Suggestions for new laptop?

[nd32479]

I am a little hesitant to ask, but it seems we have a lot of knowledgable folks here at DSA when it comes to computers. I on the other hand am what you might call a simple user. I use the equiptment but have no idea on how it works nor what to look for when picking out a laptop. I have searched for some websites where I can put in my "wish list" of features but have not had any luck.

So any suggestions would be helpful.

Here is how I plan to use the laptop. It will just be used at home so weight is not really and issue.

70% - simply surfing the net.
10% - video viewing youtube, sports, etc. Just starting to watch some "TV" on the net from the network sites, NFL Ticket, CBS Sportsline, etc.
5% - capturing and editing videos. I have not done this yet and am unsure of set up. But I would very much like to capture video game footage in HD (PS3).
5% - Music downloading and playing
5% - Work type stuff - Excel, word, powerpoint, etc.
5% - gaming - but low graphic stuff like yahoo card games, Online Poker, etc.

I'd like an average to larger size screen. Durability is important as I can be hard on them. Back lite keys would be nice as I tend to be on the computer in bed at night. Battery life is not hugely important as I typically am close to an outlet. I am not brand loyal, but I do have a Sony HDTV and PS3. Not sure if that makes a difference in trying to pair them together. I am also use to Microsoft and prefer not to learn something else unless there was a very compelling reason.

Here is the big thing...I'd really like to connect to my HDTV's without having to run HDMI cables. I know Best Buy has some "Blue Label" laptops with the Intel Wireless Display Technology. But that is the only place I have seen it. The reviews I read said it is ok but can be laggy a little bit. But I am not "gaming" so I am not sure this is an issue. But if the live sports would be laggy that would piss me off if I miss the game winning shot.

I can't say cost is not an issue. But I am not on a specific budget. But I'd have a hard time justifying to myself paying 50% more for top of the line video capturind/editing capabilities when I won't be using it more than 5% of the time. I also would have a hard time paying for unproven cutting edge technology when I tend to get laptops every 3-5 years.

Thanks for the help / suggestions in advance.

[norm]

The Intel Wireless tech is fairly interesting. Is there any reason why you want or need it? I ask because it was just released this year and I don't think it's hit the market fully yet and is only in a few systems here and there. Chances are when it does become more widespread TVs will have the adapter built in and you won't need one separate. The technology will be a little more stable and hopefully more will be done with it.



As far as a laptop. Toshiba makes a halfway decent laptop now. Model A665-S6086 has a 370 i3 processor and a 6 cell battery. Model A505-S6005 has a 330 i3 processor and a 12 cell battery. Both are pretty decent computers with a 16" screen.


Other than that some things to keep in mind are processors, memory and HDD space.

Processors - Right now Intel has the edge over AMD when it comes to processors for laptops. Their iCore series is pretty tought to beat. i3 is the basic model and 330 is the low end for the i3. The i5 model is in the middle of the road, more powerful than the i3, but not as powerful as the i7s. The i7 model is the best you can get.

I am thinking the i3 would be fine for you, maybe the 370 series. It'll give you what you are specing the laptop for. It won't code a video as fast as an i5 or i7, but since you're only doing a small amount of encoding why pay for the extra speed when you won't use it.

If you were using it for work too with spreadsheets and those types of things I would say spring for the i5.


Memory - This is where most people screw up their purchase. They will get this super powerful processor and skimp out on the RAM. That's like putting a Porsche engine in a Yugo's body. Yeah you've got the speed but the car will shake itself apart at anything over 50 mph.

For Windows 7 you need to have a minimum of 4GB of RAM. If you can spring for more I would say get it. If not for what you are doing 4GB will be fine.

HDD - Drive space is so cheap now-a-days. Both laptops I listed had 500GB drives.

The difference in HDDs come form a few subtle things. One is the drive speed and the other is the the Cache. The drive speed for the A665-S6086 is 7200 and for the other model it was 5400. The higher the drive speed number the faster the drive is. So 7200 is a faster drive than the 5400 drive.

