Specs

[Dapper Dan]

I know this is not related to Windows Me, but I value input from the
regulars and wondered if you cold provide guidance on replacing our Windows
Me laptop.

There are so many deals around but I seem to have narrowed our choice down
to either
AMD Turion 64 x 2 dual-core TL-58, 1.9 GHz, 200 GB drive, 2 GB RAM with
NVIDIA GeForce Go 7159M chipset at $900 Cdn.
or
Intel Core 2 Duo T5250, 1.5 GHz, 200 GB drive, 2 GB RAM with NVIDIA GeForce
8600M GS chipset at $950 Cdn.

In both cases, a similar DVD is included. On the surface the AMD looks like
a better deal because the System Bus is reported at up to 1600 MHz whereas
the Intel is 667 MHz. From what I think I have comprehended from researching
this is that the Intel is marginally superior but I'm not sure it will have
any impact given the expected use which is primarily surfing the net, web
mail and maybe a bit of photo editing.

Would appreciate your comments.

Dan

 

[Heirloom]

What brand are these, Dan?? Which OS?? Regardless, I think that you would
be happy with either one and as far as performance, you probably couldn't
tell them apart sitting side-by-side.
Heirloom, old and need some wind in what is left of my
hair......

"Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
news:OUNLmbPOIHA.1204@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>I know this is not related to Windows Me, but I value input from the
>regulars and wondered if you cold provide guidance on replacing our Windows
>Me laptop.
>
> There are so many deals around but I seem to have narrowed our choice down
> to either
> AMD Turion 64 x 2 dual-core TL-58, 1.9 GHz, 200 GB drive, 2 GB RAM with
> NVIDIA GeForce Go 7159M chipset at $900 Cdn.
> or
> Intel Core 2 Duo T5250, 1.5 GHz, 200 GB drive, 2 GB RAM with NVIDIA
> GeForce 8600M GS chipset at $950 Cdn.
>
> In both cases, a similar DVD is included. On the surface the AMD looks
> like a better deal because the System Bus is reported at up to 1600 MHz
> whereas the Intel is 667 MHz. From what I think I have comprehended from
> researching this is that the Intel is marginally superior but I'm not sure
> it will have any impact given the expected use which is primarily surfing
> the net, web mail and maybe a bit of photo editing.
>
> Would appreciate your comments.
>
> Dan
>
>
>

 

[Dapper Dan]

Thanks for responding, Heirloom. Actually they are both HP's running Vista
Home Premium and are on sale at Future Shop here in the Toronto area.

Dan

"Heirloom" <nobodyhome@noplacelike.hom> wrote in message
news:%23yubf0ROIHA.5400@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> What brand are these, Dan?? Which OS?? Regardless, I think that you
> would be happy with either one and as far as performance, you probably
> couldn't tell them apart sitting side-by-side.
> Heirloom, old and need some wind in what is left of my
> hair......
>
> "Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
> news:OUNLmbPOIHA.1204@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>I know this is not related to Windows Me, but I value input from the
>>regulars and wondered if you cold provide guidance on replacing our
>>Windows Me laptop.
>>
>> There are so many deals around but I seem to have narrowed our choice
>> down to either
>> AMD Turion 64 x 2 dual-core TL-58, 1.9 GHz, 200 GB drive, 2 GB RAM with
>> NVIDIA GeForce Go 7159M chipset at $900 Cdn.
>> or
>> Intel Core 2 Duo T5250, 1.5 GHz, 200 GB drive, 2 GB RAM with NVIDIA
>> GeForce 8600M GS chipset at $950 Cdn.
>>
>> In both cases, a similar DVD is included. On the surface the AMD looks
>> like a better deal because the System Bus is reported at up to 1600 MHz
>> whereas the Intel is 667 MHz. From what I think I have comprehended from
>> researching this is that the Intel is marginally superior but I'm not
>> sure it will have any impact given the expected use which is primarily
>> surfing the net, web mail and maybe a bit of photo editing.
>>
>> Would appreciate your comments.
>>
>> Dan
>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

[Heirloom]

Sounds like the one I got for my wife, she has the AMD in an HP dv6000,
entertainment model...built in webcam and all sorts of crap. I don't touch
it. I gave $999 and it came with some really nice Bose speakers, wireless
optical mouse, great case, backpack designed for the unit, a 12 cell battery
and more. She likes it...that's all that counts. We did have to get
another printer that was 'Vista compatible' and none of the software I have
will work on it, so far. Bought latest version of Acronis backup and a
photo program for it. She likes all the eye candy, I can do without it. If
you get it, be sure to make you recovery disc, first thing! You get the
choice of having it on the HD or cd/dvd, we did both and then did a full
backup to a USB HD with Acronis as things were installed/updated.
Heirloom, old and like my XP

"Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
news:edrf25ROIHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Thanks for responding, Heirloom. Actually they are both HP's running Vista
> Home Premium and are on sale at Future Shop here in the Toronto area.
>
> Dan
>
> "Heirloom" <nobodyhome@noplacelike.hom> wrote in message
> news:%23yubf0ROIHA.5400@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> What brand are these, Dan?? Which OS?? Regardless, I think that you
>> would be happy with either one and as far as performance, you probably
>> couldn't tell them apart sitting side-by-side.
>> Heirloom, old and need some wind in what is left of my
>> hair......
>>
>> "Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
>> news:OUNLmbPOIHA.1204@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>I know this is not related to Windows Me, but I value input from the
>>>regulars and wondered if you cold provide guidance on replacing our
>>>Windows Me laptop.
>>>
>>> There are so many deals around but I seem to have narrowed our choice
>>> down to either
>>> AMD Turion 64 x 2 dual-core TL-58, 1.9 GHz, 200 GB drive, 2 GB RAM with
>>> NVIDIA GeForce Go 7159M chipset at $900 Cdn.
>>> or
>>> Intel Core 2 Duo T5250, 1.5 GHz, 200 GB drive, 2 GB RAM with NVIDIA
>>> GeForce 8600M GS chipset at $950 Cdn.
>>>
>>> In both cases, a similar DVD is included. On the surface the AMD looks
>>> like a better deal because the System Bus is reported at up to 1600 MHz
>>> whereas the Intel is 667 MHz. From what I think I have comprehended from
>>> researching this is that the Intel is marginally superior but I'm not
>>> sure it will have any impact given the expected use which is primarily
>>> surfing the net, web mail and maybe a bit of photo editing.
>>>
>>> Would appreciate your comments.
>>>
>>> Dan
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

[Dapper Dan]

Yeah, they do sound similar, 'loom.

What's confusing is that the store is indicating that Intel is a bit faster
and better on the battery but the numbers indicate otherwise (AMD vs Intel
respectively)
1.9 GHz Processor Speed with System Bus "up to 1600 MHz versus
1.5 GHz Processor Speed with System Bus 667 MHz

In any event, I think it's as you indicated I probably couldn't tell them
apart. Again, thanks for the feedback, it is certainly appreciated.

Dan


"Heirloom" <nobodyhome@noplacelike.hom> wrote in message
news:OAX3yrSOIHA.4656@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Sounds like the one I got for my wife, she has the AMD in an HP dv6000,
> entertainment model...built in webcam and all sorts of crap. I don't
> touch it. I gave $999 and it came with some really nice Bose speakers,
> wireless optical mouse, great case, backpack designed for the unit, a 12
> cell battery and more. She likes it...that's all that counts. We did
> have to get another printer that was 'Vista compatible' and none of the
> software I have will work on it, so far. Bought latest version of Acronis
> backup and a photo program for it. She likes all the eye candy, I can do
> without it. If you get it, be sure to make you recovery disc, first
> thing! You get the choice of having it on the HD or cd/dvd, we did both
> and then did a full backup to a USB HD with Acronis as things were
> installed/updated.
> Heirloom, old and like my XP
>
> "Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
> news:edrf25ROIHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> Thanks for responding, Heirloom. Actually they are both HP's running
>> Vista Home Premium and are on sale at Future Shop here in the Toronto
>> area.
>>
>> Dan
>>
>> "Heirloom" <nobodyhome@noplacelike.hom> wrote in message
>> news:%23yubf0ROIHA.5400@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>> What brand are these, Dan?? Which OS?? Regardless, I think that you
>>> would be happy with either one and as far as performance, you probably
>>> couldn't tell them apart sitting side-by-side.
>>> Heirloom, old and need some wind in what is left of
>>> my hair......
>>>
>>> "Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
>>> news:OUNLmbPOIHA.1204@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>I know this is not related to Windows Me, but I value input from the
>>>>regulars and wondered if you cold provide guidance on replacing our
>>>>Windows Me laptop.
>>>>
>>>> There are so many deals around but I seem to have narrowed our choice
>>>> down to either
>>>> AMD Turion 64 x 2 dual-core TL-58, 1.9 GHz, 200 GB drive, 2 GB RAM with
>>>> NVIDIA GeForce Go 7159M chipset at $900 Cdn.
>>>> or
>>>> Intel Core 2 Duo T5250, 1.5 GHz, 200 GB drive, 2 GB RAM with NVIDIA
>>>> GeForce 8600M GS chipset at $950 Cdn.
>>>>
>>>> In both cases, a similar DVD is included. On the surface the AMD looks
>>>> like a better deal because the System Bus is reported at up to 1600 MHz
>>>> whereas the Intel is 667 MHz. From what I think I have comprehended
>>>> from researching this is that the Intel is marginally superior but I'm
>>>> not sure it will have any impact given the expected use which is
>>>> primarily surfing the net, web mail and maybe a bit of photo editing.
>>>>
>>>> Would appreciate your comments.
>>>>
>>>> Dan
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

