The Laptop Thread: Configs, deals & questions

vivekiny2k · 9th June 2010, 21:04

Since you are confused, I suggest you just leave it as it is, run it for a month or so with all installs you need, and then decide how much space you want on C:. make sure you keep a list of every install and change you make.

then you can do a OS reinstall and organize the way you want.

sammyboy · 9th June 2010, 21:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by vivekiny2k

Since you are confused, I suggest you just leave it as it is, run it for a month or so with all installs you need, and then decide how much space you want on C:. make sure you keep a list of every install and change you make.

then you can do a OS reinstall and organize the way you want.

Yeah, guess I will see for a month or so and then make the changes if required. I anyways now know how to get that done

Thanks

LonelyPlanet · 10th June 2010, 11:56

I need to buy a desktop for my father. Need a basic but reliable model.
Primary use will be email and skype.
Can anyone recommend if there has been a purchase in recent past.

TaureanBull · 10th June 2010, 12:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by LonelyPlanet

I need to buy a desktop for my father. Need a basic but reliable model.
Primary use will be email and skype.
Can anyone recommend if there has been a purchase in recent past.

Whats your budget? and why only desktop? there are lot of call centre discarded (they are fine only discarded as they are not latest on features etc) desktops for dirt cheap if u want to use PC ONLY for this purpose and dont mind a second hand product. In delhi you get them from 4k to 7k.

Dont forget to do a thorough check.

LonelyPlanet · 10th June 2010, 14:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaureanBull

Whats your budget? and why only desktop? there are lot of call centre discarded (they are fine only discarded as they are not latest on features etc) desktops for dirt cheap if u want to use PC ONLY for this purpose and dont mind a second hand product. In delhi you get them from 4k to 7k.

Dont forget to do a thorough check.

Budget is ~ 20K.
I perfer a fresh stock since it is for elderly who are not too computer literate and might find it difficult to isolate any failures.

sammyboy · 10th June 2010, 17:46

Hey LonelyPlanet, I would suggest you to get a netbook instead. It fits your criteria, budget, easy to handle, doesnt take space and portable.Plus it has a battery backup so long power cuts/travelling are also no issue. Think about it.

TaureanBull · 10th June 2010, 22:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by LonelyPlanet

Budget is ~ 20K.
I perfer a fresh stock since it is for elderly who are not too computer literate and might find it difficult to isolate any failures.

In this budget you can buy a branded desktop with decent configuration. Try ACER, HP etc. Why dont you try a laptop? You are very well within the range. In your price range you can get a decent one.

Johnny_ · 14th June 2010, 01:18

Hi all,
I need to buy a laptop in near future. Was considering the Dell inspiron mini 10 and even bargained a good deal on the following config:Intel Atom 270N processor, 1 GB ram, 160 GB hdd, 10.1 inch screen, but most people told that the screen would be too small for any office use such as excell, or ppt. Plus the absence of CD-ROM meant i would have to take it to the service center every time something goes wrong with the OS, since it can't boot from the pen-drive. Was about to pay 15.250k for the system tomorrow. But the problem is my friends and family members are insisting that i get a bigger machine, a 14 inch, with a 2 GB ram at least. So I am considering the Toshiba L510 401B, since I don't intend to spend much on it. Any inputs on the model? Any better machine in the same price range?

funda2max · 14th June 2010, 10:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny_

Hi all,
I need to buy a laptop in near future. Was considering the Dell inspiron mini 10 and even bargained a good deal on the following config:Intel Atom 270N processor, 1 GB ram, 160 GB hdd, 10.1 inch screen, but most people told that the screen would be too small for any office use such as excell, or ppt. Plus the absence of CD-ROM meant i would have to take it to the service center every time something goes wrong with the OS, since it can't boot from the pen-drive. Was about to pay 15.250k for the system tomorrow. But the problem is my friends and family members are insisting that i get a bigger machine, a 14 inch, with a 2 GB ram at least. So I am considering the Toshiba L510 401B, since I don't intend to spend much on it. Any inputs on the model? Any better machine in the same price range?

