Laptops Don't put cost first.

P

pause

Contributor
I have noticed that people tend to determine which laptop to buy according to the money they can invest in it. I feel this is a very unwise thing to do. Using this mode to decide on a product means that most people end up buying a product they will never fully use. To invest 50k on a core2duo with high graphics capability and all the bells and whistles, for word processing, browsing, media and average gaming means pouring at least 25k down the drain.

The decision of 'which laptop' must be preceded by a careful examination of the context in which it would be used.

1. Are you buying the thing for office use?
2. Are you buying it for home-office use?
3. Are you buying it to do all the above and play state of the art games?

The sentiment of 'perhaps one day' should not be the core determinant to decide on specifications.

For most people, laptop budgets should not exceed the 30k range. The savings of 20k (on an available budget of 50k) is very substantial. Don't aim just at getting the best... aim at getting the best out of the money invested.
 
True.

It's the first thing I ask people who say "I want a laptop!" - what are they going to use it for?

And here are my answers (which remain true 99% of the time):

1. If you want a work machine to carry-around and are within reach of a plug-point >80% of the time: Choose a 14.1" or below model with moderate specs (2GB RAM is standard but even a Turion would do for everybody).
Apps used: Office 2007, Windows Vista Home, Music players (winamp, wmp etc.) and maybe a few movies while travelling.

2. If you want a system mainly meant for movies and entertainment while using at home: I still recommend buying a budget 14.1"/15.4" screen-based laptop and then pairing it up with a 22" screen and wireless keyboard combo. :) That's where the extra-investment goes in. With a budget of 45-50k you can get either a souped-up 15.4"/17" laptop or a combo machine which is both versatile and great for entertainment.
Apps: Office, Windows, SD/HD movies (720p)
Cost: Laptop (30-35k) + Display (13-15k) + Wireless desktop (1.3k) - 45-50k. :D

3. A laptop meant especially for travelling: 13.3" or 12.1" screens will be a HUGE boon to those who are travelling.

4. A gaming system, this the only place is where I actually recommend a high-end system. But then again, buying a 15.4" display-based powerhouse and pairing it with a higher-end display is still a better option. :)

Finally, any buyer of a laptop would like it to remain "portable" at least some of the time. Here's where I see the heat-producing super-high-end laptops being a complete waste of money and purpose. Always opt for the smallest laptop you can buy.

Payne
 
I used a laptop for an year and a half, now, if any one asks me for an opinion on laptop I try to convince them not to buy one unless its absolutely necessary for them to carry it around. I thought I could play all the games on it but that fact was true for 6 months only.

My reasons are:
very costly compared to desktops.
not exetendable. (you cannot put better graphics card, usb hdd only if you need more space. and things like that.)
parts are very costly
cannot run them continuously on power. (my compaq v6102au blown its mother board because of heating since I was running it continuously for weeks for downloading)
even though you can carry them, after carrying them for an hour, you feel like shit.
cant play games while placing them on the lap. (it burns through your pants)
you need a decent table or your wrists, neck, back will pain.

after some time, I had to buy a usb hdd, viewsonic 19" lcd, table, usb mouse. now my brother has that head ache and I am buying a new desktop :D

bottom line: if you are a manager, then its okay. else dont buy a laptop.
 
pause said:
I have noticed that people tend to determine which laptop to buy according to the money they can invest in it. I feel this is a very unwise thing to do. Using this mode to decide on a product means that most people end up buying a product they will never fully use. To invest 50k on a core2duo with high graphics capability and all the bells and whistles, for word processing, browsing, media and average gaming means pouring at least 25k down the drain.

The decision of 'which laptop' must be preceded by a careful examination of the context in which it would be used.

1. Are you buying the thing for office use?
2. Are you buying it for home-office use?
3. Are you buying it to do all the above and play state of the art games?

The sentiment of 'perhaps one day' should not be the core determinant to decide on specifications.

For most people, laptop budgets should not exceed the 30k range. The savings of 20k (on an available budget of 50k) is very substantial. Don't aim just at getting the best... aim at getting the best out of the money invested.
Click to expand...
yup well said , we already have a stick thread created by superczar which is along the same lines but i guess not many people notice the stickies

http://www.techenclave.com/laptops/basic-questionnaire-for-laptop-recommendations-77495.html
 
Thats the correct attitude... And the rule applies everywhere(Talking about computer parts upgrades too) but i guess it comes with age as well as the size of your pocket... Its a touchy subject so i wont talk about much... Just that we should pass that phase where we compare our e-penius....
 
now i am in a real fix. I might have to go onsite for 2-3 months and i can't live without playing games (especially TF2). Now, i am thinking that buying a full fledged 15.4 inch lappy + Nvidia 8600GT will be good for me in that case but when i come back home it'll be just lying around wasted.

If it wasn't for games, i would have gone for the Asus EEE PC, bu now i am in a dilemma.
 
Back
Top