[Heather]

Hey Dan......you know that Future Shop employees know d**k all about
computers, etc. And that they are co-owned along with Best Buy, right?
So drop into a Best Buy and nose around there as well. They are
salaried, not commission sales. Big difference. And you could try one
of your local computer stores.

I did all of the above and found a super tech 5 minutes from my house
who built this XP machine, with a lot of input from the guys on here.
Just stay away from MDG......they burned me good with my WinME machine
that cost $2300!!! (4 year old motherboard in a brand new machine, for
starters).

Good luck....and IIRC you are slightly south of where I am.
Mississauga, eh?

cheers....Figgs in Bramlad.......
"Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
news:ORwXLKTOIHA.5860@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Yeah, they do sound similar, 'loom.
>
> What's confusing is that the store is indicating that Intel is a bit
> faster and better on the battery but the numbers indicate otherwise
> (AMD vs Intel respectively)
> 1.9 GHz Processor Speed with System Bus "up to 1600 MHz versus
> 1.5 GHz Processor Speed with System Bus 667 MHz
>
> In any event, I think it's as you indicated I probably couldn't tell
> them apart. Again, thanks for the feedback, it is certainly
> appreciated.
>
> Dan
>
>
> "Heirloom" <nobodyhome@noplacelike.hom> wrote in message
> news:OAX3yrSOIHA.4656@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> Sounds like the one I got for my wife, she has the AMD in an HP
>> dv6000, entertainment model...built in webcam and all sorts of crap.
>> I don't touch it. I gave $999 and it came with some really nice Bose
>> speakers, wireless optical mouse, great case, backpack designed for
>> the unit, a 12 cell battery and more. She likes it...that's all that
>> counts. We did have to get another printer that was 'Vista
>> compatible' and none of the software I have will work on it, so far.
>> Bought latest version of Acronis backup and a photo program for it.
>> She likes all the eye candy, I can do without it. If you get it, be
>> sure to make you recovery disc, first thing! You get the choice of
>> having it on the HD or cd/dvd, we did both and then did a full backup
>> to a USB HD with Acronis as things were installed/updated.
>> Heirloom, old and like my XP
>>
>> "Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
>> news:edrf25ROIHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> Thanks for responding, Heirloom. Actually they are both HP's running
>>> Vista Home Premium and are on sale at Future Shop here in the
>>> Toronto area.
>>>
>>> Dan
>>>
>>> "Heirloom" <nobodyhome@noplacelike.hom> wrote in message
>>> news:%23yubf0ROIHA.5400@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>> What brand are these, Dan?? Which OS?? Regardless, I think that
>>>> you would be happy with either one and as far as performance, you
>>>> probably couldn't tell them apart sitting side-by-side.
>>>> Heirloom, old and need some wind in what is left
>>>> of my hair......
>>>>
>>>> "Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:OUNLmbPOIHA.1204@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>>I know this is not related to Windows Me, but I value input from
>>>>>the regulars and wondered if you cold provide guidance on replacing
>>>>>our Windows Me laptop.
>>>>>
>>>>> There are so many deals around but I seem to have narrowed our
>>>>> choice down to either
>>>>> AMD Turion 64 x 2 dual-core TL-58, 1.9 GHz, 200 GB drive, 2 GB RAM
>>>>> with NVIDIA GeForce Go 7159M chipset at $900 Cdn.
>>>>> or
>>>>> Intel Core 2 Duo T5250, 1.5 GHz, 200 GB drive, 2 GB RAM with
>>>>> NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS chipset at $950 Cdn.
>>>>>
>>>>> In both cases, a similar DVD is included. On the surface the AMD
>>>>> looks like a better deal because the System Bus is reported at up
>>>>> to 1600 MHz whereas the Intel is 667 MHz. From what I think I have
>>>>> comprehended from researching this is that the Intel is marginally
>>>>> superior but I'm not sure it will have any impact given the
>>>>> expected use which is primarily surfing the net, web mail and
>>>>> maybe a bit of photo editing.
>>>>>
>>>>> Would appreciate your comments.
>>>>>
>>>>> Dan
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