If you work for long hours in mini, your eyes will be affected and will cause headache, neck pain, etc... I suggest you to go with 14" screen size. You can buy a decent configuration from Acer, Compaq or Dell. Toshiba is also a good brand to consider. I always check laptop prices from the following websites,

http://www.deltapage.com/laptop.pdf
http://www.computerwarehousepricelis...-Pricelist.xls

Good config would be i3/2GB RAM/320 GB HDD with DVD+RW

Johnny_ · 14th June 2010, 12:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by funda2max

If you work for long hours in mini, your eyes will be affected and will cause headache, neck pain, etc... I suggest you to go with 14" screen size. You can buy a decent configuration from Acer, Compaq or Dell. Toshiba is also a good brand to consider. I always check laptop prices from the following websites,

http://www.deltapage.com/laptop.pdf
http://www.computerwarehousepricelis...-Pricelist.xls

Good config would be i3/2GB RAM/320 GB HDD with DVD+RW

The links you have provided are very useful.
And you are quite true about the mini, it does cause some eye strain if used for prolonged period of time. So I am avoiding it, even if its a Dell.
I am planning to go for Toshiba L510 401B, it retails at 24.5k in Mumbai with bill and warranty.

Johnny_ · 14th June 2010, 14:51

Guys heard that the Intel Dual core processor that comes with the Toshiba ain't that great. The core 2 duo is better, but that doesn't with this Toshiba config. So I am planning to drop the idea of Toshiba.

furioussphinx · 14th June 2010, 15:30

I mostly will be getting a notebook from US now. Thank heavens!

Initially my mind was set on picking the Dell Studio 15 with i7-720QM, 6GB RAM, etc, but now I have better options.

1. Lenovo Y560 - $1,299
i7-720QM
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 1GB
8 GB 1333MHz RAM
500GB HDD, 7200rpm
6cell battery

2. Lenovo W510 - $1,649
i7-720QM
NVIDIA Quadro FX 880M Graphics 1GB
4 GB 1067MHz RAM
500GB HDD, 7200rpm
9cell battery

The Y560 is tempting mainly for the 8Gigs of ram and the remaining standard specs for that killer price tag.

In the W510, I would love to up the ram, and other additional uber cool features but it is just adding onto the price tag. I cannot stretch my budget more than this.

I want the best config for my image editing work to suffice for a good period of time, say 3-4years.

What do you guys say about the asus series? The G whatever.

furioussphinx · 14th June 2010, 18:31

With the coupon, the Y560 is going for ~$1100

The Asus model is a G51JX and it is going for around $1305/1200

Now the only point of thought is, the lenovo has an ATI 5730 card while the latter has a nvidia GTS 360M. Am eyeing the nvidia for the CUDA. Am in a fix now. Asus is sweet, but I doubt the support in India and how the *** is. It even comes with a 2yr global warranty while the lenovo has just 1year.

which makes sense to go for?

chevelle · 14th June 2010, 18:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by furioussphinx

With the coupon, the Y560 is going for ~$1100

The Asus model is a G51JX and it is going for around $1305/1200

Now the only point of thought is, the lenovo has an ATI 5730 card while the latter has a nvidia GTS 360M. Am eyeing the nvidia for the CUDA. Am in a fix now. Asus is sweet, but I doubt the support in India and how the *** is. It even comes with a 2yr global warranty while the lenovo has just 1year.

which makes sense to go for?

I am not too sure about ASUS model, but yes, i have an opinion about Lenovo.

I have used 2 Lenovo's that were built in 2009 and shipped from China. Yes, that's where they are built and shipped in USA. The hinge of both the laptop went kaput in less than 6 months. Also they are prone to heating. Also didn't like the touchpad. These are Y550's that i used. Their customer service isn't too great too.

I feel, you will do better to get top of the line DELL. You can take a look at their high end versions - the ALIENWARE. For $1100 or so you can also configure a good Sony laptop similar to specs you have mentioned. Reason being, Dell has one of the best customer service in USA and i expect the same in India too.

I have had great experience(performance & a.s.s) with Dell and Sony. So may be i prefer them to Lenovo and ASUS and HP.

Just my 2 cents.

TaureanBull · 14th June 2010, 19:00

In your budget and requirement for a slightly bigger screen (14"), I will advise you to go for Toshiba L510 P401A Satellite Mini Notebook. It is equipped with Intel Pentium 2.2 GHz Processor, 250 GB Hard disk drive, 4 GB RAM and inbuilt DVD Writer. It has integrated webcam, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & 3 USB Ports.
This should cost you around 22,000/- (please check exact price with the dealer). Though, I think this would be without any bundled software.

Acer is the only other brand which can fulfill your requirements. You would have number of options in acer.

IMO if you are not too bent upon a new laptop and you dont have need for extremely new/latest technology/features, you can try buying a used laptop. You will get very good deal at this price range.