The other thing is the cache. You can have 8MB up to 64MB caches and again the higher the number the faster it is..lol




As for capturing your game play you will still need a capture card of some sorts. This might work for you. Most laptops don't come with a capture card built in.


Hope that helps a bit. Ratix is extremely knowledge when it comes to computers so he's a good source on things. Once you make up your mind and get something let us know what you got and how you like it.

[nd32479]

Thanks for the suggestions.

The Intel Wireless Display technology appeals to me because I am viewing more shows via the pc/internet on my HDTV. I have a long HDMI cable that I use to connect the TV to the PC. I have some some pretty active dogs (boxer and a lab) that occasionally trip up in it and pull it. Not good for the tv or the laptop :).

[APAT]

Here's my simple suggestion. Always get the next option higher than what you need. For instance, the i3 processor may work fine for you but spring for the i5 instead and you wont be dissapointed when you need that extra computing power in the future.

[norm]

ND can you use TVersity?

Here's a video showing you some of the things you can do with it



With the new TVs coming with built in wireless or able to play Netflix and things like a Roku player, PS3 or 360 able to stream stuff the Wireless Display stuff will fall by the wayside. There's even a lot of TVs now with ethernet ports like some of the Sony Bravia and LGs.

Using Wireless Display to surf and what not would be fun, but you have a perfectly good screen a half a foot from you instead of across the room in the form of your TV set.


I know the tech is cool, but there's other ways to stream stuff wireless through your PS3. Why not try one of those first before you pay the premium for brand new tech.


Yes Boxers can be hell on cords..lol

[jakewill]

heard of that new skin toasting thing from using a laptop lately get one with a good cooling mat unless you want that dark tan with the smell of flesh

[jakewill]

70% - simply surfing the net.
10% - video viewing youtube, sports, etc. Just starting to watch some "TV" on the net from the network sites, NFL Ticket, CBS Sportsline, etc.
5% - capturing and editing videos. I have not done this yet and am unsure of set up. But I would very much like to capture video game footage in HD (PS3).
5% - Music downloading and playing
5% - Work type stuff - Excel, word, powerpoint, etc.
5% - gaming - but low graphic stuff like yahoo card games, Online Poker, etc.

you left out porn nd and im betting thats the ect with video viewing so be sure to get some good antivirus too

[nd32479]

70%

you left out porn nd and im betting thats the ect with video viewing so be sure to get some good antivirus too

This was already covered in another thread where a man suggested he got VD from watching porn. :D

[nd32479]

Norm,

It appears the TVersity is more about viewing "clips" from sites, opposed to streaming live programs like NFL Ticket, PGA Golf, NCAA Basketball, etc. I watch alot of these programs with friends or family members. Every Sunday I watch the my Steelers via Direct TV's NFL TICKET ONLINE with my daughter. (I have cable but use my neighbor's online username and password as he is watching his Saints on the TV via the satelitte. ) So the TV really is the best option opposed to watching it on the computer screen. You tube, etc is fine on the laptop.

From what I can tell a Toshiba Satelitte with i5 processor, 4 GB Memory, 500 GM drive with 2 year warranty and 1 year antivirus plus the Intel Wireless Display & Push2TV adapter cost about $850.00 at Best Buy. On NewEgg it appears a comprable laptop goes for about $750 without the Intel Wireless Display. Although I must admit they have lots of options and I am not sure I am comparing apples to apples. They certainly do not make it easy to compare from site to site. You can't simply try to compare model numbers because big box stores purposely make the manufacture produce unique model numbers for them even if it is a minor difference in the product. Things like processor, memory, and HDD seem to be standardizes but you can have 7 computers by the same manufacture with all the same processor, memory, and HDD but the other features are different and I have no idea what they are and if they would make a difference for me. This makes it tough to compare the one at Best Buy to the ones at NewEgg.com

Can I ask a favor? Would you look at the Toshiba Blue Lable laptop and see if you can find the same model elsewhere (minus the Intel Display+Push2TV). Again the one at Best Buy is $850. If I can't find a laptop for $100 less or better computer (memory, drive space, etc) for the same money, then I might take the chance on the new technology.

