Computer specialists, recommend a new computer in this thread (A VN Classic)

#102
#102
volfanbill said:
I know I've dished a lot of sarcasm in this thread ksush, but I would really like to know if that consumer report study is 5 years or older. The technological changes and lack thereof by so many companies that first broke into the laptop market since around 2004 is mind blowing. Toshiba is one of the many that have not kept up.
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No, both the reports I looked at were for 2008. Toshiba's reliability ratings were higher (albeit marginally) than HP and Dell. Will pull the link when I am on my computer.
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#103
#103
rwemyss said:
How about C|Net?

Best 5 laptops and top notebooks - CNET Reviews

Top 5 BEST Laptops, taking into account all factors.
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I like Cnet. It is a g good staring point when you are looking for a new machine because it compares the hardware packages and initial performance, but its greatest shortcoming is that they do not address what happens six months later. Most new machines will run quickly and smoothly, but Cnet is no help in identifying long-term performance problems.

Oh, and btw, that list IS NOT, based on all factors as you suggest. The author discredits that contention in the fist paragraph where it plainly states that these 5 computers are just the 5 the senior editor is "digging right now."
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#104
#104
yeah, the senior editors opinion on computers means nothing when compared to your knowledge. i don't even know why anybody would read that worthless article.
 
#105
#105
ksushalovesthevols said:
I like Cnet. It is a g good staring point when you are looking for a new machine because it compares the hardware packages and initial performance, but its greatest shortcoming is that they do not address what happens six months later. Most new machines will run quickly and smoothly, but Cnet is no help in identifying long-term performance problems.

Oh, and btw, that list IS NOT, based on all factors as you suggest. The author discredits that contention in the fist paragraph where it plainly states that these 5 computers are just the 5 the senior editor is "digging right now."
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Performance issues 'down the line' are caused exclusively by poor user maintenance. If you can't take care of your computer and keep the software cleaned up, that's your own fault, not the hardware's.
 
#107
#107
Yes. Exclusively. I have a cheap Acer, and an Asus EeePC, which run fantastic because I take care of them. I'll allow you to enjoy spending $2,000 for a machine that will preform no better than the next $600 laptop I buy. :hi:

I hope you enjoy your new machine, whether you get a MacBook or a Toshiba, but I think you're going to wind up spending far more money than you should.
 
#108
#108
I've had no trouble from my current $600.00 Toshiba laptop I bought 2 years ago and had nothing but problems with a $2,000.00 Dell I bought 5 years ago.
 
#109
#109
rwemyss said:
Yes. Exclusively. I have a cheap Acer, and an Asus EeePC, which run fantastic because I take care of them. I'll allow you to enjoy spending $2,000 for a machine that will preform no better than the next $600 laptop I buy. :hi:

I hope you enjoy your new machine, whether you get a MacBook or a Toshiba, but I think you're going to wind up spending far more money than you should.
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So computers NEVER break down because they're built poorly. :crazy: OTAY!
 
#111
#111
I work in plants with not so inviting environments and my experience with Toshiba has been excellent. I've had Dell's and Panasonic that haven't worked out as well.
 
#112
#112
ksushalovesthevols said:
So computers NEVER break down because they're built poorly. :crazy: OTAY!
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not very often 'down the line'. If you're going to have issues with a part it shows up pretty early. Most people have no idea about proper maint and that's why their comps slow down.
 
#113
#113
rwemyss said:
Yes. Exclusively. I have a cheap Acer, and an Asus EeePC, which run fantastic because I take care of them. I'll allow you to enjoy spending $2,000 for a machine that will preform no better than the next $600 laptop I buy. :hi:

I hope you enjoy your new machine, whether you get a MacBook or a Toshiba, but I think you're going to wind up spending far more money than you should.
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i've got an acer too. it's been a good little laptop
 
#116
#116
ksushalovesthevols said:
So computers NEVER break down because they're built poorly. :crazy: OTAY!
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That's not what I said. "Long term performance problems" is what you spoke of, and I indicated that is the user's fault. Yes computers break from build quality, but if you are trying to say that is the case with Lenovo or Dell, you're rocking the wrong boat.

Computers over time will begin to exhibit "slowdown", and that is a software fault, caused by improper/poor maintenance by the user. In case you didn't notice, that's EXACTLY what I said. Software, not hardware.
 
