That's it: time to replace the old laptop

[Jake]

My Compaq is over 5 years old and the last few months have been one issue after another. I had to fire up the old PC - it originally came with the dreaded Millenium Edition - just to make this post. The damn laptop's video has gone completely haywire - flashing wildly before going away altogether. I did all the trouble shooting steps, changed resolution, reduced refresh speed, you name it - nothing helps. I have no interest in pouring any more money down that drain.

I've been thinking about a Macbook for about a year but I'm not sure if I should make the leap, or just get a newer Windows based laptop.

Any suggestions? Recommendations?

 

[DGADBTWSOM]

I hear you. my gateway just went out on me a month ago. I have an old desktop I used in college to get me by until the back to sales start in July and August. I've been looking at an HP 6700t, I saw in online and I'm going with my computer expert girlfriend to check it out soon. Don't know much about macs though.

 

[Mac]

You should def check out Mac's operating system to make sure you like it and can get used to it. I just got a new Thinkpad last May and I love it. I didn't really think about Mac though because of OSU's IBM discount deals.

I do like Mac's and they are very well put together. And from what I've heard their customer service is great. But I am happy with my XP Thinkpad

 

[Taosman]

Recently got a new Toshiba from CC for $500 after rebates. Toshiba A215-S5849 Can't beat the price/performance ratio.
Toshiba Satellite A215 Review

 

[rocketman]

Switched to a Macbook two years ago. Best computer decision ever.

 

[Muck]

What price range are you looking at?

Mac owners weep when they see my Voodoo Envy.

 

[rocketman]

Mac owners weep when they see my Voodoo Envy.

Fanboy flamewar!!!

 

[Jake]

Thanks for the feedback.

I took the opportunity at my weekly IT staff meeting to ask my crew what they thought of my options. (I supervise them but their technical expertise exceeds my own). They thought I should go Mac, for a number of reasons, particularly given the state of Vista at this time. Having lived through the Millenium Edition mess personally I'm receptive to that kind of feedback.

I'm going to shop around but I'm definitely more open to Mac than I've ever been in the past.

 

[sepia5]

I got my first Macbook about 6 months ago and couldn't be happier. The learning curve was only about 2 or 3 weeks (though little things pop up from time to time and I did have an experienced friend in times of need), it never freezes, it's incredibly fast, lightweight, etc. etc. I doubt you'd regret making the change.

 

[Mac]

Thanks for the feedback.

I took the opportunity at my weekly IT staff meeting to ask my crew what they thought of my options. (I supervise them but their technical expertise exceeds my own). They thought I should go Mac, for a number of reasons, particularly given the state of Vista at this time. Having lived through the Millenium Edition mess personally I'm receptive to that kind of feedback.

I'm going to shop around but I'm definitely more open to Mac than I've ever been in the past.

If you do buy a Windows based computer, get XP Professional. I agree do not get Vista. I tried it out and I thought it was a piece of junk. Just the setup, I wasn't a fan of. I think if I went back and had to make a decision, I think I would look at a Mac.

 

[iambrutus]

i'm new to the mac fold as well, had my macbook for about 3 months now, very easy to pick up and its a great machine.

as for vista, well i've been running it at work (the machine that i'm typing from right now) for about 8 or 9 months and its been great, i can't complain at all

 

[buckeyefool]

as for vista, well i've been running it at work (the machine that i'm typing from right now) for about 8 or 9 months and its been great, i can't complain at all

I have used vista on quite a few computers and I have to agree with you. Are there legit problems that people have run into? sure. But I think some of it is just hype and piling on at this point also.

 

[Taosman]

I don't believe there are any laptops being shipped with XP versions. So. It's either Vista or a Mac. I have had no problems related to Vista going from XP.

"Under Microsoft's Support Lifecyle Policy, consumers and businesses both receive "mainstream" support for their products. XP Home Edition and XP Media Center will see mainstream support end in April 2009, which includes paid support, security updates, design changes and feature requests. "

 

[Taosman]

PCWorld: Best Under $1000 Laptops
The Best Laptops Under $1,000 - MSN Tech & Gadgets - Slide Shows - Products - 4

 

[Dryden]

Just a note on the MS vs Apple issue.

I've got two buddies that have both thrown in the towel on MS and switched over to all-Apple everything. One used to partner at a lawfirm, and he eventually moved the entire firm to all-Apple just because of virus/trojan horse problems, and the other has begun switching his company over because of maintenance/vendor incompatibility problems. Each had complained that they literally had to place a ban on Web surfing within their offices outside of a handful of sites due to the virus, malware problems they were having and they had to curb acceptance of email attachments for the same reason.

Both have said they couldn't be happier since switching, which is funny because they'd always looked at me like I had three heads when I bought a PowerBook G3 about 10 years ago, and again when I switched to Linux on my desktops about 6 years ago.

Best part of going all-Mac is the Time Capsule for backup ... just an absolutely brilliant piece of software/hardware engineering.

Let me put it this way: I overhear someone expressing regret over their decision to buy a new Vista computer or upgrade to Vista all the time. I have never, ever heard anyone express regret buying an Apple product in the past, oh ... 3 - 4 years.