Do you have a notebook computer??

[2GREENCARS]

Our desktop just died and I'm waiting for the store to give us the ok to replace it under warranty (it's been fixed 3 x already).

We thought we'd replace it with a notebook and were going to choose between the Sony Vaio FRV27 and the Toshiba S207. Do any of you have either of them? What do you think? We also have a 2yr old Toshiba Satellite notebook, but the new one will replace our destop. Is this a good idea? Then we would have his and hers laptops. We have a 17" LCD monitor which we hook up to the existing laptop and we also plug in the keyboard and mouse, so it's not like we're using a laptop at all. But a laptop would be useful to take to court with me (I'm an attorney) and then use in my home office after that. ANY ADVICE?? BTW, we have had problems w/ Compaq and HP so we want to stay away from them.

[riseboi]

2GREENCARS ,

In regards to the Sony and the Toshiba I can't really offer any advise. I have a Dell that has never failed me. What I can say is that my notebook's portablity was the main factor in my decision to replace my desktop. In today's world, it is extremely convenient to have access to a notebook. And I would imagine very convenient for a lawyer like yourself. So, I would give a thumbs up to a notebook. I would also recommend a port replicator if you intend on using it back and forth between your home, office, or the court. It replaces the nuisance of constantly plugging and unplugging items to your notebook. Hope this helps.

[ramirami]

Originally posted by 2GREENCARS
Our desktop just died and I'm waiting for the store to give us the ok to replace it under warranty (it's been fixed 3 x already).

We thought we'd replace it with a notebook and were going to choose between the Sony Vaio FRV27 and the Toshiba S207. Do any of you have either of them? What do you think? We also have a 2yr old Toshiba Satellite notebook, but the new one will replace our destop. Is this a good idea? Then we would have his and hers laptops. We have a 17" LCD monitor which we hook up to the existing laptop and we also plug in the keyboard and mouse, so it's not like we're using a laptop at all. But a laptop would be useful to take to court with me (I'm an attorney) and then use in my home office after that. ANY ADVICE?? BTW, we have had problems w/ Compaq and HP so we want to stay away from them.

Dont waste your money on a sony...like everything else sony..its more expensive than others... for no reason...

We have had Dell desktops and laptops no problems...and way cheaper than a sony. Toshibas are good machines too.

[Alamat]

We too have a new Dell but I suppose ur replacement has to come from the store? If so, try the Toshiba. While we had a Sony Vaio a few years, it seemed far too much money for what it had. If a Toshiba was available, I would have gotten that instead. Also, u might want to check on their specs. Most Sonys pale in comparison to Toshibas regarding video cards, RAM, HD size and even CPU speed. Do a match and the Tosh is pretty darn cheaper.

[jay]

I have an employer-provided Toshiba Tecra 9100 that I've used for a couple of months now, and it performs well. It's running Windows 2000. Our department also has an older Sony Vaio that was a good machine when it was new. Given the cost drop in manufacturing LCDs, and the advances in shrinking hard drive technology, the price-performance tradeoffs between a desktop and a laptop have narrowed dramatically.

I personally switched back to Apple 18 months ago. I have a flat panel iMac on my home office desk, and a Titanium Powerbook that I use in the kitchen. No problems, no failures, no blue screens, not a single day without a computer in that time. I couldn't say that with the Compaq, HP, Packard Bell, Tandy, etc. etc. PCs I owned from 1990 to 2002.

[guitarman]

I use a Dell laptop, as does my son. They've been great and are built like Mack trucks.

The portability is a big factor, especially if you set up a wireless network. Then you and your wife could both be on the internet from anywhere in the house in addition to sharing files and printing. If you can't go with Dell, I'd probably go with the Toshiba, then Compaq.

[megao]

I work for a computer company, and I looked up both models for you and my advice would be Spend the extra $200 dollars for the Sony Laptop. You get a superior graphics card, a DVD Burner and I have had "perfect" experiance with Sony. Also the Sony brands gives you lots of software as the Toshiba almost gives you none.

I would personally go with a Dell and try the store to give you store credit and buy something nice for your Honda. DEll has better prices and better overall machines and you can design what you want and not the store.

One issue I have to mention is that the laptop your looking at are about 8 lbs and the battery life is about an hour and half. The next model up would be the P4m (mobile) with the same performance but a 3-hour battery and 6 to 7 lbs of weight.

The best portible solution is the Centrino with 4 to 8 hours of bettery and 4 to 6 lbs of weight.

But with all the better choices there are higher prices. Another recommendation would be if buying Dell or Sony you won't need the Warranty and never allow Best Buy to touch your computer, even for the "Free" setup. They have no idea how to handle or fix computers.

If you ever decide to upgrade parts of your computer, the laptop is a lot harder/expensive, while a desktop is cheaper to upgrade and easier, if you believe you will ever be doing that.

[Res-Pilot]

I use my Compaq notebook both for my work and for my Co-Pilot GPS in my Pilot. Never get lost again!!!

[raleighpilot]

I used a Dell laptop for five years in my last job - I agree with the previous post - It was built like a truck - never a problem even though I didn't take care if it - slammed it around in the car every night - Always worked fine.

