The thread formerly known as the laptop thread but is now about random tech.

[crimson5pheonix]

Eggo and I were starting to talk about notebooks on a different thread and I can already see an argument brewing and I didn't want to hijack the thread (for once), so here we can all share in the pain.

For those who don't know, a netbook is a small underpowered notebook with outstanding battery life and portability.

Holy hijackers, Batman! Crim isn't stealing a thread? Anyways, I would say it depends on what you're doing. If you're taking notes in class, then I would recommend Netbook. If you're doing more processor-intensive stuff, notebook is the obvious choice.

I was waiting for you to come along. This was bound to happen.

Yep. And now this thread will never be the same. It seems like any time I post in the same thread as you, it goes completely off track. Although, does it count as derailment if it's your own thread?

Haha I knew it! Bastard =P I knew I was too gullible to meddle amongst the ranks of youz guyz.

Don't worry. Crim screws with people all the time.

There really isn't any derailment in this thread, even saying this isn't derailment.

And I don't screw with people ALL the time, only when I'm bored.

So this thread can't be derailed? Is that what you're saying? Even if it derails to be a thread about us derailing threads?

Yes. This thread is inderailable.

 

[xitel]

Eggo and I were starting to talk about notebooks on a different thread and I can already see an argument brewing and I didn't want to hijack the thread (for once), so here we can all share in the pain.

For those who don't know, a netbook is a small underpowered notebook with outstanding battery life and portability.

Holy hijackers, Batman! Crim isn't stealing a thread? Anyways, I would say it depends on what you're doing. If you're taking notes in class, then I would recommend Netbook. If you're doing more processor-intensive stuff, notebook is the obvious choice.

I was waiting for you to come along. This was bound to happen.

Yep. And now this thread will never be the same. It seems like any time I post in the same thread as you, it goes completely off track. Although, does it count as derailment if it's your own thread?

Haha I knew it! Bastard =P I knew I was too gullible to meddle amongst the ranks of youz guyz.

Don't worry. Crim screws with people all the time.

There really isn't any derailment in this thread, even saying this isn't derailment.

And I don't screw with people ALL the time, only when I'm bored.

So this thread can't be derailed? Is that what you're saying? Even if it derails to be a thread about us derailing threads?

Yes. This thread is inderailable.

Well then, I suppose it's perfect for you.

 

[crimson5pheonix]

Eggo and I were starting to talk about notebooks on a different thread and I can already see an argument brewing and I didn't want to hijack the thread (for once), so here we can all share in the pain.

For those who don't know, a netbook is a small underpowered notebook with outstanding battery life and portability.

Holy hijackers, Batman! Crim isn't stealing a thread? Anyways, I would say it depends on what you're doing. If you're taking notes in class, then I would recommend Netbook. If you're doing more processor-intensive stuff, notebook is the obvious choice.

I was waiting for you to come along. This was bound to happen.

Yep. And now this thread will never be the same. It seems like any time I post in the same thread as you, it goes completely off track. Although, does it count as derailment if it's your own thread?

Haha I knew it! Bastard =P I knew I was too gullible to meddle amongst the ranks of youz guyz.

Don't worry. Crim screws with people all the time.

There really isn't any derailment in this thread, even saying this isn't derailment.

And I don't screw with people ALL the time, only when I'm bored.

So this thread can't be derailed? Is that what you're saying? Even if it derails to be a thread about us derailing threads?

Yes. This thread is inderailable.

Well then, I suppose it's perfect for you.

Of course It also means I can make up new words and get away with it.

 

[xitel]

Eggo and I were starting to talk about notebooks on a different thread and I can already see an argument brewing and I didn't want to hijack the thread (for once), so here we can all share in the pain.

For those who don't know, a netbook is a small underpowered notebook with outstanding battery life and portability.

Holy hijackers, Batman! Crim isn't stealing a thread? Anyways, I would say it depends on what you're doing. If you're taking notes in class, then I would recommend Netbook. If you're doing more processor-intensive stuff, notebook is the obvious choice.

I was waiting for you to come along. This was bound to happen.

Yep. And now this thread will never be the same. It seems like any time I post in the same thread as you, it goes completely off track. Although, does it count as derailment if it's your own thread?

Haha I knew it! Bastard =P I knew I was too gullible to meddle amongst the ranks of youz guyz.

Don't worry. Crim screws with people all the time.

There really isn't any derailment in this thread, even saying this isn't derailment.

And I don't screw with people ALL the time, only when I'm bored.

So this thread can't be derailed? Is that what you're saying? Even if it derails to be a thread about us derailing threads?

Yes. This thread is inderailable.

Well then, I suppose it's perfect for you.

Of course It also means I can make up new words and get away with it.

Lucky. I wish I could make up new words.

 

[crimson5pheonix]

Eggo and I were starting to talk about notebooks on a different thread and I can already see an argument brewing and I didn't want to hijack the thread (for once), so here we can all share in the pain.

