Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The Stranger · 05-25-2003, 08:18 AM

does anyone else have feedback about this micro pro laptop?

seebs · 05-25-2003, 10:36 AM

I'd want to find out more about that processor; is it a regular desktop XP? That'd be CRAZY. Is it a special mobile one? What effects does that have on performance? Etcetera, etcetera.

I dunno. Every time I've tried to get a cheaper laptop, I've regretted it, myself.

Pomp · 05-25-2003, 10:41 AM

Why a laptop in particular? You can get a better price for a better machine if you stick to a desktop, unless the greater mobility of a laptop is something that you specifically need.

faust · 05-25-2003, 11:37 AM

I agree with Pomp. re: desktop
The apple is a great all around machine, but not for games, I am not a gamer (never could get into them really).

The Dell's seem nice and reasonably sturdy on the PC side, and i wouldn't beat an xian with an HP, prolly break too soon. Same with compaq. IBM's are supposed to be good quality, but they have that evil nipple mouse aka J-mouse aka eraser mouse aka POS thing that i HATE!!! (give me a touchpad or give me death.)

But honestly, who plays Unreal on a laptop? I think you'd be better off getting a honkin' monitor, and build your own, speed demon SMP machine, with insane vid card, and minimal everything else. Then buy a mid-range notebook *cough* apple *cough* or dell

For the on the road stuff.

No laptop is going to be a good gaming system. Think about it, you'll need a mouse and you should use an external monitor anyway (lcd's are lousy for 1st person shooters), so you'd basically be docking your laptop when you're at home, and the vid card won't be up to the task of hard core gaming anyway. Get two machines, or decide to not game seriously

Good luck!

enigma555 · 05-25-2003, 12:31 PM

A word of caution about college & laptops.

Be careful if you're living in a dorm. If your roommate is unreliable and tends to leave doors open/unlocked, then you will definately need a strong lock for a laptop.

It takes up to a minute for a person to unhook and take a desktop (plus they'd have to lug it away).

Laptops can be snatched in seconds.

dirkduck · 05-25-2003, 01:19 PM

About Dell laptops, I have an Inspiron 8100 (it was being pushed out by a newer model when I got it, and that was about 1.5 years ago I'd guess). Anyways, Its my main computer, and I havnt had any problems with it. The only minor problem is the plastic casing, which isnt too strong, but I still havnt cracked/damaged it at all since I've had mine. For just word processing, email...etc, if you can find an older model like the Inspiron 8100, it would work fine, and probably be pretty cheap (1000$ back when I got mine, would be quite a bit cheaper now). Get a nice video card in it (Mines got a ATI Radeon 7500 64MB DDR), and you can run just about any games fine.

Dark Jedi · 05-25-2003, 10:13 PM

I agree with locking it down. There are great cable and lock combo's made for locking down a laptop while leaving it useable. Get a good one. Use it anytime you are not carrying the laptop with you.

Desktop: There are some great lightweight desktop systems out there. The price difference is immense. For what you would pay for a decent laptop, you could buy a system that makes the geekiest of us turn green with envy.

Besides, watching DVD's on your desktop with a 21 inch monitor and a good Dolby 5.1 soundcard and speaker system is far better than a 13 inch laptop with tiny speakers. Add a TV card (Just say NO to All-In-One video cards!), and you don't need an entertainment system at all.

NonHomogenized · 05-26-2003, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by seebs
I'd want to find out more about that processor; is it a regular desktop XP? That'd be CRAZY. Is it a special mobile one? What effects does that have on performance? Etcetera, etcetera.

I dunno. Every time I've tried to get a cheaper laptop, I've regretted it, myself.

It's a mobile processor.

More info on the Athlon XP-M here:

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/...76_807,00.html

As for desktop vs. laptop...

I have a desktop. If I could afford it, I'd have a laptop, too. However, as it stands, I'm having enough trouble saving the money to turn my current computer into 2 new and happier-dave-making ones.

[In case anyone's interested, here's the specs involved:

current comp:

generic 8 bay mid-tower case, no window
400 watt coolermaster (I think) power supply
Abit AT7-MAX2 motherboard
Athlon XP 1700+
Volcano 9 cooling
384 mb PC2100 ram
30 gb Western Digital 7200 rpm drive
75 gb IBM 7200 rpm drive
120 gb IBM 7200 rpm external
16 x DVD-ROM
52x24x52 LG cd-burner
Sound Blaster Live!
ATI Radeon 9700 pro
assorted PCI stuff

assorted peripherals, fans, et al

17.9" viewable KDS monitor (non-flatscreen)

primary desired comp:
Lian-Li PC-65-B Aluminum case
400 watt coolermaster power supply
Abit AT7-MAX2
Athlon XP 2600+
Volcano 9
528 Mb PC3200 ram
30 gb Western Digital 7200 rpm drive
120 gb IBM 7200 rpm external
both cd + dvd drives
SBL! (or that new hercules 7.1)
ATI Radeon 9700 pro
assorted other stuff
18.1" viewable Quantex monitor (flat screen CRT)

secondary (server):
current case
250-300 watt p.s.
Asus A7V8X (have it sitting around)
Athlon 1700+
volcano 5
528 mb PC2100
75 gb IBM 7200 rpm h.d.
spare hp cd burner (reads, but won't write cds)
GeForce 440 MX 128 mb (hey, they're dirt cheap)
current monitor
]

</hijack>

Er... anyhoo...

