicdiva -- 5/26/2007 3:17:06 AM >
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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 4:28:56 AM   
SirKenin


Posts: 2994
Joined: 10/31/2004
From: Barrie, ON Canada
Status: offline 		Acer offers really good bang for the buck, to be certain.  They also have very good customer service.  I have sold Acers for a while and used one myself that served me very well until some twat threw it on the floor and stepped on it.  I have an HP, but it is a top of the line model.  It is not bad either, although it is without a doubt the only HP I would even consider owning.  Dell Inspiron is also another line worthy of a second look.

For specs, it depends which OS you are going to use.  I most certainly would not even bother with XP Home.  XP itself is a dead-end street, and Home is the bottom of the barrel.  It is refined and well-supported now, but it is then end of the road for XP.    Only an idiot buys a new computer now-a-days with yesterday's technology for an operating system.  You might as well buy a Porsche and put a Mustang body on it.  Equally pointless.  Unlike most Mustangs, it will actually perform and be worth driving, but it will rust and fall apart in two years.  The exception is if you are a corporate entity, have a specific application that has been coded specifically for you, and you do not want to retrofit an entire operation, and then train, at the cost of several million dollars.

Some vendors offer free RAM upgrades, so you want at least 1GB of RAM, preferably two.  At least 80GB of hard drive space.  A Core Duo or preferably a Core 2 Duo.  Do not even bother wasting your time with AMD.  They get their asses royally kicked by the Core2Duo, hands down.  They are not even in the same class, yet you pay just as much money for them.  Look for dual channel RAM, a built-in wireless network card.  Video will not be a big deal for you I suppose, so an Intel 950 or an X1300 will do just fine.  I can not emphasize enough the importance to place on the battery.  The one drawback of Acers.. and Lenovo...  and that shit they call Compaq (is it just me, or does that sound like a brand of tampon)...  and entry level Dells..  Is that they come with six cell batteries.  On the Acer, I could kill that battery in an hour.  Useless.  I had to keep a spare one on hand all the time.  The HP is a CoreDuo/2GB/200GB HDD/17" display, etc..  and it has an 8 cell battery.  That will last for about 3 hours.  Dell is offering a 9 cell battery for a few extra bucks.  If you are not a cheapskate, you can get the Dell models that you can put two nine cell batteries in..   Now you are talking mobility.

You can import your settings from your current laptop without any problems.  Piece of cake.

With those specs, and Vista Premium at the minimum, that thing will be guaranteed to light your fire.  And maybe even wash your dishes if you talk nice to it.

< Message edited by SirKenin -- 5/26/2007 4:31:53 AM >

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 6:37:33 AM   
farglebargle


Posts: 10715
Joined: 6/15/2005
From: Albany, NY
Status: offline
quote:

Only an idiot buys a new computer now-a-days with yesterday's technology for an operating system.


You could have just said, "Go visit the Apple Store and get a Mac"...



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It's not every generation that gets to watch a civilization fall. Looks like we're in for a hell of a show.

ברוך אתה, אדוני אלוקינו, ריבון העולמים, מי יוצר צמחים ריחניים

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 7:34:35 AM   
Alumbrado


Posts: 5560
Status: offline 		I just went though the same process, and after research and consulting my geek friends, I went out on Thursday and bought an Acer... not happy about the Vista licensing hijack, but WTF...at least I'll be current for a week or two.

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 8:19:14 AM   
DomKen


Posts: 19457
Joined: 7/4/2004
From: Chicago, IL
Status: offline 		I've got a mid-high end Dell laptop. It's old enough that Vista wasn't an issue. Get the 9 cell battery on whatever laptop you get, the battery life otherwise is too short even for reading the news online at a coffee shop. As to processor I don't think you'll need the top end core 2 duo or core duo, if all you're doing is surfing, reading mail, listening to music and maybe doing a little web design any processor will work for you. However get as big a hard drive and as much RAM as you can afford, 1 GB of RAM and 60+GB hard drive is really vital for even casual users.

I've heard good things about Acer so that might be a good brand to check out.

As to Vista vs. XP. Get XP if you can but you may not be able to find it. If you get Vista make sure you're not getting the real low end version of the OS, it'se missing some stuff that might make doing any web design tough. You don't need Vista enterprise but you also won't be happy with home basic.

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 10:00:40 AM   
NeedToUseYou


Posts: 2297
Joined: 12/24/2005
From: None of your business
Status: offline 		I'm not sure about your total needs are for this laptop. But if it's just work stuff. More than likely you can do with less than a 2000.00 dollar laptop. I got mine for 500.00 dollars that was open box at wal-mart about 6 months ago. It was regularly close to 900.00. Granted it's an E-Machine, and it only has 512mb, 1.8 ghz amd turion processor. But the battery is good enough to where I can watch a whole movie on it. It can run all my applications. Though 1 gig of ram would be nice, and I'm going to upgrade to that. The screen is plenty big.