For those who don't know, a netbook is a small underpowered notebook with outstanding battery life and portability.

Holy hijackers, Batman! Crim isn't stealing a thread? Anyways, I would say it depends on what you're doing. If you're taking notes in class, then I would recommend Netbook. If you're doing more processor-intensive stuff, notebook is the obvious choice.

I was waiting for you to come along. This was bound to happen.

Yep. And now this thread will never be the same. It seems like any time I post in the same thread as you, it goes completely off track. Although, does it count as derailment if it's your own thread?

Haha I knew it! Bastard =P I knew I was too gullible to meddle amongst the ranks of youz guyz.

Don't worry. Crim screws with people all the time.

There really isn't any derailment in this thread, even saying this isn't derailment.

And I don't screw with people ALL the time, only when I'm bored.

So this thread can't be derailed? Is that what you're saying? Even if it derails to be a thread about us derailing threads?

Yes. This thread is inderailable.

Well then, I suppose it's perfect for you.

Of course It also means I can make up new words and get away with it.

Lucky. I wish I could make up new words.

Make your own thread *hint*

 

[xitel]

Eggo and I were starting to talk about notebooks on a different thread and I can already see an argument brewing and I didn't want to hijack the thread (for once), so here we can all share in the pain.

For those who don't know, a netbook is a small underpowered notebook with outstanding battery life and portability.

Holy hijackers, Batman! Crim isn't stealing a thread? Anyways, I would say it depends on what you're doing. If you're taking notes in class, then I would recommend Netbook. If you're doing more processor-intensive stuff, notebook is the obvious choice.

I was waiting for you to come along. This was bound to happen.

Yep. And now this thread will never be the same. It seems like any time I post in the same thread as you, it goes completely off track. Although, does it count as derailment if it's your own thread?

Haha I knew it! Bastard =P I knew I was too gullible to meddle amongst the ranks of youz guyz.

Don't worry. Crim screws with people all the time.

There really isn't any derailment in this thread, even saying this isn't derailment.

And I don't screw with people ALL the time, only when I'm bored.

So this thread can't be derailed? Is that what you're saying? Even if it derails to be a thread about us derailing threads?

Yes. This thread is inderailable.

Well then, I suppose it's perfect for you.

Of course It also means I can make up new words and get away with it.

Lucky. I wish I could make up new words.

Make your own thread *hint*

Oh har har har. Why dont you start one?

 

[crimson5pheonix]

Eggo and I were starting to talk about notebooks on a different thread and I can already see an argument brewing and I didn't want to hijack the thread (for once), so here we can all share in the pain.

For those who don't know, a netbook is a small underpowered notebook with outstanding battery life and portability.

Holy hijackers, Batman! Crim isn't stealing a thread? Anyways, I would say it depends on what you're doing. If you're taking notes in class, then I would recommend Netbook. If you're doing more processor-intensive stuff, notebook is the obvious choice.

I was waiting for you to come along. This was bound to happen.

Yep. And now this thread will never be the same. It seems like any time I post in the same thread as you, it goes completely off track. Although, does it count as derailment if it's your own thread?

Haha I knew it! Bastard =P I knew I was too gullible to meddle amongst the ranks of youz guyz.

Don't worry. Crim screws with people all the time.

There really isn't any derailment in this thread, even saying this isn't derailment.

And I don't screw with people ALL the time, only when I'm bored.

So this thread can't be derailed? Is that what you're saying? Even if it derails to be a thread about us derailing threads?

Yes. This thread is inderailable.

Well then, I suppose it's perfect for you.

Of course It also means I can make up new words and get away with it.

Lucky. I wish I could make up new words.

Make your own thread *hint*

Oh har har har. Why dont you start one?

I have one already, and it's successful.

 

[xitel]

Make your own thread *hint*

Oh har har har. Why dont you start one?

I have one already, and it's successful.

Actually, I believe a couple of idiots have managed to derail that one.

 

[crimson5pheonix]

Make your own thread *hint*

Oh har har har. Why dont you start one?

I have one already, and it's successful.

Actually, I believe a couple of idiots have managed to derail that one.

It's inderailable, that is impossible, Dave.

 

[xitel]

Make your own thread *hint*

Oh har har har. Why dont you start one?

I have one already, and it's successful.

Actually, I believe a couple of idiots have managed to derail that one.

It's inderailable, that is impossible, Dave.

So are we just gonna say that the topic of this thread is now derailment?

 

[crimson5pheonix]

Make your own thread *hint*

Oh har har har. Why dont you start one?

I have one already, and it's successful.

Actually, I believe a couple of idiots have managed to derail that one.

It's inderailable, that is impossible, Dave.

So are we just gonna say that the topic of this thread is now derailment?

Until someone asks a tech related question.

 

[xitel]

Alright folks, you heard Crim. This thread (his thread I may point out) is now unofficialy about derailment, until such point as someone returns us back to the original topic.

