Lap Tops - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Dennie and Dottie Beaman · RV-Dreams Community Member

Lap Tops

Tmcblane · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have owned many laptops and anymore I buy the cheaper model name brands. Computers are outdated so fast and laptops are notorious for not living long. 512 ram should be fine for email. Most all laptops come with wireless cards nowadays and are pretty easy to use. They find the signal and connect if it is not a secured network, often you will have to authorize the connection of an open network though. I currently have a Sony Vaio and it works great for surfing and emailing. I just bought my wife a Compac Presario and it was like $500 at best buy. 512 ram and 80gig hard drive. If storing a lot of pictures the hard drive is what you want to pay attention to and get the largest you can.

jomago · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just another opinion/experience thought. this might not be what you need but its the way I'm going.

In no way am I an expert ( I have to rely on my son who is pretty knowledgeable) but have been messing with them since the 80's. Because I spend a fair amount of time on pc's I know what "I" like for "my" applications.

Presently have an HP with AMD Athlon XP processor 2400+ operating at 2.0GHz. 512 MB DDR SDRAM memory and 80GB Ultra DMA hard drive. Use sbc hsi DSL. This set up works pretty well for me but I think it would be a little faster with more memory.

For me there are two options, HP notebook ( $700+ ) with the same dual core processor combined with 1024 MB memory and 160 GB hard drive. OR an HP notebook ($1000.) with same set up and 2048 MB memory and 160 GB hard drive with USB external hard drive option. I'm hoping to get a base docking set up ($200.) so I will have a standard key board and mouse option for use when in a fixed location.

I'm convinced you need as much memory as you can afford. Maybe others don't think they need to invest that much but I have just come to the realization that with 86 years under my belt I may as well get what I want because I've never seen an armored car following a funeral procession to the cemetery.

Hope you get what you want for your wants/needs. Good luck !

Postalpair · RV-Dreams Family Member

My husband and I both have Sony Vaio's. I bought my husband's just a few months ago. We have been fulltiming now for over a year and these lap tops have pulled the load. We are constantly downloading pictures and video's. They have large memories and their screens are wonderful for watching video.

The only one I would NOT recommend is a Dell. My daughter travels quite a bit for her job and she has had to replace it twice now. She is currently waiting for the Vaio to go on sale!!

mikeway · RV-Dreams Family Member

Don't forget the alternative!!

My wife and I use Mac laptops. They come with a good suite of programs for photos, calendar, email, music, movies and browsing. Wireless is built-in and hooks right up to a properly setup wifi access point.

Wifi and email requires little memory but dealing with photos does. A minimum of 512k is okay but a 1 gig is better (no matter what flavor). New Mac laptops are all dual core also, plus they are pretty.

This from a PC user since '85 who switched 4 years ago. Never been sorry.

Mike

PS my wifes Mac was purchased from Apple as a refurbished unit for $800.

-- Edited by mikeway at 08:18, 2007-01-11

wmalefyt · RV-Dreams Family Member

Maybe I'm the exception, but I bought my Dell Inspiron 4000 laptop exactly 6 years ago and it's still going strong! Granted, it has it's limitations with the Windows ME operating system, but it's still working and I have only gone through 2 batteries in that time. I'm now debating if I should buy a new battery or a new laptop.

We also have an HP desktop pc with a nice little LCD monitor which I really like for it's sharp image and small space required on the desk. Once we go full-time it will be tough to give up the desktop so we really want an RV floorplan with a desk setup.

Readytogo · RV-Dreams Family Member

We take our Dell laptop with us when we go on vacation. It is over 2 years old and have not had any problems yet.

ahoweth · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Dennie and Dottie:

Personal preference is what drives a lot of people in the computer market and that's okay. You need to go with what you are most familiar with. It is easier because you have less new things to learn.

Most major brands make good machines that work well and last. Remember laptops are made to be moved around. More memory is usually better if you can afford it. Unless you are into gmaes with big video files and 80 gig hard drive will probably do all you will ever want to do. Huge hard drives are fine but remember, if it crashes, everything you have on it will probably be lost so backing things up is important. Luckily the flash memory sticks are getting bigger and cheaper and plug directly into your USB port. They can be used to back up your information. Unless you want to be tied to a computer desk or have to hook the thing up to printers and any other such peripheral devices every time your wish to use them, you will need a USB wireless router. Also I would suggest going with a digital telephone card or one of the satellite systems for your internet service. I have found that WiFi, while okay if you can get it, is in pretty short supply in RV parks and even if they have WiFi in their park the signal is iffy at best. I am sure you will work it out.

jomago · RV-Dreams Family Member

Should probably explain why I use the memory and hard drive as memtioned above. with the recent major life change, found I was spending to much time in front of the big boob tube. I cancelled the Dish and only watch news and very little of the other meager offerings on standard TV.