I don't know, but I'm cheap, if I were you I'd go to best buy, Circuit City, Wal-mart,CompUSA, whereever etc.. and scout for display models that are being sold.  They carry the same warranty and sometimes you can get a huge percentage off. And if you aren't using CPU intensive applications, you may not need the super-uber latest processor either.

As far as XP versus Vista I honestly haven't even tried Vista so I don't know. But I assume a laptop with XP will sell for less than one with Vista, becuase of the wow factor. So, it may pay for an upgrade later in cost difference.

Just the opinion of a cheap ass. , but I'd gander from what you wrote a 1000.00 dollar laptop, would suit you nearly as well as 2000.00 dollar one.


(in reply to gothicdiva)
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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 10:17:37 AM   
SirKenin


Posts: 2994
Joined: 10/31/2004
From: Barrie, ON Canada
Status: offline 		http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115363

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115345

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115356

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115377

The last one has XP Pro on it.  Not really recommended.... but it will give you an idea.  Price for XP Pro and Vista Premium is almost the same.

By the way, if you do not mind shelling out the extra dough, Toshiba makes a fantastic laptop.  I have sold those since 1999, and I can not emphasize enough how good they are.  They are bulletproof.

< Message edited by SirKenin -- 5/26/2007 10:19:56 AM >

_____________________________

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 10:42:21 AM   
Gauge


Posts: 5689
Joined: 6/17/2005
Status: offline
quote:

I've been reading "mixed" reviews regarding the new OS, Vista.


Before you make any decisions regarding an OS you must first find out if the software that you currently own and will install on your new computer will function with Vista. While Vista is all the rage at the moment the software companies are not all up to speed right now so in the cost of your computer you should factor in the fact that you may have to upgrade your software.

In Consumer Reports they did a comparison between Vista and XP and really found little advantage with Vista over XP. The only disadvantage with XP is that Microsoft will stop supporting it in a few years, maybe even sooner than that.

If the bottom line is cost then I would look very carefully at which OS you get. In some eyes you might be thumbing your nose at new technology but you KNOW that what software you own now will work with XP. Vista might be a different story.

If cost isn't an issue (and if it isn't then go for the motherlode) then Vista may be the way to go. I rarely install a new operating system when it is just released. I figure that I will let them work a good deal of the bugs out before I install it.

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 10:52:16 AM   
SirKenin


Posts: 2994
Joined: 10/31/2004
From: Barrie, ON Canada
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Gauge
If cost isn't an issue (and if it isn't then go for the motherlode) then Vista may be the way to go. I rarely install a new operating system when it is just released. I figure that I will let them work a good deal of the bugs out before I install it.


You might be interested to know that Service Pack 1 for Vista has already been announced. 

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Wicca: Pretending to be an ancient religion since 1956

Catholic Church: Serving up guilt since 107 AD.

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 1:34:17 PM   
farglebargle


Posts: 10715
Joined: 6/15/2005
From: Albany, NY
Status: offline 		They've been talking about Vista SP1 since January.

It's called "Fiji".

Why a freaking bunch of patches gets a name is beyond me. But hey, that's why MSFT has managers, eh?



_____________________________

It's not every generation that gets to watch a civilization fall. Looks like we're in for a hell of a show.

ברוך אתה, אדוני אלוקינו, ריבון העולמים, מי יוצר צמחים ריחניים

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 8:15:20 PM   
minnetar


Posts: 1272
Joined: 4/11/2007
Status: offline 		Sorry but i would not invest in buying a computer with Vista yet.  What i have heard is that it has too much spyware which i am sure will later be changed.

minnetar

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 8:17:26 PM   
farglebargle


Posts: 10715
Joined: 6/15/2005
From: Albany, NY
Status: offline 		Nope. Vista is Microsoft's software not yours. It *will* *always* report your usage and browsing habits to Microsoft.

Remember, the purpose of Microsoft software is to make Microsoft money. If it's *usable* by you, that's an afterthought.



_____________________________

It's not every generation that gets to watch a civilization fall. Looks like we're in for a hell of a show.

ברוך אתה, אדוני אלוקינו, ריבון העולמים, מי יוצר צמחים ריחניים

(in reply to minnetar)
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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 8:48:10 PM   
minnetar


Posts: 1272
Joined: 4/11/2007
Status: offline 		fargle - i visit many sites that microsoft would not like or be happy with what i have installed

minnetar

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 8:53:56 PM   
smilezz


Posts: 2156
Joined: 6/18/2004
Status: offline 		The Man just bought a Laptop from Alienware.  It has all the bells and whistles to it, with the new Vista.   First thing out of the box...blue screen of death. 
Hopefully the issues will be handled soon.