If you only have one computer, unless you *require* mobility, I recommend a desktop. Better video+audio

. (oh, and DarkJedi, I have to assume you haven't seen an AIW 9700 pro. From what I've heard from people who own/have seen them, I wish I had one)

If you do get a laptop, though, go to the campus bookstore. They should sell a laptop security lock thing. I highly recommend using one.

Couldn't find anything reviewing MicroPro notebooks, offhand. Sorry.

Regardless, best of luck in your endeavour to get a good PC

char · 05-26-2003, 07:28 PM

I'm in college now. Somedays I think that a laptop would be great, somedays I don't. Theft is a big problem with these. Don't even leave it for 10 seconds. I currently have a desktop and for word processing, etc it is fine.

Buy the best printer you can afford. Print quality, pages per minute and durability are important. Durability is especially important. My girlfreind has had her $99 printer for about 6 months now, it is already breaking, is slow and makes a hell of a lot of noise.

I spent about $200, bought an Hp960c and I haven't had a problem with it. I've probably printed about 1000 pages on it now and I'm extremely happy with it.

Buddrow_Wilson · 05-26-2003, 07:45 PM

I get very pissed off about the price gouging on ink cartridges, and therefore do as little printing as possible.

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05-25-2003, 08:18 AM	#11
The Stranger Regular Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: St. Louis Posts: 141	does anyone else have feedback about this micro pro laptop?

05-25-2003, 10:36 AM	#12
seebs Contributor Join Date: May 2002 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 24,524	I'd want to find out more about that processor; is it a regular desktop XP? That'd be CRAZY. Is it a special mobile one? What effects does that have on performance? Etcetera, etcetera. I dunno. Every time I've tried to get a cheaper laptop, I've regretted it, myself.

05-25-2003, 10:41 AM	#13
Pomp Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Indianapolis area Posts: 3,468	Why a laptop in particular? You can get a better price for a better machine if you stick to a desktop, unless the greater mobility of a laptop is something that you specifically need.

05-25-2003, 11:37 AM	#14
faust Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: baton rouge, la Posts: 539	I agree with Pomp. re: desktop The apple is a great all around machine, but not for games, I am not a gamer (never could get into them really). The Dell's seem nice and reasonably sturdy on the PC side, and i wouldn't beat an xian with an HP, prolly break too soon. Same with compaq. IBM's are supposed to be good quality, but they have that evil nipple mouse aka J-mouse aka eraser mouse aka POS thing that i HATE!!! (give me a touchpad or give me death.) But honestly, who plays Unreal on a laptop? I think you'd be better off getting a honkin' monitor, and build your own, speed demon SMP machine, with insane vid card, and minimal everything else. Then buy a mid-range notebook cough apple cough or dell For the on the road stuff. No laptop is going to be a good gaming system. Think about it, you'll need a mouse and you should use an external monitor anyway (lcd's are lousy for 1st person shooters), so you'd basically be docking your laptop when you're at home, and the vid card won't be up to the task of hard core gaming anyway. Get two machines, or decide to not game seriously Good luck!

05-25-2003, 12:31 PM	#15
enigma555 Regular Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 282	A word of caution about college & laptops. Be careful if you're living in a dorm. If your roommate is unreliable and tends to leave doors open/unlocked, then you will definately need a strong lock for a laptop. It takes up to a minute for a person to unhook and take a desktop (plus they'd have to lug it away). Laptops can be snatched in seconds.

05-25-2003, 01:19 PM	#16
dirkduck Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,038	About Dell laptops, I have an Inspiron 8100 (it was being pushed out by a newer model when I got it, and that was about 1.5 years ago I'd guess). Anyways, Its my main computer, and I havnt had any problems with it. The only minor problem is the plastic casing, which isnt too strong, but I still havnt cracked/damaged it at all since I've had mine. For just word processing, email...etc, if you can find an older model like the Inspiron 8100, it would work fine, and probably be pretty cheap (1000$ back when I got mine, would be quite a bit cheaper now). Get a nice video card in it (Mines got a ATI Radeon 7500 64MB DDR), and you can run just about any games fine.

05-25-2003, 10:13 PM	#17
Dark Jedi Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Afghanistan Posts: 4,666	I agree with locking it down. There are great cable and lock combo's made for locking down a laptop while leaving it useable. Get a good one. Use it anytime you are not carrying the laptop with you. Desktop: There are some great lightweight desktop systems out there. The price difference is immense. For what you would pay for a decent laptop, you could buy a system that makes the geekiest of us turn green with envy. Besides, watching DVD's on your desktop with a 21 inch monitor and a good Dolby 5.1 soundcard and speaker system is far better than a 13 inch laptop with tiny speakers. Add a TV card (Just say NO to All-In-One video cards!), and you don't need an entertainment system at all.

05-26-2003, 07:28 PM	#19
char Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: SEA Posts: 38	I'm in college now. Somedays I think that a laptop would be great, somedays I don't. Theft is a big problem with these. Don't even leave it for 10 seconds. I currently have a desktop and for word processing, etc it is fine. Buy the best printer you can afford. Print quality, pages per minute and durability are important. Durability is especially important. My girlfreind has had her $99 printer for about 6 months now, it is already breaking, is slow and makes a hell of a lot of noise. I spent about $200, bought an Hp960c and I haven't had a problem with it. I've probably printed about 1000 pages on it now and I'm extremely happy with it.

05-26-2003, 07:45 PM	#20
Buddrow_Wilson Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Arkansas Posts: 1,589	I get very pissed off about the price gouging on ink cartridges, and therefore do as little printing as possible.

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