Laptops - any suggestions re what type? and where to buy?

[GWW]

My desktop monitor appears to have sh1t itself, as the blue light is flashing, and screen is blank - which from a google search indicates that it isn't fixable.

So I'm thinking of getting a laptop. My ISP has confirmed that my existing modem is compatible for Naked DSL.

So I'm thinking of now getting a laptop - anyone got suggestions re:

- best type of laptop to purchase?
- good store to purchase one from?

[Banker]

A new monitor is far cheaper than a new laptop....


But if you've already made up your mind, we need more info, what software do you use? Do you need to travel with it at all? Screen size?

MSY usually has the best every day prices. But they don't have Harvey Norman salesman bullying (helping) you choose.

[smac]

A new monitor could be an option?

[The Sleeping Giant]

Have you thought about a new monitor? Or 2?

[Dissident]

I assumed he was taking the breaking of the monitor as a sign/opportunity to switch to a laptop

[Sky Pilot]

I am about to buy two new laptops (one for me to use for work, one for my girlfriend who wants an entirely different spec) and have gone into this with a good deal of research. The very latest processors are bloody quick and still expensive and you can get battery life of 5-8 hours so they worth every cent. I'm going for an ultra thin case and touch screen but don't want the option of sliding the screen/lid off to use as a tablet. My girlfriend wants an on board DVD player so will have put up with a thicker case. I will expect to pay $1500 to $1800 each but if you want cheap end for $700 then just go to a retailer and grab the one that looks the best. I can flick you the actual specs I have if you want them.

[GWW]

I assumed he was taking the breaking of the monitor as a sign/opportunity to switch to a laptop

This is it - have had my computer for 7 years, so am looking at updating, and like the idea of the benefits provided by a laptop.

[smac]

I took a while between hitting reply and submit, obviously the 'new posts' warning is as far gone as my ability to give a shit this afternoon.

[Kahuna]

My desktop monitor appears to have sh1t itself, as the blue light is flashing, and screen is blank - which from a google search indicates that it isn't fixable.

Not meaning to ask the obvious, but is your monitor on the correct input?

[Psyber]

My last two laptops have been ASUS and have both been very good.
The old one bought in early 2005 - a Core2 Duo - still works fine, but struggles with some software I use that installs its own SQL instance.
The new one is an i7 with 8GB RAM and W8 Pro 64 bit. (ASUS K55VD SX068V)

The limiting problem with laptops is that the trend is to lower screen resolution for compactness.
So getting one that can display the higher pixel count, which I need for the software mentioned above, is difficult and expensive.
I had to compromise.

I hate constantly scrolling around on screens - that's why, at home, I use a 22" HD LED monitor (1920x1080 pixels).
(And I'm thinking of getting a 24" one.)

[GWW]

My desktop monitor appears to have sh1t itself, as the blue light is flashing, and screen is blank - which from a google search indicates that it isn't fixable.

Not meaning to ask the obvious, but is your monitor on the correct input?

That is a good question - but unfortunately a little technical for me

All i know, is that it was working ok, then all of a sudden screen went blank, and blue light started flashing.

So it was working ok, but then nothing..

[Dissident]

More than likely it's the video card anyway. Or even the motherboard.
Probably fixable but eh, it's old.

Depending on your budget for a laptop and what you need it for you really don't have to spent much at all

[Psyber]

My desktop monitor appears to have sh1t itself, as the blue light is flashing, and screen is blank - which from a google search indicates that it isn't fixable.

Not meaning to ask the obvious, but is your monitor on the correct input?

That is a good question - but unfortunately a little technical for me
All i know, is that it was working ok, then all of a sudden screen went blank, and blue light started flashing.
So it was working ok, but then nothing..

OK back to basics:
1. Are the power and computer connection cables to the monitor both firmly plugged in at both ends?
2. Does the monitor work if plugged into another computer - say a friend's if your don't have another?
3. Does a friend's functioning monitor work on your computer? (The problem could be in your graphics card rather than the monitor.)
4. If 3. suggests your graphics card is at fault - is it properly seated in its socket?
(Open the case, and jiggle the graphics card and check it is firmly down in its slot - they can work loose.)

And yes, as Diss said, it could be the motherboard at fault.

[GWW]

Thanks for advice, a bit to look into there.

I will probably use this situation as an excuse to get a laptop, but will weigh up my options

[bennymacca]

i have had windows based PCs and laptops all my life, and if you are looking into another desktop there are plenty of good cheap options out there, but i would seriously recommend a macbook air for a laptop. i bought one a couple of months ago and it is brilliant. wouldnt buy a mac desktop as they are way to expensive, but for a laptop i think it is worth it.

[The Sleeping Giant]

Here is a simple tip.

Buy the best one you can afford.

It's not ******* rocket surgery people.

[Psyber]

It also depends where you buy - my ASUS i7 I mentioned above was priced under $1000 at DSE.
Harvey Norman had the best price on a Toshiba equivalent.
Both were cheaper than the wholesale price I could get for the same products from Adelaide or Melbourne distributors through my IT company.*

*The makers and distributors claim they don't sell the same models more cheaply to bulk buyers, but the differences in "model" are subtle.
For example the one I bought was generally available with W7 Pro, but the one DSE had was "a different model" only in coming with W7 Home premium.
So, I saved a few hundred dollars by buying from DSE and applying the $14.99 upgrade to W8 Pro that was being offered at the time.

[Banker]

Picked up this beast from MSY last week:



Gigabyte P34G
$1699
CPU: Intel 4th Gen. i7-4700HQ 2.4GHz(Turbo 3.4GHz)
OS: Windows 8 64 bit
RAM: 16GB DDR3 1600
HDD: 256GB SSD
Graphic: Nvidia GTX 760M Graphics
2GB DDR5 Dedicated VGA
Screen: 14” AHVA-IPS FHD(1920x1080) LED Screen
1.67kg

[The Sleeping Giant]

Nice

[Mr Beefy]

What are peoples thoughts on Windows 8? I struggle with it.