Laptop... looking for some opinons...

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So now that I got a solid working computer again (my new desktop, thanks again for all the help with it Smokey), I'm back to looking at my laptop...

Mainly trying to decide if it's possible to find what the problem is and if it's worth trying to fix it up. I really hate the thoughts of going without a laptop, even though since I finally got a desktop, I don't use a laptop much at all. But I do take it to class for note taking, and I also use it when I go places for a weekend or whatever (camping, vacation, etc). Plus with the push to go with Vista, I'm wondering if I should just give up on my faithful laptop and buy something newer. Just not sure what to do...

Old laptop:
IBM Thinkpad T-22:
900mhz PIII, 512mb ram, 40gig HD, has vid output for both tv and an extra monitor, 56k modem, 10/100 ethernet, etc.
I've had it since fall of 2001, used it heavily (often on 24/7, never got a chillpad for under it till around 2005/2006) until recently when I stopped being able to connect to the internet with it (both the modem and ethernet ports don't work for connecting to the 'net). It also is refusing to run Dreamweaver, despite a couple reformats. It was in pretty much perfect condition until I was in a hurry to leave for class about two weeks ago and accidently knocked it onto the floor and cracked part of the case. Still works ok though.

Now, I was also poking around on Newegg recently, wasting time and wondering if I could pick up more memory to use with my laptop should it get fixed up and I stumbled across some laptops for sale...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834146311

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834146371

I kinda hate to drop money buying a laptop, and mine still sorta works, but at the same time I'm worried that my laptop isn't long for this world and I would hate to have to go without one or buy something with Vista (I'd HAVE to delete Vista and put XP on it, I'm not dealing with Vista). I've been impressed at how well my IBM handled things and would be hesitant to go with another brand, but I dunno. My laptop still seems to be able to handle nearly everything I usually do with it, just that the lack of internet and inability to run Dreamweaver kinda cuts into it's usefulness to me a bit. If that makes sense.

 

[Jason]

I have a Toshiba satellite. I am far from an expert but I like it. It runs Vista and i have had no problems at all, although I do have a good understanding of OS's and how to make them work right while still having security. It's almost hard to buy a bad laptop nowadays from what I see. They all get good reviews although some are still better.

 

[Robin Hood]

I have near the same laptop, T23, 1.13GHz, 640MB ram...

Runs basic programs well, but struggles a little bit here and there. Overall great laptop.

I know you don't want vista, but it really isnt that difficult to reformat, and plus it gets rid of all the extra junk they put on factory lappys.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115432 < Right there is one hell of a deal, its a dual core processor, 1GB of ram, 120GB HD.

If you prefer intel heres the same thing just with an intel CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115415

Don't waste your time buying a celeron. They are underpowered and cheap POS's IMO.

Hope this helps.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I'm NOT buying something with Vista on it. Period. I know I can wipe it out and put XP on it, but IMHO, it's stupid to buy something with an operating system on it just so you can go buy another operating system for it. Why should I pay Microshoft more money than I have to?

I built my own desktop just because I wanted XP instead of Vista and I wanted a decent computer. I've heard a number of people that love Vista, but also a ton that hate it because it does not like to share information between versions and it is also a memory hog. No thanks, I'm sticking with XP. IMHO, XP and 2000 Pro were the best op systems Microshoft ever came up with.

I'm actually on the fence as to buying another laptop. If I can be sure that there is nothing seriously wrong with my old one, I'll throw some more memory in it and not worry about it. But I have no idea how to tell if my old laptop is on it's way out or not right now, and I'm starting to wonder if it's worth patching back up even though I don't really need anything more powerful for now. I'm trying to think in terms of will it be adequate a year or two from now. My computer knowledge is growing by leaps and bounds, but there's still lots more to learn.

 

[airborn_ranger]

Get rid of your dinosaur, get a ToughBook!

LBF, your laptop is a dinosaur. Based upon your use profile (heavy) and the abuse that it experiences due to being a classroom note-taker, it experiences lots of travel and its share of bumps and grinds. Don't waste $ on memory unless it is extremely inexpensive. Consider buying a new laptop. I recommend one of Panasonic's "Toughbook" products. I have owned a 300mhz model CF-71 since 1997, then upgraded by purchasing a 600mhz chassis from ebay in 2002. I use them in my truck for business 24-7-365. I have dropped them from 3 feet above the ground onto concrete, they have fallen out of the door of my truck, they have flown off of the truck's seat when ABS braking to avoid an accident, and they keep on keepin' on! No damage other than a scratch of the paint on the magnesium-alloy body. Dell has just introduced a tough notebook, and Motorola has one as well, if you prefer something other than Panasonic. They are, generally, more expensive than lesser laptops, but they more than make up for it with their longevity. I bought a Toshiba Satellite on a whim a few years ago--it was the biggest mistake I made in my lifetime of PC purchases. The metal hinges of the LCD broke, the metal frame of the LCD broke, the plastic cover of the LCD, hinges, and body broke, and it is very difficult to disassemble to R/R: keyboard; memory; harddrive; processor. Go for one of the tough notebooks--the initial purchase price may cause some concern, but the durability will put you at ease during the many years of trouble-free ownership that I am certain you will experience. a_r

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Now I feel the need to state that I don't want to spend a small fortune on a laptop. I spent $2,100 when I bought my T-22. I spent $1,200 on the desktop I just built. If I buy a laptop, I don't really want to shell out more than around $500-900, preference on the lower number.

