Gateway Parts

Trouble finding the right notebook?

Hi guys, I've been doing a lot of research lately on the right laptop for my needs ahead of time for my freshman college year. I've been looking around for a laptop that meets certain requirements for myself, mostly under brand names such as Toshiba, Sony, Velocity Micro, and Extreme Notebooks. Other brands are good, but I'd rather not get a HP, Gateway, and Dell from a business standpoint, they just don't appeal much to me either. The trouble I'm having is due to the fact that I want certain things in the laptop that are hard to all get together. Preferably a- 2.4 gigahertz processor 2 gigs of RAM (for running that shitty OS known as VISTA) at least a 150 gig hard drive, but no larger than 200 a dedicated graphics card, preferably Nvidia that is at least a 7 series card 17 inch screen but 15.4 is acceptable If you can find a notebook that meets these needs or customize one to meet them and is under $1200 - It's a tall order I know, but I will be forever grateful! Thanks

Public Comments

1. hmmm u'll have to shop around but try here: http://www.powernotebooks.com thats where i got mine, for $1600, shipped to my door. my specs: intel C2D 2.2 Ghz 4 GB RAM Nvidia 8600mGT 512 MB 160GB HDD Vista x64 15.4" 1280x800 res. screen
2. There are still laptops with XP on them at these sites and they run a a good range of prices. If it were me, I'd do with an HP or Toshiba. I've owned two hp laptops, never had a problem with them. They're a great company and make it super easy when you need to get tech support help, free e-mail and online chat support. Also when you need to get driver updates for your computer, hp is one of the few that make it very simple. ...Unlike Dell, I'd stay far away from them. Here are the site for XP computers. http://www.warehousepoint.com/ http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=3449&
3. Yes you have it. But it is DELL.IF you like it go and check it out at their website.Its DELL XPS M1530 laptop with various customizing options. Think it helps :)
4. So i put in most of the stuff you asked for but there is still room for you to put specifics :] http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000260032+4023+103980226+1040616981&name=160GB
5. I own 3 Dell Notebook PCs and 1 Dell Desktop. All run the Windows XP Professional OS though I did buy the Dell Vista upgrade CDs at the time but have yet to install them. FYI my first Notebook PC was a Gateway Pentium IV which I don't recommend bec the biggest advantage in my opinion that DELL and HP have that the others are missing is the wide availability of replacement parts when time comes to upgrading memory, hard drive or replacing the battery which lowers your overall costs. Also the Dell website is good for obtaining drivers, manuals, etc. Regarding the BEST DEAL for a DELL Notebook PC, truly you should consider or at least compare the prices at DELL OUTLET bec these are systems ordered brand new and returned that Dell certifies and also provides warranty... FYI besides WalMart, Staples and Best Buy also sell DELL and yes, I truly recommend DELL and next choice would be HP Other Lessons Learned: (1) in view of lecture halls and carrying a Notebook PC around all-day, 14" or 15" size works best; (2) MEMORY at a minimum you want is 512MB and 1GB is better and 2GB even nicer. I paid over $1000 for my 1st Gateway Pentium IV Notebook and for the longest tiime was unhappy bec I never realized 256MB was reason why so slow on internet. Luckily I found the compatible 256MB to upgrade. (3) Size of BATTERY can be key esp when taking to lecture classes etc or in bookstore/library. (4) Wireless WiFi Internal Card is absolute must (5) Get the biggest Hard Disk you can afford and don't settle for anything smaller than 60GB. (6) CPU if buying new Intel Duo Core should be fast enough but if buying used, then I would recommend Penitum M Centrino as your minimum and never waste your money on Pentium III no matter how cheap bec you will be disappointed buying something worthless that might give you trouble trying to unload. Finally if buying local, always test your Notebook PC and give it a good test drive before handing over the money. You might want to open the CONTROL PANEL and check the hardware devices to see whether there are Yellow Exclamation Marks or even pay extra or select different Seller strictly bec they offer 30 to 90 day warranty repair Hope the Above Info Helps and Best of Luck!