The Conservative Cave

The Help Desk => Computer Related Discussions & Questions => Topic started by: Eupher on September 03, 2010, 09:27:15 AM

Title: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Eupher on September 03, 2010, 09:27:15 AM
I just got my bonus -- a very NICE bonus, btw -- and I'm thinking it's time for a new laptop.

It's probably gonna be a dedicated machine for the quintet for recording purposes. That means I need a big-assed hard drive.

Since the industry completely changes over about 3 times a year and it's been more than 6 years since I bought the last laptop, I'd be interested in getting some feedback on sources, brands, models, etc.

Fire away!

And thanks.....
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: The Hollywood NeoCon on September 03, 2010, 09:34:47 AM
I'm telling you, Euph...MacBook Pro. The Garage Band application alone is worth the extra money.
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Eupher on September 03, 2010, 09:37:36 AM
I'm telling you, Euph...MacBook Pro. The Garage Band application alone is worth the extra money.

Mac?  Never woulda thunk it.

I've been a Windows guy -- even through such POS like ME and Vista.

And I've been using Audacity for recording. Most of that other stuff looks like something that came out of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and scares the hell out of me.   :lmao:
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: The Hollywood NeoCon on September 03, 2010, 09:43:01 AM
I totally understand that. I still haven't utilized everything Garage Band is capable of, but am constantly amazed at what I discover.

Apple is indeed more expensive than anything Windows-based, but for what it's worth, a colleague of mine introduced me to VM Ware Fusion, which allows me to run Windows 7 on my MacBook, AS WELL AS Mac OsX!!!

In fact, it's becoming quite well-known that Windows 7 actually runs better on a Mac using Fusion!!  :-)
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Thor on September 03, 2010, 01:20:51 PM
I don't buy that. I have Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit running on an AMD PhenomII x6 w/ 4 GB RAM. It ruins QUITE well. To date, I haven't had ONE single problem with it other than some software not being written for the 64 bit OS.  Apples are just overpriced PCs. The OS is OK, but I don't care for it. If you want to piss away money, an Apple is the way to go. All a person is doing is paying for overpriced hardware and an overpriced OS when they buy an Apple. I worked on a Mac desktop back in the summer of 2006. It was NO different than a PC. What it all boils down to is that some manufacturers use cheap parts. When they do that, it gives everything associated with that manufacturer and the OS used a bad name.


 Eupher, check your PMs.
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: The Hollywood NeoCon on September 03, 2010, 03:58:21 PM
Between this and the "drummers aren't musicians" crack, Thor is really trying to start some shit, I see.  :-)
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Thor on September 03, 2010, 04:04:36 PM
Between this and the "drummers aren't musicians" crack, Thor is really trying to start some shit, I see.  :-)


Read my "custom Title".........    :-)  And yes, I AM  a shit stirrer upon occasion. However, I can't ALWAYS be picking on Eupher......
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: The Hollywood NeoCon on September 03, 2010, 04:07:23 PM

Read my "custom Title".........    :-)  And yes, I AM  a shit stirrer upon occasion. However, I can't ALWAYS be picking on Eupher......

Fair enough... :rotf:  :cheersmate:
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 04:27:20 PM
I'm not a huge fan of HP or Compaq.  I've run across a couple Toshibas recently that I really liked and Acer used to make quality parts.  They're owned by Gateway now, so I can't say yea or nay.
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 04:35:55 PM

Read my "custom Title".........    :-)  And yes, I AM  a shit stirrer upon occasion. However, I can't ALWAYS be picking on Eupher......

When he's not picking on Eupher, he is casting aspersions on my advancing age......

Since plugging and unplugging this POS old keyboard is going to get old pretty quick, I'd also be interested in everyone's expert opinion on a new(er) laptop.

I don't have any fancy requirements, all I use it for is here on CC, and email......I have a capable desktop downstairs for more advanced requirements.  I don't even really need a new one, as this one is ten years old, most anything would be an improvement, I suppose.....

doc
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Eupher on September 03, 2010, 04:37:58 PM

Read my "custom Title".........    :-)  And yes, I AM  a shit stirrer upon occasion. However, I can't ALWAYS be picking on Eupher......

YEAH. IT'S SOMEONE ELSE'S TURN.  Simper, whine......waaaahhhh......
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Eupher on September 03, 2010, 04:39:32 PM
When he's not picking on Eupher, he is casting aspersions on my advancing age......

Since plugging and unplugging this POS old keyboard is going to get old pretty quick, I'd also be interested in everyone's expert opinion on a new(er) laptop.

