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Computer newbies: I just bought an expensive laptop - was it a $2500 mistake?
I just bought an expensive laptop - was it a $2500 mistake?
by AcuteAnalogy - 4/23/09 6:35 AMThis is the perfect forum to ask this critical question because I know that there are some people here that have a lot better understanding of computer hardware than I do. Note that I have not yet booted up this laptop and I am not a gamer. Moving on...
The base price for this laptop is $1300. I paid $2500 for it because I'm a speed freak.
I customized it for speed. I customized it for work and school projects....9 to 5 stuff. I'm a little schizo. Between 9 to 5 I'm a madman. Or maybe, thanks to genetics and coffee, I have a type A personality between 9 to 5. I'm all business between 9-5, The words "lighten up - take it easy" aren't in my vocabulary between 9-5. All I know is that when I use the computer to work on a school or work project and I experience a slowdown or blockage, I go mad. I go nuts. I scream. I act like a racehorse who's stuck in quicksand. I have a little meltdown is what I'm saying.
So that's why when I ordered this computer I told myself to emphasize speed, speed and more speed. So I built it with 8 gigs of RAM and a quad core processor. That is the main reason why it went from being a $1300 laptop to a $2500 laptop. (no desktop, thank you - I bought a laptop so I could get out of the house and work away from home 3 or 4 days a week).
So did I make a mistake in ramping up a $1300 laptop to the tune of $2500?
Before you answer that, you need to know what I'll be using it for: I'm going to build websites with Wordpress and Dreamweaver. I might be using several programs at once. Programs like Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Flash. I might even have a web based video tutorial open when I'm using Photoshop or Dreamweaver. In a nutshell: I'll be using a lot of Adobe software.
So now that you know all there is to know, don't hold back with your answer. If I made a mistake just say so. Or maybe I bought the perfect laptop, one that has the type of speed that a busy body like me can utilize? A laptop that'll handle anything a worker bee can throw at it 5 years down the road? Either way, tell me what you think, because I want THE TRUTH, and unlike Tom Cruise, I can handle the truth. (And besides, I can always go out and get a less expensive laptop).
[img]http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z89/GOCHARGERSGOGOGO/tomcruise1.gif[/img]
Edit
by AcuteAnalogy - 4/23/09 6:43 AM In reply to: I just bought an expensive laptop - was it a $2500 mistake? by AcuteAnalogyWhat I meant to say at the end of my thread starter was:
I CAN HANDLE THE TRUTH!!
So if you have any criticism of the purchase I made, let it fly, dish it out is what I'm saying!
And does anyone know where the 'edit' button is here at Cnet???
Where it says "EDIT"
by balto1957 - 4/25/09 1:21 PM In reply to: Edit by AcuteAnalogySorry, just open your eyes.
Good luck
Balto
To balto1957. Just so you know.
by MarkFlax
- 4/25/09 1:33 PM
In reply to: Where it says "EDIT" by balto1957
There is no Edit button for posts in these forums once the posts have been submitted.
Thought you might like to know when you offer other advice around here.
Mark
Just so you know
by balto1957 - 4/25/09 2:53 PM In reply to: To balto1957. Just so you know. by MarkFlax
I have it in front of my eyes now! But I will not tell you as I feel I didn´t deserve the way you trated me.
Regards
Balto
(NT) And what OS did you choose? 32 or 64 bit?
by Kees Bakker - 4/23/09 6:45 AM
In reply to: I just bought an expensive laptop - was it a $2500 mistake? by AcuteAnalogy
(NT) 64 bit
by AcuteAnalogy - 4/23/09 6:50 AM In reply to: (NT) And what OS did you choose? 32 or 64 bit? by Kees Bakker
I'll write no.
by R. Proffitt - 4/23/09 6:48 AM
In reply to: I just bought an expensive laptop - was it a $2500 mistake? by AcuteAnalogy
The mistake is more about those that never backup and never consider extended warranties.
My workhorse used to be desktops because that's where the speed was. Fast forward to 2007 and dual core, nice laptops could get the job done without much premium cost.
So now I have a laptop and did not go as far as you but plan on 2 year replacement cycles since the design is not as sturdy as desktops. That is a keyboard is not as changeable or other parts.
The upside is the mobility is a bonus and worth the increased cost because I don't have to maintain the desktop, the laptop for the road but still must maintain backups on our secure server, memory sticks, DVDRW and such.
Bob
.
by AcuteAnalogy - 4/23/09 6:53 AM In reply to: I'll write no. by R. Proffitt
R.Profittt:
My butt is covered in the area you mentioned.
I'm BIG on insurance plans: I'm covered for theft, accidental breakage, and in more ways than one - software and hardware tech support service.
With the 8 gigs of RAM and quad core processor, I might have purchased too much - too much as in serious OVERKILL.