 

[crimson5pheonix]

...WIll someone bring a tech question? I can't talk about derailment for long... I'm going ot go insane unless someone brings something up... Please... I'm desperate...

 

[Alex_P]

uhhhhhhhhh notebooks ftw?

bet seriously the only thing a netbook is good for is word processing and maybe spread sheets and u have 2 be incredibly dull to only do that on a computer. besides notebooks are compact enough and can fit in a briefcase or backpack and far more powerful so just go with a notebook

Enh, all I really need in a travelin' computer is a terminal and a full-featured web browser. (A music player and an IM client are nice, too, but the browser can do both of those.)

I'm okay with not playing video games for a week if I can still have free and easy web access in a convenient package.

I'd much rather have a very convenient package rather than a somewhat convenient package. Especially if the very convenient package is also way cheaper.

-- Alex

 

[Ameatypie]

Lets see here..... Im looking to spend around $1800NZD ($1000 or so USD) on a Notebook for school next year. I already have a fair idea what i am gonna get (Asus: Duel core 2.66GHz, 4GB RAM, 1GB Graphics, 2x 320GB HDD) but i feel like getting your advice. So advice please!
There, good.... un-derailment question?

 

[crimsondynamics]

Lets see here..... Im looking to spend around $1800NZD ($1000 or so USD) on a Notebook for school next year. I already have a fair idea what i am gonna get (Asus: Duel core 2.66GHz, 4GB RAM, 1GB Graphics, 2x 320GB HDD) but i feel like getting your advice. So advice please!
There, good.... un-derailment question?

NZ prices are probably much higher than the US, so I can't say whether the notebook is a bargain or not. I live in Asia myself. Do you have a link for that notebook? It seems alright (It's probably overkill on the hard drives, though. Two hard drives for a notebook? That's double the juice you need to power two notebooks right there, which will definitely impact battery performance.) apart from the lack of a graphics card. I would opt to get a model with a single hard drive (320GB is ample and you can use an external drive or usb stick in the future) and use that money on a model with graphics card.

Even the CPU, which is 2.66GHz, is probably more than you really need. Most of today's visually demanding games are more GPU-bound anyhow so the only thing you lose with less CPU speed is a few seconds here and there for game loading times. Your average browsing activities and office application use will be unaffected. If you are going to use the notebook mainly on battery, keep in mind your CPU will normally be throttled down (underclocked) so that battery life is kept at a maximum which means you will rarely fully utilize all that extra clock speed you paid extra money for.

For your reference, last month I bought my wife a 2GHz Core Duo notebook with 250GB HDD, 2GB 667MHz RAM, 1280x720 display, DVD burner, Wifi, Bluetooth, built-in webcam, Vista Basic and an ATI Radeon HD3470 for USD720 (plus as a bonus not one, but two backup utilities). It's no speed demon but it's responsive and snappy for web browsing and office productivity - just what the old lady needed - and I don't have any problems playing Source engine-based games on this notebook when she's not using it.

 

[BlueMage]

I've got an Eee 701. A netbook, I believe. I love it, even with my largish hands.

I would also point out it is absolutely brilliant for old DOS games (DarkSun! Colonization! How I've missed you!) and playing those backups of console games which you legally own.

 

[xitel]

...WIll someone bring a tech question? I can't talk about derailment for long... I'm going ot go insane unless someone brings something up... Please... I'm desperate...

Well there you go Crim. Problem solved. See what happens if you ask nicely?

While a notebook is just a little less underpowered, but is substantially less portable and useful

If you can only have one computer, then I think a $1500-$2000 notebook would be the best choice for most people.

But if you can have two, I would pick a $500 netbook and a $1000-$1500 self-built desktop computer. That way, you can have the best of both worlds.

It depends on what you're using it for.

The laptop I'm getting (XPS m1530 by Dell) is essentially a gaming laptop, which is what I'll be using it for, but I'm also going to uni next year, so I'll be using it for that too. If you want a laptop suited for you, custom make one. None of this Netbook nonsense.

As a bit of consumer advice, i'd not buy any laptop for 'gaming'. That 8600 in the top of the range M1530 isn't the same as a desktop chip. It won't be close in performance, closer to 8300/8400. You might be able to play some older games, but certainly not much new.

We got a guy at work a M1330 for office work though, he needed a replacement quickly.

To be honest, i'd rather bring a tower PC to a LAN. It's not like a few years ago, where people were lugging 20"+ CRTs. I'm tempted to get a 26" Monitor, even that is easy. Face flat against a seat, stick a pillow over the back and tie in with the seat belt, and tower wedged in a footwell. Without even using the boot.

Even then, the problem is that the shock that hitting bumps causes on your computer can damage your computer. The parts in a computer were not intended to jostle around. My brother used his tower for LAN parties, and in a couple of months his graphics card literally shattered.