I don't have any fancy requirements, all I use it for is here on CC, and email......I have a capable desktop downstairs for more advanced requirements.  I don't even really need a new one, as this one is ten years old, most anything would be an improvement, I suppose.....

doc

Is he "casting aspersions" or just flat-out calling you a geezer?   :rotf:
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Eupher on September 03, 2010, 04:41:12 PM
Thor recommended Toshiba pretty strongly, and there is an Asus that is loaded to the gills......

Newegg and 3bsomething are web sites that he frequents often....
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 04:43:17 PM
I don't have any fancy requirements, all I use it for is here on CC, and email......I have a capable desktop downstairs for more advanced requirements.  I don't even really need a new one, as this one is ten years old, most anything would be an improvement, I suppose.....

doc

Whatever you do, please don't buy an HP/Compaq dv6000.  I know the $300 pricetag is nice, but I have no idea why they still sell those defective pieces of garbage.
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 04:57:39 PM
Whatever you do, please don't buy an HP/Compaq dv6000.  I know the $300 pricetag is nice, but I have no idea why they still sell those defective pieces of garbage.

Chris....any idea why my keyboard stopped working?

I think my next troubleshooting step will be to take it apart and reseat the keyboard ribbon connector......the damn thing just quit in mid-sentance
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 04:58:30 PM
Either the keyboard itself is dead or that ribbon came loose.  There's not much else on them to go wrong.  Like I said, you can always try replacing the keyboard with a new one. 
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 04:59:51 PM
Is he "casting aspersions" or just flat-out calling you a geezer?   :rotf:

Not quite yet, but I'm sure the thought has crossed his mind.......
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 05:01:58 PM
Either the keyboard itself is dead or that ribbon came loose.  There's not much else on them to go wrong.  Like I said, you can always try replacing the keyboard with a new one. 

Can I even get a new keyboard for a 10 y/o Dell laptop?  And if so, would it make sense?
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 05:13:48 PM
Can I even get a new keyboard for a 10 y/o Dell laptop?  And if so, would it make sense?
Maybe and maybe.  What model is it?
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 05:25:14 PM
Maybe and maybe.  What model is it?


Inspiron 2500
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 05:26:47 PM
Keyboards (http://www.google.com/products?q=dell+inspiron+2500+keyboard&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&scoring=p&price1=25.00&price2=45.00&lnk=prsugg&show=dd)

Having the model number is easier, but it looks like you can get one for $35.
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 05:33:37 PM
Keyboards (http://www.google.com/products?q=dell+inspiron+2500+keyboard&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&scoring=p&price1=25.00&price2=45.00&lnk=prsugg&show=dd)

Having the model number is easier, but it looks like you can get one for $35.
Looks like Model number PPQ2L
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 05:37:22 PM
Are you sure?  I'm not finding anything under that part number?
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 05:52:24 PM
Are you sure?  I'm not finding anything under that part number?

It could be PPO2L, or PPD2L.....the tag is worn, and partially unreadable.

There is a "service tag" number that appears to be intact
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 05:55:01 PM
Still no results.  :(
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 05:58:48 PM
Still no results.  :(

OK....I used some water to raise it, and it is PP zero 2L
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 06:00:48 PM
OK....I used some water to raise it, and it is PP zero 2L

Funny.  The only thing that comes up for me are AC adapters.
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 06:06:52 PM
Funny.  The only thing that comes up for me are AC adapters.

The entire tag reads:

Model No. PP02L
Inspiron 12500
20 Volts -- 3.5 Amps

Service Tag DBQ8N111
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 06:10:01 PM
I'm not having any luck.  What's the model number on the base of the laptop?
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 06:14:27 PM
I'm not having any luck.  What's the model number on the base of the laptop?

Right under the Dell trademark on the display, all it says is "Inspiron 2500"

The data that I gave you before is on the underside, next to the RAM bay cover
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 06:16:27 PM
The service tag is specific to your laptop.  You *could* call Dell and ask them for the part number for the PC or keyboard.
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Eupher on September 03, 2010, 10:36:07 PM
I went ahead and ordered this Toshiba:

Newegg
 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834114809)

Massive screen - 18.4 inches. And a big-assed HD. Sorry, Thor, I just don't want to lug around a separate external hard drive. It's already bad enough with all the sound gear I have to drag around.

This machine ought to serve us for quite some time to come.

Edited to credit Thor with finding that particular laptop. Thanks, bud. HEY! Where's my beer?!?


 :fuelfire:
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 03, 2010, 10:46:04 PM
Fancy.
Title: Re: New Laptop on the Horizon?
Post by: Chris_ on September 04, 2010, 12:31:58 PM
The service tag is specific to your laptop.  You *could* call Dell and ask them for the part number for the PC or keyboard.

Hey Chris!  The cold (battery out) reboot fixed it........keyboard is working again......

Many thanks!!!!

doc