Computer Purchase Advice Pls. (if you have the time) :-)

[dalthauser]

I've done some thinking, and I decided that I am
1.) Going to buy a new computer - it's time for an upgrade and the repairs on the exisiting one keeps dinging us.
2.) Going to go with a PC again (Macs are just too pricey for my budget right now)
3.) Going to go with a Laptop for portability mostly.

I just wnat a computer that will let me enjoy all that the internet has to offer (movies, downloads, speed) and that will let me burn CD's, upload using my usb cable, and let me unput usihng my SD card.  99% of my computer usage is internet, iTunes, Hulu.com.

I don't have the extra cash, so I want to get a "no interest" deal from a seller.

Best Buy has a 18 month no interest offer going on right now, and I found two computers that I thought might work for me.

Which one do you think is the better deal? 
Do you think the Gateway model is worth the $100 more?
Is a larger screen that much more desirable?
If I am using my computer almost always at home - does the battery life mean so much? (gateway model doesn't have such good battery life)
etc,

It seems as though BEST BUY won't let me post the pages of the computers - I tried everything but just get "page not found" when I try to link.  Here are the CNET reviews of each computer

Toshiba Satellite L505-Es5018

Gateway NV7915U

Any guidance greatly appreciated.
It's silly how much this is stressing me out.

Comments

[madamealexis.livejournal.com]

Why do you want a laptop?

I know I am more of a desktop person because I can do more with the computer but I do also like laptops for portability.

The thing about laptops is they often do not last as long as desktops because of the amount of heat they give off. Then there are the vendor specific issues when it comes to repairs and power supplies. Upgrading can also be an issue.

The next San Antonio Computer Show and Super-Sale is May 22nd http://www.pcshows.com/

You can find good deals there.

You might also find something more affordable at: http://www.altex.com/Notebook-Systems-C10901.aspx

I wouldn't go Gateway. I first started hearing complaints about them in Europe in 2000. They have several complaints in the USA too. Also, MPC Corp., buyer of Gateway's business PC line, has filed for Chapter 11.

Be careful of Best Buy they have a horrific reputation when it comes to customer service. http://www.my3cents.com/search.cgi?criteria=Best+Buy

I hope this helps. If you need to know something more specific let me know.

[bright-feather.livejournal.com]

Happy computering.

[dydan.livejournal.com]

I have a Toshiba Satellite that I got at Best Buy. I love it! I think I paid a little over $400 for it. I have 225GB with 3GB of RAM. Its good enough for me to do just about anything online and do some serious gaming.

I think if I had more money, I might go for more drive space and RAM but for now this is meeting my needs pretty well.

[k2rider78.livejournal.com]

I'm not a PC expert. I use a MAC.
But I have worked on Gateway PC's at work they have been good computers. Both choices look good, I would go with the Gateway.

[joebanks.livejournal.com]

Only input i have, is that if screen size is a deceiding factor, sure bigger is better, but you won't miss what you don't have.
And possibly, a large screen is window dressing and not weather it's a good computor.

June, Consumer Reports has a big computer section. Often i feel left out because Consumer Reports leans toward the more expensive being the best, but they can give you some idea on which makes are good.

Beware, when we bought a new computor last summer, we thought it came with the full Microsoft Word, but it was a 90 day trial and then we had to buy, another $100.00 - read the box, ask questions.

[time-on-fire.livejournal.com]

I have a Toshiba Satellite that I bought for school and business usage about 7 years ago and I still use it daily. I did have some undiagnosed issues about a year ago, but they were probably software based.

I used to work for HP. I said I could provide my own computer and they hemmed and hawed about how they would provide one for me. I went through 5 HP computers in two days before they finally consented. I occasionally was teased about it, but I never had any issues.

At my current job, I had a 2003 IBM ThinkPad. It was ok, just old and I was asking it to do too much. I now have an HP at work, and I've only gotten blue screens about 4 times in the last two years.

[time-on-fire.livejournal.com]

Whoops, I wasn't finished....

Do you have a desktop with a monitor now? If so, you might be able to use the monitor with the laptop.

Have you considered Netbooks and the like? They were fairly cheap and highly portable last I looked. Not sure if they have enough system for iTunes, etc., but it would be worth finding out.

[kabuldur.livejournal.com]

I have absolutely no advice, but good luck in your search!

[grltalk.livejournal.com]

A friend of mine has the Toshiba. That "non-recessed touch pad" drives me nuts because it seems like I'm always touching it by accident. Otherwise, it all works fine.

The last two machines I bought were a MacBook for Son #2 two years ago and a Dell Inspiron Mini 10 (Linux OS) netbook for Son #1 a year and a half ago. Both wanted nothing to do with Windows and the hazards therein. Both machines have been completely trouble-free.