I think here is the link if I did it right.

Best Buy Blue Label Laptops


PS. You have a valid point about TVs now coming with native navigation of the internet with ethernet connections and the prices should drop shortly. However, I replaced my two main televsions with in the last 18 months and will not be make a purchase of a new TV for a few years.

Again, I really appreciate all the help so far.

[norm]

M645-S4070 - $799
HDMI
BluRay
i5-460m Processor (2.53GHz)
4GB RAM
500GB HDD (7200rpm)
6-cell Battery
integrated Graphics Card
Better listing of the specs
Pros - fast processor and BluRay

Cons - integrated Graphics and average battery life


M645-S4050 - $719
HDMI
DVD
i5-450m Processor (2.4GHz)
4GB RAM
500GB HDD (7200rpm)
12-cell Battery
separate Graphics Card
Better listing of the specs
Pros - Long lasting battery life, separate Graphics card (I'm a huge fan of a separate card)

Cons - Slightly slower processor




Blue Label laptop specs
HDMI
DVD
i5-430m Processor (2.2GHz)
4GB RAM
500GB HDD (5400rpm)
6-cell Battery
integrated Graphics Card
Again with the specs
Pros - Intel tech for wireless TV

Cons - Slowest processor of the 3, slowest HDD of the 3, integrated Graphics, Average battery life



ND - I love coming up with different solutions to oddball problems..lol

So instead of the Intel Wireless TV tech have you ever tried a wireless keyboard and mouse? You could pick one up from Newegg for cheap I bet. Just connect the laptop to the TV via HDMI and leave it there. Use the wireless keyboard and mouse to do the navigating with.

I didn't know you were using it to watch football with. I'm 99% sure you can't stream live football games through TVersity. It's great for watching TV shows and movies, just not so much live events..lol

18 months....Can't talk the wife into updating?

(I know I can't talk my wife into it either...LOL)


No problem man. I like to help when it comes to new tech. It helps keep me updated with what's new. If you get a Toshiba or not it doesn't matter to me. If you learn a little bit about the technology that goes into a computer and use that to make your decision that's what matters. You may go to Best Buy and decide you don't like the touch pad for a Toshiba and like the one for a Dell or Sony better.

As long as you have an idea of what you are using the laptop for, and you do. And you've got an idea of what technology in a laptop will do you're ahead of most people out there..lol


I will say this, if you buy this from Best Buy do not Purchase any virus software from them. You don't need it. When you come home uninstall whatever Norton or other virus trial software there is. Go to Microsoft and use their virus software. It is free and it is called Microsoft Security Essentials. It works great and more importantly it's free.

[nd32479]

I think you have made a compelling case to not spend an extra $100-$150 on the Intel Wireless Display tech. I had thought about your suggested solution of just putting the laptop in the entertainment center and using wireless mouse/keyboard. I don't see blue-tooth as a feature so I would have to buy a new mouse/keyboard that connected wireless with a USB adapter.

I am leaning towards the second option you listed. I like the option of 10hrs of battery life when traveling, although that is not often. It does not hurt it is also $80 less.

You state you are a big fan of seperate graphics cards. Can you expand on why that is? And do you think the difference in 2.2GHz and 2.4GHz processing would be noticable when video editing?

From our exchange in this thread alone, I have learned some things. So thanks.

[RaTix]

Usually i am all over these kinds of threads, but seems norm is on top of this. I like the second option he listed as well, especially for the discrete memory.

Note, it is NOT a separate GFX card, it is still integrated. You can't just buy a new GFX card and throw it in. However, it uses it's own dedicated memory for the video, instead of shared.
Shared means it takes it from the main system memory. So if listed as 4GB of RAM, but 1GB shared video. Means your system is really only using 3GB of RAM. 1GB is being devoted to the GFX memory.

This one has 512MB DDR5 Discrete.. Sweet. Puts it miles ahead of the others. Even if just watching YouTube, TV, or playing flash games only, this greatly will increase performance compared to others. Especially if running W7 that pushes most of the desktop imaging and icon stuff to the GFX processor and memory, instead of the system resources.


