jameswaske

Thank you in advance for anyone who helps me out here

So basically I'm going to the University of Washington this year and I need a laptop. So:

Lenovo has thinkpads and the 3000 family series; are the thinkpads worth the extra that you pay for them? Are duo core processors worth the extra you pay?

What is the point of widescreens? (they seem like theyd be awkward for gaming)

If buying sealed computers from users who are running an actual computer business there, would ebay be a safe place to get a laptop? (and if they have good feedback)

I ask because ebay seems much cheaper, for example this computer

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sealed-Lenovo-IB...QQcmdZViewItem

Is about 600 less than on the lenovo website.

Final question: Are dell computers really all that bad? If not then I would definitely just get a dell, they are much cheaper than lenovo.

spamdos

what di u want to do with this laptop? do u want to play games at all? because we can answer much better if u give us some extra info

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jameswaske

i will probably end up playing counter strike or something, but thats it. im mostly just wondering if dells are ok because they are a lot cheaper...and if ebay is ok for basically the same reason.

spamdos

well a thinkpad is pretty good, yet if you want to play games, soemthing with a dedicated cpu is the go. in terms of processor, an entry level dual core such as the core duo 1.6ghz will be fine, you can find those in a dell. ebay is good if u know u can trust the seller. i would try to get it off a dealer through ebay or look at newegg they have good prices.

i assume u live in the us?

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LaptopExtreme

1. Yes, there is a very good boost in performance.
2. Lots of hardware have been going into wide views (LCD's, TV's, portable DVD, Sony PSP, Video cameras, etc.) You're basically getting more viewing real estate with a wide screen. You can get just about the same viewing area in a 14" widescreen as you would with a 15" normal ratio. Many newer games have been adapting to widescreens and trust me you'll see more people to kill with a widescreen. (just kidding- higher resolution would help also)
3. If they've got a good rating, why not?
4. Yes... Well I think it was a mix between hardware & service and vice versa and/or all together. In the past, Dell used many older components and their lappys were giant bricks & would melt your lap and hands (got hot on both ends). Lately, they've been getting better and they've picked up ASUS as one of their manufacturers. Not saying it'll do wonders, but it's Dell who's requesting a lower price break which will result in cheaper quality. It's not the manufacturers fault for those products. Dell is the one ordering it and supporting it.

jameswaske

yeah i live in the U.S. thanks for the answers. I think ill definitely go with ebay if the prices are enough below newegg.

final question:
If I dont get a video card and just get the graphics accelerator 950 that comes with most laptops...can I still buy and install a better card later? or is the 950 an integrated card

LaptopExtreme

No, with integrated graphics... they're integrated/built onto the motherboard and can not be removed or upgraded.

jameswaske

well wholy crap. the price range increases hugely once you get a non-integrated card. why the hell cant they just give you no card instead of that inegrated thing. how depressing. what all games could you run on an integrated card anyway?

spamdos

because you need some sort of graphics to be able to use your computer

you could play some games. like cs 1.6 and others like that

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Mac OS X

I say go for the Dell.