Buying a new laptop...suggestions?

[EGarrett]

I've compiled about $1,200 towards a new laptop computer. I'd like to get the best one I can so that I can use it through grad school (the next 2 years) without much trouble. I'm sure there are plenty of people here who know their way around computers so what should I get? I know Ben and Tony are probably experts in this regard so I'm going to ask at nbalive.org also.

I've been told already that Toshiba has some good models. I've also been looking at Gateway (which is the one I already have) and Dell...but I don't want to order anything through the mail.

Any help is appreciated.

[nublu01]

i dont really like laptops because of their lack of expandability and upgradability. but from my experience, do NOT get compaq. i have a compaq presario, only because the school required laptops and i had no money (presario was really cheap). but it broke down so many times and i sent it to compaq twice already to get it fixed.

toshiba has some good laptops if you are looking for media/gaming oriented computer. and dell's always dependable.

[magius]

i dunno if you bought it yet, but i might as well put in a bit since im semi-looking for a labtop too-- i kind of run into the problem of not having any extra money though

if you're going to finance it do NOT buy dell, they will crap on your head or so ive heard. but if you're buying outright i think its okay, their service is bad but everyones is, plus their are some very good labtops from dell that are low priced.

the biggest priority in picking a labtop for me was how loud the things fan was and how fast it got hot, because i planned on using it outside a lot (why else buy a labtop i ask) and on my lap. the fan size you can only really tell hands on, but for the battery to last longer and for it not to heat up and fry your banana look for a pentium m.

generally, dont trust the salesman verbatim because their first priority is commission (hey, you cant blame them), maybe go to some labtop review sites like www.cnet.com, read the review, user opinions, etc.. those are usually somewhat informative. if i had could buy a labtop i would've bought the ibm t40 or t35 because all ive ever heard is good things about it plus its supposedly very well built so it wont blow up if you like scratch it with a pencil or something.

just remember, research whatever you're going to buy first big time (use cnet, search on google, etc..) because if you dont know computers like me, and your computer fucks up on you, you will seriously want to smash it against wall which with a labtop is as easily done as said