Laptop recommendation??

[LiberalFighter]

I'm shopping for a laptop and trying to figure out the best one for the money and my needs. Having a difficult time making the choice.

Any help out there?

I need one that can
handle large databases,
probably videos for presentations,
long battery life,
wireless,
4 GB min,
17 or 17.3 screen,
not prone to hardware problems,
at least 3 USB,
card media reader,
and hopefully the specs will not be too old 4 years from now.

If they have at least Windows 7 Home I can easily upgrade to Pro and not an issue.

I've looked at TigerDirect's
HP ProBook 4720s WH324UT new @ $999.99
HP Pavillion dv7-3165dx refurb @ $699.99
HP G71-340us refurb @ $499.99

Checked out Office Depot and Staples



Do I need to get the extended warranty? Generally I don't bother with extended warranties.

[lazarus]

1. we've been happy with Toshiba Satellites

Two models in this household. One had a repair issue that was dealt with quickly and easily, with no fuss.

Mine isn't in retail anymore (they go away fast), but it's the A505. 3 USB, 16" screen, 4gb RAM, 500 GB HDD, it cost around 650, iirc. Came with Win7 Home. It also has the jumbo battery that lasts 6 or 7 hours. Heavy as can be, but long battery life requires it.

[canetoad]

2. That sounds pretty much like mine

And I'm also happy with it.

Not a fan of HP although their hardware is OK. They load up far too much crap, HP drivers often conflict with other software. Personal preference I guess.

[BlueJazz]

3. Are you going to be playing games or using the computer for Videos??

[qanda]

4. Personally, I would not buy another HP laptop if someone paid me

I had gotten HP laptops for my husband and two children and all three of them had very serious issues. A couple of the issues were a part of a recall but the laptops were never the same again and had to be replaced.

We have since switched to Sony laptops and have had no trouble whatsoever. My husband and I have the FW series and my children have the NW series. I also had a lot of success with a Toshiba laptop.

[hobbit709]

5. I've had two HP/Compaq's and never a problem with either

XP Pro, Windows 7 and Ubuntu

Worked every time I used them and never failed.

[qanda]

6. Amazingly, all I used to buy were Compaq/HPs computers

That's why I bought their laptops. I still have my old Compaq/HP computers, yes they are outdated but they still fire up and would do in a pinch. It really surprised me that I had such serious issues with HP after supporting their products for so many years but I just thought I'd share my experience. Three laptops, all just a little beyond their warranty, gone bad is a little much for me.

[blogslut]

7. Thinkpad, baby

Look for a T-Series model.

They are the the workhorses of all workhorses.

[CabalPowered]

8. Another Thinkpad fan

T's and X's are the best laptops out there. You're going to pay a bit more but it's going to last a lot longer than a mainstream Dell or HP. I'd personally steer far away from HP laptops and I used to work there and generally like the company. But their quality continues to go down and the amount of bloatware goes up.

[darkstar3]

9. Another Thinkpad fan here.

I've owned several of them and I won't buy anything else for my family.

Of course, I type this on a Dell Studio 1757...It had everything I needed and it was several hundred less than the Thinkpad with the same stats.

Actuall, a Dell Studio 17xx would meet all of your needs and then some, except for the USB. Of course, you can always get a mini-hub...