Technology What type of computer would you buy?

[SnYpaJY]

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I just bought a sony vaio notebook FW series, and it's great. But... I am not sure if I really need it.

I have never had a notebook before, I've been a desktop person forever.

The notebook screen size is 16.4 inches while my desktop screen size is 20 inches.

I dont know why, but I find it hard to read and hard to visually see pictures and videos without squinting. Maybe it's just me, or maybe I need to get used to it. I have been using it for about a day now.

The reasons for why I want to return this notebook are..

1. The screen is kinda small for my eyes
2. Typing on this keyboard is easy but I make typos often. I think its due to the keyboard layout like the macs.
3. I dont really need to have a portable computer, i'm not intending on taking it to a lot of places. Plus my classes this year are mostly science and math so I wont be typing much.

I just need a computer that I can easily access and easily read off of. I'm afraid that I wont adjust as comfortably to this screen. I am thankful that I have such a computer (specs: 2.4 centrino 2, 3GB RAM, 250 GB memory, and ATI Radeon) I paid close to $1300 which includes tax.

But I'm still not sure if I will like it in the long run. What would you do, and have you gotton used to your notebook?

 

[TupacalipseT96]

I dont know why, but I find it hard to read and hard to visually see pictures and videos without squinting. Maybe it's just me, or maybe I need to get used to it. I have been using it for about a day now.

Maybe your computer is on power saving mode or something that is lowering the screen brightness? It really shouldnt be any different than a desktop monitor other than the dimensions of the screen.

The rest of it should just be getting used to typing on the new keyboard...etc. Unless you are a hardcore gamer, there is no reason to favor a desktop over a laptop.

 

[mdmdt]

Have you tried adjusting the screen's brightness/contrast settings? It could just be that they need a little tweaking.

As for the keyboard issues, that will probably just take some getting used to.

 

[majahops]

I agree with Tupac...

I would recommend messing with the resolution, though... VAIOs tend to come with the resolution set very high (which corresponds to very small/fine text). In Windows XP (Vista blows balls...), you do this by navigating as follows:

Start --> Settings --> Control Panel --> Display --> Settings...

Try turning down the resolution.

As far as [non-mac] notebooks go, SONY VAIO is probably the best of the common models out there.

I run Windows XP on my Macbook and love it. Off a Macbook Pro would be even nicer.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Law2Doc]

But I'm still not sure if I will like it in the long run. What would you do, and have you gotton used to your notebook?

If you are asking about a computer for med school, bear in mind that quite a few schools now require you to buy a new computer through them with their proprietary software already installed, so you may be casting the Sony aside upon matriculation. Best not to invest too much into computers if you are close to applying as some schools are going to be pretty specific about what you have to buy (either through them or in general) to work with their system.

 

[175961]

everything else aside....it sounds like you really didnt want to/need to buy it in the first place. Why did you?? just curious

 

[FSAP]

You fail for buying VAIO. They are overpriced and generally underperform.

16.4 is a pretty big screen for a laptop. If you want bigger, might as well get a desktop.

Keyboard layout is different on all laptops to conserve space. You will get used to it.

You got a portable desktop replacement. It is not the best machine to carry around since it is heavy and heats up fast (especially if video card has dedicated memory). I would suggest returning it and getting a lighter model or getting a desktop. Considering your preferences, I would advise getting a desktop. For $1300 you can get a pretty solid machine.

I run Windows XP on my Macbook and love it. Off a Macbook Pro would be even nicer.

Why would you do this? Leopard is so much better than XP.

 

[HumidBeing]

Not a strictly PA issue. Moving to Technololgy forum.

 

[SnYpaJY]

I definitely need a computer. It could be a notebook or desktop, but overall, I think a notebook would be more advantageous.

We have two older desktops right now (one in my brothers room and one in the family room where the TV is). The computer in the family room works great but I really can't concentrate when the TV is on and especially when my family is in that room. The computer in my brothers room is also good, but again, its my brothers room. So I don't have full access to it.

I go to a CC in the LA area, and I'm expecting to transfer by next year (fall 2009). So for my sophomore year I will need some sort of computer, and I will definitely need one for UCLA (hopefully I'll be able to transfer). I'm expecting to dorm for a year on campus, so a notebook will be great. But of course I could get a significantly cheaper desktop for this year, and then get a laptop next year both at cheaper prices.

A desktop worth around 800-1000, and a laptop worth around 1000. However, I don't think having two computers would be as wise. But honestly i'm not sure. Medical school wont be for another 3-4 years depending on if I take a year off, so I'm not too worried about using this comp by then.

 

[FSAP]

Get a Dell XPS for around a grand. Those are the best mainstream midrangers IMO.

 

[deleted87716]

 

[SnYpaJY]

Okay I changed the DPI and I think it's better now. I changed it from 90 to 125, is there going to be any negative reprecussions?

 

[xtractime]

not to make you regret your purchase, but $1300 for a laptop is a lil too much, especially when its just for recreational use. VAIOs are overpriced as someone else already stated. if you search online there are frequently ridiculous deals on these types of electronics. for instance, i got my lenovo laptop 1.83 Core 2 Duo, 3gb RAM, 200gb harddrive for $450. the specs are not as impressive as yours, but it is more than enough for the average health professions student and at almost 1/3 the cost of yours.

seems like you figured out the problem with the screen making your eyes hurt. be sure not to leave your laptop on all day as some do with desktops. the components in laptops are closer together and have less/smaller fans than desktops, therefore heat is a performance problem for laptops. put your comp in hibernate mode if going away for awhile....and in sleep mode if going away for a little bit. this will will increase the life of your battery and computer alike. you will get used to the keyboard layout of your laptop. i haven't used a desktop as my priority comp since 2000 and prefer laptops way over desktops.

 

[SnYpaJY]

Where did you buy your laptop from xtractime? Thats a great offer but I just don't know which types of laptops are good and dependable. Just thought sony was, so I went for sony.

 

[DrJosephKim]

Get a light tablet PC that has a 12" screen. Prices are falling, back-to-school sales are coming, and there are online outlets where you can get some good deals.

 

[xtractime]

Where did you buy your laptop from xtractime? Thats a great offer but I just don't know which types of laptops are good and dependable. Just thought sony was, so I went for sony.

i bought mine from office depot. these sales aren't at MSRP. they are after instant discounts and mail in rebates. you will have to do some shopping to get good deals on computers. but if you are patient and look around the deals will come. my laptop actually also came with a free printer after rebate! but if you already opened and started using your computer, just be satisfied that you got a great laptop and look for deals for other things u might have to buy. no use regretting your purchase!

 

[Doctor Grim]

I just bought a MacBook. Took advantage of the rebate and tax free holiday in my state. Essentially got the MacBook, iPodTouch, and a printer for $1199. It's all good!!

 

[Founder]

I just bought a Fujitsu T4220 tablet PC. I bought it on Ebay from their online outlet store, so it is trustworthy. I did buy more ram from Newegg for $40, but that still put the cost of the machine under $1,100. And buying it brand new would have cost me probably $1,900.

The only downside is that it does not have Office. But with The Ultimate Steal going on, that isn't an issue either. Since Ultimate is only $60.

If all you are going to do is school work and watch DVDs then I'd recommend a tablet. It gives you the option of typing notes or writing them. They are more expensive, probably by about 30 to 40% compared to similarly powered machines. But a student does not need a desktop replacement that can play Crysis if all the student is going to do is school-related work.