Laptop of Choice (and/or Practicality) ...

[shrdlu]

Re: Laptop of Choice ...

since many folk are contributing their bitch stories as evidence against particular vendors, it may be relevant to bring up the Toshiba Video Card Disaster™

[snip]

Toshibas are officially off my list... not so much for their substandard parts in this one batch, but for their awful and unforgivable reaction that left so many customers with broken hardware and no clue as to what was wrong.

Well, there you go. I recall the issue you mention. Toshiba fell down on that one. On the other hand, I use only Toshiba or Thinkpad. I travel a lot, and I have to have something that isn't delicate (speaking of Sony Vaios). I've owned four Toshibas (I still have two of them, and a robbery was the only reason I don't have all four). One of them I dropped hard enough in an airport that I was expecting fracture lines in the display. I reseated the memory, and that was it. I recently had a TSA moron try to play skip the stone with one, and I just popped the frame back around the display, turned it on to show him he wasn't buying a new laptop (see, I can be nice), and went on my way.

I used to include Dell in that group, but, well, we all know how bad they've gotten.

Oh, I also have the one Thinkpad, and it's just as rugged.

[theprez98]

Re: Laptop of Choice ...

The whole "laptop of choice" argument reminds me of the many other unsolved mysteries of our time: Ford vs. Chevy, Windows vs. Mac vs. Linux, Linux flavor a vs. Linux flavor b; and so on.

Most people's experiences with one product either enhance or degrade the value they associate with that product. So when your laptop fails and the manufacturer provides shitty technical support, they go on your bad list. Nothing wrong with that, except that the evidence is anecdotal and generally not helpful to determine the "laptop of choice." In other words, the evidence is unscientific because it cannot be investigated by means of scientific method.

The long and short of it is: whatever works for one person may not work for someone else; asking what is the laptop of choice will probably result in getting 10 different answers from 10 different people. In the end, the asker of the question hasn't really gotten anywhere.

Case in point: in this thread we have seen people talk about their love for Dells, Sony Vaios, IBM Thinkpads, MacBooks, HPs, Toshibas.

Other people have talked about their dislikes of Dells, Sony Vaios, HPs, Toshibas.

My older laptop is a Dell. I've loved it and hated it depending on what it was doing (or not doing) at the time. My newer laptop is an HP and has worked fine for me. Crammed into my Dell laptop case, it was picked up by the propwash of an Army Blackhawk helo and tossed about 10 feet. Not a scratch on it. So of course I love it. Had it broken, I would have hated it.

[big chopper]

Re: Laptop of Choice ...

<snip>I travel a lot, and I have to have something that isn't delicate (speaking of Sony Vaios). </snip>

I also travel (domestically) a fair amount plus my laptops also frequently accompany me to local client sites. In the last six years I've had two Vaios (separated by an HP) and haven't had a problem with either Vaio. My old Vaio (circa 2001) is in semi-retirement, but still strong and gets use from time to time.
--bc,

[converge]

Re: Laptop of Choice ...

i have had nothing but love for my fujitsu p7010. .. but after a year or so it has several outstanding issues.

) The most painful thing is that after some decent use it seems to have developed an issue where bumping the LCD will turn off the backlight .. an annoyance that can only be resolved by switching to a connected external vga (90&#37; success) or rebooting altogether and making sure I don't bump it again .. or close the lid to take it somewhere.

) It also has no clitmouse .. something that I thought I could get over.. but never really have. After previously owning a Dell for years (back when they made them like tanks), I was absolutely relieved by the 12" profile; I could fit two of them in the slot previously designated for my single Dell. OTOH, I absolutely miss the type-II mouse and the ability to run with dual batteries (or hotswap a dying battery by leveraging the dual slot).

) I never have quite gotten the sd reader to work under linux.. which would actually be quite useful, considering all my devices (phone, nds, etc) use sd/mini/micro

) It is not a macbook. More importantly, it is a pre-Yonah proc that doesn't support sse3, and has a builtin intel graphics chip that has much to be desired. In addition, the graphics chip is not compatible with my ATI usb tuner... something that I used heavily as a swiss army knife for misc video activities. ATI says its an Intel issue, Intel says its an ATI issue.. based on ATIs CRAPPY ABILITY TO DEVELOP SOFTWARE.. I blame ATI profusely, but alas that hasn't restored the functionality. Now the proc complaints aren't so off considering the timing of when I bought the unit, but for current purchases I would aim towards a core 2 duo as best as possible.

