Hi, I would like to get some feedback regarding the specs on a laptop computer. Santa is hopefully bring me a new laptop since my current one is on its last legs! I have been looking at different ones and I am really confused at this point. Can anyone give me some pointers as to what to look for as far as graphics cards, memory etc? The lastest one that I looked at was a Sony VAIO laptop with NVIDIA GeForce GT 425 graphics 640GB hard drive 16.4" display Intelcore i7 processor and windows 7(along with some other stuff). I mainly play games on my current computer and surf the internet. I have never had a computer built with specific parts but rather purchase them already loaded. Any suggestion? Thanks Angelgirl

Angelgirl -- the best place to get advice is from the experts in the Glitches forum. Good luck with your Christmas wish list.

I'll copy this over to the Glitches forum.

Angelgirl.

Hi - the laptop specs you mentioned look pretty good - The VAIOs have a good reputation. But if Santa is climbing down your chimney anyway, ask him to look at the Dell XPS 17. These are very customizable - and come with the NVidia video cards, Intel core i5 processor, a ton of hard drive space, and are High Def! The rule of thumb is - whatever you can afford, as any newer computer these days are equipped to handle whatever you can throw at them.

I mentioned Dell, because we (Tech Company I work for) use them extensively and they are solid in performance - and servive!

HP Pavilion dv7t series would be my second choice - again you can customize these to suit.

I was going to try to be more specific but, like I said, the computers that are built today are as good as the servers we paid $7500.00 for 5 years ago!

I am sure you will get a few more responses here - whatever you decide - Merry Christmas!

I've ordered a Dell xps17 for my birthday ... it won't be delivered for a couple weeks, so I'll be spending a lot of time now backing up stuff on this computer (Dell Vostro 1500) to transfer to the new one ... not fun, so tedious, but necessary I guess

thanks so much for the recommendations and great information ... I've been a Dell user for many years now

Janice

Hello Angelgirl,
Well I feel longwinded today, perhaps as it is minus 10 windchill outside now.

As a suggestion perhaps you can at least call some of the custom build shops and ask the sales people the questions you want answers to. For the most part they are very helpful and you can use their knowledge to base whatever is coming your way.

I have 7 laptops currently, both custom built and pre-built from Dell (XPS) and Acer (Ferrari). My experience for what I use them for is the custom machines are better both in quality of the build and parts and in the service provided (most offer support based in the US and do more than read down a list of options to try before handing you off to the second level support person)so if support is important to you then this might factor in.

So far with the Dell machines I have replaced the hard drives, CD burner, dealt with some DOA issues, along with some software stuff, I am not a fan of having to use Dell's proprietory drivers compared to being able to use the manufacture's drivers. One machines hard drive literally failed the day after the warranty ended.

The Acer I had to replace the LCD screen, other than that it has been a good machine but is on its last legs with the CPU getting hotter with each use.

My custom machines I have not had one issue - period. Not one failure of hardware of any kind, the one I am using to type this reply is over 5 years old and not one issue. Good thing too as this builder is no longer in business which is a risk I will admit if you go with a smaller custom builder. I do not own one but you might look up Digital Storm as an example of a larger custom builder.

Yes you do pay more for a custom build but I get the upper end of any build and pay dearly no matter if it is Dell or custom, in the end to me it is well worth it to have the custom build as I have no aggreviation and I do not need to pay extra to be able to speak with someone I can understand.

I wanted to mention that option to you as with a name such as Angelgirl you obviously have not been to naughty and should be looking for some top line stuff heading your way no matter who it is from!

Forgot to add to get a good laptop cooler if you dont have one already.

Hi everyone, thanks for all the feedback. I knew if I posted here I would get some great ideas. Someone mentioned to me a brand called Lenovo. Has anyone heard of them and if so any feedback would be appreciated. Hope everyone has a great holiday season. Angelgirl

IBM backs them - some folks in my place of business swear by them.

Consider that there are only a few good makers of hard drives like WD, Seagate, Fuji, and memory made by a few good names like Kingston, Supermicro, Video chips - well we have ATI, NVidia, SIS. Point being none of the computer mfgs actually make the computer, they assemble from parts or have motherboards made for them by motherboard mfgs. who use chipsets made by .....well it goes on and on.

So - we buy stuff based on name, service, and experience.

If you get a good deal on the Lenovo, yea - its a well made laptop.

If the intended use is gaming, Lenovo probably isn't the best choice. It's not a question of quality, it's that they’re predominantly built for business use.

I'm the sole dissenter in the office, I use my Sony VGN AR190G (which has been a great gaming laptop) everyone else uses Lenovo.

If I ever get around to purchasing another laptop, it'll probably be a Qosmio.

As Inland says, Lenovo laptops are mainly intended for business use. If you get one, make sure the video card is one that can be used for gaming, because many of them aren't.