I used and abused my poor laptop because it was the only computer I had. Aside from being on 24/7/nearly 365, I took extremely good care of it. Like I said, only recently I accidently dropped it, and I'm pissed at myself for doing that after all these years of taking excellent care of it. The only sign of wear on the thing is that I've worn the letters off of nearly every key. The rest of it (aside from the crack in the case) looks like the day I bought it. Any new laptop will receive the same care, and will be on much less (my desktop takes the main workload, my T-22 is hardly on anymore, just when I go to class an such).

I do appreciate the suggestions so far, I guess I could have been a bit more precise in what exactly I was looking at doing, but then again I wanted opinions so I could try to think this through some and explore possibilities.

 

[almostclueless]

I was gonna say....must be nice to have all this money to throw around...

 

[mjonesjr]

Mac Book.......you wont be disappointed....they are worth the money, and Apple's customer services is 1000x better than any PC company...

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I was gonna say....must be nice to have all this money to throw around...

Heh, I wish... After tonight, I'm not sure I'm going to be able to throw any money around... But we woln't get into a discussion about that, just take my word.

Mac Book.......you wont be disappointed....they are worth the money, and Apple's customer services is 1000x better than any PC company...

I need something that will be 100% compatible with my desktop. Further I'd prefer not to have to buy new software, I'd like to use the stuff I already got so that I don't have to worry about transferring files between the two. So that rules out a Mac. I gave thought to it when I built my desktop, but no...

 

[mjonesjr]

the only thing that isn't compatable with a Mac is the software......stuff like external hard drives, etc. are all compatable with Mac's......and anything you have saved in Word on a PC would open and transfer to a Mac's Word program.....

it is up to you, just giving you options....

 

[Bent Bolt]

I have a Toshiba Satellite A70 and have not had any problems other than the power plug-in. Fixed that myself. I am not a power user by any stretch of the imagination but my next laptop will be a Mac, no question about it. I've had enough of Windows and Microsoft.

 

[Black_Splash]

As far as the old laptop it sounds like something came loose, good luck finding it, and for a new one you might be able to find one with Dell that has XP on it. I not 100% sure thay are still doing that though.

 

[CJREX]

Gotta put in my plug for Toshiba.

I'm on my 7th laptop. All have been Toshibas.

All have been great.

The new one is a dual core and about 2 months old.

And it came with XP PRO! instead of Vista.

Whichever laptop you choose. make sure there are XP drivers for it before buying or you may be stuck with Vista ME

 

[Will]

I bought this A65 Toshiba in 2004 (I think) with a total of 4 years of warranty. I've used that extensively. It's been crated and left on the step for the UPS man 4 times for dying from overheating with the screen and motherboard both replaced more than once. It's been good for almost a year now though after they replaced the hard drive--I'm beginning to think the hard drive was the problem the whole time because it doesn't get hot anymore with this new one. I really don't know but I now have an excellent computer.

I had a Dell laptop before this that I also wore the warranty out--but gave up and sold it after the last time I got it back functioning. In the gaps when the supposed good laptop is on holliday I activate the Compaq Armada 7770DT with its 12" screen and it reliably reports to duty. That and my ancient Packard Bell Legend (also still functioning and running XP) are the best built computers I've had. The cases and frames are sturdy and don't allow the circuit boards to flex when you lift them and drop them. I had a COmpaq Presario of 1998 vintage that just wouldn't boot after being moved to clean. Power supply was working--board just died. Had another thing that wouldn't boot unless the sides were off. If you put the sides on, it died. Nothing was touching that I could see.

My brother had one of those Panasonic ruggedized machines when he was an oilfield engineer. It worked but it seems like he was always on a loaner because they had to send it from Wyoming to the head office in Denver to get the techs to look at it. Probably the wind and bad weather and those roughnecks were too much for it.

 

[Robin Hood]

Ok. I understand that you don't want to have to buy more M$ stuff, so what if I send you a copy of XP, free, that way, you can get a good laptop like a suggested, and have XP with no extra costs. I have lots of XP keys laying around because I work on computers all the time...