) No bluetooth unless you wield a dongle.

) I want a MacBook/PowerBook/ .. I have for no less than 7 years now. I can never afford them when I try, and even now I review the hardware specs and ask if I can justify purchasing from Apple when I can duplicate or surpass the setup for cheaper. Temptation strikes me to build my own, but most barebones kits for notebooks appear in the 15" to OMGTHISISBIGLIKETHAT286IONCEOWNED range.

... desperate male hacker seeks 12" profile with type-II mouse and dual battery chassis, core 2 duo proc, nvidia chipset graphics with usb2, gigE, firewire, cf/sd reader with module support under nixes, single or dual layer dvd burner will suffice, builtin wifi (ipw2200 well works for me) with killswitch for tx, builtin bluetooth.. modem optional but preferred, deathray a plus; for good times, long roads, and hot nights.

[Samurai Drifter]

Re: Laptop of Choice ...

I've got a MacBook Pro and am very pleased. Bootcamp is nice, though I haven't tried putting Linux on a separate partition yet. Service apparently varies. The people at my Apple store are supprisingly competent and are especially nice to those people who are in frequently.

I have a MacBook too, which I am also pleased with. Unfortunately dual-booting doesn't seem to work well in my experience. I haven't tried dual-booting XP (but I've heard it runs like shit), but I loaded Knoppix on it and had a field day trying to get it to work before ultimately having to restart and use the emergency eject command, which I had too look up since I hadn't used Macs much at that time (somewhat different from normal dual-booting obviously, as it was a live CD OS, but the point stands).

As I don't generally have a use for running Linux, though, my MacBook works great. It's not something I'd reccommend if you're really into gaming, but if like me all you really need is Starcraft and WoW, and don't require a Windows machine for employment or school purposes, go for it. I'm glad I went with a Mac when deciding to buy a new laptop, despite the bitching from stupid Halo fanboys that enjoy licking Bill Gates' ass.

I'm of the opinion that Dell is crap, though mainly I've disliked their desktops for being impossible to work inside; the Dell laptops I've used have been too old and generally crappy to get an unbiased opinion of how they operate vs. other computers their age.

[converge]

Re: Laptop of Choice ...

the Dell laptops I've used have been too old and generally crappy to get an unbiased opinion

I stand pleased that my inspiron 8100 is the best laptop I've ever owned (next to my tandy model 200).. still in service as a mobile server/ids/younameit within the household. The Dell of that age beat systems that came before it and outlasted systems that followed .. including the crappy inspiron 8200 line. Buying a new Dell sounds feasibly workable as long as you get their highest level of insta-replace service alongside it.

[Samurai®¥©]

Re: Laptop of Choice ...

I use a Sony TR2A, which is a teeny little thing and weighs very little. Although it is an older laptop and has some issues from previous owner abuse, the thing is amazing. Funny thing is I am at just short of 6' tall and love all things small. I drive an MR2 and love this laptop, both work perfectly when connecting to a wireless network outside a hotel at 1am!

I made it a dual boot system on a 40GB drive, with XP Pro and SuSE. I also agree that I will not be upgrading to Vista or any other MS OS again. So far in the 3 Sony computers (2 laptops, 1 desktop) that I have had, nothing has ever went wrong or performed poorly.

If I had to choose another brand, since I like small, I would probably choose the Dell 710M.

[converge]

Re: Laptop of Choice ...

If I had to choose another brand, since I like small, I would probably choose the Dell 710M.

I definitely recommend a try-before-you-buy on this unit for sure. I know I'm glad I did, because for the smallness and configurability it has, Dell maintains excessive plastic on the thing, particularly in the space between the touchpad and slightly recessed keyboard. When trying to type on it with my big mitts I missed 3/4 of spacebar attempts; something that got old in the mall, let alone after an extended period of using one.. I suspect placement/height of the keyboard as the issue.. since I have no trouble on the same size keyboard in my fujitsu.

[Samurai®¥©]

Re: Laptop of Choice ...

I agree converge. I had a small Fujitsu P-2040 and have to admit that it took some getting used to. The Sony I have now seems fine with the keyboard as it is recessed only slightly and with normal palm rest to keyboard spacing.