One other thing though..

For Windows 7 you need to have a minimum of 4GB of RAM. If you can spring for more I would say get it. If not for what you are doing 4GB will be fine.

Not entirely true. I have installed and run W7 on old ass P3 and P4 laptops and have it run better then XP. Cause of the new design and how it uses system resources better, it doesn't really need a lot of RAM (depending on setup, and with this one it would be perfect for it).

But the Major point I want to make is this. Unless you're running a server and Hyper-V or the equivalent, or seriously heavy apps on it (Office apps are not that heavy, I don't care how big your spreadsheet is), DO NOT GO 64bit. Stick with 32. You can't use more then 4GB RAM with 32, but you won't run into any problems with programs either. And most everyday programs do not utilize the 64bit structure. So you won't gain anything with firefox/IE/Chrome etc.. For an average user it only adds headaches in the long run.

Hell I have a desktop with Phenom II x4 CPU, 4GB Ram, W7, and running 32bit windows because I had too many conflicts with programs. And especially if yours is mainly an internet surfing machine, it's way easier to remove viruses and spyware with a 32bit system then 64bit. One major thing being ComboFix does not run in 64bit windows.
So unless you know what you're doing with virus removal, or religiously back things up in case you have to wipe your system and reinstall a backup image, Stick with 32bit. Specifically ask them to not do the 64bit, but 32bit.

[norm]

Note, it is NOT a separate GFX card, it is still integrated. You can't just buy a new GFX card and throw it in. However, it uses it's own dedicated memory for the video, instead of shared.

I know I was just trying to keep it simple..lol


What Ratix said is true. If the video card (chipset) has its own memory you will be better off. For watching your Steelers to a simple YouTube clip it'll run better and faster for you.

Another tidbit is the new IE9 was designed to take advantage of dedicated video card memory.


As far as the difference in processor speed and encoding video? The faster the processor speed the quicker you can encode video. Encoding video, Photoshop, large Excel files and other types of programs do better with faster processors. The faster the processor and the more cores you can throw at it the better off you will be. Between 2.2 and 2.4 you won't notice a huge difference. A video might take 10 to 20 mins longer to encode type of thing.


If it was me I would get the $719 one because of the graphics card and the battery. With the processor in between the top of the line and bottom of the line. That would fit my needs the most. We take our laptop on trips and watch a lot of Netflix with it. So long battery life and separate video card makes the most sense. Of course I would go to the store and play with it to make sure I liked the keyboard and the touch pad. Then I would read through the reviews to make sure they weren't crappy....lol


As far as what's right for you? The Intel TV tech might be the best. Maybe the faster processor or the longer battery life. It's up to you and what you think. I will say with some TLC each laptop will last a good 3 years. The higher end one will last a good 4 to 5 years. With the current laptop we have it was a middle of the line Dell and it's worked great for the past 6 years. It's currently dying a slow death, but it's done well for us and other then hooking up to the TV we use it for about the same reasons you will use yours. I haven't encoded video on it though. It's a single core so I shutter to think how long that would take...lol

[APAT]

Check out the dell outlet store for good deals too. I'm a dell loyalist and have always been impressed with their quality and customer service. I only buy the xps line of computers tho. Don't know much about their low and midrange stuff

[nd32479]

Ratix,

The best buy folks are telling me they don't have the 32 bits available on these laptops. Sounds like they get what they get and can't order to spec.

It seems like everything from the retailers like Best Buy that have 4GB comes with 64 bit. I even went to Toshiba's website and the 32 bit is not an option. I will say when I priced the $719 version out it came to over $1100.00.

So I think I am going to move forward and purchase it, even with the 64 bit as it seems that is the only thing I can find on the market that has Intel i5 and 4GM. That is unless you have another solution?

However, despite the fact I have never had an issue with viruses/etc and had to go back and reinstall a back up image...I know now that we've discussed this I will have a huge issue with some virus and have a nightmare. But that is Murphy's law and my luck.

Thanks for all the help to Norm and Ratix.