So... Computer issues...

"Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis" (Dwhite95)
08/28/2013 at 12:22 • Filed to: None

You all helped me a few days ago, but I'm now getting warning about the HDD and how its going to fail soon. I've backed up my data and I decided to take the plunge and get a new one. Is this a decent option? Especially with it being on sale it seems like a good choice. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

DISCUSSION (14)

ddavidn > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis
08/28/2013 at 12:25

I personally have had very bad luck with the Toshibas. I know there will be folks who say that about every brand, but my suggestion would be more along these lines: (Edit: I think this is the newer one. Was in a hurry:) http://amzn.to/1aQhGFz

6cyl > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis
08/28/2013 at 12:28

That is a really underpowered processor for a modern computer. I have never had good experiences with computers that cost less than ~$700. If you just need something for the short term check craigslist then save up and get a machine that will last you and be capable of doing what ever you need.

boxrocket > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis
08/28/2013 at 12:29

That's not a bad laptop overall based on what specs you're getting for the money, and Toshiba's rep has been improving over the years, but as someone who builds and fixes computers, I can't yet recommend a Toshiba. I had a few customers and acquaintances get mostly M-series Satellites in the mid-to-late 2000s and they all (yes, literally all, and I have 5 of the 9 to prove it) had failed motherboards, some within warranty, some outside, and the customer service was terrible.

Based on your apparent budget, I'd recommend one of these . Better if you can add another $100 to your budget, since $600 gets you better internals than $500 does. Also, you'll want a touchscreen with Windows 8, speaking from experience. Mouse/touchpad and keyboard are OK, but it's soooooo much nicer with touch. Also, don't worry about how much RAM comes with it; you can purchase RAM separately for a lot less than the manufacturer upcharges for it.

ddavidn > 6cyl
08/28/2013 at 12:32

Oh wow, didn't notice that it was the 1.8ghz. Yikes. Definitely don't buy that one...

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > boxrocket
08/28/2013 at 12:38

I running on a 2 years old Toshiba that hasnt been treated the best and it has soldiered on to this point. I didnt realize they had such a bad rep. Also, your link is borked.

Casper > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis
08/28/2013 at 12:40

Just follow the basic math of:
i7 quad core or better
8GB RAM+ and shoot for DDR3 1333+ speed wise
Dedicated graphics if possible.
SSD or RAID 0 drives if possible.

No matter what brand, make, model, if those are met, it will be decent. What you need to decide is what else you need. How many USBs? How many video out puts? How much storage expansion?

boxrocket > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis
08/28/2013 at 12:41

Edited, try link again. Or search for "15.6 touchscreen asus" (or Vizio or Samsung, based on your budget; Acer is OK for some models as well)

Like I said, their rep has gotten better, as they realized they have to actually try to sell devices. They're still on the low-end in terms of overall quality and reliability, but working their way up. They're better than a no-name brand, but not as good as Vizio, Samsung, Sony, or Asus. They're about as hit-or-miss as HP, I guess.

That said, I'd rather have any functional Toshiba than an apple.

deekster_caddy > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis
08/28/2013 at 12:46

When it comes to computer hardware I really find that you get what you pay for. Like ddavidn I've had bad luck with anything under $700 lasting more than about 2 years before they either crap out or become totally underpowered. I have found that most Toshibas fall under this as well, although I'm not experienced with their higher end models. At our office I buy all Dell Latitude laptops and have great luck with them. Won't go near an Inspiron though.

Unfortunately most of the 'retail' level systems seem to be purely going after price, and their longevity tends to reflect that. I do know of a few 'cheap' systems that didn't have problems, but they are fewer and further between...

The specs there aren't bad, but personally I would shop for quad core processors (i5 or i7) and a 7200 RPM hard drive or larger SSD. If those specs are met the rest of the system is usually beefed up to match. If you are a gamer you need to bump to a whole different level of laptop to get a good gaming graphics card.

dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter > boxrocket
08/28/2013 at 13:28

I'll second the touchscreen with Windows 8. It makes it so much easier to navigate.

dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis
08/28/2013 at 13:35

I'd recommend a Samsung or Asus. They both have good build quality and a pretty good selection. Find something from them on sale and go to town.
Unless you're gaming or doing something else fairly intensive, I wouldn't worry about horsepower. Things are so far beyond what they were for years ago and software hasn't really changed as fast. If you do need something with some oomph, be prepared to spend some more dough. Otherwise don't bother weigh discrete. Discrete graphics is almost impossible to find with a touchscreen, especially if you want something portable. Which brings me to my next point: size. Decide if you want something you can take to a coffee shop, or of you're pretty much just going to use it at home. A 15.6 is a big laptop.

dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis
08/28/2013 at 14:10

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CWI…

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http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BC4…

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http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ATA…

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boxrocket > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis
08/28/2013 at 23:17

I know Intel is all the rage right now, but you may wish to consider AMD, A6 or better, preferably A8 or A10. Graphically they'll outperform the Intels since they're APUs, tend to be more meager with power, and.run a lot cheaper, allowing for more upgrades elsewhere, including a dedicated GPU to boost the APU even higher.

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > boxrocket
08/28/2013 at 23:49

I will look into it, thanks.

boxrocket > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis
08/30/2013 at 15:27

If you haven't seen it, Dealzmodo has shown the HP TouchSmart for only $400 today through Newegg:

HP TouchSmart Laptop with AMD A8 Processor and Radeon Graphics ($400) | NewEgg via Deals Kinja | Use promo code HPNIRS15

HPs are hit-or-miss, but the TouchSmart seems pretty well-regarded.