Buying a laptop - NEED HELP!

[B-girl]

So I'm wanting to get my first laptop, but I don't know how to choose!
I'm considering two right now...
Dell Inspiron 15.6" Intel Pentium, 4GB memory, expandable to 8GB,Windows 8.1 operating system, 1.7GHz, 4 cell Lithium battery

Second is a Toshiba Satellite 17.3" AMD A-6 series, 2.0GHz, 6 cell Lithium battery, 4GB, expandable to 16GB, Windows 8.1 operating system.

Which one is better?? Feel free to ask more questions!

[Vlasta]

Apart from my preference for MAC's...

I have had two DELL machines and both have been a nightmare - unreliable in the extreme and very heavy. My Dell desktop went through 3 motherboards and 2 CPU's and all of the memory being replaced. My recent Dell laptop is slow, crashes often and is VERY heavy.

I used to use Toshiba and always found them reliable workhorses in the past although they were a little heavy too.

My best experience with a Windows based laptop was with IBM Thinkpads - now they are branded and owned by Lenovo but are the same thing. These are properly built lappys and some of the models are lightweight too although with the screen sizes you are looking at I don't expect any of them to be ultralight or thin.

Of the two you mentioned I would take the Tosh any day - faster processor, more room for memory expansion and just altogether a better machine.

If I was to give my very biased advice though it would be to buy a MACbook - even if you have some favorite Windows software that won't run on a MAC OS/X install you can always either set it up as dual boot or run a VM like Parallels Desktop.

[mavroxur]

We use Dell exclusively at my university, and they're rock solid realiable (The Optiplex / Latitude / Precision series machines). Just over 1,500 workstations, 92 servers, and probably 300ish laptops currently. I know the Inspiron (retail) models can be hit and miss, however. That's why we don't use them. The "Toshiba has a faster processor and more room to expand" makes no sense, since you can get a variety of processors in any brand, and different models hold different maximum memory. Kind of like saying "Dodge trucks can't pull trailers, only Ford can" when comparing a Dodge Ram 1500 to a Ford F350. Macs are overpriced, and you get less for your money. Expandability? Don't even think about it on a Macbook Air or Pro. Apple now SOLDERS the memory to the board, so you must purchase the amount of RAM you want at the time of purchase. If you buy a Macbook with 8GB of RAM, you will only ever have 8GB. No ability to upgrade. Even the cheapest PC can have it's memory upgraded. Memory goes bad and needs to be replaced? Guess what, time for a new Macbook, since you can't replace a failed module, because there is no module, it's part of the motherboard. It's kind of like buying a car that you can't replace the starter or water pump on later down the road. Not to mention that you can't even user-replace the battery on a Macbook Pro or Air. If the battery fails, you either send it in for service or take it to a service center. Want to put new tires on your car? Sorry, it needs to go back to the factory for that. Seriously. Apple has completely taken form over function, and is screwing the consumer in the process.

[H3nrik V!]

You might want to see the PC's in real-life before deciding. A 17" laptop takes up surpringsingly much room on an average coffeetable.
That said, I agree with Vlasta regarding IBM/Lenovo - they are generally very well built machines.

[Vlasta]

The specs mentioned by the OP tell me the Tosh model is more expandable. Can't you read?

I admit I am an Apple fanboi after years of torture at the hands of Windows PC's - I have never felt the need to upgrade any of my Mac's, even the three year old++ ones - they just work - no messing with stupid drivers and glitches/stalls - no stupid weekly updates and just an all round great experience

[debs3759]

Gotta say I agree with Vlasta. From the specs provided the Toshiba sounds like the faster model, and can take more memory if you decide to upgrade.

If you have a chance to test them first then do so. Graphics performance can also make a world of difference.

Just be prepared for it not being as fast as a similar priced PC (not trying to put you off, just want to be sure you know).

[mavroxur]

Not sure how any AMD A6 APU can sound "fast". Have you ever used a machine with an A6? It makes molasses flowing in winter seem like the roaring rapids.

[Vlasta]

[CPUShack]

[henriok]

I shouldn't worry too much about the performance specs. If you don't have any specific needs (gaming, video or 3D work, CAD) then all PCs are good enough for general use, i.e. word processing, emailing, casual gaming, surfing, watching Netflix‚…
I think that you should concentrate on the ergonomics of the machine. Is the keyboard good and is it centered on the monitor? Is the laptop heavy? How good is the mousepad, and is the mouse buttons positioned in a weird way? Does it look good?

I'd aim for a laptop that's way smaller than what you are aiming for, with a 13"-15" monitor. A laptop with a 17" monitor will essentially be a vastly under powered stationary all-in-one computer, and I don't think you'll be happy with that.

[mavroxur]