Laptop shopping advice wanted

Title says it. I am no computer expert and I need some advice. I need to buy a decent laptop.
Budget: 700-900
Size: 15.4" and less
Usage: I don't really play games but a decent graphic card will help me through boredom from time to time... I also use a lot of Photoshop so I guess something that is fit for this usage.
I really don't feel like changing laptop ever so often, something to last me for a good 3 years would be nice.

One last question. I never really understood the CoreDuo and Core2Duo, 32 bit, 64 bits, Althlon X2 stuff

Thanks! and Merry Christmas!

 

You picked a good time to buy a laptop with that budget lol. You should check out the boxing day sales at various stores. Like Bestbuy and Futureshop.

As for brands I suggest looking at Toshiba and HP. Brands to avoid IMO would be Sony and Acer (I think everyone would agree on acer....)

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/subcl...2&searchresultsdeptlist=&selecteddept=&page=1

Check some of the prices on there.

 

Well the standard laptop to buy usually now would be the last = C2D(1.6Ghz-2.2Ghz), 120gb, 2gb RAM(min), a standard graphic card, built in webcam, supports HD, and of course the dvd writer.

If possible shop for laptop which speakers are located near the screen and not near the palm rest for typing. This is because I find this speaker normally will interfere with the harddisk which produces an irritating hizzing noise.

I agree with the top where HP or Toshiba is ok... But bare in mind before buying look at what other freebies they offer and also the warranty package provided... The aftersale service should also be look into..

 

32 or 64 bit

"besides the super cheap one equipped with either Intel Celeron M or AMD sempron.."
core duo is 32bit only
others are 64 bit., Amd X2
paid extra before 'special' days, black friday, boxing day
for core 2 duo for 64 bit and 4gb expansion.
windows vista 32 bit only sees 3.xx Gb

 

if you want the graphic cards for that price range, you should build one on the websites and search for special online coupon codes because the one's in store at that price range usually have integrated graphics, which isn't cool.

anyways i would recommend getting a toshiba or a hp or dell or i think you can try gateway because they usually have better specs for a lower price. should get 14.1 inch cause it's more portable, 15.4 is gigantic to me. oh yea go for the core2duos with the new "intel centrino" platforms. amd has a record of bad performance and low battery life. oh yea if you are thinking about getting the extended battery, i have to tell you that hp sticks out at the bottom like 1+ inches and dell extends from the back. dell's extended battery is less annoying. the others i don't know.

other accessories to go for if building on website:
webcam/mic (if you use it)
Wireless N Wifi
2GB ram
Bluetooth to make it more compatible.

At this range i think you can get a 1.8ghz core 2 duo if you buy it online... usually the ones at the store at the price is 1.66ghz. check for this logo:

 

how about ram upgrade? it only 25 bucks no?

 

Are the tablet PC's any good?

 

I wouldn't get one, just cause I really don't need that added feature. I would opt for a better non tablet pc

 

Well it might be nice to have if you actually need the writing feature. Maybe for drawing and stuff like that, but other than that its pretty much the same as any other PC. Unless you really need it I HIGHLY suggest going for a non tablet PC.

 

I guess it better for professionals to do it with the tablet. Cause then they can easily apply it to programs like photoshop. Not sure... I'm no professional artist lol.

 

If you want it to be able to run most high end games the price will most likely exceed your budget.

 

Yo if you're planning to buy it on tomorrow try to buy it online instead. Unless you want to be faced with huge mobs :\

 

I heard future shiet 's online server crashed last night LIKE any year due to overload. But I'll give it a try

Thanks for the advices