If any of you think so, let me know!!
That overkill is
by R. Proffitt - 4/23/09 8:02 AM
In reply to: . by AcuteAnalogy
Going to get you to 4 years without having to replace it. The office plan is to pay as we go rather than pop for a machine that will be usable in 4 to 8 years.
Different goals but yours was what it was so no regrets?
Bob
All on you
by Willy - 4/23/09 7:32 AM In reply to: I just bought an expensive laptop - was it a $2500 mistake? by AcuteAnalogyBasically, you want muscle rather than speed, though that's nice. You want it to do what you plan to do with it. Speed in a laptop tends to be somewhat of a misnomer of sorts as the laptop can't handle the heat it produces. Over time that will be counterproductive and shorten the life cycle of a laptop. Providing added cooling will be a plus for such intense needs. Having the 64-bit OS and the ram it'll need plus some more it can handle will do more for your needs. The cpu provided if it is multi-core will be far capable than any older older offering of days past. The combo of that and added ram will be the crux of what makes you system, go and in many cases be faster in doing so. The video side usually isn't upgradable, thus you want the best out there provided its an option. That video option can be a heat generator so again any added cooling is desired. You spent practically as much more as the original system, so you tell me will it fit your needs, that's your best answer. IMHO, will it last 5yrs. I honestly don't think so. Most laptops that aren't pushed have some failings to pop-up. IMHO, you would be better served having some desktop system. In short you could upgrade or customize it further should the need arise as time passes. If it broke it would far cheaper to repair or attempt to. Adding storage itself would be far better in this situation as well.
If you like keep the laptop but have a desktop as well. You want to store or safeguard any projects. Not just as a backup to some media, but have the ability of flexibility being mobile and all powerful desktop really build hardy. Some desktops like that are called, "workstations".
tada -----Willy 
Yes, cool it
by jennywren1420 - 4/25/09 5:27 AM In reply to: All on you by WillyI am no expert, but from what I have read and experienced about laptops, and from what you say about the one you have had constructed, cooling will be very important to keeping yours running—and especially, if it's going to be used as intensively and constantly as yours will.
I have read about a number of things you can put under the computer that cool it—both those without fans that just lift it off the surface of the desk (or your knees or wherever you are using it) and those with fans. I think that at least a couple were reviewed here, but you could investigate what others exist by Googling, checking out computer magazines, going to stores (maybe the place where you bought the beauty?) and so on. If anyone else knows of a better way to cool it, you may find suggestions here.
Nobody has said, "Enjoy it!" so I shall do so here. I don't quite know why you are asking now whether you were overly enthusiastic about all that went into it, but isn't it too late now? Anyway, whatever you do, I wish you many years (maybe too optimistic?) of happy, manic work and play with it.
Jenny
These programs are Graphics intensive...
by captain_n10 - 4/24/09 9:29 PM In reply to: I just bought an expensive laptop - was it a $2500 mistake? by AcuteAnalogyThese Programs are graphics intensive as well as ram... you got the ram covered now how about the graphics card, is it upgradable? Photoshop, and running a video program will eat your ram quick... something to process these images is where I would have suggested... although the cpu and ram should compensate some definition and clarity would seem to be important?
$2,500 laptop
by balto1957 - 4/25/09 1:14 PM In reply to: I just bought an expensive laptop - was it a $2500 mistake? by AcuteAnalogyI´m sorry but I have bad news for you: usualy (most of the times), upgrade the speed of a laptop brings problems like temperature (too high), compatibility, etc. It is allways better to buy (even if more expensive), a laptop with the speed you desire. And you may still have the possible problem with the guarantie of the equipment. Be carefull, quiet and try inteligent when speaking with the dealer.
Have I Overbought This Laptop At $2500
by JCipo - 4/25/09 5:04 PM In reply to: I just bought an expensive laptop - was it a $2500 mistake? by AcuteAnalogyI have been in computers for 30 years. It really bothered me years ago when I had to purchase a laptop for $2000 to $3000. What hurt was when they started to wear out or slow down after 6 months to a year (I am a programmer). Well now I buy two laptops for less then this. I divide up my work on these two units. I also back up my data. When one unit fails I jump over to the other unit. You will probably be fairly happy with your machine until it starts to slow down or fail to boot. There is a 75% chance that the unit will start to malfunction before the year is over. Why is this so? Because most every component is made in Asia and especially in China. Quality control is way down in these countries.
Oh, I am glad you don't care about the graphic card because most laptops, and desktops, usually have poor performing cards.
Next time, research what you need or want and talk to computer builders and their opinions.
One more thing. To cut down on heat, get the laptop cooler and use it religiously. And to stop the virus attacks and spyware, keep up your antivirus software.
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