9th June 2010, 21:04	#2416
vivekiny2k Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: cincinnati, jabalpur,chennai Posts: 1,264 Thanked: 209 Times View My Garage	Since you are confused, I suggest you just leave it as it is, run it for a month or so with all installs you need, and then decide how much space you want on C:. make sure you keep a list of every install and change you make. then you can do a OS reinstall and organize the way you want.
	() Thanks

10th June 2010, 11:56	#2418
LonelyPlanet BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Jam-luru Posts: 321 Thanked: 125 Times	I need to buy a desktop for my father. Need a basic but reliable model. Primary use will be email and skype. Can anyone recommend if there has been a purchase in recent past.
	() Thanks

10th June 2010, 17:46	#2421
sammyboy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ggn/Dehradun Posts: 1,842 Thanked: 521 Times View My Garage	Hey LonelyPlanet, I would suggest you to get a netbook instead. It fits your criteria, budget, easy to handle, doesnt take space and portable.Plus it has a battery backup so long power cuts/travelling are also no issue. Think about it. Last edited by sammyboy : 10th June 2010 at 17:49.
	() Thanks

14th June 2010, 01:18	#2423
Johnny_ BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Surat/Mumbai Posts: 199 Thanked: Once	Hi all, I need to buy a laptop in near future. Was considering the Dell inspiron mini 10 and even bargained a good deal on the following config:Intel Atom 270N processor, 1 GB ram, 160 GB hdd, 10.1 inch screen, but most people told that the screen would be too small for any office use such as excell, or ppt. Plus the absence of CD-ROM meant i would have to take it to the service center every time something goes wrong with the OS, since it can't boot from the pen-drive. Was about to pay 15.250k for the system tomorrow. But the problem is my friends and family members are insisting that i get a bigger machine, a 14 inch, with a 2 GB ram at least. So I am considering the Toshiba L510 401B, since I don't intend to spend much on it. Any inputs on the model? Any better machine in the same price range? Last edited by Johnny_ : 14th June 2010 at 01:19. Reason: spell error
	() Thanks

14th June 2010, 14:51	#2426
Johnny_ BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Surat/Mumbai Posts: 199 Thanked: Once	Dual core Guys heard that the Intel Dual core processor that comes with the Toshiba ain't that great. The core 2 duo is better, but that doesn't with this Toshiba config. So I am planning to drop the idea of Toshiba.
	() Thanks

14th June 2010, 15:30	#2427
furioussphinx BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 536 Thanked: 2 Times View My Garage	I mostly will be getting a notebook from US now. Thank heavens! Initially my mind was set on picking the Dell Studio 15 with i7-720QM, 6GB RAM, etc, but now I have better options. 1. Lenovo Y560 - $1,299 i7-720QM ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 1GB 8 GB 1333MHz RAM 500GB HDD, 7200rpm 6cell battery 2. Lenovo W510 - $1,649 i7-720QM NVIDIA Quadro FX 880M Graphics 1GB 4 GB 1067MHz RAM 500GB HDD, 7200rpm 9cell battery The Y560 is tempting mainly for the 8Gigs of ram and the remaining standard specs for that killer price tag. In the W510, I would love to up the ram, and other additional uber cool features but it is just adding onto the price tag. I cannot stretch my budget more than this. I want the best config for my image editing work to suffice for a good period of time, say 3-4years. What do you guys say about the asus series? The G whatever. Last edited by furioussphinx : 14th June 2010 at 15:32.
	() Thanks

14th June 2010, 18:31	#2428
furioussphinx BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 536 Thanked: 2 Times View My Garage	With the coupon, the Y560 is going for ~$1100 The Asus model is a G51JX and it is going for around $1305/1200 Now the only point of thought is, the lenovo has an ATI 5730 card while the latter has a nvidia GTS 360M. Am eyeing the nvidia for the CUDA. Am in a fix now. Asus is sweet, but I doubt the support in India and how the *** is. It even comes with a 2yr global warranty while the lenovo has just 1year. which makes sense to go for? Last edited by furioussphinx : 14th June 2010 at 18:36.
	() Thanks

14th June 2010, 19:00	#2430
TaureanBull Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,071 Thanked: 328 Times View My Garage	In your budget and requirement for a slightly bigger screen (14"), I will advise you to go for Toshiba L510 P401A Satellite Mini Notebook. It is equipped with Intel Pentium 2.2 GHz Processor, 250 GB Hard disk drive, 4 GB RAM and inbuilt DVD Writer. It has integrated webcam, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & 3 USB Ports. This should cost you around 22,000/- (please check exact price with the dealer). Though, I think this would be without any bundled software. Acer is the only other brand which can fulfill your requirements. You would have number of options in acer. IMO if you are not too bent upon a new laptop and you dont have need for extremely new/latest technology/features, you can try buying a used laptop. You will get very good deal at this price range.
	() Thanks