[Dapper Dan]

Close Heather, actually Oakville.

What I am seeing is that most of the Notebooks sold at Best Buy and Future
Shop are in fact exclusive, so you don't really know if you are getting a
deal. The models that I am now looking at, are $250 and $400 less than they
were last week. Other shops sell something comparable with subtle changes
and the problem is that to the uninitiated, other than the major components,
I'm not sure what impact some of the other stuff has. That's why I came here
looking for support.

I know the regulars, like Mike, Mart, 'Loom, to name a few, know their stuff
so I trust their judgement. Anyway thanks for your input I appreciate it.

Dan
"Heather" <figgyd@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:uDGzcrTOIHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Hey Dan......you know that Future Shop employees know d**k all about
> computers, etc. And that they are co-owned along with Best Buy, right? So
> drop into a Best Buy and nose around there as well. They are salaried,
> not commission sales. Big difference. And you could try one of your
> local computer stores.
>
> I did all of the above and found a super tech 5 minutes from my house who
> built this XP machine, with a lot of input from the guys on here. Just
> stay away from MDG......they burned me good with my WinME machine that
> cost $2300!!! (4 year old motherboard in a brand new machine, for
> starters).
>
> Good luck....and IIRC you are slightly south of where I am. Mississauga,
> eh?
>
> cheers....Figgs in Bramlad.......
> "Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
> news:ORwXLKTOIHA.5860@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> Yeah, they do sound similar, 'loom.
>>
>> What's confusing is that the store is indicating that Intel is a bit
>> faster and better on the battery but the numbers indicate otherwise (AMD
>> vs Intel respectively)
>> 1.9 GHz Processor Speed with System Bus "up to 1600 MHz versus
>> 1.5 GHz Processor Speed with System Bus 667 MHz
>>
>> In any event, I think it's as you indicated I probably couldn't tell
>> them apart. Again, thanks for the feedback, it is certainly appreciated.
>>
>> Dan
>>
>>
>> "Heirloom" <nobodyhome@noplacelike.hom> wrote in message
>> news:OAX3yrSOIHA.4656@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> Sounds like the one I got for my wife, she has the AMD in an HP dv6000,
>>> entertainment model...built in webcam and all sorts of crap. I don't
>>> touch it. I gave $999 and it came with some really nice Bose speakers,
>>> wireless optical mouse, great case, backpack designed for the unit, a 12
>>> cell battery and more. She likes it...that's all that counts. We did
>>> have to get another printer that was 'Vista compatible' and none of the
>>> software I have will work on it, so far. Bought latest version of
>>> Acronis backup and a photo program for it. She likes all the eye candy,
>>> I can do without it. If you get it, be sure to make you recovery disc,
>>> first thing! You get the choice of having it on the HD or cd/dvd, we
>>> did both and then did a full backup to a USB HD with Acronis as things
>>> were installed/updated.
>>> Heirloom, old and like my XP
>>>
>>> "Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
>>> news:edrf25ROIHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>> Thanks for responding, Heirloom. Actually they are both HP's running
>>>> Vista Home Premium and are on sale at Future Shop here in the Toronto
>>>> area.
>>>>
>>>> Dan
>>>>
>>>> "Heirloom" <nobodyhome@noplacelike.hom> wrote in message
>>>> news:%23yubf0ROIHA.5400@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>>> What brand are these, Dan?? Which OS?? Regardless, I think that you
>>>>> would be happy with either one and as far as performance, you probably
>>>>> couldn't tell them apart sitting side-by-side.
>>>>> Heirloom, old and need some wind in what is left of
>>>>> my hair......
>>>>>
>>>>> "Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
>>>>> news:OUNLmbPOIHA.1204@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>>>I know this is not related to Windows Me, but I value input from the
>>>>>>regulars and wondered if you cold provide guidance on replacing our
>>>>>>Windows Me laptop.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> There are so many deals around but I seem to have narrowed our choice
>>>>>> down to either
>>>>>> AMD Turion 64 x 2 dual-core TL-58, 1.9 GHz, 200 GB drive, 2 GB RAM
>>>>>> with NVIDIA GeForce Go 7159M chipset at $900 Cdn.
>>>>>> or
>>>>>> Intel Core 2 Duo T5250, 1.5 GHz, 200 GB drive, 2 GB RAM with NVIDIA
>>>>>> GeForce 8600M GS chipset at $950 Cdn.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> In both cases, a similar DVD is included. On the surface the AMD
>>>>>> looks like a better deal because the System Bus is reported at up to
>>>>>> 1600 MHz whereas the Intel is 667 MHz. From what I think I have
>>>>>> comprehended from researching this is that the Intel is marginally
>>>>>> superior but I'm not sure it will have any impact given the expected
>>>>>> use which is primarily surfing the net, web mail and maybe a bit of
>>>>>> photo editing.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Would appreciate your comments.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Dan
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