Although a substancial amount of investment tracking and planning is done daily, the biggest programing that eats up resources is the CAD architectural program that I enjoy the most. This CAD program is installed on the notebook so it is easily portable.

When I was looking at the new notebook a couple of monthes ago, talked to many people who had/used these daily, one thing was stated by a couple of these people, stay with the standard size. The larger screens are great but if you carry it around at lot it really gets heavy. I really liked the wider screen but went with the standard size.

Actually the first notebook I had was an old used unit that friend gave me. I thought it worked great, not too much memory or hard drive and it didn't have an air card but it performed well .

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have both a Sony and a Dell notebook and the Sony has been more problem than the Dell. HP has been the worst, we took one back and know a few others who have done the same. We had another Dell that the hard drive went flakey, it was easy to replace the drive. The old Dell is our backup in case one of the others dies. It is running Linux just for fun.

Wow, have we all praised and trashed about every brand yet?

I highly recommend using an external USB hard drive for backups, but remember that external hard drives can break so don't store your important info in only one place.

Toshiba people seem the most consistently happy, but they don't come cheap and RVers like a bargain.

jomago · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill it sort of reminds me of how much gas mileage you get.

I know everyone is as honest/truthful as the day is long but never be the first to offer what kind of gas mileage you experience. Have found that with only as few exceptions the next person will get better than you.

But it is great that we are not all alike because it would be a dull existance. I know my quirks are ok with me but everyone has to go/live with what they think/want.

A belated HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have two Lap tops and a Desk Top. We travel with the Lap Tops, one is a Compaq Presario X1000 and a HP which is a wide screen HP Pavilion dv 8000. We have had some problems with the Compaq but its to be expected. I don't really think there is a brand out there that doesn't have issues.

Fuel mileage, I don't really check it. It really didn't matter what mileage I was getting and told people. My mileage was always a lot less than their's. I have read were some people towing 16,000 plus with a dually get better than 16 mpg. I really don't think I could get 16 mpg if I was pushed out of the Space shuttle. Oh well when ask I have learned its best to say I don't check my mileage... GBY....

Donna162 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Not fulltiming yet; however, I have travelled quite a bit with my Dell Inspirion 600m and could not live without it. I have had absolutely no problems with it expect to buy a new battery. I also have a Gateway Desktop with a hugh flat screen monitor that I love. It's newer and should probably be the only computer we take with us. But, plans are to take both with us in the RV just cause I like being able to use the laptop in my recliner while watching TV or sitting outside to check my email or whatever. My aren't we spoiled!!!

Judy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have the HP Pavilion also with wide screen, with Verizon card and have good coverage with it...

southwestjudy & Bob & 2blackdogs

cc · RV-Dreams Community Member

mikeway wrote:

Don't forget the alternative!!

My wife and I use Mac laptops. They come with a good suite of programs for photos, calendar, email, music, movies and browsing. Wireless is built-in and hooks right up to a properly setup wifi access point.

Wifi and email requires little memory but dealing with photos does. A minimum of 512k is okay but a 1 gig is better (no matter what flavor). New Mac laptops are all dual core also, plus they are pretty.

This from a PC user since '85 who switched 4 years ago. Never been sorry.

Mike

PS my wifes Mac was purchased from Apple as a refurbished unit for $800.

Did you get these via the net? What website. I love my G4 but have not been able to find a reasonably price mac laptop.

Thanks for you input.

Carol C

-- Edited by mikeway at 08:18, 2007-01-11

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Another technique is to track down some laptop computers that you think might work and then check for online prices, ratings and reviews on both http://www.pricegrabber.com and http://www.shopping.com . You will find them listed as notebooks or laptops. Make sure you give the zipcode so you will see shipping and handling costs which can vary a lot.

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi,

Just about any brand can be either good or bad, it's a crap shoot. Jo has a Sony Vaio, been very reliable and the screen is gorgeous, but the markings on the keys have worn off in just over 2 years and they want about $200 to replace the keyboard.

I have a Dell Inspiron that gave me fits for about a year with overheating problems, but is still going strong after almost 4 years. But now the battery is going and I'm thinking it's time for a new one.

I've been thinking of going Mac on the next one, I'm really fed up with Microsoft, but hesitate because of price and just going to a new interface after 15 years of windows.

Oh well, you pay your money and take your chances.

