madmatrixz3000 Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 Okay So I am in the market for a cheaper Laptop due to the lack of memory on my old Satelite (which would not be worth upgrading as 1Gb would run me over $100 and the P4M really is not a good processor especially since I will be recording). I was wondering what computers I should look at? Here is really my only requirements: Under $1k Wireless works in OSX QE/CI is hackable/ready Firewire port >120 Gb Harddrive Dell is out of the question I know because I spent the last hour trying to get them to install a 1390 into a new laptop for me however they said that I would have to buy my comp get it shipped to me then send it back for who knows how long for them to get my card installed. I was looking at the low end Vaio and I am very impressed with everything that it has personally from looking at their products it looks like Sony is trying to do what Apple is doing and not put out any computers that are going to be easily dated (oh and the Vaio also has a macbook like apperance). I am really open to any advice as from laptop suggestions to websites for good prices. Alright peace I'm going to keep surfing about the Vaio. Okay so I have found the VAIO from bestbuy and could pick it up (thats a plus!) and they have one that is $499 here and the $829 here. The problem that I am facing is the fact that the $449 would keep me from getting a loan from my parents, but I would probably be suffering by next year due to the Pentium Duo core (L1) and the fact that it only has up to 2Gb of RAM. I fear that this would become a school only computer come August.There also is the fact that the $829 is only $20 cheaper than getting it from Sony. If I were to order from Sony tommorow would I get it in in time to bring it with me next Sunday as it says it would ship out the 23rd? I'm thinking if I could get it in time, go for the one from Sony as it comes with 3Gb of DDR2 vs BB's(BestBuy) 2Gb and comes with a slightly better Processor. I just really need help to figure out if the loan would be worth it? Update 12:00 AM Sony just came out with a lower end version of the $849 for 749 with the same specs as the BB VAIO Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/111777-buying-a-laptop/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrysaor Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 I don't know which Dell you were looking but it is very easy to install mini pci-e cards into Dells, it is fully user serviceable. You can buy 1390 from ebay for about 10$ and install yourself easily. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/111777-buying-a-laptop/#findComment-791694 Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmatrixz3000 Posted June 21, 2008 Author Share Posted June 21, 2008 With the inspiron I would be stuck with Pentium Dual Core and the notoriously bad Dell bat life which is a double blow especially in school and at camp where I have to may have to go unplugged in a production enviroment (high processor use)So I looked and the NR got extreamly good reviewsOkay so I am pretty much set on the Vaio and will be going to look at it in store tommorow. I might get it in store so that I will have OSX good for my job next sunday. Plus RAM is not that expensive for DDR2 so I'm not worried as it would cost just as much in the 3Gb to upgrade to 4Gb which I probably would have done anyway so I will update you guys on what I get if I can convince my parents. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/111777-buying-a-laptop/#findComment-791705 Share on other sites More sharing options...
im_plastic Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 i got myself a great deal for a vostro 1500 (same model as inspiron 1520 but all black) laptop for $609 before shipping&tax @ dell's outlet. And my specs are c2d T7100, 120gb harddrive, 8600m GT Gddr2 256mb, 1gb ram but i upgraded to 2gb myself, and a 9cell battery. its great for gaming because of the powerful video card. It works perfectly with iatkos 2.0i. So my advice is to keep an eye on dell outlet and you'll get a great deal on it, I've bought 2 laptops form there and it looks completely new though its refurbished. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/111777-buying-a-laptop/#findComment-792259 Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmatrixz3000 Posted June 22, 2008 Author Share Posted June 22, 2008 Well it turns out that I went to get the $449 because of a change in moneys, but they went from like 30 in stock in near by stores to 0 in stock in the entire state other than like 6 hours away. But the dude told me that the much better model ($829) would be on sale this upcoming week, went and got the Suday early release and what do you know this inside scoop got me a better computer faster without the hassle. I will update you guys on turning this into my new Hackbook Pro Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/111777-buying-a-laptop/#findComment-792582 Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmatrixz3000 Posted June 22, 2008 Author Share Posted June 22, 2008 Okay I am scared is there a difference in installing on a Vista vs an XP Machine? I have Vista preinstalled on my laptop and need to know what to do next.I would like to have OSX and Vista on smaller partitions then have the rest of my computer as a partition that can be written on by both OSs is this possible? What is the best way about partitioning my HDD and what is the best bootloader to use? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/111777-buying-a-laptop/#findComment-793281 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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