My pc is dying, if is 7 yrs old and I am in need of a new one. I'd like to get a laptop for various reasons, but I'd like to start data-logging in my car. Anyone out there have suggestions for models or places to buy?

 

They have those small laptops at Costco for just under $350. That might be the perfect solution for the car. I'm assuming it has the proper data ports on it. Might want to check it out.

Otherwise, for about $600, you can get an Intel core 2 duo (about 30% faster than the original core duo) from HP. That's what I got and it's very very very fast and has a beautiful large screen with HDMI outputs. It comes with Windows 7, has 4 gigs of RAM and a 250 Gig HD. Excellent all around for everything from work to games.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...es/G60t_series

 

I'm torn. I like the form factor and brightness of my Dell XPS m1330 (had it about 2 years now, has the LED screen so you can see it in daylight), but I have had to have most of the guts replaced (under warranty, no data loss).

For sheer robustness, I have been SUPER pleased with the two lenovos that I have purchased in the last two years. They are not cheap though. (x61s for Amy, t400 for me)

If you decide to go with a dell they almost always have a 20-25% off coupon for their "outlet" which is where I get my dells when I order them.

The first thing I'd do is decide what size you want. A 12", 13.3", 14", 15" or 17" (or smaller netbook 9"/10")? I personally won't buy anything > 14" simply because they become far less portable. The m1330 is 13.3" and it's just about perfect for me.

 

I absolutely love the Toshiba I bought last summer. I'll never buy another HP/Compaq or Dell though.

 

my HP: power button is broken, speakers are broken, delete button is broken, i'm on my second battery and third charger. but it has windows XP

laurens HP: has windows vista, enough said.

as you can guess, my next laptop wont be an HP.

 

Windows 7 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> XP > Vista

Just sayin'.

 

Windows Vista should be avoided at all costs! I still personally prefer XP, but 7 is pretty decent.

 

That's what I've heard, it will definitely be 7. Thanks all for your information!

 

I would suggest something like a business laptop, since you are not going to be running any high resolution games or Photoshop, etc... Also look into the tablet pcs...

This is cool for you! iPad But that's stretching the boundaries! Lol

Finally this one, they claim it has a battery life of 12 hours, perfect for you... ASUS UL30A-X1

 

toshiba satellite, I've had two, and never had a problem with them.

 

I agree with Sean, I currently use a 17'' Dell for logging and tuning. It is easy to read from across the car, but a pain as far as portability goes.

 

my hp is about the same age as Kevins...i've had to replace the power button, touchpad mouse cmos battery and power supply. all wear and tear cept for power button broke it when taking the thing apart to replace touchpad. total $40 in parts, 1.5 hours of work (myself) and 1 week for shipping. other than that it's been great other than being vista. if i had to get a new one i'd replace it with another HP due to cost and familiarity.

 

If you want a real nice laptop look at a Dell Precision M4400 I use it for 3d Rendering and gaming and has pretty much everything that you need plus they offer a 5 yr warranty.


Specs

q9300 at 2.54 quad core
8gb ram
320gb 7200rpm hd
LED backlit 15.4 at 1440x900 you can get the 1920x1080 also just like a larger font
has serial port option and is thin

and you can order with XP or Windows 7 which makes it overall better

 

my Sony laptop is pretty nice... survived a trip to Europe and i take it to school everyday...had it for 1 year now and no issues.

and it has Blu-Ray...mmmmmmm

 

I have a friend from HS that works at HP in Houston, he got me a deal for $200. Thanks for all the help though guys!