[Mart]

Dan wrote :-

> I know the regulars, like Mike, Mart, 'Loom, to name a few, know their
> stuff so I trust their judgement. Anyway thanks for your input I
> appreciate it.

I would hardly call myself a financial whiz when buying anything PC - I have
a happy knack of diving in and letting my heart rule my wallet, especially
when it comes to leading edge stuff. (MUG tattooed on forehead). Heck! most
components are probably made by the same manufactures anyway, in the back
streets of Taiwan - or is that now China?

My only advice would be to find a supplier that you can trust (and that
includes High Street chains/supermarkets) who offer genuine deals with
decent service and money-back/replacement/repairs/etc. guarantees. Set your
budget BEFORE deciding on a machine, and check that it meets your
requirements! Personally, I wouldn't go for extended warranties, unless you
can use it to haggle and squeeze more (Software?) out of their 'deal'. If it
works OK throughout the standard warranty period, then it's likely to last
quite a bit longer. And, the thing will be obsolete in 12 months anyway <g>

As you are considering a laptop, then remember that opening them up to
'modify' things can be somewhat trickier than a desktop base unit - assuming
you would want to poke about inside in the first place!

As to which OS? - with Vista's reputation, you ought to consider XP if you
are lucky enough to get that option.

Good luck, I'm sure you will enjoy whatever you buy - your pride will never
let you admit that your choice could have been wrong.

Mart

 

[Dapper Dan]

Thanks for those words of wisdom, Mart. I'll keep them in mind as I go
through this process.

Dan
"Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
news:Or9AczXOIHA.748@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Dan wrote :-
>
>> I know the regulars, like Mike, Mart, 'Loom, to name a few, know their
>> stuff so I trust their judgement. Anyway thanks for your input I
>> appreciate it.
>
> I would hardly call myself a financial whiz when buying anything PC - I
> have a happy knack of diving in and letting my heart rule my wallet,
> especially when it comes to leading edge stuff. (MUG tattooed on
> forehead). Heck! most components are probably made by the same
> manufactures anyway, in the back streets of Taiwan - or is that now China?
>
> My only advice would be to find a supplier that you can trust (and that
> includes High Street chains/supermarkets) who offer genuine deals with
> decent service and money-back/replacement/repairs/etc. guarantees. Set
> your budget BEFORE deciding on a machine, and check that it meets your
> requirements! Personally, I wouldn't go for extended warranties, unless
> you can use it to haggle and squeeze more (Software?) out of their 'deal'.
> If it works OK throughout the standard warranty period, then it's likely
> to last quite a bit longer. And, the thing will be obsolete in 12 months
> anyway <g>
>
> As you are considering a laptop, then remember that opening them up to
> 'modify' things can be somewhat trickier than a desktop base unit -
> assuming you would want to poke about inside in the first place!
>
> As to which OS? - with Vista's reputation, you ought to consider XP if you
> are lucky enough to get that option.
>
> Good luck, I'm sure you will enjoy whatever you buy - your pride will
> never let you admit that your choice could have been wrong.
>
> Mart
>

 

[Heirloom]

