Buying a Laptop

[Kid Afrika]

Originally posted by madmick
Forget the Centiro(sp?) processor though. You'd be better off with a PCI card instead if you want do go wireless. The Pentium 4m is suppose to save battery life, but who knows for sure.

OK, don't listen to anything this guy says. First of all, laptops don't have PCI cards, they have PC card (PCMCIA) or Mini-PCI card.

Secondly, Centrino is not a processor, it's a group of components that's supposed to extend the performance of a mobile computer...

"With Intel Centrino mobile technology, three components work together to enable outstanding mobile performance, extended battery life and integrated wireless LAN capability in thinner and lighter notebooks. These components include the Intel® Pentium® M processor, the Intel® 855 Chipset Family and the Intel® PRO/Wireless 2100 network connection."

So you see, Centrino includes the Pentium 4m processor.

Anyway, I would disagree about the PCMCIA wireless card versus an internal card. Internal cards are always there, and they don't take up one of your slots. Which on a sub $1300 laptop you may only have one.

I've had two Dell laptops for work and their service has been excellent when something goes wrong. I blew up the motherboard on my new one and they came the next day to replace it. So yes, get the extended warranty and on-site service if you can afford it.

If I were buying a laptop for myself I would definitely get a Dell, unless I somehow become independently wealthy, then I would by an IBM ThinkPad.