...cuz I gotta buy one in the next couple of days.

I don't need a super powerhouse, as it will primarily be used to run GIS/GPS applications, AutoCAD, and MS Office stuff (including PowerPoint).

Don't need a mega fast one, nor a mega gaming one. I need good functionality, and I prefer at least 60GB of hard disk space and 512 megs of RAM. A 17" widescreen would be nice.

And I don't have anything against AMD machines.

What are your votes for best bang for the buck?

6/27/2006 10:18:19 PM

I'm not going to offer much in the way of current suggestions but I did want to say that

17" is BIG

I have a 15.4 widescreen (Dimension 6000 1920x1200) and sometimes I really wonder what I got a machine this big.

6/27/2006 10:51:40 PM

I would definitely settle for that. It's gonna end up being used mostly by my old man, and the bigger the better.

Anything portable is a venture for him...

6/27/2006 11:53:18 PM

I'd tend towards a desktop unless he really wants something he can stow. If 15.0 inch is big enough though, a 15" t60 is always a good buy. Does he have vision problems? If so, the ultra high resolution screens won't nescessarily be appreciated OR even good.

6/28/2006 12:18:56 AM

panasonic toughbook

6/28/2006 12:38:51 AM

check out slickdeals.net

really good deals pop up on their forums every couple days for laptops

6/28/2006 1:25:55 AM

^ they do have good deals, but most of them are dells... he's looking for a list of specific models i think


Macbook & ThinkPad seem to be pretty popular right now...
i don't suggest HP, Compaq, etc.
Sony usually makes good stuff but their prices are high, kinna like Apple
NEVER buy an older Toshiba... but my brother has a new Qosmio (sp?) that runs quite well

6/28/2006 1:44:18 AM

look for something light, small, and with a long battery life.

i'd recommend the 12" powerbook, but i think the new intel macs are 15"+

6/28/2006 2:19:06 AM

Quote :

"I'd tend towards a desktop unless he really wants something he can stow. If 15.0 inch is big enough though, a 15" t60 is always a good buy. Does he have vision problems? If so, the ultra high resolution screens won't nescessarily be appreciated OR even good."

We already got a coupla desktops. The point is, we need something to take to the field with us or on business overnighters. And Pop also needs something to run PowerPoint presentations on.

6/28/2006 2:37:40 AM

I just got an e1705 from dell with the $750 off coupon. you can get quite a machine outta that. the coupon on bensbargains.net expires tomorrow.

here's the run down for what I paid:
core duo 1.83ghz*2
1gb ddr2 533
60gb 7200rpm drive
geforce 7900gs 256mb
audigy 2
17" 1920x1200 screen
they gave me bluetooth.. but I didnt pay for it
3 year warranty

you could trim it down to something in the $1700 range, add the warranty, and get it for $1250. I ended up spending $1808 after the coupon

6/28/2006 2:41:27 AM

i've had several sony vaios and their battery life is awesome. the batteries they claim to last 6 hours actually last at least 6 hours.

i'm not gentle with my laptops and my sonys have done really well.

right now i have a widescreen FJ series and love it.

6/28/2006 10:50:09 AM

my dell d620 has almost a 5hr battery life, all the features I need, 14inch screen (although id like a 15), plenty powerful and light..

had to replace the HD after a week but going good now.

6/28/2006 11:30:43 AM

inspiron
inspiron
inspiron
inspiron
one of those bad ass ibm models cause ibm are quality

6/28/2006 11:35:11 AM

ok a serious answer

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nf/20060628/tc_nf/43983;_ylt=AnNiPc_DvF8e9Qr4FTpsrY4jtBAF;_ylu=X3oDMTA0cDJlYmhvBHNlYwM-

6/28/2006 12:11:32 PM