#117
#117
I built this computer with me own two hands





Gateway® T-6330u



t6330u.jpg



Tell em Full Metal sent you, and get it 30% off.
 
#118
#118
utvolpj said:
not very often 'down the line'. If you're going to have issues with a part it shows up pretty early. Most people have no idea about proper maint and that's why their comps slow down.
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I know I for one am not only guilty, I'd also appriciate a top 10 list of preventive maintenance to do's or something.
 
#119
#119
Toshiba laptops are pretty decent but I would recommend Acer laptops. I have had zero problems out of them and they aren't too terribly expensive to have work done to them. Toshiba's quality has went down over the past 3-5 years since they spend more time on developing their LCD/Plasma technologies than making strides in laptops.

Here's some Acer's from Newegg.....

Acer Laptops from Newegg.com


Macbooks are OK if you work in an environment that is all Mac. Your IT guys are not going to like it if you are the only Mac in an all PC world. Mac is very overpriced.
 
#120
#120
rwemyss said:
That's not what I said. "Long term performance problems" is what you spoke of, and I indicated that is the user's fault. Yes computers break from build quality, but if you are trying to say that is the case with Lenovo or Dell, you're rocking the wrong boat.

Computers over time will begin to exhibit "slowdown", and that is a software fault, caused by improper/poor maintenance by the user. In case you didn't notice, that's EXACTLY what I said. Software, not hardware.
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Exactly. I will even go as far to say that if you don't defrag on a weekly basis or use some type of program to keep your hard drive organized and clean, then it will slow down a little every week until the point it acts like it's half the machine it used to be. Another thing that people don't know is that if you install tons of programs that you don't use very often it will make the registry very bulky and if you don't keep the registry organized as well it will slow down your computer more than if you don't defrag. That's my experiences though. I format around every 6 months as well to keep that "like new" feeling going as well.
 
#121
#121
dan4vols said:
I know I for one am not only guilty, I'd also appriciate a top 10 list of preventive maintenance to do's or something.
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Much like Eric, my maintenance routine involves a reformat. I install everything fresh. WindowsXP, hardware drivers, Office, Firefox, Adobe suite (Acrobat, flash, etc.), and all other applications I use on a regular basis. Then I use imaging software to back up the hard drive exactly as is befor first use. This allows for quick and easy reformats in the future. I know most do not have the ability or want to perform those actions... so here are my other recommendations.

1) Uninstall software you don't use! - Often people install a program for a single use, and never use it again. Go through "Add/Remove Programs" on the Control Panel periodically and remove programs that you don't use on a regular basis.

2) Keep the registry clean! - Use a program like Registry Mechanic (costs money) or CCleaner (freeware!) to remove bad registry entires and optimize the system.

3) Turn off System Restore - The System Restore program built into WindowsXP is a resource hog, and is rarely - if ever - useful.

4) Keep up to date on Virus definitions - Use a good Antivirus and keep it up to date. Also use programs like Spybot Search and Destroy and Adaware SE to keep malware off your machine. Be careful when installing these programs. You DO NOT want them to start on boot or use any of their common "protection schemes". I recommend using the immunize function of Spybot S&D, and running a monthly scan with each program. Beyond that, don't let them waste your system resources!!!

That's about all I can think of for now. I'm sure others can chime in with recommendations. Using these types of strategies, my 6 year old Acer runs as well as it did the day it was new, and I can still perform all the home tasks I need with it, and my 8 year old desktop. :good!:
 
#122
#122
sorry dan I missed that question but rwemyss covered it pretty well. I love CCleaner and do a fresh install every so often. I also keep my OS separate from all my other stuff. I back up files on a 2nd bigger drive and external to keep my main drive empty. Worth it if you ever have a crash or do a new install.

Also clean out your temp files, recycle bin, etc to keep the clutter on your drive down. You can just schedule the tasks to run at certain times with Windows. I do this quite often at work and it works very well on my home comp too. That way you don't have to remember to defrag since it will do it automatically.
 
#125
#125
droski said:
the problem with the Toshiba's is that the cooling fan is at the bottom of the laptop so when you have it on a desk or something the fan is blocked. they overheat like crazy and eventually turn off. it's a huge pain in the ass.
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I've taken to putting something under the back edge of my laptop to let it breathe..... seems to help.....
 
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