I guess I am stuck on the smallness factor since it makes for such easy and fluid portability. I am really happy with it. Thanks for the advice as in the future, I may change to another small one and wouldn't have thought about that.

[converge]

Re: Laptop of Choice ...

Ya, and for some the 710m keyboard/mouse/chassis might not be an issue like it is for me.. just something I noted starkly while searching for my preference.

..and definitely, .. my thought is that unless you need gads of logical desk space (large graphics/video work) or unless you use the box as a desktop that you move once in a while .. small == teh roolz I don't think I could go much smaller than my 12", but could thinner/lighter/morebatteries is still an option for improvement in future tech.

[Deviant Ollam]

Re: Laptop of Choice ...

unless you need gads of logical desk space (large graphics/video work) or unless you use the box as a desktop that you move once in a while .. small == teh roolz

that's exactly the same conclusion i finally came to after owning a few large laptops. i had a dell inspiron (7000 series, back in the days when they were tanks... both in strength as well as size and weight) and a refurbished 17" sucker. big, bright screens, etc... but then i asked myself "why the hell am i toting these around? i have a workstation at home that's more than servicable... i only use the laptop when i'm out somewhere"

made the same purchase you did quite a while back... Fujitsu 7010. i even had mine stolen and opted to just get the same thing again some years later (through Fuji's online eBay old systems store) because it's so perfect.

tiny, tiny size and weight but with an optical drive and very good battery life. the S-video TV-out is a nice feature, too, i must say. my original had the DVD-R, but the new (post-theft) model only has the combo drive.

ah well, still love it more than any other i've owned and it gets me comments every single time when i have it out somewhere... "oh my god, where did you get that? what kind of laptop is that??"

converge, have you had any damage issues besides the screen problem that you described? these little guys look like they'd be weak and flimsy but i put mine through absolute hell and it is 100&#37; fine. just the little plastic covers that sit overtop of the screen hinges on the sides are now slightly loose and jiggle a bit if you tap on them... but underneath, the hinges themselves are still 100% fine and sturdy.

[converge]

Re: Laptop of Choice ...

ah well, still love it more than any other i've owned and it gets me comments every single time when i have it out somewhere... "oh my god, where did you get that? what kind of laptop is that??"

ya, that's the weird thing because I've had nothing but the same reaction from everyone, including many tech nerds at the workplace. It's not like notebooks of this size are impossible to find .. there are just few renditions of them because public majority believes bigger is better in _all_ cases screen. *shrug*

converge, have you had any damage issues besides the screen problem that you described? these little guys look like they'd be weak and flimsy but i put mine through absolute hell and it is 100&#37; fine.

That's a negative. I'm not exactly easy on mine either and its held up really well (for those that don't know me, I'm not exactly a small lanky dood and could carry an 8088 w/ UPS on my back if I wanted).

I haven't ruled out physical bump as a cause of the screen issue.. but its definitely not an issue with the LCD itself.. its the connection at the hinge.. maybe something getting pinched for the backlight? .. because picture is clearly still there if you squint or light it yourself. I started taking it apart at work a couple months ago but hit a point where I couldn't figure out how to separate the base plastic to continue... should look into trying that again, because resolving that one issue would save me 90% of my discomfort with the unit.

just the little plastic covers that sit overtop of the screen hinges on the sides are now slightly loose and jiggle a bit if you tap on them... but underneath, the hinges themselves are still 100% fine and sturdy.

I have the typical keypad in the LCD issue, that I suspect comes from toting the unit around while leaving it running. The LCD itself collects a lot more dust than other notebooks I've owned, but thats not so bad and probably testament to lack of household cleaning/dusting practices. Plastic over the hinges jiggle, but like yours.. actual hinges are solid. That's it .. and I've been abusing this one for nearly two years now.

The only real design annoyance I've run into (aside from lack of type-II mouse) is that the power button is located on top in an easily press-able area ... that doesn't get covered/protected when you close the lid. Had to disable its functionality so that the unit doesn't turn off _every_ time I travel it around; even then, if it hits a spot in the bag where it stays depressed it will turn off.. or if off by default (because its difficult for me to travel it with the screen issue) it can turn on and drain the battery. Then again, its probably not an issue for most folks.. but I don't segregate the unit in travel and try my best to _never_ turn it off ;)

[AlxRogan]

Re: Laptop of Choice ...

