Laptops

[BoDEAN]

How many of the pilots out there have Laptops? Any qualities to look for when buying one? Seeing as the Pilot is always on the road, at hotels, I am thinking downstream of buying one, not to replace my home desktop, but to have internet access on the road. Looking at Dells

 

[flyinboxes]

Just bought a compaq myself for the same reason. I searched high and low for a good deal. You should pay about 800-1000 for one that is not a home desktop replacement. I went to a store to buy mine. I wanted a brick and morter to return it if I needed to. Get the best coverage you can afford as much as you travel. I got the 2 yr. bumper to bumper. Remember that after 2 years these things are almost disposable. Built-in wireless is a must. Mine has 40 gb hard drive. 14" widescreen, 512mb ram(a must now days), 1.8 gig amd processor which is fine for general purpose. Weight should also be considered. Anything over 6.5 lbs starts to be a pain.

 

[jetpig32]

Without these laptops with wireless internet, and hotels that offer it, flightinfo would not quite be the same. Especialy on reserve or tdy.

 

[Luftpost]

Any overnight, and my LT accompanies me. Can't imagine the road with out it. I use it for flight planning, paying bills, online training, logbook, etc. All this to make my life a lot more efficient when I am home (less time in front of computer, more with family).

Had mine for nearly two years now (HP 3000 Widescreen Series). Bought the extended warranty, which has already paid for itself. Best Buy claims a voltage spike killed the mother board, which the factory warranty would NOT have covered. As much as it gets lugged around, the warranty was an easy decision.

Plan on spending $900-1200 for a new, well equipped one. Mine has built in wireless. Other guys I fly with have a difficult time picking up signals with their plug in cards (bridge). My brother bought a really nice used one, very well equipped for around $600.

Battery life is important to me as well. I can be unplugged for 1.5-2.0 hours, without recharging.

 

[asolo]

This site has some pretty good deals on dells. Hope it helps.
The dell inspirion 6000 has great battery life if you get the centrino chip. I can get 5-6 hours with my screen on low and a 9-cell battery ($100 option)

http://www.edealinfo.com/dell/

 

[kl7741]

I see that Palm Pilot type devices are getting more advanced, some now have wi-fi. Anyone using this type of device instead of a laptop?

 

[sat74]

Sony VAIO S580! Perfect balance of power, size, and features. 13.1" widescreen. If you want smaller, go with the VAIO 10" widescreen, but the keyboard is somewhat small.

 

[FracCapt]

IBM Thinkpad. Many models to choose from, pick one that suits your needs and is a reasonable price.

I have owned HP, Compaq, Dell, and IBM. IBM is BY FAR the best when it comes to quality and service. HP and Compaq(same company now) are POS's and when something goes wrong you have to send it in and be without it for a week or two.

Dell has great quality, and good service. Depending on the service plan you have, and your location, you will more than likely be required to send it off for service(again meaning a week or two without it), or you may be lucky and have somebody come out to your home to fix it. They will likely not have parts, though, and will have to take it with them and bring it back later, or come back at a later date to fix it when they DO have the parts.

IBM has excellent quality, and the service is great. I did have a problem with my Thinkpad while it was under warranty. I called IBM and they told me I could ship it to them(at their expense) for repairs, or I could take it to one of the 10+ computer stores in my area(I live in a large city) that were authorized to service IBM's. After speaking with a friend of mine that is in the computer business locally, I chose the store and took it to them at about 2pm. The next day, at around 4pm, I received a call saying it was ready for pickup. It turned out it needed a new motherboard. They realized that after about 20 minutes of diagnostics, and notified IBM, who shipped a motherboard overnight. IBM has had the best service of all the laptops I have owned....though, I've only had to use them once, whereas the others I have had to use their service at least 3 times.

 

[jagmagic]

I love the PSP has wireless internet, DVD and is a playstation also can put MP3s on it. It was the best thing I have ever bought and the battery last for about 6 hours running none stop

 

[FL420]

I got an Averatec with a 12.1 inch screen. It weighed 4.4 pounds. I loved it. It was stolen at ORD but I plan on getting another. The only gripe I had with it was battery life so I plan on getting the Centrino version instead of the AMD Athlon processor. It seems most of the pilots in my company bought Averatecs the past two years.

http://averatec.com/

 

[Airboss]

Dell 700M

Great light and portable laptop. It is 4.1 lbs and 1.5" thick.

Remember to get the CompleteCare Accidental Damage Plan.

CompleteCare is a repair and replacement service that covers most accidental damage to select systems and peripherals that is not covered under limited warranty (spills, drops, surges, breakages).

 

[dabandermac]

apple 12" powerbook. hands down the best laptop on the market. light, small, durable, and one of the longest battery lifes on the market (~5 hrs). if you're used to windows, no worries- it took me a whole 2 days to become familiar with OSX. make sure you get the extended warrenty as the factory warrenty is only 90 days! I got mine for ~$1800 and it included office, virtual pc, the 3 year warrenty, and a free i-pod.

i will never look back to microsoft!!