As always, good words from Mart!!! (Mart, when you look in the mirror, does
it say 'Gum' on your forehead?? What does that mean??)
DD, one suggestion I would like to make, when you get a laptop, try to get
the 12 cell battery with it. If you plan to use this without AC power, at
all, it is well worth the little extra at purchase time. If you wait and
buy it later, they are painfully expensive (well, they are to me....about
$150 for a battery!!! I can get two AGM motorcycle batteries for that!)
Heirloom, old and let us know what you get

"Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
news:%23f1%23hEaOIHA.5400@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Thanks for those words of wisdom, Mart. I'll keep them in mind as I go
> through this process.
>
> Dan
> "Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
> news:Or9AczXOIHA.748@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> Dan wrote :-
>>
>>> I know the regulars, like Mike, Mart, 'Loom, to name a few, know their
>>> stuff so I trust their judgement. Anyway thanks for your input I
>>> appreciate it.
>>
>> I would hardly call myself a financial whiz when buying anything PC - I
>> have a happy knack of diving in and letting my heart rule my wallet,
>> especially when it comes to leading edge stuff. (MUG tattooed on
>> forehead). Heck! most components are probably made by the same
>> manufactures anyway, in the back streets of Taiwan - or is that now
>> China?
>>
>> My only advice would be to find a supplier that you can trust (and that
>> includes High Street chains/supermarkets) who offer genuine deals with
>> decent service and money-back/replacement/repairs/etc. guarantees. Set
>> your budget BEFORE deciding on a machine, and check that it meets your
>> requirements! Personally, I wouldn't go for extended warranties, unless
>> you can use it to haggle and squeeze more (Software?) out of their
>> 'deal'. If it works OK throughout the standard warranty period, then it's
>> likely to last quite a bit longer. And, the thing will be obsolete in 12
>> months anyway <g>
>>
>> As you are considering a laptop, then remember that opening them up to
>> 'modify' things can be somewhat trickier than a desktop base unit -
>> assuming you would want to poke about inside in the first place!
>>
>> As to which OS? - with Vista's reputation, you ought to consider XP if
>> you are lucky enough to get that option.
>>
>> Good luck, I'm sure you will enjoy whatever you buy - your pride will
>> never let you admit that your choice could have been wrong.
>>
>> Mart
>>
>
>

 

[Mart]

HL asked :-

> ..'Gum' .. ?? What does that mean??

Dunno HL, I'll need a bit of time to chew that one over.

But you made an excellent point about the laptop battery - and, without
trying to teach anyone how to suck eggs, more of a reminder - DD might
remember to always/only fully cycle the battery especially throughout its
early life. It'll pay dividends in overall life expectancy. Now't worse than
being permanently connected to the mains and always fully charged, only to
have a coronary - clogs the arteries!

Ah! - there we have it! - 'Gum'med arteries <g>

Mart

PS - HL, I loved your convoluted freezing computer tag, elsewhere. Another
one for the Bumper Fun Book


"Heirloom" <nobodyhome@noplacelike.hom> wrote in message
news:OURAC7rOIHA.3816@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> As always, good words from Mart!!! (Mart, when you look in the mirror,
> does it say 'Gum' on your forehead?? What does that mean??)
> DD, one suggestion I would like to make, when you get a laptop, try to get
> the 12 cell battery with it. If you plan to use this without AC power, at
> all, it is well worth the little extra at purchase time. If you wait and
> buy it later, they are painfully expensive (well, they are to me....about
> $150 for a battery!!! I can get two AGM motorcycle batteries for that!)
> Heirloom, old and let us know what you get
>
> "Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
> news:%23f1%23hEaOIHA.5400@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> Thanks for those words of wisdom, Mart. I'll keep them in mind as I go
>> through this process.
>>
>> Dan
>> "Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
>> news:Or9AczXOIHA.748@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>> Dan wrote :-
>>>
>>>> I know the regulars, like Mike, Mart, 'Loom, to name a few, know their
>>>> stuff so I trust their judgement. Anyway thanks for your input I
>>>> appreciate it.
>>>
>>> I would hardly call myself a financial whiz when buying anything PC - I
>>> have a happy knack of diving in and letting my heart rule my wallet,
>>> especially when it comes to leading edge stuff. (MUG tattooed on
>>> forehead). Heck! most components are probably made by the same
>>> manufactures anyway, in the back streets of Taiwan - or is that now
>>> China?
>>>
>>> My only advice would be to find a supplier that you can trust (and that
>>> includes High Street chains/supermarkets) who offer genuine deals with
>>> decent service and money-back/replacement/repairs/etc. guarantees. Set
>>> your budget BEFORE deciding on a machine, and check that it meets your
>>> requirements! Personally, I wouldn't go for extended warranties, unless
>>> you can use it to haggle and squeeze more (Software?) out of their
>>> 'deal'. If it works OK throughout the standard warranty period, then
>>> it's likely to last quite a bit longer. And, the thing will be obsolete
>>> in 12 months anyway <g>
>>>
>>> As you are considering a laptop, then remember that opening them up to
>>> 'modify' things can be somewhat trickier than a desktop base unit -
>>> assuming you would want to poke about inside in the first place!
>>>
>>> As to which OS? - with Vista's reputation, you ought to consider XP if
>>> you are lucky enough to get that option.
>>>
>>> Good luck, I'm sure you will enjoy whatever you buy - your pride will
>>> never let you admit that your choice could have been wrong.
>>>
>>> Mart
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

