Need some laptop advise pls

[1awake]

I am looking to purchase a laptop in the next few weeks and I'm really kinda lost. I have never had a laptop so I have no idea whats good and whats less than good.

I would appreciate anyone's input on what I should get. I would like to keep the price tag around $1500.00 or less please. Also, it needs to be on the higher end for graphics and speed/memory. Here is one I've been looking at so far:

Click me!

[sgsmith]

1. PM

read :)

[pokerfan]

2. Is it going to be your only computer?

or is it going to augment your desktop?

[1awake]

3. I currently

My main comp is an Alienware dual core, 4 gigs of ram, vid card GE9600GT 512mb blah blah. While I dont necessarily need one that high end, I need one I can still preform higher end graphical work on (side job/hobby making video games).

[pokerfan]

4. I've had good luck with Gateways

but my laptop requirement is pretty modest. Email, Office and Powerpoint and I'm usually more concerned with cost, weight and battery life. I leave the heavy lifting for the desktop (finite element analysis). You are generally forced to sacrifice performance for mobility.

[Old Hickory Fan]

5. centrino 2 new chip due july/aug

I am waiting for it.

[greenbriar]

6. I like Dell

our family has 3 personal Dell Laptops

hubby and I both have Dell Business ones as well

[BlueJazz]

7. This is also a pretty nice unit. >>

4 Gig ram.
Very high-end Audio and Graphics



http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/HP-Pavilion-dv9830us-17-Widescreen-Entertainment-Laptop-DV9830US/sem/rpsm/oid/207717/catOid/-12963/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

[khashka]

8. MacBook Pro

A little more expensive than you are looking for (depending on which one), but I love mine. Easy to use, lots of memory and comes fully loaded with software. I paid way too much cuz I was going for the coolness factor (titanium casing) - but the newer ones can use both Apple and Windows. Even on mine I can use most Windows programs. Apple is actually better, but you get what you pay for. Fewer viruses, fewer worms, more intuitive. easier to use - but costs more. TANSTAAFL.

Khash.

[Heidi]

9. I had extremely good luck with my Gateway laptop.

I used a Gateway laptop from 1996 to 2006. The first one I received was a dud, but it was under warranty and I had some kind of special deal where they shipped me a new one the same day I complained, and I sent the dud back to them (they paid postage). The CD drive went bad in the eighth year, but by then I was using the Gateway laptop only as a word processor, anyway.

I also recommend the Acer Aspire series. I'm using an Aspire 1640 right now -- got it as a birthday gift a year or so ago and love it. :)

Acer laptops: http://us.acer.com/public/page117.do?sp=page115&dau249.oid=447&UserCtxParam=0&GroupCtxParam=0&dctx1=25&CountryISOCtxParam=US&LanguageISOCtxParam=en&ctx3=150&ctx4=United+States&crc=2049022403

You can buy Acer products at Circuit City: http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/N/40371064/context/99371064/rpem/ccd/shopbybrand.do

[1awake]

10. Thanks everyone so far

I'm checking in to all of your suggestions. :toast:

[Book Lover]

11. Check out the Panasonic Toughbooks

I've had one for years and love it.