 

[USC***]

If you buy a Dell, go to

www.techbargains.com

Click on coupons. Scroll down to Dell. Every week it is updated with new coupon codes you can use at check out. It occasionally will let you use multiple coupons for big discounts. Sometimes they are better than others.

There are coupons for other places and items also, but I used the Dell coupons when I bought my laptop a while back.

If you find a good coupon, you really can't beat the price of the Dells. Plus you can customize it exactly how you want it. Going to the store, you have to buy what they have. It may be good enough, if your not picky, and your not doing alot with it.

Good Luck

 

[787]

Check out www.cnet.com for unbiased reviews and all the specs.

 

[BoDEAN]

I see that Palm Pilot type devices are getting more advanced, some now have wi-fi. Anyone using this type of device instead of a laptop?

I have an HP iPAQ hx2755. Don't use the wireless much on it. But I do use it daily.

I'll look at the Apple, IBM, Dell, and Sony. I usually build my systems (my home pc). I am not too fond on Compaq or HQ. I guess the needs I am looking for is something that will get me on the internet, chat/surf, watch DVD's on overnights, and play a few games. I am "not" looking for a whole replacement style laptop to replace my HOME pc. My girlfriend has an apple laptop, loves it. I am just fearful of the compatibility between my home pc and having an apple laptop. I would like to remote desktop into my home pc from the road, and check things from time to time.

 

[wheelsup]

As a new f/o, price was an issue for me. I bought a used Compaq (not thrilled about them either) on ebay for $350. It's a PIII, 850 with 256mb of ram and a 30 gig HD. It came with a DVD/CD-RW drive and a wireless card (not internal). The wireless is decent, it's worked at every hotel that has had it, and crew rooms. Also came with a laptop bag included.

Nothing special, but it gets the job done, and I'm not afraid to stuff it behind my seat. It's fairly small, at 1.4" and 5.9 lbs or so. My only complaint is the battery, it only lasts about 2 hours unplugged. I can get an OEM replacement for around $50 online that holds more charge (1000 more mA I believe) that should give it some extra juice.

I do web design and graphic design on it using Macromedia Dreamweaver and Adobe Creative Studios, and even with those slightly demanding programs running I haven't ever seen a slowdown. It's not the fastest computer, but for $350 including shipping it ain't bad .

~wheelsup

 

[masedogg19]

dell has a christmas special going right now.....laptops for $500...i just got one for christmas.....they aren't the fastest....but the come with more than enough to get online, listen to music and watch DVD's....thats all i really plan on doing with it anyway

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/notebooks?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

go there.....plenty of upgrades available if the base model isn't enough

 

[semperfido]

I'll look at the Apple, .

whatever you do---don't buy an apple. you will exclude yourself from more that a few pieces of software that are PC only. the pc will do what you want. wi-fi, big hard drive, lots of memory, good graphics card and big screen, built in stereo speakers and mic ( for skype and music) and get a nice rollerbag to drag it around.

 

[jknight8907]

whatever you do---don't buy an apple. you will exclude yourself from more that a few pieces of software that are PC only. the pc will do what you want. wi-fi, big hard drive, lots of memory, good graphics card and big screen, built in stereo speakers and mic ( for skype and music) and get a nice rollerbag to drag it around.

I disagree. An apple will give you all of the things you just listed, and, in my experience, do it better. Check out forums.macrumors.com also

 

[yasir1212]

I think every pilot should own a laptop. I got a Dell Inspiron 6000 and love it. Make sure it has a built-in wireless card (which almost all new ones dow), go with the Intel Centrino (not Celeron), or if you like AMD or Apple. Don't forget the combo drive (either cd-burner/dvd combo, or dvd-burner/dvd combo). Get at least 512MB of memory. Dell puts out great coupons every few weeks where you can pick up the systems for pretty cheap or if you already work for an airline or other employer, you probably can get a discount through Dell through their EPP (Employee Purchase Program) site.

 

[LAFrequentflyer]

www.powernotebooks.com

www.powernotebooks.com

You won't be disapointed...Plenty to choose from and their support / customer service is first rate....I've had one for 7 years and they still give me the support / service that a new customer would get...They also worked with microsoft directly on my behalf to help me resolve a problem with windows installation...

They have a team for sales, service (hardware/software) and tech reps at all the major manufacturers so you can get direct help not have to go thru some telephone / overseas service...


also check out www.sharkyextreme.com - best tech support site out there...getting a free account on it is well worth the time/effort...any problem you have post it and within hours you'll have detailed solution instructions...

-LA

 

[F9 Driver]

I got a 15" powerbook G4, and haven't even wanted to boot up my old Dell (in safe mode probably) to get my files off it!

I spent about a week of my life on the phone listening to "Mike" in India reading off some service card trying to get that lousy two year old Dell to think straight.

If you have a problem with a Mac you walk into your local Apple store and ask a geek in person for help. I have had only one issue that was resolved in about five minutes (without waiting in line!)

I'm a convert

 

[Wankel7]

Sony VAIO S580! Perfect balance of power, size, and features. 13.1" widescreen. If you want smaller, go with the VAIO 10" widescreen, but the keyboard is somewhat small.

