What's a good laptop?

[cytheguy]

Thinking about buying a laptop. I do writing and graphic design on the side, so I want something I can do work on if I want to get away from my PC or if I'm out of town. I'd like it to have Microsoft Office, PhotoShop, a video editor, etc. I'm not much of a gamer, so I probably wouldn't use it much for that.

Any recommendations? Doesn't have to be the best, but don't want a piece of junk either. Just something that's fast, functional, reliable, etc.

 

[CyValley]

Thinking about buying a laptop. I do writing and graphic design on the side, so I want something I can do work on if I want to get away from my PC or if I'm out of town. I'd like it to have Microsoft Office, PhotoShop, a video editor, etc. I'm not much of a gamer, so I probably wouldn't use it much for that.

Any recommendations? Doesn't have to be the best, but don't want a piece of junk either. Just something that's fast, functional, reliable, etc.

Last week I purchased an off-lease Dell D630 Latitude laptop from Northeast Computer Group (Massachusetts) for $249, including a carrying case and 3MB Ram. Spoke with the owner and told him I wished to run 3D software, which requires an Open GL-capable 128mb graphics card (correct terminology?).

This laptop will allow me to take work from home on the road (I hope).

The owner said that I should have a unit with a dedicated graphics card. I much appreciated his help (almost purchased a laptop that didn't meet requirements listed by the software manufacturer).

Key to me was that this eBay seller has 100 percent positive feedback on several thousand ratings.

The laptop is in the mail.

FWIW.

 

[driegner]

Thinking about buying a laptop. I do writing and graphic design on the side, so I want something I can do work on if I want to get away from my PC or if I'm out of town. I'd like it to have Microsoft Office, PhotoShop, a video editor, etc. I'm not much of a gamer, so I probably wouldn't use it much for that.

Any recommendations? Doesn't have to be the best, but don't want a piece of junk either. Just something that's fast, functional, reliable, etc.

(Hope this doesn't start a flame war). Used MacBooks (2007-2009 era) are pretty cheap now. Lightweight, decent battery life and can run the programs you listed without any trouble. Obviously if you don't like OSX, then stay away.

I've heard good things about ASUS notebooks but have no personal experience.

Good luck!

 

[JP4CY]

(Hope this doesn't start a flame war). Used MacBooks (2007-2009 era) are pretty cheap now. Lightweight, decent battery life and can run the programs you listed without any trouble. Obviously if you don't like OSX, then stay away.

I've heard good things about ASUS notebooks but have no personal experience.

Good luck!

On my second one and they've been rock solid for me at a great price point.

 

[ISU1294]

Just ordered the new Macbook Pro with retina display. It's so cool! Not to mention very powerful.

 

[SWCy13]

I'll agree with the ASUS. I've had mine for a year and a half and haven't had a single problem with it. It's also much much faster than the Dell laptop than my roommate had, and I'm guessing I paid $300-$400 dollars less for it.

 

[MaccloNe]

Apple laptop. No brainer for what you want to use it for.

 

[iowa_wildcat]

Meh, perfectly happy plunking along on my $268 hp 2000. It flat out works!

 

[cowgirl836]

My little Dell is about ready to be replaced after 4 years. Decent enough computer for what it was when I got it.

I hate Apple, but I'd have to agree that a Mac might bet better for you from the video/photo editing aspect.

 

[Bader]

I've got a Dell Latitude D630 that I've had for years that is still running strong after replacing the motherboard a few years ago.

For work I have a Toshiba Tecra that has been great so far. If I buy another laptop I will be looking at one of these.

 

[Jgraham]

Asus or Lenovo make very reliable machines. The last 4 laptops I bought have been Asus, and we've had no problems with any of them.

 

[dmclone]

I care less about brand and more about specs. I wouldn't buy a laptop without an SSD.

 

[bos]

I care less about brand and more about specs. I wouldn't buy a laptop without an SSD.

Depends on how much space he will require.

 

[CyLoboClone]

I'm about to want a desktop AND a laptop- I want to get an iMac but I waiting for the fall in case new iMacs come out. My wife as almost convinced me that macs are the way to go.

I game on ps3 so I am covered there- but dropping 3500 for two macs sucks.

 

[bos]

I'm about to want a desktop AND a laptop- I want to get an iMac but I waiting for the fall in case new iMacs come out. My wife as almost convinced me that macs are the way to go.

I game on ps3 so I am covered there- but dropping 3500 for two macs sucks.

On the bright side, they will last you a good long time and they retain some crazy value too.