It's just a bit disheartening...ughz!
~smilezz~

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 9:10:27 PM   
SirKenin


Posts: 2994
Joined: 10/31/2004
From: Barrie, ON Canada
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: minnetar

Sorry but i would not invest in buying a computer with Vista yet.  What i have heard is that it has too much spyware which i am sure will later be changed.

minnetar



You heard that from where exactly?  Because that is a huge load of horseshit.  Sorry if that is a little too hard on your heart.

< Message edited by SirKenin -- 5/26/2007 9:15:13 PM >

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Wicca: Pretending to be an ancient religion since 1956

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 9:14:21 PM   
SirKenin


Posts: 2994
Joined: 10/31/2004
From: Barrie, ON Canada
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: farglebargle

Nope. Vista is Microsoft's software not yours. It *will* *always* report your usage and browsing habits to Microsoft.

Remember, the purpose of Microsoft software is to make Microsoft money. If it's *usable* by you, that's an afterthought.




No.  That is not true.  Tell your "alien/conspiracy" buddies they need to back away from the crack.

It does not report *any* data about you by default.  The only thing it does do is periodically report to the activation center to ensure that you are using a legitimate product.  Of course that will not be a problem if you are not a thief.

_____________________________

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Wicca: Pretending to be an ancient religion since 1956

Catholic Church: Serving up guilt since 107 AD.

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 9:20:08 PM   
minnetar


Posts: 1272
Joined: 4/11/2007
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: SirKenin

quote:

ORIGINAL: minnetar

Sorry but i would not invest in buying a computer with Vista yet.  What i have heard is that it has too much spyware which i am sure will later be changed.

minnetar



You heard that from where exactly?  Because that is a huge load of horseshit.  Sorry if that is a little too hard on your heart.


thanks for your commentary.  i belong to some more liberal computer sites which discuss software.  i also appreciate your little slam to me.  i was trying to discuss an issue not make a personal attack unlike you.

minnetar

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 9:22:11 PM   
minnetar


Posts: 1272
Joined: 4/11/2007
Status: offline 		fargle - there are tons of software sites who hate vista because this new operating system has too many things which monitor what software you have installed and so forth.

minnetar

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 9:23:10 PM   
SirKenin


Posts: 2994
Joined: 10/31/2004
From: Barrie, ON Canada
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: minnetar

quote:

ORIGINAL: SirKenin

quote:

ORIGINAL: minnetar

Sorry but i would not invest in buying a computer with Vista yet.  What i have heard is that it has too much spyware which i am sure will later be changed.

minnetar



You heard that from where exactly?  Because that is a huge load of horseshit.  Sorry if that is a little too hard on your heart.


thanks for your commentary.  i belong to some more liberal computer sites which discuss software.  i also appreciate your little slam to me.  i was trying to discuss an issue not make a personal attack unlike you.

minnetar



May I suggest that you start haunting websites where they actually know what they are talking about.

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Wicca: Pretending to be an ancient religion since 1956

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RE: A**Question for the Computer Gurus Re: Vista and Ne... - 5/26/2007 9:42:20 PM   
SirKenin


Posts: 2994
Joined: 10/31/2004
From: Barrie, ON Canada
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: minnetar

fargle - there are tons of software sites who hate vista because this new operating system has too many things which monitor what software you have installed and so forth.

minnetar



Would you care to itemize even a couple of those for us?  With links would be appropriate.  And then maybe explain to us why this is a problem if you are not stealing software...even if it is true.

I can actually prove that it is not...  Because I know someone that has a couple of very expensive pirated programs running under Vista Ultimate and nobody is crawling up his ass.

I also haunt tech websites..  But I tend to haunt the ones where people actually know their ass from a hole in the ground (several of them are affiliated with Microsoft.. And in fact I myself am a Microsoft Partner, Microsoft OEM system builder and Microsoft beta tester.  I also haunt Microsoft forums, attend Microsoft conferences..  I have two to go to in the next two weeks..  and subscribe to numerous Microsoft tech publications)...

Let me explain why your buddies-that-pretend-to-be-in-the-know-but-are-not are wrong.  Microsoft only transmits one communication.  That is an activation sequence.  In the activation sequence is a hash code.  The hash code consists of a series of characters that itemize key hardware in your particular computer.  It does not have any personal information in it whatsoever, and it has no information about any of your software besides the Vista key itself.  This hash code is compared to the hash code that is on file.  Every time you change key hardware in your system, your hash code is modified.  This is the exact same copy protection that was incorporated into Windows XP, except it is more tightly secured and scrutinized now.  That assures that your copy of Vista is only installed on one machine.

So if you are going to spew....  Spew into this -->  \_/

< Message edited by SirKenin -- 5/26/2007 10:11:31 PM >

_____________________________

Hi. I don't care. Thanks.

Wicca: Pretending to be an ancient religion since 1956

Catholic Church: Serving up guilt since 107 AD.

(in reply to minnetar)
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