Buying a new laptop

Posted by julia852 (238 days ago)

I read the old threads but they are either pretty old or do not have the info I am looking for. So I thought I write a new thread:)

I am replacing my Dell Inspiron 500m (which I had sooo many problems with). I use the computer for usual emailing, IM, watching videos, writing thesis etc. My questions are:

- Recommended brand and type
- Where can I buy
- Is it a good time to buy or will the prices go down after Xmas
- Final Q- What is the most practical way of transferring all data (incl. Microsoft Outlook) from the old computer to the new one

Many thanks in advance

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Starlionblue (238 days ago)

- Thinkpad. Costs a bit more but it's worth it for the included software utilities alone.
- It's always a good time to buy. Prices go down a bit after Xmas but not much.
- Outlook is a pain in the behind for this. If both have XP you can use the "Files and Settings Transfer Wizard" in Accessories/System Tools. The best way to store the intermediate files is a USB Hard Drive.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by jwm (238 days ago)

I have two Thinkpads and love them.

Check the Wanchai Computer center for great reputable buys. Don;t forget to bargin a little

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Starlionblue (238 days ago)

"I have two Thinkpads and love them".

Hehe. I also currently have two. I have had a total of 11. One employer gave me a Dell and I wasn't that impressed.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by julia852 (238 days ago)

Many thanks for the replies!

Today I went to Fortress and PCCW for a bit of scouting.

Fortress recommended HP Pavilion DV6606TX as it is cheaper than Think Pad and has more advanced features. The price was HK$ 11,980 (excl. Office 2007).

At PCCW, they recommended Lenovo 3000 N200 for the price of HK$ 6998.

Any comments about these two?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Starlionblue (238 days ago)

Note that they will recommend the brands they carry.

Lenovo 3000 is the cheap side of ThinkPad. Definitely a home machine, as is the Pavilion.

It's all in how you use it. I used to travel 125000 miles a year with my machine. It would be dropped, taken in and out of bags, bumped and generally abused. If you don't need to do that, I figure any old brand name will do.

However, if you are a bit geeky and picky about how your computer works (I build my own apart from laptops) then you will be happier with a ThinkPad..

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by julia852 (238 days ago)

Hello Starlionblue

My laptop will hardly ever travel. I will use it mainly at one location, in my study at home to write my thesis, watch videos, usual emailing and instant messaging. I would like this laptop to be with me for the next 4-5 years. I used my current one for 4.5 years. I do not play any games on the computer.

Of course, I would like to make a rational decision (i.e. buy something that will be durable and technically viable without spending the top dollars)

Many thanks for your advice

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Starlionblue (238 days ago)

4-5 years. That's like saying you want your car to last 20 years. ;) Seriously that is quite a while so I would buy quality. Thinkpad or Apple are the only two brands I would consider. And even then you should look at the business laptops, not the consumer ones. For Thinkpad this would be T or X series, not R. If you go Dell it would be Latitude, not Inspiron. If nothing else, the warranties tend to be better.

It is also well worth shelling out for a 3-4 year warranty.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by julia852 (238 days ago)

:)))))) I suppose I like my computers vintage:)))

Thanks very much for the advice. Truly appreciate it.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by horizonwalker (237 days ago)

MacBook, can install both windows and mac os x on the same machine

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Starlionblue (237 days ago)

"MacBook, can install both windows and mac os x on the same machine."

They are nice machines. Mac OS is a great OS if you've never worked with computers before. Otherwise there's a lot to unlearn and relearn.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Cafe (233 days ago)

Thinkpads are usually great & I would rate them as higher quality than the Macs but if you are looking for a simple machine for basic tasks that stays at home, I think a Lenovo , HP or Dell is okay.

There should also be some good deals available on Acer or Asus laptops.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by julia852 (233 days ago)

Thank you all for the advice.

(I am based in Hong Kong)