I could not agree more ... I have the older S360 and had a S260 before that and love my laptop. The size and weight are the biggest deal for me. 4.2lbs cannot be beat with the features it has. And I really love the widescreen format. And considering how it has a full sized keyboard it is an amazing laptop.

One thing to consider too is how big the power pack is for the laptop. I have seen some chargers for laptops and was like you have gotta be spoofing me. Make sure the charger is a resonable size. Like the sony S models


Wankel

 

[CA1900]

Another vote for the Apple. Just amazing machines. Life without spyware, viruses, and "Floyd" doing tech support, is a good thing.

And whoever posted that Apple's warranty is 90 days is incorrect -- it's 1 year. The free telephone support is what only lasts 90 days, but honestly, you're not going to need it.


Here's a recent discussion on the topic.

And note that the really cheap Windows laptops (such as those from Dell, Averatec, etc.) make some big compromises to get the price down. They use a "shared memory" video card, which steals some of your system memory permanently, in exchange for slow video performance. They include a "lite" version of the OS called Windows XP Home -- the full version is usually $100+ more. Firewire (IEEE 1394) is extra cost. Often they charge extra to go from 90 days to a 1-year warranty. And so on... If you equip the "cheap" laptop to match the Mac's specs, it's often more expensive. Keep that in mind.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

whatever you do---don't buy an apple. you will exclude yourself from more that a few pieces of software that are PC only. the pc will do what you want. wi-fi, big hard drive, lots of memory, good graphics card and big screen, built in stereo speakers and mic ( for skype and music) and get a nice rollerbag to drag it around.

NO WAY!

I gotta diagree Fido. Its 2005 and PCs are lagging - badly.

macs are definitly faster than PCs, dollar for dollar...and FAR superior in multimedia.

My macs have Office also - it was the only extra charge...and funny it cost less than if I added it to a crapola Dell PC! - and apple does student discounts.

I have had fine Dells, they are decent throw aways...but I will never own another PC again. (just ebay'ed the last one -- good riddance!)

Dont miss the hourglass
Dont miss "drivers"
Dont miss the churning harddrives (weeding through crap)
Dont miss the 45 second startup (min)
Dont miss the Inida conversations (precious)
Dont miss the "spyware"
Dont miss the "virus protection" (dont forget to renew for $30) haha!
Dont miss "defragmenting" (WTF?)
Dont miss the "would you like to send a message to Microsoft" ...hey, yeah I would...."FU Gates".

If your needs are - getting online, making movies/dvds, music, photos and Office functions -- check out Macs -- they are much better. Everything you need comes on it.

I highly recommend a 15inch Powerbook. Check out the 30inch cinema screen to plug it into at home also.....try THAT on a PC!

signed,

another convert.

 

[dabandermac]

whatever you do---don't buy an apple. you will exclude yourself from more that a few pieces of software that are PC only. the pc will do what you want. wi-fi, big hard drive, lots of memory, good graphics card and big screen, built in stereo speakers and mic ( for skype and music) and get a nice rollerbag to drag it around.

WRONG. my powerbook came with VirtualPC which lets you "emulate" the windows OS for software that isn't compatible. Nowadays, as apple is becoming ever more popular the software is becoming far more compatible. I consider myself a heavy computer user and I haven't come across a program that won't run on my mac.

As another said, I will never have to talk to "Lloyd" again :smash:

 

[Annie]

I have three friends, all very sophisticated computer users, none of them would own a DELL again! I have had my SONY VAIO for five years now and love it! The only problem I have ever had is with the vulnerability that comes with using Internet Explorer. I fixed that with good security and by using OPERA as my server and mail service--it is great. My husband uses a MACINTOSH and he loves his-loads it up with sooo much stuff and still never a problem. Apple products are user friendly, so they are not difficult to learn. I am looking at a smaller SONY and would highly recommend the 13 or 15" models.

 

[stall022]

IBM and Toshiba would have to be on the top of my list. i've had a Toshiba, a compaq and a vaio. i've had the Toshiba for 10 year and it still works great. the compaq is the biggest waste of money i ever spent. the mother board fried after about 6 months and now the screen is breaking off the case because of the weak plastic parts. i currently have a vaio which has been a great computer altho the model i have is alittle heavy but build very tough out of solid plastic and tough hinges. if your into serious on the road gaming then Alienware is probably the best out there.

 

[Swaayze]

Very happy with the Acer thin and light I bought in `99 and used 'til a couple of months ago. Now I have a refurb Averatec thin and light that I got for about $800 that is great (PentM, 80GB, 512k, DVD+-RW, 802.11g/b integrated, about 4.5# w/ a nice 12.1" screen. It's a 3300 series.). So far very happy with the value but the keyboard is a little small and uncomfy so I wouldn't get one of these for excessive typing.

 

[Pyle It]

Panasonic!!!!!!

I have the Panasonic Toughbook and love it. It last for about 3-4 hours unplugged and is rediculously overbuilt. fast (1.8 celeron and 1.2 gigs RAM) and has built in wireless. 80gb harddrive cd-dvd burners and no worries about durability. hope this helps.