Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Depends on what you do. Up until a few months ago I was doing an average of 16 flights a week. That sort of environment absolutely destroys any sort of technology.
My last Acer cost $279 and went 3 years, although to be fair the last 6 months it was kinda on the fritz. Personally with those prices I can't justify a ~$1500 Mac.
You mentioned having double monitors. Do you do enough typing, etc., that you need a dock? If so, make SURE you double-check that any model you are considering actually HAS a docking connector. USB only docks from Targus and the like are junk. Most things sitting out there in Best Buy, Staples, etc for "consumers" (generally: home use) to buy do NOT have docking connectors. This is probably the biggest spec that trips people up. Getting a refurbed business class machine that you are sure has a connector from Tiger Direct or one of the manufacturer's outlet sites is probably best; you can get a dock at the same time.
After that...yes, unless you need some obscure spec (and I'm an electrical engineer; I develop things that are controlled [often] by computers, or interface to them in some fashion, and I absolutely WALLOW in obscure specs), get the cheapest thing you can that meets your minimal needs. Especially since you'll get a company machine later. But if you don't already have a machine of some sort, I would make sure it's something you will like having for personal use after the company requirement evaporates.
. . . . . make SURE you double-check that any model you are considering actually HAS a docking connector. USB only docks from Targus and the like are junk. Most things sitting out there in Best Buy, Staples, etc for "consumers" (generally: home use) to buy do NOT have docking connectors. This is probably the biggest spec that trips people up. Getting a refurbed business class machine that you are sure has a connector from Tiger Direct or one of the manufacturer's outlet sites is probably best; you can get a dock at the same time.
Oh crap. I wish that I would have seen your note earlier. I just got back from H H Gregg after purchasing a Dell Inspiron. I did not realize that docking stations were not a standard thing. I'll need to double check on this before I open the box.
Depends on what you do. Up until a few months ago I was doing an average of 16 flights a week. That sort of environment absolutely destroys any sort of technology.
My last Acer cost $279 and went 3 years, although to be fair the last 6 months it was kinda on the fritz. Personally with those prices I can't justify a ~$1500 Mac.
Well, that makes perfect sense, given your needs.
__________________
When in doubt, check it out: FAQ
Oh crap. I wish that I would have seen your note earlier. I just got back from H H Gregg after purchasing a Dell Inspiron. I did not realize that docking stations were not a standard thing. I'll need to double check on this before I open the box.
Oh crap. I wish that I would have seen your note earlier. I just got back from H H Gregg after purchasing a Dell Inspiron. I did not realize that docking stations were not a standard thing. I'll need to double check on this before I open the box.
What kind of a job do you have? Is it of a type that allows you to lug in a monitor and docking station? Long term contract? Health condition that necessitates use of a larger screen? I manage fine without a docking station but your situation might be different.
I don't care about the price, not really. If I wanted a major discount, I'd build myself a desktop machine. And have, in the past.
Times are such that one doesn't need to be at the extreme end of the market (buy an MBP or run an assembly line at home) to own a laptop with good features at a competitive price.
Times are such that one doesn't need to be at the extreme end of the market (buy an MBP or run an assembly line at home) to own a laptop with good features at a competitive price.
That's true. I'm just not a huge Windows fan, and that influences my choices.
__________________
When in doubt, check it out: FAQ
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
