Further queries on laptops

[rhyll]

Well. The laptop I am considering getting is, I think, a Toshiba Satellite A100 S2311TD, with RAM upgraded to 512MB, for about $1,200.

This is on the basis that someone I knew got it and is quite happy with it, and my young man seems to think it's a good option.

Basically, I want something that I can write on, internet, and use endnote on, with enough storage to fit my thesis, thesis notes, photos and maybe some music on. Wireless is a plus. It doesn't need to be particularly fit for games or DVDs or anything like that. I'd also like it to be good enough that I don't have to upgrade it for a few years.

Additional extras:
* I'd really like to be able to use linux or something similar. Not sure how that would work out with google chat, endnote, all my documents are currently in word, &tc.
* If anyone has ideas for a non-coal-powered option for charging(solar cells, energy from spinach, whatever), I would like to hear!

Comments?

Comments

[bondles.livejournal.com]

If you can possibly afford more RAM, I'd advise it - 512 is the minimum for Windows at the moment, and in a year or so, it's going to start to feel painfully slow (applications grow to fill all available RAM, and developers are already starting to assume that most machines have at least a gig).

As for non-coal charging, I can't really help, but you've reminded me about something: please tell me all about fair trade tea (I'm asking you because I remember you posting about it a bit in the past) and where I can get it!

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

1) You're paying too much.

2) Ubuntu Linux will work just fine for nearly all your apps and 512 MB of RAM is more than enough (it's what I'm using right now). You won't have any problems with your Word docs (OpenOffice.org is just fine). You won't have any problems with chat (GAIM is just fine). I think you will have problems with Endnote.

3) Solar cells shouldn't be a problem.

[rome-o.livejournal.com]

Hehe... you're getting my laptop!

[fatwalrus.livejournal.com]

ACK!
HI and stuff too.

But this post scares me. My brother had very big problems with toshiba, I could argue againsst getting it and list some comp suggestions but.. I think passing it on to Coco would me more use for you.

Im pretty good with computer 'stuff' myself but Coco is who all of us computer guys get to build our comps. I dont want to go on and on about it but id never buy a pc without talking to him first.

Any reason you want linux? Its not really a very user friendly operating system. Is it because microsoft is an evil corperation? Im not going to argue your choices if that is the reason because i do understant that sort of thing is important to you (despite being an alien concept to me :P). Just that if that IS the reason for picking Linux over windows.. Avast ye can be gettin' around thar problem of funding the squid-legged land-monkey evil corperations in other ways matey. Yarrrr! ;)

You are welcome to join me in a silent protest against any software company that is irresponsible with its money by getting pirated copies of stuff from me. Speak the language they understand! Money!
(Well to be honest.. you can get pirated almost anything off me if you want)

Coco seemed a little confused when I asked him if any computer companies make computers out of recycled bits of plastic pulled off rescued penguins and power them with rotting potato peels with 100% hemp carrying bags.


Aaanyway teasing aside, I already mentioned this to Coco and he seems happy to help even if he just sends a list of some parts and prices so your other computery friend can compaire them or find the parts listed.

[DISCAIMER: The poster of this message in no way advocates software piracy or other illegal activities as we all know piracy funds terroism]

[tcpip.livejournal.com]

Hi, could you email me at lev AT levlafayette DOT com ?