However, the reason for my post is my new IBM portable - I now work from home and my wife works for IBM - She does a lot of work at home - - We replaced our desktop with an IBM portable for me so we could get a compatible docking station - For $180 we are now able to plug our peripherals into the docking station - this allows me to dock and work when I need to and for her to dock and be able to use the full size keyboard, monitor and all our printers and stuff without messing around with cables. We both love the convenience.

By the way - IBM's new pricing is comparable to Dells price structure.

JJ

[2GREENCARS]

What is a Port Replicator or a Docking Station? Are they the same thing????

We are STUCK with Best Buy - can't get a credit or anything else there. Just a computer with a $1249.99 credit (and we can pay the difference).

The Sony's they had seemed to have more than the Toshibas, I think. I don't believe they have IBM or I would have looked at those.

[N_Jay]

From my experiance (I have had Dell, IBM, Toshiba, Panasonic, Compaq, and TI) you are fairly safe with any of the major brands.
I weould avoid off-brand models completely in lap-tops.

What is most important is how you are going to use it.
If you travel a lot you will want a lighter machine, giving up some of the built in accessories.
If you are using it mostly at a desk, but move it around you will want the most built in.
If you are traveling, but use it mostly one place you may find a samll lap-top with a good docking station is best.

I would find 3 or 4 models that are at the price you want to pay, and compare them, rather than trying to compare a bunch of different priced models and driving yourself crazy!

[ramirami]

Originally posted by megao
I work for a computer company, and I looked up both models for you and my advice would be Spend the extra $200 dollars for the Sony Laptop. You get a superior graphics card, a DVD Burner and I have had "perfect" experiance with Sony. Also the Sony brands gives you lots of software as the Toshiba almost gives you none.

the question is does one need the "superior graphics " etc. Computer manufacturers want to always sell the world to you but get what you need

Also remember the Tax advantage of buying from dell.com or other websites.

[bret11]

Originally posted by 2GREENCARS
What is a Port Replicator or a Docking Station? Are they the same thing????

Both of these items make it easier to connect things to the laptop without having to plug and unplug cables all the time. The main difference is that the port replicator is like a little bar that alloows you to plug things into (such as serial devices, netowrk cables, USB peripherals, etc.). You then plug it into the laptop when you want to use those things (so you connect only one thing, the replicator, rather than 5 individual things). The dock is essentially the same thing, but it allows a monitor to sit on top. Also, the laptop "snaps" into the dock...so that you can dock it...rather than plugging it is as you do with the replicator.

So, you use the dock primarily if you are going to dock the laptop and then use external monitor, keyboard, network, etc. You use the replicator if all you really want to do is to quickly plug in a number of peripherals (or network connection) when you want to work at your desk.

--Bret

[raleighpilot]

A Port Replicator allows all your peripherals to be connected to any like brand PC that is connected to it.

The Docking station performs all the functions of a Port Replicator plus it contains an additional port - this allows you to have a second hard drive, a floppy drive, a DVD drive, etc that is resident to your Docking Station and does not travel with your Laptop when it is disconnected (A terrific backup solution).

JJ

[Loutog]

Originally posted by 2GREENCARS
Our desktop just died and I'm waiting for the store to give us the ok to replace it under warranty (it's been fixed 3 x already).

We thought we'd replace it with a notebook and were going to choose between the Sony Vaio FRV27 and the Toshiba S207. Do any of you have either of them? What do you think? We also have a 2yr old Toshiba Satellite notebook, but the new one will replace our destop. Is this a good idea? Then we would have his and hers laptops. We have a 17" LCD monitor which we hook up to the existing laptop and we also plug in the keyboard and mouse, so it's not like we're using a laptop at all. But a laptop would be useful to take to court with me (I'm an attorney) and then use in my home office after that. ANY ADVICE?? BTW, we have had problems w/ Compaq and HP so we want to stay away from them.

Can't tell you much about the Sony Laptops, except that I have re installed the OS on a couple and they seem well made and they avoid manufacturer customizations that can get you in trouble later. Toshiba WAS a major player in the corporate Laptop world, but they lost their way and are generally NOT standards in large American financial corporations any longer. the machine you cited is a "consumer" model- don't know much about them.

I would unhesitatingly recommend that you look the DELL Inspiron line of laptops. High quality, excellent price and OUTSTANDING warranty service.

As for you planned use: Regardless of the brand you seek, I would look into a "port replicator". this is a device that all of your peripherals (keyboard, monitor, mouse, network connection or phone line, separate speakers, printer and power supply all plug into. Then all you have to do is "dock" you laptop to the replicator and you are fully connected. Very convenient.

Please note that MANY laptops no ;longer come with serial ports, Parallel ports, or a port to plug a keyboard into. ( they have USB ports often ONLY 1) you can always get a device to ADD more USB ports, but the replicator is doing many other connections for you and helps keep the battle of the wires behind the laptop under control.

The IBM Thinkpad is also an excellent machine- but the Dell is better value for the $.


I suggest that you get at LEAST 256 Megs of ram installed if it is not part of the basic package.