Fred

cc · RV-Dreams Community Member

I have used both Mac and PC (mostly Mac) over the last 18 years and much prefer the MAC. When we go fulltime I am looking for a Mac notebook. Mikeway where did you get your Mac's.
For those that use PC's for the internet and worry about all the viruses, for the most part Macs are immune because of the format.
Carol C

Dennie and Dottie Beaman · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks for all the input, it was very helpful. I went ahead with a Gateway from Best Buy, they seemed to offer the most for the money I was willing to spend. $800.00. At least around here. AMD Turion 64. 1024 MB DDR2 Dual Channel, 80 HD, 14.1 Screen. Free upgrade to Vista if I so choose, reads and writes CD, DVD, ect. Like one of you said, pay your money take your chances. Since wer'e leaving the 1st of Feb I needed to make a decision, I had circled long enough.

mikeway · RV-Dreams Family Member

Here is the link to the Apple store for refurbished equipment,

Click here

There is, of course, the Apple regular store also.

Mike

jomago · RV-Dreams Family Member

Again reading all the experiences people offer and all the offering from the industry, I vaselated and went back to Best Buy and stopped the Gateway MP8708 purchase.

Everyone has they're druthers and mine is to stay with HP. Really am confortable and like the HP and have had great success with the help when needed. Have had several HP's and want to stay with them.So I guess I'll stall until HP come out with "vista" preinstalled in the HP 9000t laptop.

Can remember when Gateway was very prominent several years ago and a corner of the Best Buy store was used by Gateway. Talked to the saleman again (very informative), appears I may have been swayed by his enthusiasm on Gateway. They didn't have any HP's. He and the resident "geek" recommended not doing system restores on my present PC but do system recovery instead. More trouble but results are much better. Am in the progress of doing that now.

Anyway hope all out there are able to get the laptop of their preference and enjoy what they have. Do know a laser cordless mouse will be a want for workstation use .

-- Edited by jomago at 08:28, 2007-01-20

netters · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am in the search for a new laptop. I have an HP with a 15.25 widescreen now and really like it but the memory and hard drive is not quite enough for what I would like to have. I have found another HP that will fulfill what I need, but also found a Toshiba Satellite Laptop that has almost the exact same features. I just don't really know that much about the Toshiba models. I have had Dell laptops & desktops, Gateway, and HP. Has anyone had any experience with the Toshibas? I'm not sure if I want to make a change unless someone else has some feedback on them...thanks so much! biggrin

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

I am sure I will get blasted for this post, but IMHO (does that give me any cover?) all of the computers perform just about as well as any other. I have owned Sony, Averatec, Gateway, HP, Toshiba and Sharp computers and I really haven't noticed anything special about one or the other. I have liked them all and the price ranges have varied by many hundreds of dollars.
Currently I have a Gateway and Janet has a Sony. This is my second (or third) Gateway but my purchase choices have been made entirely on price. If I needed a new computer I would shop everyone who sold them (not on-line, but at retail outlets) and make a choice based on the most options for the least price. I have purchased from Sam's Club, Best Buy, Office Depot and Fry's Electronics. It would be my recommendation that you do your homework, find the right computer (for you) at the right price and buy it.

netters · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks! I have done some research on both the HP and the Toshiba online and have looked at the HP model in the store. The Toshiba has a better price right now due to rebates and being on sale. I just don't know anything about Toshiba laptops. That was my only hold back. I did notice that the 17" models differ a little. The Toshiba has a regular size "shift" key on the right side of the keyboard and the HP has a really small one...probably not a deal buster, but I have used a friends HP and the small shift key is awkward. confused

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

It might not be a deal breaker for you, but that little bitty key is a real pain IMHO. I would not own a computer with this setup even if I could eventually get used to it!
Most of the 17" units do have a separate numeric keyboard that would be handy if you are the accounting type or if you type http://192.168.0.1 (etc.) as often as I do.

jdensie · RV-Dreams Family Member

We just bought an Acer from Staples about a month ago. It is rather small in physical size but, in our case that does not matter. We have 19 inch flat screen that we use and a wireless mouse and key board. We prefer this set-up as it is easier to use.

-- Edited by jdensie at 05:44, 2008-01-21

phyllen · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have had an Acer from Radio Shack for almost a year. No problems. Recently got a Sprint Air Card. Just love it!

I only use that blasted keypad when I absolutely need to. Give me a mouse anytime. But then I remember when PC's first came out and I used one of those balls and had a tuff time getting used to a mouse. I took the laptop last weekend when we went to RV show and used the keypad. Got a little better at it. Practice, practice, practice.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

I just bought another Dell notebook. Partly because I could get it with Windows XP instead of Vista and partly because I could configure it like I want (1680x1050 screen and a 7200rpm hard drive). Dell always has nice deals running and you have to check both "Home and Home Business" and "Small and Medium Business" separately. My technique is to check the "under $700" deals on the left once you get to the notebooks to start. At the time I am writing this they have a Dell Vostro 1000 for $449 in "Small and Medium Business" running either XP or Vista.

