OT: New Computer input wanted

[jbn3boys]

My beloved laptop died this morning. I'm in the process of looking for a new one. Would anyone want to offer any advice in what to look for in a new computer? I hate computer shopping, and things change so fast.

Here's a little about my computer usage: I mostly do internet "stuff", word processing, and other such computer work. I do spend a lot of time on my computer, so I want to make sure it can handle heavy usage, and isn't too slow. I often am doing many different things at once, so I need a computer that can multi-task with me. I'm not a heavy gamer, but do occasionally do some light gaming. I definitely want to go with a laptop again, not a desktop. I have been running Windows, I'm leaning toward continuing with Windows, but would not have to.

Any suggestions???

Thanks!

[islandboy5150]

I have a DELL Latitude E6500 for work and it's a real workhorse and it's a lightweight screamin' lil machine too. It takes all I can dish out and asks for more. I do a tremendous amount of multi tasking and editing of multiple documents (10-20 open at a time) and simultaneously handles email flawlessly. I work as a quality manager in ship building and ship repair and have to reference and work with/from/to tons of military and technical specifications documents. No matter how many I've had to have open at one time, it's never given me the slightest problem.

[jedimark]

Watch those Dell power supplies.. Nasty center data pin.. Reasonable computers for the money though if you buy smart..
Watch HP's video chips.. very poor cooling system design. Dodgy customer support.

Asus makes good machines and knows how to design a cooling system.
Acer's are cheap, but I've always had good success with them.
Toshiba's are great.. a little on the hot side.

I recommend buying one starting with A..

[jbn3boys]

Watch HP's video chips.. very poor cooling system design. Dodgy customer support.

Yep! I certainly know that! I bought 4 laptops about 3 years ago. Mine is the third to die from a melted video chip. The fourth one is nearing it's last as well. My sons wanted gaming computers, so they aren't a lot of help in picking out mine.

[msradar65]

I recommend either acer, gateway or toshiba. Get the most bang for the buck. I use Acer for work and for play. I pick Acer first because generally they are not loaded with a lot of junk programs, easy to find parts for and are pretty durable. Gateway would be my next choice and Toshiba last. Stay away from Dell, HP and Compaq.

[HoseCrusher]

I have had very good luck with Del computers.

However I ended up replacing my laptop with a Lenovo (Y550). I needed Win7 32 bit and Del was unable to provide that. The Lenovo has been excellent... so far.

[SleepyJohn]

Tests show that approx 20% of all new laptops fail within 3 years e.g. http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/lapt ... -hp-fails/.
I therefore recommend you consider looking for a 3 year warranty when you buy. Mr Dell does this online if you choose
"3 Year ProSupport with 3 Year NBD Limited Onsite Service After Remote Diagnosis [Included in Price]" as you customise your machine. I am not sure what other outlets do?
The warranty might be more important than the make, as most components that i open are made in china anyway, no matter what brandname is on them.

[hobbs]

What kind of budget? Little as possible or who cares what it costs?

[archangle]

You'll want a machine with 64 bit windows. You probably won't have a choice.

The bums at Respironics haven't updated EncoreViewer to work on 64 bit windows. There is a workaround by copying files from a 32 bit windows machine.

Encore Pro will install on Win64.

Sleepyhead is free and is looking good, but is still in alpha test. I don't know how far he's gotten in the BiPap compatibility.

[jedimark]

Sleepyhead is free and is looking good, but is still in alpha test. I don't know how far he's gotten in the BiPap compatibility.

Bipap support is mostly go.. With ASV I've stil got a few issues to work out.. (just minor field stuff)

[jbn3boys]

What kind of budget? Little as possible or who cares what it costs?

I'd say somewhere in between. I'm thinking in the under $1,000 is best, maybe closer to $750.

Also, if anyone wants to chime in on specifics, that would be great, too. Which processors, what speed, how much RAM, what features....

[jbn3boys]

... Stay away from Dell.

Care to explain why? I'm with you on the HP and Compaq.

[GumbyCT]

Laptops are the way to go. I wouldn't go with less than 4G RAM and 17" LCD. I like the Toshibas. If you can wait, the back-to-school sales should be starting soon. Make a list of what you want, it will help you to remember

Oh and I like the full-size keyboard, with the number pad.

Keep in mind that any gaming machine will allow you to multi-task to your satisfaction

[Sacto George]

Almost any new laptop on the market today would be sufficient for your needs, since they all are relatively high-powered, compared to machines of 5 or 10 years ago. I would emphasize the need for efficiency or convenience items, like a wireless mouse (very high priority) and maybe an external full-size keyboard (personal preference). An external hard drive would be very handy for backup.

[Kiralynx]

Bipap support is mostly go.. With ASV I've stil got a few issues to work out.. (just minor field stuff)

BTW, in the event that you need Legacy Respironics Bipap ASV data, I have two and a half years worth of it, saved via a little program called MyCPAP -- it saves the data off the card and then, if you wish, you can put it back on a card.