Need new laptop whats good? PC only

bfg1971 · 11-03-2009, 09:20

I need a new laptop to run a program that is effectively a digital library with about 20,000 books in it. I need a very fast processor so search time is tolerable, graphics are not that important, but the wife will want to be able to watch movies on it as well.

Needs to have a full sized keyboard as well.

Last laptop was a 17 inch Toshiba that lasted for 6 yrs.

I need some advice guys what should I look at?

Ralff · 11-03-2009, 15:13

What is your budget?

bfg1971 · 11-03-2009, 17:45

A fair question but I am more concerned with performance / cost ratios. The reason I asked for help is that when I start looking I start justifying higher performance than I need. At the same time I want a laptop that will last a long time and still be able to run most programs. My last one was 2K six years ago and until it died was capable of doing the job. I am wanting assurance that a midrange $600 machine could still be useful a few years down the line.

Thanks

glock19_fan · 11-03-2009, 19:22

Most modern PCs should be fine for you.

The search will be optimized via indexing, so the CPU won't have to work that hard.

Get a quad core, 4 gb ram, and at least 160gb hard drive (recommend 320 gb though) and you should be fine.

Linux3 · 11-03-2009, 21:07

I just bought a Lenovo Thinkpad SL400.
P8400(2.26GHz), 2GB RAM, 160GB 5400rpm HDD, 14.1in 1440x900 LCD, 256MB nVIDIA GeForce 9300M, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11agn wireless, WWAN upgradeable, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Fingerprint reader, Camera, 6c Li-Ion, WinVista Business 32.
I'll never boot Windows and I need to change out the RAM for 2 @ 2gig but that's pretty checp and easy to do.
I plan to run Fedora 64bit.
But anyway. I bought it from the Lenovo outlet.
http://outlet.lenovo.com/
It's brand new and I got it for $638.00 + free shipping. No upgrade to Windows 7. SOB.....
Check out the Lenovo and Dell outlets. Deals can be had.

bchandler · 11-03-2009, 23:20

Believe it or not, some good deals can be found at Compusa or Best Buy. A member of the family had a corporate 20% discount with Dell's online store, and we still bought our new computers at Best Buy because the deals there were better. Just look for the cost:hardware ratio, like you were mentioning.

bdoub1eu · 11-04-2009, 08:21

BFG1971, I came across this post and thought I would just mention that I was looking to sell a refurbished, brand new looking Dell Latitude D630...Currently have it on ebay if you want to check it out: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...STRK:MESELX:IT Would consider trading as well. Great laptop and again, just thought I'd mention it since I saw your post.

Isaiah1412 · 11-04-2009, 12:37

I have a Latitude E6500 for work. Rock solid and quite fast, best PC laptop I've ever owned.

bfg1971 · 11-05-2009, 09:43

Thanks for the ideas guy, I appreciate it.