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I'm planning to replace my 4 year old Acer Notebook. I've been getting prices on Dell, Toshiba, IBM and others, thought I'd throw it open to see if any have particular loves/hates. I mention notebook specifically because IMHO notebooks are a different story to desktops, ie, a company might produce a good desktop but an average notebook. BTW how many find the value in having one that I do? I do my signwork on the desktop and that's all, everything else is on a notebook, letters, internet, accounts. The portability allows me to take my work home at night (advantage or disadvantage?)also lets me juggle 2 pc's during the day for increased productivity.
------------------ Gray Hodge Cam River Signs Somerset, Tasmania.
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I use One of the new sony Vios (spell?) have had no problems to speak of. We've got Corel loaded on there and take it to present artwork and make any little alterations needed to close the deal. Ya gotta tell the customer that its not a full version program and ya can make only limited changes) Hee Hee Works like a charm. Make sure ya spring for the optical mouse if its not included. One cool feature about the sony is that it has a little wheel on the edge of keyboard (jog whell) lets you access files applications whatever you want it to ya have to set it up but works great. You can also bring along a digital cam take a pic of the building where your puttin the sign and move it around customers love that one. any way thats my two cents sorry went off the topic so far. good luck.
------------------ "Someday I'm gonna get a real job, HEE HEE" Signs Of Life 48 Carmen Hill Rd. New Milford, Ct 06776
Posts: 97 | From: Douglasville, GA | Registered: Feb 2001
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Gray...I can't advise you on WHICH laptop to buy since I have only had 2 and the first one was an older used one. However, I have a Fujitsu now and I love it.
I wouldn't be without a laptop any more. I have an ethernet card for it and can network it with my main computer. I have every program on it that is on my main computer so I can do anything at a customer's location that I can do at home. When I got this one I sold my previous "backup computer" and shortly thereafter my main computer went down and I used the laptop to run the business, cutting and everything for a week while repairs were being done to the main computer.
As Eric says, you can take digital pics and do some preliminary stuff on the spot.
ALSO, I have "netZero" on the laptop so that when I am on the road and in a motel I can log online and play anytime I want. AND I took it to Mexico with me and brightened the lives of the mIRC chatters with webcam broadcasts of me drinking beer!
As I said to start..I wouldn't be without one now!
------------------ Dave Grundy AKA "applicator" on mIRC "stickin' sticky stuff to valuable vessels and vehicles!" in Granton, Ontario, Canada 1-519-225-2634 dave.grundy@quadro.net www.quadro.net/~shirley
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We have had the same Dell Latitude for 4 years and never had a problem (its just a p133 dud now). They still sell that line and advertise them as passing ruggedness tests.
I checked the comp mag tests online a couple of weeks ago and it seems you still have to pay $2700+ to get good performer :-(
------------------ Rick Cooper Sierra Sign & Award Lake Tahoe, USA www.engrave.pctrader.com $$$Letterheads Website Supporter$$$
"The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese."
Posts: 135 | From: Incline Village, NV, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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In the Armada line, first one died 2 months after I bought it ( it was used )
second one broke and sent it back to Compaq, they lost it for 3 weeks.
Finally they sent me a brand new PIII 733mhz Armada e-500. So far I love it but I think next time I might look for a more reliable laptop. I'm not sure if these are just quirky or laptops in general are quirky.
But I wouldn't be without one now.
I even have Omega loaded on this one.
------------------ Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA bob@creativesignworks.com
"Some people's kids"
[This message has been edited by Bob Rochon (edited April 09, 2001).]
Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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When you compare all the laptops on the market, Dell actually has the better value even though they are slightly more than the others, and I do mean slightly.
Maximum PC magazine gave the Dell Inspiron 8100 series their "Kick Ass Award" on their review and they hardly ever give out that rating.
Get on Dell's email list so they send you notice of their promotions. They're always offering specials like $200 off, or double the RAM at no additional cost, Free DVD/CD-RW upgrades, free printers, digital cameras etc. etc. to sweeten the deal.
I was pricing an Inspiron 8000 for myself a little ways back (before I decided I didnt really need a laptop) and a 700MHz, 128MB RAM, 20 Gig HD, 15" Super XGA display, Xircom Ethernet/56K Modem combo system was around $2500.
One other thing to keep in mind..
The Dells also come with the 1394 port (iLINK, FireWire) built in which adds a whole new level of expandability. The only other laptops to include that port are the Sonys which are higher priced and still dont offer all the features the Dells have.
IBM's are good but Dell's are just as good and you get more machine.
Toshiba's are fine
Hewlet Packard and Compaqs both belong in the trash can. Yeah, HP's are junk.. their whole PC division is a shambles.
------------------ Mike Pipes Digital Illusion Custom Graphics Lake Havasu City, AZ http://www.stickerpimp.com
Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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We bought a Dell Inspiron almost 3 years ago. Since then, That laptop has become my main workhorse system. It's been all over N.America with us and I can honestly say it has never let us down.
The Dell is a tad heavier than some laptops, but we wanted something with a 15" display and all the features of a desktop. You just cannot beat Dell's service. Whenever I have had to call, they have been there. No long waits, no run around...simply amazing.
If you are looking for a bargain, I suggest you consider a laptop from Dell's Auction. These are reconditioned systems and they come with Dell's great service guarantee.
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Thanks all for your views. It's nice to get opinions. Mike you certainly like Dell, in fact I'm leaning toward a Dell myself. They seem to be well supported in Australia.
------------------ Gray Hodge Cam River Signs Somerset, Tasmania.
They actually investigate the components they use and test their compatibility with each other before sending machines out. They physically go to the manufacturers and inspect their facilities and procedures before agreeing to do business with them.
They stand behind their product and offer a better product than all the other companies selling pre-built machines.
Now they're even less expensive than you could build a machine for yourself using all the same components. I prefer to build my own systems from scratch but since Dells are cheaper with the same parts I would choose anyway, I refer people to them. =)
------------------ Mike Pipes Digital Illusion Custom Graphics Lake Havasu City, AZ http://www.stickerpimp.com
Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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Nice to hear about the different brands. I to am looking to purchase a laptop and when I had a fake job working for AT&T Wireless I had a Dell Latitude that I packed on my motorcycle, flew all over the country, etc. with and it never failed. I've been looking at there web site and think I'll probably go with a refurb when I finally buy. Compaq has some really good deals but if they don't hold up then that doesn't help our bottom line.
------------------ Brian Diver PDQ Signs Everett, Wa
(425) 252-6110 Brian@PDQ-Signs.com
Posts: 770 | From: Everett, WA 98201 USA | Registered: May 2000
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