[Dapper Dan]

Duly noted Mart.


"Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
news:eaAjcYxOIHA.4480@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> HL asked :-
>
>> ..'Gum' .. ?? What does that mean??
>
> Dunno HL, I'll need a bit of time to chew that one over.
>
> But you made an excellent point about the laptop battery - and, without
> trying to teach anyone how to suck eggs, more of a reminder - DD might
> remember to always/only fully cycle the battery especially throughout its
> early life. It'll pay dividends in overall life expectancy. Now't worse
> than being permanently connected to the mains and always fully charged,
> only to have a coronary - clogs the arteries!
>
> Ah! - there we have it! - 'Gum'med arteries <g>
>
> Mart
>
> PS - HL, I loved your convoluted freezing computer tag, elsewhere. Another
> one for the Bumper Fun Book
>
>
> "Heirloom" <nobodyhome@noplacelike.hom> wrote in message
> news:OURAC7rOIHA.3816@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> As always, good words from Mart!!! (Mart, when you look in the mirror,
>> does it say 'Gum' on your forehead?? What does that mean??)
>> DD, one suggestion I would like to make, when you get a laptop, try to
>> get the 12 cell battery with it. If you plan to use this without AC
>> power, at all, it is well worth the little extra at purchase time. If
>> you wait and buy it later, they are painfully expensive (well, they are
>> to me....about $150 for a battery!!! I can get two AGM motorcycle
>> batteries for that!)
>> Heirloom, old and let us know what you get
>>
>> "Dapper Dan" <dapperdan@home.com> wrote in message
>> news:%23f1%23hEaOIHA.5400@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>> Thanks for those words of wisdom, Mart. I'll keep them in mind as I go
>>> through this process.
>>>
>>> Dan
>>> "Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
>>> news:Or9AczXOIHA.748@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>>> Dan wrote :-
>>>>
>>>>> I know the regulars, like Mike, Mart, 'Loom, to name a few, know their
>>>>> stuff so I trust their judgement. Anyway thanks for your input I
>>>>> appreciate it.
>>>>
>>>> I would hardly call myself a financial whiz when buying anything PC - I
>>>> have a happy knack of diving in and letting my heart rule my wallet,
>>>> especially when it comes to leading edge stuff. (MUG tattooed on
>>>> forehead). Heck! most components are probably made by the same
>>>> manufactures anyway, in the back streets of Taiwan - or is that now
>>>> China?
>>>>
>>>> My only advice would be to find a supplier that you can trust (and that
>>>> includes High Street chains/supermarkets) who offer genuine deals with
>>>> decent service and money-back/replacement/repairs/etc. guarantees. Set
>>>> your budget BEFORE deciding on a machine, and check that it meets your
>>>> requirements! Personally, I wouldn't go for extended warranties,
>>>> unless you can use it to haggle and squeeze more (Software?) out of
>>>> their 'deal'. If it works OK throughout the standard warranty period,
>>>> then it's likely to last quite a bit longer. And, the thing will be
>>>> obsolete in 12 months anyway <g>
>>>>
>>>> As you are considering a laptop, then remember that opening them up to
>>>> 'modify' things can be somewhat trickier than a desktop base unit -
>>>> assuming you would want to poke about inside in the first place!
>>>>
>>>> As to which OS? - with Vista's reputation, you ought to consider XP if
>>>> you are lucky enough to get that option.
>>>>
>>>> Good luck, I'm sure you will enjoy whatever you buy - your pride will
>>>> never let you admit that your choice could have been wrong.
>>>>
>>>> Mart
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>