Remember that a Mac won't run any mapping software like Delorme Street Atlas or Microsoft Streets and Trips unless you pay the extra money for Parallels to dual-boot XP. Plus a Mac won't run those nice Datastorm and Hughes.net utilities.

My old Sony notebook had a hard drive problem and was three years old. Diane is also running a Dell, an Inspiron E1505 she bought after her old Dell notebook's hard drive died. Hard drives seem to be our main problem with notebooks. Hard drives can also be replaced, a 80GB notebook drive is about $60.

bcampbell · RV-Dreams Community Member

I have an HP using a razar z3 cellphone as a modem. The computer is 4 years old and has been hauled all over this country. I had an aircard but an upgrade to the newer 89g was $150. By renewing my coverage for two years the phone was free and the service (T-mobile)is the same as the 89g aircard. I have a stand alone harddrive that I use to backup my data files. Before I retired I heavily into data processing and am careful of being backedup. Once while Grand Isle Lousianna I had to reformat the harddrive and and reload everything. That took almost an entire day, luckly it was raining.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

bcampbell made the point that his 4 year old notebook computer is doing fine. There are many companies selling used notebook computers so they are also a possibility.
Also realize that "brands" are like wines, they have different lines/models and they change by year. Liking a 2002 Pinot Noir from a company doesn't mean a 2006 one will be the same and tells you nothing about their Cabernet. A particular 2002 HP notebook doesn't tell you how reliable a particular 2008 HP notebook is, same for Dell, Toshiba, Lenova (Thinkpad), Sharp, Acer, Sony, whatever. Bill Adams has had good luck shopping the stores for the best specifications for the money regardless of brand. We like Dell mostly because we can configure them online and their warranty coverage is also configurable.
I also noticed the "my xxx used to work with computers and will only buy YYY brand and not buy ZZZ brand" comments. When I was working we bought Dell, Toshiba and Thinkpad (IBM then) notebooks for those who needed mobility. We had people who had problems with and hated each of those brands and others who loved them. One of our contractors always bought Sony notebooks and some of their people loved them and others hated them. All of these were the more expensive business oriented notebook computers that were over $2000 each with better warranties than the bargain machines.
The debate will continue and continue.

Howard · Host

Hi Netters,

Since you asked about Toshibas, I thought I had better weigh in here. I did quite a bit of research myself last spring and now have a Toshiba Satellite 17-inch screen with Vista. I love it! smile

Having said that, our friends Bob & Lynda have the same model and had a RAM stick go out on it. Fred & Jo on this forum also purchased the same model I did, and last I heard, I think Fred was wishing he would have stuck with Windows XP over the Vista operating system. Not sure how the laptop is performing otherwise.

I know we have others on this Forum that have older Toshibas and like them a lot, so maybe you will get some more feedback.

I agree that almost any laptop with the same features will perform about the same. But there can be lemons in any make and model (just like RVs). smile

My initial review of our Toshiba can be found here: Two Month Review Of Toshiba

If you read that, you will find I still had some reservations at the time. But I am more pleased with it now. I've had no problems at all for several months.

Good luck!

brucedelta · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill J, suggested buying a used laptop may be a good idea and I just wanted to chime in to point out that I am in total disagreement with this. The reality is that battaries are very expensive (frequently over $75) and often bad on used units. By the time you add that 75 to any used deal you are close to a bottom of the line new.
The reality that any new PC is going to have much more horsepower than a used, and when you can get a dell vostoro 1000 for only $449, it is tough to justify used. I realize very few people, including myself, can hold hemselves to just getting the 449 unitl, but I truely believe that is a wiser buy than any used unit.

I agree with Bill A, pick one you like at a price you like.
I am partial to Dell, because they offer good value without to many gimmicks. I also believe they are easy to maintain as the hard drive is always easily accessable.
I know Howard just offered a strong endorsment for toshiba, but I have not had good luck with them. I think sony offers very stylish units, but frequently at the expense of ease of maintainability. Lenovo offers allot of propriatory software that may be difficult for the non business class user.

I like a the site www.gotapex.com to show the best deals for dell on a regular basis. www.cheapstingybargins.com and www.fatwallet.com also show deals.

Good luck.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

http://www.hot-deals.org/ is another place to watch for deals. BTW: Neither gotapex or hot-deals had the $449 Vostro 1000 deal, they seem to like the 1400 and 1500 deals better.
I haven't bought a used notebook myself but I do remember selling my old Fujitsu notebook to a cousin for $50 once its battery only lasted 10 minutes.