I'll toss in my few points here, seeing as how I use a laptop about 10 hours a day for work in a variety of environments. I'm a consultant, and my primary everyday system is my Dell Latitude D800. I use this system for day-to-day business stuff like word processing, e-mail, etc. I also use it for penetration testing, wireless assessments, and sales presentations. I carry it around in a targus laptop backpack which is usually shoved into the hard luggage on my BMW motorcycle. It (backpack holding laptop) has taken a few spills out of the saddlebag at low speed, including some 5-6 drops around loading ramps.

I got the 15.4" widescreen running at 1920x1200, internal ipw2200 b/g that does Kismet wonderfully. It only has linux installed on it and every single piece of hardware, save the TI Smartcard reader slot over the Type II PCMCIA slot, works without any tinkering or excessive measures. I can expose the orinoco-style jack for antenna connections, but I usually just use an Inspiron 8100 running dual-batteries and a Dell Truemobile 1150 PCMCIA nic for more demanding applications.

I have not had any issues with this laptop, save a completely un-announced hard drive failure (Hitachi Travelstar POS) 1 year/3 months into use. Backups and Dell Complete Care took care of that with minimal fuss. I have about 11 months left on my Complete Care contract and I'm hoping it lasts another 3 years, I love this laptop.

Most of my co-workers have chosen to go with new 17" laptop models, but like someone mentioned earlier, I have to hump this thing around _everywhere_ I go, and I can't count on even a table at some of my clients. I need standalone usability along with something that will still fit into the saddlebags along with power brick, antenna, and portfolio.

If I was in a situation where I worked out of a regular office, I would probably go for one of the smaller laptops with a 12" screen as long as I had access to a larger monitor at work. I can handle ultra-small type/font on my display, but I've got to have a lot of display in which to operate.

[converge]

Re: Laptop of Choice ...

Inspiron 8100 running dual-batteries and a Dell Truemobile 1150 PCMCIA nic for more demanding applications.

Rock on dood. Of other point, the P7010 only has one pcmcia.. whereas my old 8100 had two (great for multipe wireless devices, or other funky configs). I was leery of this at first, but have discovered that I can get by with only one pcmcia now that more things are being built-in. .. less power consumption is a most acceptable step forward.

If I was in a situation where I worked out of a regular office, I would probably go for one of the smaller laptops with a 12" screen as long as I had access to a larger monitor at work. I can handle ultra-small type/font on my display, but I've got to have a lot of display in which to operate.

ya, and I suppose that is where I vary because I don't use the laptop for my primarily job at all. I don't think _any_ laptop could fit the bill for my job, because I frankly need no less than two monitors for bearable visible desk space.. and could really use and justify a 4 monitor system. In a perfect world I could have a docked 12" driving the 4 monitors, but alas work is cheap enough to keep me bumping along on a PIII crappaq.

[Vyrus]

Laptops, a practical solution...

well as im sure this question has been asked countless times on the boards and without a doubt ended in quite a bit of thickening in the fucktard hall...

im looking for suggestions on a laptop, now hopefully my requirements for said laptop will keep this thread a bit more interesting than its predecessors .

1) small (preferably 13.3 inches wide)
2) as much battery life as i can get in the lightest possible package
3) amd turion x2

now those are the normal specs, here is the hopeful kicker i hope to find...

4) something cheep enough so that as soon as i get it i can take a screwdriver to it, and here is why....

in short, my first laptop had a pcmcia slot that died about a year and 2 months after i got it. so since the warranty was out (incandescently this happened to be one of the hp laptops with the bad power connectors that they ended up haveing a class action law suit over, i managed to fix that problem with a solder gun tho which is why i had no problem opening up my lappy a 2nd time), i removed the dead pcmcia slot and replaced it with 2 tnc to u.fl connectors and routed them to my internal mini pci wifi card. the reception was insane for what i spent (free since i got the connectors out of a dead router i got from a friend :D).

the laptop died for the final time around 10 months later. its been a fiew laptops since then but, its time for a new one and id like to do my mod again if possible.

so i ask, what can i get that is close enough and CHEEP enough for my needs that i can either mod easily or get so cheep that i can risk messing it up?

kind of a convoluted question i know but i figured if anybody would know... the people here would :D