LiveStrong Computer: Opinions, Please

[LarryG]

I wonder if some of the tech-heads we have around here would be good enough to do a quick evaluation of this notebook computer, and tell me how you think it holds up against other models in its price range?

http://www.amdlivestrong.com/Default...24&nHeight=768

The retail price is $1150, with a $150 rebate if bought before 7/8/06, for a final price of $1000. Note that $150 of each purchase goes to the LAF, which is one reason it interests me. That aside, is $1000 a reasonable price for this machine? Or could I do better elsewhere?

Thanks, and I hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July (especially those who live in the USA, of course, but even if you don't)!

[LCHIEN]

http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...a=&cm_ite=feed

you can get the same special edition from Compusa with a $150 rebate as well.


As for value for money - heck I can't even find the spec for how big a H.disk its got.

[gerti]

Doesn't run OS X...

[crokett]

http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...a=&cm_ite=feed


As for value for money - heck I can't even find the spec for how big a H.disk its got.

Go to your link and click the 'tech specs' tab. HDD is 100GB.

Looking at Dell's site, it is a good value for a machine. For the same $$$ you get a Dell with a slightly smaller screen, 40GB less of HDD space and a slower processor.

[scorrpio]

Well, not trying to start a debate here, but by an article in recent Maximum PC, XP running on an intel-based Mac smoked OS X on every single app they could find for both OS's, so I still see 0 reason for someone who up to now "survived" without a Mac to get one.

That laptop seems to be more or less in the ballpark, though without specific specs, hard to say. When it comes to laptops, weight and battery life often cost more than all other specs combined, so if you are not after smething sleek and lightweight, I am sure you can get a notebook in $800-900 range.

[Holbren]

Well, not trying to start a debate here, but by an article in recent Maximum PC, XP running on an intel-based Mac smoked OS X on every single app they could find for both OS's, so I still see 0 reason for someone who up to now "survived" without a Mac to get one.

Get the popcorn, the show is about to begin

[scorrpio]

Nah, no show please. I am sure from where gerti (and other Mac camp folks) stand, PC is worthless junk, XP is a bug-ridden crap, and Microsoft is the devil. If Macs float their boat, that's fine, ain't gonna try to convince them otherwise. They never floated mine, and don't think they ever will. So don't try to convince me otherwise either.

Btw, here's another quote from Maximum PC:
This might surprise you, but we think the odds of Apple introducing its OS to the PC wild before Vista ships are around 75 percent. Yup, that's right. You might be able to buy a Dell, Compaq or Alienware PC running OS X by early 2007.

So, that "Doesn't run OS X" comment might not stay true for long...

[rickd]

hi larry,

if i was buying a laptop in the price range you are looking at, i think i would be considering this Dell E1505 c/w a 15.4" screen, 1GB RAM, a 100GB HD and a DVD burner for $976. it also has some other nice features but the slightly larger screen is important.

http://www.dell.com/content/products...=19&l=en&s=dhs

personally, i would keep the lance armstrong foundation separate from my computer decision altogether. better to make a separate donation to lance's very worthwhile cause after choosing the best laptop for yourself.

also, i agree with scorrpio - no need to go for a mac now if you're pc based already.

[vaking]

I am not current on laptop prices, but I know one thing for sure - I will take an HP over a Dell in a blink of an eye. My son had a Dell - very cheesy, cheaply made. Hinges started to crack before the warranty expired, keyboard fell apart within the warranty period. Notice that the laptop was a Latitude - DEll's supposedly industrial line. After looking at it my wife got an HP for about same money - compared to Dell its a tank. My son hated the Dell so much - he got rid of it and assembled himself a desktop. My son is a total geek - for him to get rid of a laptop takes a lot of effort. I do not recommend comparing laptops based on size of HD or processor speed - to me quality of workmanship is more important. Which processor to plug in is a configuration option, having a solid unit is a birth-right.

[rickd]

I am not current on laptop prices, but I know one thing for sure - I will take an HP over a Dell in a blink of an eye.

sorry to hear about your poor experience with your dell laptop computer. i don't, however, think that's indicative of dell's overall product line - everyone seems to have their own horror stories about a particular brand of anything - computers, tools, cars etc.

here's a link to a site that compiles info and reviews on all laptop computers:

http://www.notebookreview.com/

dell, incidently, makes 3 of the top 10 most popular laptops on the market today - sony is #1.

[beetee3]

Something else to think about: You'll pay sales tax on that $150 donation, but if you buy a different laptop and make the donation yourself you'll get a tax credit. Don't let the Feds double dip into your pocket!

[gsmittle]

Must...resist...rude PC comment....

AAARRRRGH!!!!!!!

Phew.

My name is Grover, and I am an avowed Mac bigot.

g.

[Hellrazor]

1. I don't like the website design. KISS.

2. Dell vs HP vs whatever = You get what you pay for. If you were expecting a Mustang but bought a focus, oh well.

3. Weenydoze vs Mac = Whatever floats your boat. If I didn't need windows for some apps I use it would be gone. WGA is spyware and the recent experience installing more memory screwed up my activation makes me hate it even more. Long live linux and the other unix based OS.

4. Warranties.. a Xyr warranty with sucky support doesn't mean much.

[drumpriest]

I like Unix, therefore OS X is pretty cool, but I would phrase it more like "OS X doesn't run on it" rather than "doesn't run OS X". The fault is entirely on Apple for not supporting a wider variety of hardware, which they do to ensure that they make more money, which is fine.

The problem with purchasing laptops is that people rarely give you enough spec info on a laptop, and this is no exception. The memory at 333 isn't bad, the processor I"m sure is fine, but there is no mention at all (as usual in the stupid laptop market) or what graphics chip is in it. I think I read somewhere though that it's an ATi chip.

Question is what is your main use for a laptop computer? Knowing that will allow you to better determine if this will work. If you want to play 3D games on it, then the graphics chip is very important, if not, it might be less of a deal....

Mike (hallrazor), you don't always "get what you pay for" unfortunately in the computer business. More expensive isn't always better. My desktop computer is built with the same parts as an alienware, but was about 4500$ less. Same exact components, I suppose that means mine should be crappy in comparison, because it costs less. I disagree. It just pays to know what is in the box before you buy it.

[Hellrazor]

I am talking about laptops, not desktops/towers/whatever. You can not exactly build your own laptop at home. I've wanted to get a laptop for about 2 years now, still haven't found one I wanted with a price I wanted.

My desktop sytem is decent and would probably cost a fortune if it was built the same way from company. Abit AN8 32x, AMD 3700+, 2g Dual Channel DDR, 2 160G drives, Plextor 712A DVD/CD writer , Asus extreme 256m N6600, USB Liteon shw-1635sx DVD/CD writer, 450w PS + Midtower, 2 17" monitors.

I've been building my own PCs since the late 80s. I always buy 'brand' name stuff, not off the wall generics. And the generics are what a lot of the big companies use. Dells are fine for most people, surely those who tell everyone they have 100gig of memory.